Meet Our Officers
The Curriculum Theory Graduate Student Collaborative (CTGSC) is a diverse group of students pursuing a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction or Educational Leadership & Research. They travel the world, make connections, and impact their communities—they are the future of education.
Officers in the Graduate Student Collaborative come from various backgrounds and focus their research and studies in a wide range of fields. They love history, music, science, and more. Below are the Collaborative's current officers.
Jason Bowers
Born in Dallas, Texas, Jason holds a Baccalaureate degree in vocal music education as well as a Master’s Degree in Music with an emphasis on choral conducting from Louisiana State University. Jason served as the Director of Choral Activities at Zachary High School for seven years where his groups travelled to San Antonio, Chicago, and New York and consistently received superior ratings at contest. Jason was named Zachary High School Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009 as well as Baton Rouge Symphony Music Teacher of the Year for 2010-2011. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in music education at Louisiana State University.
My favorite quote:
"You don't love someone for their looks,son Bowers or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear." -Oscar Wilde
Shaofei Han
I am a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, and working on a dual MA degree in Philosophy as well. Before came to the United States, I got my master’s degree in Curriculum Theory from East China Normal University, Shanghai, China. My research interests mainly focus on re-imaging teaching and learning from ontological perspective by drawing on eastern philosophy (especially Taoism) and western continental philosophers, include M. Heidegger, E. Levinas, J. Derrida, and J. Marion.
My favorite quote:
“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. -Lao Tzu
Erin Scott-Stewart
I am a fourth year doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, and I am also working on a master’s degree in Educational Research. I earned a bachelor’s in accounting from Tulane University and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at Nicholls State University. My research interests include authentic intellectual achievement in secondary English Language Arts (ELA), dual enrollment, secondary ELA curriculum, and grammar. Lisa Delpit, William Doll, Dwayne Huebner, and other scholars influence my work in curriculum studies. In my dissertation research, I will investigate students’ perceptions of their experiences in dual enrollment composition.
My favorite quote:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7, New King James Version
Julia Schawrtz
I am pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum Studies at Louisiana State University. My research interests include critical literacy, special education, and the prison industrial complex. I am currently in my eighth year of teaching in Louisiana, and have taught Kindergarten, as well as grades one, four, five, seven, and eight. I am most recently specializing in literacy intervention, both in Baton Rouge and New Orleans public and charter schools. I also currently organize literacy and math intervention at Baton Rouge Bridge Academy.
My favorite quote:
“There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win.” -Elie Wiesel
Chau Vu
I am a second year doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, CHSE, LSU. I got my Bachelor’s in English Teacher Education, Vietnam National University (Hanoi, Vietnam) and worked there as a lecturer for a while before starting this journey, literally thousands of miles from Home. My inquiry interest is centered on Critical Theory, and my thought has been shaped by the works of Michael Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Jurgen Habermas, Gayatri Spivak, among others. Seeing myself as a dash between two educational systems; Vietnamese and American, I tend to get engaged in studies in the field of Curriculum Theory, Intercultural Studies, and Comparative Research in Education.
My favorite quote:
“I don't feel that it is necessary to know exactly what I am. The main interest in life and work is to become someone else that you were not in the beginning.” -Michel Foucault
Maria Wallace
I am currently a doctoral student in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Science Education and Curriculum Theory. Prior to attending LSU, I received a Bachelors of Science in Geology with a minor in Elementary Education from Millsaps College and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University. Drawing on my experiences as a Science teacher for grades three-six, liberal arts geology major, and personal experiences with science, I examine the ways in which teachers come to know and teach science. I strive to examine the possibilities and limitations of socially constructed assumptions related to what it means to know science, be, and become a science teacher.
My favorite quote:
“Do not ask me who I am and do not expect me to stay the same.” – Michel Foucault
Sarah L. Webb
I am currently a PhD student in English at Louisiana State University with interests in literacy, digital media, race and gender. I previously taught college composition and high school English, managed online content for local news and TV stations, and done freelance writing and editing for blogs, small businesses, and local magazines. I've also spent significant time as a youth mentor and coach for writers and performers. A number of her poems, stories, and essays have been published in various literary outlets. Sarah most recently started blogging for Teaching Tolerance. She also continues to blog, speak, and offer workshops about colorism.
My favorite Quote:
“Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
