We are the Pitt Education Student Ambassadors. We are excited to show you how Pitt Education has ignited learning in our lives and prepared us to be leaders in education.
View our profiles below to learn about our Pitt Education experiences. For questions, please contact soeinfo@pitt.edu.
Curious about what it’s like to be a student at Pitt Education? Ask one of our Student Ambassadors! Submit your question to connect with an ambassador.
The School of Education’s focus and commitment to equity was a crucial factor in my decision to come to Pitt. Equity and social justice are at the core of my research interests and who I am as a person, so I wanted to be in a place that aligned with my values.Gerard Dorvé-Lewis — PhD in Higher Education
My experience here has impacted my future as an educator, and also given me invaluable memories inside and outside the classroom. From professional development to tangible curriculum, the Pitt School of Education has given me something I have found nowhere else.Robert Revenis — BS in Teacher Education
Since I first learned about the School of Education, I have loved how it embraces social justice and its commitment to make the world a better place for everyone.Jennifer Ponce Cori — PhD in Education Policy
Program of study: Combined Applied Studies in Education
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: Jefferson Hills, PA
Favorite spots on campus: One of my favorite spots on campus is Schenley Plaza! This is my go-to spot on a sunny day because I love to sit outside with friends to chat, catch up on homework, and even play a game or two of spike-ball! Another spot that is near and dear to my heart is the William Pitt Union Quad! The quad is always a good spot to see what’s going on around campus and make great memories!
Favorite professors: A professor in the School of Education who really impacted my experience at Pitt is Sally Sherman. I had Dr. Sherman in my Teaching Health and Wellness in Elementary Schools course, and it truly was the highlight of my spring semester. Dr. Sherman is one of the most dedicated and empowering people I have ever met, and she did an amazing job bringing that energy into the classroom.
Post-graduate career plans: Following graduation, I hope to have my own elementary school classroom, where everyone is not only welcomed but also celebrated.
“When it was time to decide what college I would go to I had no doubt in my mind that Pitt was the place for me. Coming from a family where “Penn State” was a no-no word in our house, Pitt was always the number 1 goal. The School of Education has provided me with many opportunities that I am extremely grateful for. In the fall of my Junior year, I had the opportunity to complete my field experience at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. The time I spent here allowed me to truly know that the Education field is the place for me. The Pitt School of Education has shaped my experience in a positive light and I look forward to continuing my journey as a future educator.”
Program of study: Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education – Secondary English
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: Media, PA
Favorite spots on campus: My favorite spots on campus are Schenley Park, Heinz Chapel, and Posvar. The park is one of the best areas to relax, study, or just lay in the sun. Additionally, I work at Heinz Chapel and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture at Pitt. Last but not least, Posvar is home to most of my classes and is a peaceful place to study and get homework done.
Favorite professors: I love all of my professors. Inside the Pitt School of Education and in others, the quality of education is exceptional. Generally, the passion for a topic is what makes the professors here at Pitt so special. Whether this is music, engineering, science, or education, the thrill to share knowledge is contagious.
Favorite thing about Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh is full of things to do. The availability to feel immersed in an entirely new environment, and only have to drive 10-15 minutes, is something I value every day. By far, my favorite thing about Pittsburgh is being able to enjoy the beautiful days. Oddly enough, with the lack of sunshine, I value nature and nice weather more than ever.
Post-graduate career plans: After graduation, I hope to move back home to the greater Philadelphia area and be a high school English teacher.
“I decided to come to Pitt for my undergrad, and fell into place here at the Pitt School of Education. Eager to pursue a future in teacher education, this school has welcomed me with love and joy. My experience here has impacted my future as an educator, and also given me invaluable memories inside and outside the classroom. From professional development to tangible curriculum, the Pitt School of Education has given me something I have found nowhere else. “
Program of study: Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education – Special Education
Expected graduation date: December 2024
Hometown: Stow, Ohio
Favorite spots on campus: My favorite place on campus is the fifth floor of Posvar Hall. There is a lounge for students in the School of Education, and I always find myself running into my favorite professors, administrators, colleagues, and new faces as well. I am a big fan of Posvar Hall as a whole because of how accessible everything is in there. There are printers, student lounges, classrooms, seating, coffee… everything you need! It is also so modern and updated, so the building itself is great. I also love Saxby’s in Hillman Library! It is a wonderful place to grab your favorite cup of coffee, and be surrounded by other students who are dedicated to their work, like you!
Favorite professors: It is incredibly hard to choose this, however I have been blessed with being taught by Dr. Michelle Sobolak and Dr. Sheila Conway. Both of these professors have instilled a love for teaching and special education in me, and have pushed me to be the greatest version of myself possible. I am so grateful to have been in their class multiple times, and am lucky to consider them both mentors in the School of Education.
Post-graduate career plans: After graduating this December, I am planning on entering the teaching field as soon as possible. I am searching for special education jobs available at the beginning of the new year, but if that does not work out I would love to substitute teach in a district and build my experience. I also hope to begin a masters program in educational leadership as soon as time allows. I cannot wait to jump into the special education field and advocate for students who struggle to advocate for themselves.
“At the start of my collegiate career, I was actually studying Pre-Medical Biology. At some point, the school workload became too much and really damaging for my mental and physical well being. I did not know what to do, but the Teacher Education program was created at the exact time that I was in need of a career change. I reminded myself of my experience with students, and specifically students with disabilities. I was humbled, and realized that getting to make an impact on students every day is something I would love to do. My older brother was in the special education programs in my home school district, and our lives were changed for the better by so many teachers and administrators. So, I decided to take a step and enter the educator field to make change in the way that students deserve.”
Program of study: Combined Applied Studies in Education
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite spots on campus: The lawn by Cathy is a great place to recline with a book or hang out with friends.
Favorite professors: I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Caitlin Dahl and Dr. Anna Arlotta-Guerrero several times each, and they have been more than just excellent professors. Both of them have been friendly and compassionate to an incredible degree and have been supportive of me in my studies, thereby convincing me of my intended path.
Favorite thing about Pittsburgh: I love that everyone somehow knows everyone else! Pittsburgh is like a big small town.
Post-graduate career plans: Teach elementary or special ed in the greater Pittsburgh area.
“My experience thus far has exposed me to the social justice side of education, an often overlooked aspect. I am excited to continue learning different pedagogical theories and to put them into practice.”
Program of study: MS in Clinical Exercise Physiology
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: Amritsar, India
Favorite spots on campus: My favorite spot on campus is Hillman Library (3rd floor). I like the study desks there; they are quiet and a perfect spot to study for exams, do homework assignments, and take notes.
Favorite professors: I admire all my professors (Dr. Benjamin Gordon, Dr. Sally Sherman, and Dr. Kelli Davis). They are always available to support their students and connect them to the best resources available for academic success. They are passionate about their expertise and always make time outside the class to help their students. Their supportive nature and dedication to teaching have always inspired me.
Post-graduate career plans: My post-graduate career plan is to get Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. My interest is to work in a research setting to explore the field of oncology exercise. I wanted to get a Ph.D in the field of exercise physiology in the future.
“The primary reason for me to join the Pitt School of Education was the Master of Science Clinical Exercise Physiology Program, a nationally accredited graduate program. Clinical Exercise Physiology is a growing field, and graduating from a nationally accredited program enhances professional credibility. The availability of resources like supportive faculty, leadership experiences, and professional experiences (research and clinical experience) has been beneficial in shaping my career goals.”
Program of study: MEd in Higher Education
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite spots on campus: My favorite spot on campus is the Cathedral of Learning, because I like the soft, gothic vibes while I’m studying – it makes me feel like I’m studying in a castle.
Favorite professors: My favorite professor in the School of Education is Dr. Max Schuster. He has been an incredible resource since before I even joined my program and has never failed to promote a space that feels truly welcoming within our school.
Post-graduate career plans: After graduation, I am hoping to gain employment at a reputable college or university in the United States. Ideally, I would love to be an academic advisor or an academic scheduling coordinator, but I am open to anything!
“I decided to come to the Pitt School of Education because I like the structure of my program. Although we learn much about the relevant theories to our field, so much of our learning experience is based in practical and hands-on learning opportunities, which has helped me to develop a better feel the work I will be doing upon graduation.”
Program of study: MEd in Higher Education
Expected graduation date: April 2025
Hometown: St. Helens, Oregon
Favorite spots on campus: I love the library and studying in one of the window nooks. These window nooks provide amazing lighting and comfortable chairs. It is private and has amazing views of campus.
Favorite professors: My favorite professor has been Dr. Saunders who taught Politics and History of Higher Education. He had great insight that was amazing to learn from.
Post-graduate career plans: After graduation, I hope to enter the field of Higher Education, either in Admissions or Orientation. I hope to be planning events or working one-on-one with students.
“I decided to come to the Pitt School of Education because of the reputation of its professors and the opportunities that it provided. Having on-ground experience while also taking courses has allowed me to put into practice the material I am learning.”
Program of study: PhD in Higher Education
Expected graduation date: April 2027
Hometown: Lakeland, FL
Favorite spots on campus: The lawn of the Cathedral of Learning. I love all the trees, the lush grass, and seeing students playing games and hanging out.
Favorite professors: Dr. Lori Delale-O’Connor has been instrumental in opening my eyes to how we can introduce equity and social justice in research. In this way, she has encouraged my continued exploration of research methods and considerations for community-based work. Similarly, Dr. Linda DeAngelo, who is also my advisor, has supported and encouraged me to find my voice as a scholar and be confident in my motivations for the research I want to conduct.
Favorite thing about Pittsburgh: I love that it’s a city with a smaller-town vibe. There’s a plethora of things to do, but at the same time, I can get around town relatively easily, and my neighbors look out for me.
Post-graduate career plans: After graduation, I hope to become a faculty member at an institution that values equity, just like the School of Education. Also, I have a dream of owning a craft brewery, with programming to support the community.
“The School of Education’s focus and commitment to equity was a crucial factor in my decision to come to Pitt. Equity and social justice are at the core of my research interests and who I am as a person, so I wanted to be in a place that aligned with my values. My experiences at Pitt thus far have been validating; equity is embedded in just about every class that I’ve been in and the many activities the School of Education participates in.”
Program of study: PhD in Education Policy
Expected graduation date: Spring 2025
Hometown: San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima, Peru
Favorite spots on campus: Cathedral of Learning because I like to visit different nationality rooms there and it is a good place to study on weekends (in the main room). Third floor at Hilman Library: great spots to read and have study groups. Global Posvar Hall: great place to participate in events (languages events, specially).
Favorite professors: My favorite professors are Dr. Shanyce Campbell, Dr. Eleanor Anderson, Dr. Hayley Weddle, and Dr. Alana DeLoge. They have provided me with critical frameworks, new perspectives, feedback and international examples to fight back against the status quo in research, education, politics and life.
Favorite thing about Pittsburgh: I live in Oakland. So, I can walk to campus for my classes, meetings or have coffee with people. Downtown is close, other places are easy to go to by bicycle or bus. On other days I can have bubble tea, sushi, or tacos at Las Palmas. I love going out and find simple and different options or change your mind according to your budget, energies or mood: “Today I feel like I want Mexican tacos de tripa (gut tacos).”
Post-graduate career plans: I want to go back to Peru and I want to have the opportunity to work in an international organization such as UNESCO or United Nations, especially in project that involve qualitative research and policymaking regarding education in Latin American countries. My long-term goal is to create a non-profit organization or research center that implements applied research projects to guide education policy toward models that become more participatory, critically questioning, place-based, and transformative at local and national levels in San Juan de Lurigancho (Lima, Peru) and beyond.
“Since I first learned about the School of Education, I have loved how it embraces social justice and its commitment to make the world a better place for everyone. Since the first time I interacted with people, I felt very welcomed and well-treated by professors and other staff members. I saw how the social relationships between students, professors, and other staff members were based on horizontality and kindness. My studies at the Pitt School of Education provided me with academic tools and the ability to be sensitive to new realities to understand intercultural awareness.”
Program of study: PhD in Education Policy
Expected graduation date: April 2027
Hometown: Martinsburg, PA
Favorite spots on campus: I love the first floor of the Cathedral, it feels magical.
Favorite professors: I’ve had the privilege of learning from several outstanding professors, each with their own unique strengths and perspectives. It’s hard to choose a favorite because they’ve all contributed to my growth in different ways. I’m particularly grateful for the ongoing mentorship of Hayley Weddle and Mike Gunzenhauser.
Post-graduate career plans: I am passionate about fostering more equitable education systems and take great joy in both teaching and research. I hope to find a university position that allows me to integrate these passions in a setting that is an ideal fit for my skills and values.
“The location and program structure were key factors in my decision to join the School of Education. Since arriving, I’ve gained valuable insights into myself as a scholar, helping me clarify my interests and understand where and how I can make a meaningful impact.”
