Teacher education students awarded inaugural innovation research fellowship

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) has selected three students to participate in a new fellowship. The Dr. Donald E. Thompson Innovation Research Fellowship identifies students from teacher education programs who show promise as creative thinkers and innovative practitioners. Allison Beasley, Moises Campos-Crespo and Carter Spring, will receive a full year of tuition as they work on developing innovative ideas capable of positively impacting K-12 education through research that challenges the current practices of teaching and learning.

"In 2020, my wife and I decided that we wanted to begin to do some things with education colleges across the country and Western was first," says Dr. Don Thompson, dean emeritus of the CEHD. "We wanted to make sure that we gave a gift to Western that supported students, and we also did that with nine other institutions around the country. But this one is the most important to us."

Through the fellowship, students will be creating original research focused on creative concepts and innovative approaches to using technology in teaching and learning. Student's research will be supervised by a faculty member during the fellowship and will also serve as their mentors.

"My wife and I are so thankful to be able to give this gift and look forward to great things from all of the fellows," says Thompson.

To learn more about the fellowship, visit CEHD's scholarship webpage.

About the fellows

• 

  Allison Beasley is an elementary education student and member of the Lee Honors College. She also serves as the president of the Aspiring Educators of Michigan at WMU. This RSO brings together teacher candidates at Western and provides informative presentations, insight from professionals in the field and discussion navigating the challenging aspects of education. During the fellowship, Beasley will be mentored by Dr. Meredith Reinhart, an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies.
• Moises Campos-Crespo is a special education student and member of TRIO Future Educator Success Program and Western's College Assistant Migrant Program. He also serves as the vice president of Future Teachers of Color. This RSO brings together future educators of color at WMU with a focus on various topics related to career preparation, academic success, mentorship, community service outreach and networking skills. Campos-Crespo will be mentored by Dr. Luchara Wallace, associate dean of the CEHD. 
• Carter Spring is a physical and health education and teacher education student and volunteer with RINGS Ministry in Battle Creek, Michigan. RINGS is a faith-based non-profit that provides free transportation to low-income families, especially single mothers, in the community by restoring and gifting cars. Prior to WMU, he was a member of the Kellogg Community College's cross country team that competed at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III National Championship. Spring will be mentored by Dr. Mauro Andre, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education.  

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