Ada Uche

Ada Uche

Class of 2015

Education:

M Sc was in International Relations University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Research Interest:

Ada’s research focuses on improving retention outcomes for underrepresented students. Her work in teaching and advising a diverse population of students has encouraged her to research innovative strategies to improve student achievement and performance overall.

Ph.D. Expected:

2014

Current Research:

Improving Student Engagement in the Freshman Class, American Education Leadership in a Globalized World, and Efficiency in Education Funding. I also have an interest in looking at the lack of diversity in the STEM fields and looking at the use of curricular and co-curricular activities to improve the retention of at risk students. Dissertation Title:
“The Retention of First Generation College Students in STEM: Revision and Analysis of Tinto’s Longitudinal Model.” Quantitative Model: Multilevel Cross Classified Analysis. Qualitative model: Survey and in-depth interview data. Teaching Interests:
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Public Policy Accomplishments:

  • Recipient of a $20,000 dissertation fellowship Award from American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • Chosen for the UNCC Summer Teaching Program for Doctoral Students

Recent Publications:

  • Uche, A & Avellaneda, C (2014) Analysis of Performance and Leadership: The Case of Nigerian Local Governments. (in review)
  • Uche, A (2013) Becoming a World Class Institution: A Strategic Plan for Nigerian Universities. (in review)

Conferences Attended:

  • North Carolina Political Science Association (NCPSA) Conference: Feb, 2012
    “Mayoral Quality and Leadership: The Case of Nigerian Local Governments”
  • South Eastern Conference of Public Administration (SECoPA) Sept 2013
    “The Role of Trust in the Public Perception of Scientific Research”
  • North Carolina Political Science Association (NCPSA) 2014
  • Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) 2014
  • Southwest Sociological Society (SSS) 2014
    “Retention of First Generation College Students: A Mixed Methods Analysis”

Biographical Information:

Ada’s research focuses on improving outcomes for underrepresented students. Her work in teaching and advising a diverse population of students has encouraged her to research innovative stategies to improve student achievement and performance overall. Public Policy Specialty: Social Policy Education: B Sc in Political Science from University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria M Sc was in International Relations University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. First Degree Project: “The Role of Civil Society Organizations and Global Social Movements in Nigeria’s democracy.” M Sc Thesis: “Disarmament and Arms Control in African Conflicts; A case study of small arms and light weapons” Personal Interests: I enjoy volunteering in children groups and playing chess.

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