Jill Birren

 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Policy and     Leadership

 Professor Birren's research interests include community activism,   environmental justice, citizen science and community ecology, and   science learning through participation in socio-scientific policy   controversy.

 

 

Current research assistants

Jenny LaManna

Jenny LaManna is a doctoral student in Education Policy and Leadership at Marquette University. She is exploring the intersection of Environmental Literacy and Community-Engaged Natural Resource Policy in the context of environmental disasters.  Currently, she is working on the Kewaunee Water Project.  

 

Nora Swanson

Nora Swanson is a second-year student in Marquette’s Political Science Master’s Program. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Political Science with minors in History, Global Studies, and National Security Studies. Her research interests include climate security and international conflict.

 

Luke Syverud

Luke Syverud is a junior double majoring in Political Science and Mathematics. He is also a Lead Tutor for Math through the Marquette Tutoring Office, as well as an active member of the Marquette Chess Club. His research interests include labor relations and climate activism.

 

 

 

 

Kendra Spain

Kendra Spain is a student in Marquette’s Educational Policy and   Foundation. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of   Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Journalism, Advertising and Media Studies.   She is an educational professional who is motivated to impact   educational policies on equity and access across diverse populations in   school, community, and environment.

 

 

 

Previous research assistants

Jane Geyer

Jane Geyer is a second-year student in the Political Science Master's program at Marquette. Previously, she earned an undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education from Purdue University.

 

 

 

 

 

Shir Bloch

Shir is a second-year student at Marquette University majoring in Political Science and Applied Mathematical Economics. She is part of the MU4Gold undergraduate research program at Marquette, mentored by Dr. Wichowsky. Her other passions include the Classics and philosophy, in which she hopes to minor during her undergraduate years and which she believes will help prepare her for graduate school and beyond.

 

Jacqueline Dixon

Jacqueline is a sophomore studying Political Science and Philosophy. Jacque is part of Marquette Law's Pre-Law Scholars, Marquette's Mock Trial Team, intramural volleyball, Campus Ministry, and Special Olympics of Wisconsin. She is a research assistant currently working with faculty in Political Science, Computer Science and Education to study citizen activism around water quality in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. 

 

 

 

 

Mary Dalenberg

Mary is from Elk Grove Village, IL. She is double majoring in Political Science and History.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Najaris Hernandez

Najaris is a sophomore studying political science with a minor in international affairs. She is also part of the SSS EOP program.

 

 

 

 

  

Erin Schuler

 

Erin is an incoming senior at Marquette majoring in political science and economics from St. Louis. She is member of Alpha Chi Omega, in College Democrats, and a Marquette Tour Guide.