Nayomi Gunasekara Field is a dedicated doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Ohio University. Her dissertation, “Enacting and Contextualizing Intercultural Competence: Lesson Planning after Story Circles in Sri Lanka and the United States,” examines how Story Circles influence the intercultural competence of teacher candidates and their ability to translate this competence into lesson planning. Nayomi received the Student Enhancement Award from Ohio University for her research. She has a forthcoming article in the Journal of International Social Studies, co-authored with Dr. Michael Kopish. Nayomi has presented her research at various forums, including the Patton College of Education Research Forum, Ohio Council for the Social Studies, and national conferences such as AACTE, AERA, CUFA, IA, and NCTEAR. She has also shared her work at international conferences, including the International Research Symposium at the University of Colombo and the IV Seminário de Pesquisa in Brazil.
Holmes Scholars
The AACTE Holmes Program supports students pursuing graduate degrees in education at AACTE member institutions. Founded in 1991 for doctoral students, the Holmes Program now provides mentorship, peer support, research, opportunities for educational advocacy, and professional development opportunities.
Participation in the Holmes Program is open to all AACTE member institutions; AACTE charges no additional fee to enroll. Sponsoring institutions are responsible for supporting their Holmes students according to the participation requirements. Nearly 40 institutions (opens in a new window) currently participate in the Holmes Program. Learn how to become a Homes Scholar. (opens in a new window)
The Patton College of Education seeks to maintain a cohort of 4-5 students. Scholars serve for 3-year terms and are replaced as they graduate. They participate in a variety of activities including:
- Presenting at the AACTE Annual Meeting
- Participating in OHIO's Research and Creative Activity Student Expo
- Service Activities
To review the activities and achievements of past scholars, please visit the Past Cohorts webpage.
Holmes Scholar Spotlights
Nayomi Gunasekara Field is a third-year doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Ohio University. Her dissertation research focuses on intercultural competence and lesson planning in Sri Lanka and the United States.
Srijana Katuwal is a third-year doctoral student in the Science Education Program at Ohio University. Her research focuses on climate change education and sustainability in both formal and informal settings.
Srijana Katuwal is a dedicated Climate and Sustainability Ambassador at Ohio University, where she promotes awareness about climate change and action through research, educational programs, and volunteering activities. She serves as the Commissioner of Environmental Affairs at the Graduate Student Senate (GSS), providing students with opportunities to engage in sustainability initiatives across Ohio. Additionally, Srijana co-chairs the GSS's GradCon 2025 Committee, successfully designing and organizing GradCon2025 on February 28, 2025. GradCon, now in its third edition, is Ohio University's annual graduate convention, offering a platform for graduate students to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and develop essential skills for academic and professional success. Srijana's commitment to climate change education and sustainability is evident in her active roles and contributions, making her a key figure in promoting environmental awareness and action within the academic community.
Dezeré Martin is a dedicated third-year doctoral student at Ohio University, focusing on Curriculum and Instruction. She is passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ middle school students in rural Appalachia.
Dezeré Martin is a third-year doctoral student at Ohio University’s Patton College of Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. She teaches courses in the Middle Childhood Education program and researches how LGBTQ+ middle school students are supported by educators and schools in rural Appalachia. As a member of the American Educational Research Association’s Middle Level Education Research Special Interest Group (MLER SIG), Dezeré co-facilitated the Young Adolescent Identity and Experiences working group, contributing to the latest MLER SIG Research Agenda published in RMLE Online. She has presented her research at various professional conferences, including the Association for Middle Level Education’s 2024 Annual Meeting. In spring 2024, Dezeré participated in the Ohio Association of Colleges for Teacher Education’s Day on the Square, advocating against legislative changes that could negatively impact middle level education and educator preparation.
Isatou B. Secka, known as Aisha, is a passionate educationist and advocate for women's leadership in higher education. She is a graduate student in the Educational Leadership program at Ohio University, dedicated to social justice and educational reform.
Aisha serves as a Holmes Scholar, Vice President of the National Holmes Council, and President of the International Student Union, promoting inclusivity and leadership among international students. Her research focuses on women's participation in higher education leadership, educational policy analysis, and community engagement. Aisha has a rich professional background in The Gambia, working in student services, human resource management, and educational policy development. She is committed to empowering students, especially girls and young women, through equitable access to education. As Chairperson of the Center for Language and Professional Studies in The Gambia, she promotes multilingual education for marginalized groups. Aisha's leadership and advocacy continue to shape transformative educational policies and practices, fostering inclusivity and social justice.
Ihsan Thaheem, from Sindh, Pakistan, is a PhD scholar and Teaching Assistant in the Educational Leadership program with a Policy emphasis at Ohio University. His dissertation research focuses on educational access and the well-being of crisis-affected students.
Ihsan Thaheem's interdisciplinary research encompasses educational leadership and policy, crisis and conflict education, teacher preparation, higher education mentorship, and organizational evaluation. He has presented his work at major conferences, including AACTE 2025 and CIES 2023, and secured 2nd place at Ohio University’s Research Expo 2024. Ihsan serves as the Student Lead for the Cross-Disciplinary Graduate Student Mentoring Pilot Program and earned recognition as a Fellow GSI (2023-24). He has also been an AACTE Proposal Reviewer and Team Leader for the Evaluation Capacity Case Challenge, earning a certificate from McGill University. Honored with the Outstanding Educational Leadership Award (2023), Ihsan volunteers as an IRS-certified Tax-Aide with AARP, assisting underserved rural Appalachian residents. His commitment to educational access and quality integration drives his impactful contributions to the field.