The Early Writing Project researchers

Kristen McMaster

Principal Investigator

Kristen is professor of educational psychology in the special education program and the special education program coordinator. She is the principal Investigator of The Early Writing Project. Kristen is also co-director of the Research Institute for Problem Solving.

Elizabeth Lam

Project Director

Elizabeth Lam, Ph.D. is

the Project Director of The Early Writing Project research study. Elizabeth is excited to support the research and school-based teams to provide individualized intervention to struggling writers and extend the knowledge in the field of special education.

Through Elizabeth’s educational experience in education (Bachelor of Arts, Gustavus Adolphus College), school psychology (Master of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology), and educational psychology (Doctor of Philosophy, University of Minnesota), she has developed a belief that the greatest success is accomplished when all members of our community are welcomed into the

conversation, a safe space is created, and multiple perspectives are shared.

Elizabeth is passionate about ensuring that the educational system sees the

inherent value in each child, using data-based decision-making to promote

accelerated student outcomes for each child, and contributing to research in

the field by exploring how to best meet the needs of diverse learners.

Seyma Birinci

Graduate Research Assistant

Seyma Birinci is a graduate research assistant on The Early Writing Project and a Ph.D. student in special education in the Department of Educational Psychology. This is her second year with the program. She is excited to work on the project because she wants to apply theoretical knowledge to real world case studies and contribute to developing effective methods in teaching students with disabilities. She received her undergraduate degree in Teaching Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Science Education at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. Her interests include learning disabilities, reading comprehension, early intervention, and data-based decision making.

Nicole McKevett

Graduate Research Assistant

Nicole McKevett is a PhD student in the school psychology program at the University of Minnesota. She previously worked as a school psychologist in both public school and residential treatment settings. Her research interests include data-based decision making, particularly with respect to using data to match interventions to student academic needs. She is also interested in supporting local school districts in overcoming barriers to the implementation of MTSS. She currently researching ways to support the use of data in schools to determine effective math interventions for elementary students. On The Early Writing Project, Nicole provides support in coaching and assessment.

Jena Hitt

Graduate Research Assistant

Jena Hitt is a graduate student in the Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology Program at the University of Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree and teaching license in Secondary Social Studies Education at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She previously worked with the AVID program in Minneapolis Public Schools. Her interests include developing effective support systems for teachers and marginalized student populations, and individualized academic interventions.

Ahmed Alghamdi

Graduate Research Assistant

Ahmed Alghamdi is a third-year Ph.D. student in special

education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Ahmed received his BA in special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities from King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. After teaching elementary students with special needs for one year in Saudi, Ahmed received a scholarship to complete his graduate studies in the U.S. He earned his MA degree in special education with an emphasis on learning disabilities from the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota. Ahmed’s research interest involves designing innovative and theoretically sound interventions for students with learning disabilities and at-risk students.

Stacey Brandjord

Graduate Research Assistant

Stacey Brandjord is a Ph.D. student in the school psychology program at the University of Minnesota. Her early career was spent as an elementary school speech language pathologist in Wyoming. Her research interests focus on the intersection of language and behavior disorders as well as school-based academic interventions.

Courtney Bridell

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Courtney Bridell is a senior undergraduate student

working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She is interested in the education and health related fields and is hoping to integrate both during her career. She is excited about this research project to gain experiences with educational research and to collaborate with a diverse research team who brings experiences from the fields of education, special education, psychology, and counseling. She is planning on attending either graduate school or