2018 NASPA TKC Technology Research, Assessment, and Evaluation Innovation Award

The Technology Research, Assessment, and Evaluation Innovation Award recognizes innovators in Student Affairs in using and applying research, assessment, and evaluation of technology related tools and practices.

For 2018, we are excited to award the Technology Research, Assessment, and Evaluation Innovation Award to Dr. Demetri Morgan, Hilary Astri Houlette, Jessie Payne, and Rachel Fischer.

The recipients all currently work at Loyola University Chicago and share an interest in understanding the impact of implicit and explicit affirmative action policies on increasingly diverse college campuses. Dr. Demetri Morgan, Assistant Professor, Hilary Astri Houlette,  Research Assistant & M.Ed Candidate, Jessie Payne, Research Assistant & M.Ed Candidate and Rachel Fischer, graduate Research Assistant & M.Ed Candidate, established the following research questions:

1) Where do cross-difference student interactions occur on college campuses?

2) How do student perceptions of diversity evolve over time?

They used geospatial mapping technology to visually represent campus climate through cross-difference interaction.  

The study used questionnaires, interviews, and student journal submissions to collect data. The data from these core activities feed into a GIS software that visually represents students interactions. Thus far, the team has found that certain spaces tend to support cross-difference interactions while other spaces reflect a deficit in diversity.

We anticipate this study transforming the way educators approach campus climate development and cross-difference student interactions.

A big congratulations again to Dr. Demetri Morgan, Hilary Astri Houlette, Jessie Payne, and Rachel Fischer. Thank you for being bold leaders and innovators in our field!