91¸£ÀûÉç

2025 Holmes Scholars

Aaron Kirk Marsh

Aaron Kirk Marsh (he/him) is a current Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Mathematics 91¸£ÀûÉçat Indiana University Bloomington. Across more than seventeen years in education, Aaron has served as a secondary mathematics teacher, department chairperson, assistant principal, and district coordinator of mathematics and business. Throughout his professional career, he developed a sustained commitment to advancing equity in mathematics education, particularly for students of color and students from economically marginalized communities. His leadership work has focused on curriculum reform, data-informed instructional improvement, and expanding access to rigorous mathematics pathways. Aaron’s research interests center on equity, teacher beliefs, and mathematics knowledge for teaching, with particular attention to how instructional practices and educational policy shape students’ opportunities to engage in deep reasoning. Grounded in both his lived experiences and professional trajectory, his scholarship interrogates how systemic inequities persist within mathematics classrooms and how teacher preparation and policy reform can disrupt those patterns.

Obi Udensi

Obi Udensi is a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Medicine where he teaches in the Medical Laboratory Science program and supports curriculum development, assessment and student success initiatives. Obi is originally from Texas and holds bachelor’s degrees in medical laboratory science & biology as well as master’s degrees in healthcare administration and public health from Texas Tech University. He is currently pursuing an EdD at Indiana University Bloomington where his research focuses on improving teaching and learning in health sciences education through inclusive instructional design, service learning and responsible integration of emerging technologies such as AI. Obi is committed to uplifting students through fostering an environment of empathy, compassion and academic excellence that supports learners in achieving their goals.

Lindsey Arnold

Lindsey Arnold is a doctoral student in the Higher 91¸£ÀûÉçand Student Affairs program at Indiana University’s School of Education. She currently serves as Director of Enrollment Management for the IU School of Education, where she leads undergraduate and graduate recruitment strategy, scholarship initiatives, and strategic enrollment planning. Her research interests focus on access and participation in educator preparation programs, particularly how institutional policy, financial aid, and support services shape a student's experience into the teaching profession. Through her work as a scholar–practitioner, Lindsey seeks to strengthen equitable pathways into higher education and the educator workforce while advancing institutional strategies that support student success and opportunity.

Ronald Rusell

Ronald Rusell is a first-year counseling psychology PhD student from Richlands, NC. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology (B.A.) and minor in Bioethics at The Ohio State University. He then earned his master's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport & Exercise Psychology (M.S.) at East Carolina University. He was most recently living in Indianapolis, IN working at the Neuroscience Center, where he contributed to one of the largest prospective concussion studies funded by the NCAA and the Department of Defense, examining the long-term effects of head impact exposure. His long-term goal is to become a clinician whose work promotes equitable access to mental health support in athletics, specifically with underrepresented populations.

Kaung Myat

Kaung Myat (Woody) is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Literacy, Culture, and Language 91¸£ÀûÉçprogram from the School of 91¸£ÀûÉçat Indiana University-Bloomington. He gained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature and Linguistics at Yandanbon University, Burma (Myanmar). Myat is currently teaching Burmese language at Indiana University-Bloomington and conducting research with the Burmese community in Indianapolis, IN. His research interests include Language Policy and Planning, revitalizing underserved languages, and language-teaching pedagogies. Myat is deeply committed to promoting the literacy development of war-torn people in Burma (Myanmar), and other conflict-affected areas. He aims to specialize in creating trauma-relief content and learning materials for children in conflict-affected areas.

Brandon Hoang

Brandon Hoang (he/him) is a first-year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Indiana University Bloomington. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from The College of New Jersey and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Brandon’s research examines cultural and structural processes in psychotherapy, including therapists’ cultural humility, cultural comfort, and structural competency. His work focuses on understanding how these processes shape therapeutic relationships and influence client outcomes. Through his research, clinical work, and teaching, Brandon seeks to advance culturally responsive psychotherapy and address mental health disparities affecting underserved communities. He is particularly interested in improving equitable access to mental health care for immigrant and Asian communities and hopes to contribute research that informs both clinical practice and public policy.

Breeana White

Breeana White aspires to become a Counseling Psychologist who brings a thoughtful and adaptable perspective to the field while contributing to greater diversity in both research and clinical practice. She is particularly interested in exploring how individuals make meaning of their life experiences and relationships. Breeana is passionate about helping people better understand their personal challenges and strengths while promoting growth and well-being through compassionate, culturally responsive care. Through continued learning, empathy, and curiosity, she strives to support the empowerment of those she serves.

Mikailia Ealum

Mikailia Ealum is a Black Muslim woman from Evansville with a strong commitment to community engagement and social justice. During my undergraduate studies, I worked with local nonprofits to give back to my community by mentoring Black youth and supporting their personal and academic development. Through these experiences, I became increasingly aware of the cultural mistrust that many Black communities have toward mental health systems. This awareness sparked my interest in psychology and the need for culturally responsive care. My work and academic interests are now centered on addressing mental health disparities and building trust between marginalized communities and the field of psychology.