Current Students
Learn more about students currently studying in our EEMS PhD Program
NC State is a place where educators can prepare to be scholar leaders. This concentration focus, Elementary Education in Mathematics and Science (EEMS), includes coursework, research studies, and practical experience in either elementary mathematics or elementary science. Students currently in our program are working to deepen their knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning in their specified content area. Additionally, opportunities to collaborate with all students and faculty in the EEMS program enables cross-disciplinary connections. Students in are program are highly qualified individuals interested in researching, designing, and improving elementary-level learning.
My hope is that all of my work here comes together, and the opportunities that present themselves when I graduate are where I was meant to be, because I know the learning here will be valuable.
Briana Trager
PhD Student Elementary Education in Math and Science
Stephanie Fiocca, Science
Stephanie received her Bachelor’s from East Carolina University and Master’s in Elementary Education from Old Dominion University. She has worked in education for over ten years and has taught in elementary and middle school, as well as in nonformal environmental education. Her research interests include environmental education and outdoor learning and specifically supporting teachers as they incorporate EE and the outdoors into their classrooms. In her free time, she enjoys hanging with her family and being outdoors whether it is working in her garden, taking a hike, or going to the beach.
Anna Howard, Math
Anna received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education from East Carolina University. She also received a certificate in Teaching Children in Poverty. She taught in Elementary classrooms for five years as a Title I Tutor, EC Resource teacher, and third grade teacher. She has spent two years teaching math methods courses to preservice teachers and observe them in the field through her graduate assistantship. She is currently researching for her dissertation about the mathematical identities of preservice teachers and how it influences them as they prepare to become teachers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
Tacey Miller, Math
Tacey received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from NC State in 2015, then moved to the coast and received her AIG certification and Master’s of Elementary Education degree from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Tacey also received her math add-on licensure through NC State. She really enjoyed those courses and decided to transfer into the doctoral program for elementary mathematics. Tacey has been a public school teacher for the past nine years at Dixon Elementary, located in Onslow County and has served as the school’s liaison to UNC-Wilmington for student teacher placement, as well as been a mentor teacher herself. Tacey’s research interests include increasing rigor in elementary math curriculums as well as strategies to increase beginning teacher retention. In her free time, Tacey enjoys hiking, gardening and roasting coffee.
Rob Monahan, Science
During his 25-year education journey, Rob has focused on understanding the intersection of motivation, game-based pedagogy, and how to meaningfully assess student learning. Professionally, he has been involved in academic research, exploring how game-based education can be used to enhance 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning. Outside of academic work, Rob is passionate about maker culture, board gaming, and outdoor activities, which often inspire my creative and scholarly pursuits.
Lydia Provost, Math
Lydia began at NC State where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. For four years, Lydia taught fourth grade math in Wake County, North Carolina. It was during those years that her passion and excitement for elementary math content exploded. Lydia loves how creative young minds can be and loves to help them approach math with that mindset. Lydia is interested in learning more about the influence of math discourse on students’ development of mathematical understanding. In her free time, Lydia enjoys being with her family, cheering on the Wolfpack, and traveling.
Julia Schnegg, Math
Julia received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics from East Carolina University. She taught for four years as a first and second grade teacher in Wilson, NC before returning to East Carolina University in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education with a concentration in Elementary Mathematics. Julia continued teaching during this time in Wilson and Nash County as a second, third, and fifth grade teacher. After 16 years as a classroom teacher, Julia accepted a position as a research assistant with NC State University as she works towards her doctoral degree. Julia’s research interests include mathematical discourse, cooperative learning, and mathematical difficulties. In her free time, Julia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has a nine year old daughter and they enjoy traveling, the theater, dance, and playing together.
Yan Smith-Thomas, Math
Yan received her Bachelor in Teaching Chinese as the Second Language in China. She taught elementary school in Jakarta, Indonesia before moved to Wake County serving as a Chinese Immersion teacher for kindergarten and fourth grade. Yan also received her Master in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages in 2019. For the past three years, Yan taught fifth grade in Chapel Hill Carrboro City as a dual language teacher. She is enthusiastic about mathematics and students engagement in mathematics. In her class, she implements Project Based Learning with authentic ideas in order to develop students` problem solving skills. Yan is interested in researching the relation between literacy acquisition and mathematic performance. She is all about bringing the research outcome to the community and benefit both teachers and students. In her free time, Yan enjoys traveling with her family. She has a four years old daughter and one year old son to keep her busy and being awesome all the time!
Briana Trager, Science
Briana received her undergrad degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and worked in a STEM school for 5 years in Missouri. While teaching, she completed a Master’s in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum as well as a Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership. Prior to attending NC State, Briana was a STEM Coordinator & Science director in St. Louis, Missouri. She is passionate about researching the benefits & impacts of science and STEM education on early learners. In her free time she enjoys traveling, spending time with her pets, and reading.