Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies celebrates the Ph.D. in Education students who earned second and third place honors in Leatherby Libraries’ 2025 Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize, spotlighting the college’s expanding research profile. 

Ph.D. in Education Students

Robin Gomes, Connor Bogenreif, and Mirvais ‘Mir’ Aminy earned second place for their research project, The Role of Repertoire Selection and Teacher Collaboration in Culturally Responsive Music Education.  

Sevana Karagoulian placed third with her research project, Nontraditional and Commuter Student Experiences and Challenges. 

The students worked under the guidance of Keith Howard, professor of education and director of Attallah College’s Ph.D. in Education program, and Doug Havard, assistant professor of quantitative methods and an alumnus of Attallah’s Ph.D. in Education program.  

Ph.D. in Education Students

Howard praised the winners’ dedication. “These awards show the impact our graduate researchers are already having in the field,” Howard said. “Their work demonstrates how rigorous inquiry can address real-world educational challenges.” 

“Seeing our students’ scholarship recognized at this level is incredibly rewarding,” said Havard. “Their commitment to culturally responsive practice reflects the heart of Attallah College’s mission.”  

The students celebrated with benefactor Eric M. Scandrett and fellow Attallah College Ph.D Program alumnus Kevin Ross, Dean of Leatherby Libraries, after the ceremony.