Div J Grad Network

Catalina Samantha Vasquez is an emerging leader in Postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) research whose work bridges the gap between research, policy, and practice. As a doctoral researcher at The University of Texas at Austin and a 2025 ECMC Foundation Postsecondary CTE Research Fellow, Catalina focuses on advancing economic mobility for adult learners through data-driven, equity-centered, and practice-informed research.

Her current project examines the motivations and career aspirations of adult learners enrolled in the semiconductor stackable credential program at Austin Community College, aligning educational pathways with regional workforce needs in Central Texas. Guided by Human Capital Theory and an asset-based framework, her study connects institutional policy with on-the-ground learner experiences to generate actionable insights for educators, employers, and policymakers.

Catalina’s contributions extend beyond her own research. Through partnerships with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, E3 Alliance, and Education Strategy Group, she actively translates complex data into applied solutions that improve systems alignment and workforce readiness. Her commitment to bridging research and practice exemplifies the mission of the ECMC Foundation Fellowship—to cultivate scholars who transform evidence into impact for the betterment of postsecondary education and the communities it serves.

Introducing our new Div J Grad Network Student Spotlight!

Our first feature is Catalina Samantha Vasquez, a UT Austin doctoral researcher and 2025 ECMC Fellow whose equity-centered CTE work supports adult learners and workforce readiness in Central Texas.

Want to be featured? DM us!

18.11.2025 13:00 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Join for a casual community space to reflect, connect, and share what you need to feel supported this semester!

17.10.2025 16:46 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Happy fall everyone!

Grad school is absolutely not meant to be navigated alone! As the semester is picking up, we are inviting everyone to join our Mid-Semester Check In this upcoming Monday October 20th at 2pm EST. Register here: sc-edu.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

17.10.2025 16:46 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0

Graduate school can be hard! There is nothing like getting advice from a peer who has been through it themselves! Instead of stressing, apply to the Div J Peer Mentoring Program! Use the QR code or following this link by October 1, 2025: forms.gle/6wZCKP5Fnr5G...

26.08.2025 17:55 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 1

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship offers $25,000 and mentoring to advanced doctoral students from underrepresented groups conducting education research. Deadline: Nov 10, 2025. See image for details. #PhDFellowship #EducationResearch

11.08.2025 20:00 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0

🔥 Call for Ideas! 🔥
We’re planning our 2026 #AERA #DivJ Fireside Chat & want YOUR ideas for bold, critical convos centering grad student experiences in higher ed.

Reply or DM us by Aug 14!

11.08.2025 12:01 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

Finally, we are excited to welcome Sarah Hale @sarahahale.bsky.social from the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education as our AERA Division J Graduate At-large Representative for 2025-2026.
#AERA25 #DivJChat #HigherEd

07.08.2025 12:01 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

Next, our Junior Graduate Co-Representative for 2025-2027. We are excited to introduce and welcome Janay Crosland (Instagram: jc_scholar) from North Carolina State University College of Education.#AERA25 #DivJChat #HigherEd

07.08.2025 12:01 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0

First, our Senior Graduate Co-Representative for 2024-2026. We are excited to re-introduce Gaurav Harshe @gharshe.bsky.social from the University of South Carolina College of Education #AERA26 #DivJChat #HigherEd

07.08.2025 12:01 — 👍 2    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0

We're excited to introduce the AERA Division J Graduate Student Council (Postsecondary Education) for the 2025–2026 academic year!

07.08.2025 12:01 — 👍 1    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: AERA-NSF Grants Program Informational Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. Presenters: Felice J. Levine Principal Investigator, AERA Grants Program American Educational Research Association George L. Wimberly Co-Principal Investigator, AERA Grants Program American Educatio...

The AERA-NSF Grants Program is now accepting proposals for its Dissertation and Research Grants--the deadline is October 6! Join the informational webinar on September 10 to learn more about the program and application. Register here: aera.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

06.08.2025 15:23 — 👍 7    🔁 11    💬 0    📌 0

Join Division G's Graduate Student Committee as they host a fall semester kickoff event for graduate students across AERA. Come connect, build community, and get energized for the year ahead!
Register here: tinyurl.com/3n5xkhd5 or scan the QR code to sign up.

06.08.2025 14:33 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0

✨ We’re expanding our network! ✨

Follow @AERADivJGradNet — now on Instagram and BlueSky!
Stay connected with updates, opportunities, spotlights, and all things Division J Graduate Student life. 🎓💬

#AERADivJ #GradNetwork #HigherEd #AERA2026 #DivJGradNet @aeraedresearch.bsky.social

05.08.2025 19:35 — 👍 2    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0