University of Idaho College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Today we’re celebrating doctoral graduate Iva Moss, Ph.D.

Moss, a Northern Arapaho citizen, earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with research focused on Indigenous STEM education in and out of school settings. The work explored how Arapaho Knowledge Systems embed science, technology, engineering and mathematics within cultural teachings and practices, using the Arapaho tipi as an example of how Indigenous knowledge and STEM understanding are deeply interconnected.

This research highlights how K-12 education can better integrate Tribal-specific ways of knowing alongside state educational standards. By recognizing and building from Indigenous STEM knowledge systems, educators can create learning experiences that better support Native American students while helping bridge gaps between school curriculum and Tribal knowledge.

Iva's major professor, Vanessa Anthony-Stevens, Ph.D., shared, “Moss is easily one of the most critical consumers of academic research. Her original work articulating Arapaho Knowledge Systems is groundbreaking and will be useful to generations of Arapaho people to come.”

Research like this reflects how doctoral education at University of Idaho contributes to advancing culturally grounded educational practices, strengthening communities and expanding understanding of diverse knowledge systems in education.

Please join us in congratulating Iva Moss, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

Let's celebrate doctoral graduate Jessica Matsaw, Ph.D.!

Matsaw earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with research focused on culturally responsive pedagogy in Native American educational contexts. The dissertation examined the successes and challenges of implementing Indigenous pedagogies and culturally responsive teaching practices in teacher preparation, classroom teaching and professional development settings.

This research addresses an important gap in education by documenting how culturally responsive teaching practices are applied in Tribal-serving communities and where barriers still exist. The work helps educators better understand how to support sovereign-affirming education, strengthen Indigenous pedagogies and improve student learning outcomes by connecting teacher practices to the cultural experiences of students and communities.

Her major professor, Vanessa Anthony-Stevens, Ph.D., shared, “Jessica Matsaw has been a passionate educational researcher from day one. She completed her doctoral research while meeting the complex demands of educational improvements in her local schools and raising a family of leaders.”

Research like this reflects how doctoral education at University of Idaho contributes to strengthening schools, supporting communities and advancing educational practices that better serve students across diverse learning environments.

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Matsaw, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

We are excited to celebrate the announcement that our dean, Brooke Blevins, has been appointed as University of Idaho's interim provost and executive vice president.

Her leadership, vision and commitment to students, faculty and staff have made a lasting impact across the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, and we are proud to see her continue to lead the university in this new capacity.

While Brooke will always be part of the EHHS family, we look forward to supporting her as she prepares to step into this next chapter of leadership. Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment!

Today we’re celebrating doctoral graduate Lorenzo Rene from EHHS at the University of Idaho.

Rene earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with research focused on supporting student mental health in K-12 schools. The dissertation explored how prepared pre-service teachers feel to support students experiencing mental health challenges in the classroom.

This research addresses an increasingly important issue facing schools and communities. Teachers are often among the first adults to recognize when students are struggling, and helping educators feel prepared to respond and provide support can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

EHHS faculty member and Rene's major professor, Janine Darragh Ph.D., shared that Rene accomplished an impressive amount during just 2.5 years at U of I, including publishing academic journal articles, serving as a teaching assistant and becoming the first U of I student to earn the dual credit teacher certification. The dedication shown throughout the program reflects a strong commitment to education and to supporting future students.

Research like this demonstrates how doctoral education at University of Idaho contributes to strengthening schools, supporting student well-being and preparing educators to meet real-world challenges in the classroom.

Please join us in congratulating Lorenzo Rene, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

Today we’re celebrating doctoral graduate Cari Fealy, Ph.D.!

Fealy earned a Ph.D. in Leadership and Organization Development with research focused on how difficult academic experiences affect students and shape the way they think about themselves, school and their future. The dissertation explored how major academic setbacks influence students over time and how those experiences impact identity, education and future goals.

This research helps colleges better understand academic struggles as human experiences rather than simply performance metrics or retention data. By examining how students navigate moments of challenge and transition, the work can help institutions strengthen support systems and create environments where students feel connected, supported and capable of success.

Currently serving as Associate Dean of Students, Fealy shared that daily work with students inspired this research and reinforced a commitment to helping students find a strong sense of community and accomplishment. Moving forward, Fealy plans to use this degree to help shape higher education policies, practices and student support systems that better respond to the lived experiences of students during challenging moments.

Research like this reflects how doctoral education at University of Idaho contributes to strengthening higher education and supporting student success in meaningful and lasting ways.

Please join us in congratulating Cari Fealy, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

As we reflect on commencement weekend, we’re continuing to celebrate the doctoral graduates of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at University of Idaho. Today, we’re recognizing Amanda Moore-Kriwox, Ph.D.

Moore-Kriwox earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with research focused on the professional development needs of secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers across Idaho. Passionate about creating effective and engaging distance-delivered courses, the research examined the current in-service needs of CTE educators to help inform future professional development opportunities statewide.

As education continues to evolve in a rapidly changing digital landscape, this work helps ensure teachers have access to relevant training and support that strengthens learning experiences for students. The study also expanded existing research by incorporating both secondary and postsecondary CTE educators, helping bring postsecondary CTE teachers into the broader body of research surrounding professional development needs.

Moore-Kriwox shared that University of Idaho stood out because of the nationally recognized online programs offered through the EHHS, along with the flexibility needed to balance professional and family responsibilities.

Research like this reflects how doctoral education at the University of Idaho supports educators, strengthens workforce development and helps address the evolving needs of schools and communities across Idaho.

Please join us in congratulating Amanda Moore-Kriwox, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

Today we’re celebrating doctoral graduate Traci Lewis, Ph.D.

Lewis earned a Ph.D. in Education with research focused on Chickasaw students’ higher education attainment and experiences. The dissertation explored how Chickasaw alumni stayed connected to their culture, built resilience and navigated college and life beyond graduation.

By centering Native perspectives, this research highlights the importance of belonging, cultural identity and community in student success. Participants expressed a strong desire to learn more about their culture and language, along with a deep sense of responsibility to give back to their Nation. The work may help inform future Chickasaw education studies and support Native Nations as they continue strengthening programs that help citizens reach their educational goals.

Through this research, Lewis also worked toward reclaiming data for the Chickasaw Nation and reframing information through a Chickasaw lens, helping create a foundation for future educational surveys, interviews and community-driven research efforts.

Lewis will continue working in Germany as a mathematics teacher while using this degree to support future studies in Chickasaw education and contribute to research that centers Native voices and strengthens communities.

Research like this reflects the meaningful impact of doctoral education at the University of Idaho—advancing knowledge, supporting communities and helping address real-world educational challenges.

Please join us in congratulating Traci Lewis, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

Today we’re celebrating doctoral graduate Heather Heward, Ph.D. from the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at University of Idaho.

Heward earned a doctorate in Leadership and Organization Development with research focused on prescribed fire and smoke management practices in Northern Idaho. The work explored how people in the region perceive and use prescribed fire as a tool for reducing excess vegetation and managing land responsibly.

This research matters because prescribed fire plays an important role in reducing wildfire risk and limiting the impacts of smoke on communities. By better understanding how people use fire and where they get information, the findings can help agencies and educators share best practices that promote safer and more effective fire management.

Heward shared that the flexibility and quality of the University of Idaho program made it possible to continue working full time while advancing expertise in the field. After graduation, Heward plans to continue working at University of Idaho while moving into a research-focused role that supports fire training and education efforts nationally.

Research like this demonstrates how doctoral education at University of Idaho contributes to solving real challenges facing communities across Idaho and beyond.

Please join us in congratulating Heather Heward, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

Today we’re continuing to celebrate the doctoral graduates of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Idaho by recognizing Toni Sabala, Ph.D.

Sabala earned a doctorate in Education with a research focus on best practices that support inclusive education for students with disabilities. The dissertation examined how general education teachers monitor and evaluate classroom accommodations in inclusive learning environments.

This work highlights an important challenge in K-12 education: while accommodations are commonly provided to students with disabilities, many teachers are not formally tracking whether those supports are truly effective. By helping educators better monitor and evaluate accommodations, this research supports more informed, data-driven decisions that help ensure students receive the resources and support they need to succeed.

After graduation, Sabala will begin a new role as an Assistant Professor at Lewis-Clark State College and plans to continue researching ways to strengthen inclusive practices for both teachers and students with disabilities.

Research like this reflects the real-world impact of doctoral education at University of Idaho—addressing challenges in schools and helping improve educational experiences for students and educators across our communities.

Please join us in congratulating Toni Sabala and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!

As we continue celebrating the doctoral graduates of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at University of Idaho, today we’re recognizing Raghad Alsaka, Ph.D.

Raghad earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing on educational technology and how graduate students use artificial intelligence tools in academic settings. Her research explored how students use AI for writing, studying and research, and how those tools influence learning experiences and academic decision-making.

As AI rapidly becomes part of higher education, her work provides important insight into how universities can better support students while also addressing concerns surrounding ethics, overreliance and academic integrity. Her research contributes to ongoing conversations about how AI can be used as a meaningful educational tool while helping institutions develop clear expectations and policies.

“Raghad’s dissertation focus is timely and important,” shared her major professor, Janine Darragh, Ph.D. “However, more impressive to me is Raghad’s tenacity. She came here to study, far from home, with her young son and has navigated a new place, position and rigorous academics with poise, positivity and grace.”

Raghad shared that she chose University of Idaho because of its supportive faculty and strong focus on meaningful, practical research in education. Looking ahead, she plans to continue working in higher education through teaching, research and supporting educators in integrating AI thoughtfully and ethically into learning environments.

Please join us in congratulating Raghad Alsaka, Ph.D. and all of our Spring 2026 doctoral graduates!