Learn more about Sarah Quinn, graduating from our Special Education PhD program, through our Graduate Spotlight series

"My advice to incoming students: take advantage of training opportunities, ask lots of questions, notice and keep track of what you are passionate about as you dive into reading and engaging with research.” –Sarah Quinn

Meet Sarah Quinn 👋 (she/her) from West Hartford, Connecticut who is graduating from the College of Education's Special Education PhD program.

During her time at UO, Sarah held leadership roles in the UO’s student chapter of the Council of Exceptional Children which helped prepare her to support pre-service educators and translate research to practice. 

Sarah will also complete the program as an OSEP scholar through Professor Wendy Machalicek's leadership grant, Project Co-LEAD, which enhanced her education with additional seminars, networking opportunities with other universities, and resources for research.

The SPED program’s robust training in research methodologies prepared Sarah for her career as an educator. She is thankful to have been surrounded by peers and faculty who are passionate about tackling issues in schools. 

Following graduation, Sarah will be an assistant professor of special education at Eastern Michigan University. #DuckGrad24 🎓

Did you have any clubs/organizations/resources that had a positive impact on you during your time at the UO? What have you gained from being involved with these clubs/organizations/resources? Ex: helped you find community, develop leadership skills through leadership roles, made your time at UO memorable.

During my time at UO I held leadership roles in our student chapter of the Council of Exceptional Children, which is a national organization that has conferences, journals, and numerous other resources to support professionals and researchers. That experience has helped me think about ways to support pre-service educators and translate research to practice. 

I was also fortunate to complete my doctoral program as an OSEP scholar through Dr. Machalicek's leadership grant, Project Co-LEAD, which enhanced the training we receive here with additional seminars, networking opportunities with other universities, and resources for research. 

How did the Special Education program prepare you for your career?

The Special Education PhD program prepared me for being a faculty member by providing robust training in research methodologies alongside flexible opportunities to engage with a variety of research teams and projects. 

I have been lucky to be surrounded by peers who are passionate and engaged in tackling issues in our schools today. I have also found opportunities to support pre-service special educators in their classes and student teaching placements, which is such an important part of this career. 

What are your plans following graduation?

I'll be starting as an assistant professor of special education at Eastern Michigan University this fall!

What advice would you give incoming/current students?

Take advantage of training opportunities, ask lots of questions, notice and keep track of what you are passionate about as you dive into reading and engaging with research.

Where is a place on campus you would come back to specifically visit?

The Knight Library reading room with a lavender latte from the library cafe!