As a university-based research center, FCRR is committed to preparing future researchers and leaders. FCRR faculty provide mentorship and training to undergraduate and graduate students across Florida State University. Through courses, research assistantships, and practice/policy apprenticeships, students become members of a large interdisciplinary intellectual community.
Student Spotlight
Researcher Spotlight
ASHLEY SPOSATO
Doctoral Student
Curriculum and Instruction
Project TRANSLATE
Ashley Sposato is a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education. She is also a Project TRANSLATE fellow, working under the mentorship of Dr. Jenny Root. Before beginning her doctoral studies, Ashley worked in Leon County Schools, where she taught in a self-contained ESE classroom (K–5) and discovered her passion for supporting diverse learners. She also has experience teaching first grade and providing reading intervention. In her final year in the district, she served as a behavior specialist, focusing on the implementation of behavior support strategies in classrooms. Ashley’s research interests focus on differentiating instruction and increasing access to the general curriculum to support and improve literacy outcomes for students with disabilities.
Researcher Spotlight
LAUREL GARRISON
Doctoral Student
SPECIAL EDUCATION
PROJECT TRANSLATE
Laurel is currently a Ph.D student in Special Education as a part of the School of Teacher Education. She has a research interest in raising student literacy and learning opportunities particularly in students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has additional research interests in behavioral analysis and learning strategies for students with behavioral disorders. Laurel completed her Bachelor of Arts at Flagler college earning a degree in Elementary Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Her Master’s was earned at Florida State University in Educational Psychology.
Researcher Spotlight
MARLEIGH ELMORE
Doctoral Student
Curriculum and Instruction
PROJECT TRANSLATE
Marleigh Elmore is a Curriculum and Instruction Ph.D. student in the School of Teacher Education, majoring in Reading Education. She is a Project TRANSLATE fellow working with Dr. Sonia Cabell. Marleigh graduated in 2023 from Florida State University Panama City with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She holds endorsements in Reading Education, Gifted Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Literacy Coaching. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Marleigh taught second grade in Bay County, Florida. Her research interests include improving reading and language comprehension in young children and translating educational research into effective practice for diverse educational stakeholders.
Featured Student Products
FCRR faculty create opportunities for students to disseminate research in variety of ways with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, educators, clinicians, policy makers, community leaders, families, and caregivers. Please explore our student-developed resources below.
