Division C Shark Tank: Graduate Students Pitch Equity and Inclusion–Focused Research Designs for Funding

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

The Division C Equity and Inclusion and Graduate Student Committees are co-hosting the 7th annual Division C ‘Shark Tank’ (2026). Modeled after the popular television show by the same name, this research design competition offers our graduate student members interested in equity and inclusion a unique way of funding their research ideas. Finalists have been selected to make their “pitch” to a set of judges live at AERA 2026. The proposed research must examine inquiry into learning and instruction with a focus on the experiences of (an) underrepresented group(s) and/or international populations with cultural constructs and/or theoretical frameworks. A Shark Tank winner will be selected by the judges and a People’s Choice Award will be determined through an online voting platform.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction

Chairs

• Barbara Thelamour, Swarthmore College

• Rebecca Myers, Montclair State University

• Micaha Dean Hughes, North Carolina State University

• Helenrose Fives, Montclair State University

Participants

• DeMarcus A Jenkins, University of Pennsylvania

• Charlotte A. Agger, Indiana University

• Richard Carlos L. Velasco, University of Florida

• Allison Zengilowski, Lehigh University

Session Organizer

• DeLeon Gray, North Carolina State University