Blue Sky Learning Advocates

Amanda Catey

Amanda Catey is an undergraduate student researcher with the Blue Sky Lab. Amanda is currently majoring in physics and minors in psychology in the College of Science at Purdue University. She first joined the Heads Up Program Evaluation Team as a 2024-2025 Office of Undergraduate Research Scholar where she is learning about the research design process and data analysis strategies. Amanda brings a passion and understanding of working with kids and a motivated work ethic to the research team and enjoys observing the impact her work has on the community. Outside of her work with the Blue Sky Lab and Heads Up, Amanda also enjoys coaching gymnastics for kids ages 2-14 and volunteering in her local community.

acatey@purdue.edu

Hannah Krouse

Hannah Krouse is an undergraduate student researcher with the Blue Sky Lab. Hannah is currently majoring in Psychology in the School of Arts, Sciences & Education at Ivy Tech Community College. She first joined the Heads Up Program Evaluation Team in the Blue Sky Lab as a 2024 Blue Sky Summer Scholar where she is learning about data analysis in afterschool program focus groups and utilizing data from research to problem-solve. Hannah brings previous psychology research experience and collaboration skills to the research team. She values the dedication that the staff and volunteers have to the Heads Up program, plus she enjoys the positive environment that the afterschool program provides to youth in the community. Outside of her work with the Blue Sky Lab and Heads Up, Hannah is also the Vice President of Scholarship in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Columbus Chapter, which supports leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship in the community. She also volunteers in her local community. For fun, Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, plus reading a good book!

khrouse1@purdue.edu

Lydia Gonzalez

Lydia Gonzalez is an undergraduate student researcher with the Blue Sky Lab. Lydia is currently majoring in General Management in the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business at Purdue University. She first joined the Heads Up Program Evaluation Team in the Blue Sky Lab in the summer of 2024 where she is learning about how to assess a community’s needs and code data to form meaningful insights. Lydia brings her past tutoring experiences and communication skills to the research team. She values fostering a sense of community and building connections with the kids in afterschool programs. Outside of her work with the Blue Sky Lab and Heads Up, Lydia also volunteers at the Klondike Kids Club tutoring K-3rd graders.

lsgonzal@purdue.edu

Rose Mbewe

Rose Mbewe is a mathematics education PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction in Purdue’s College of Education. She earned her MSc at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Zambia. Her research interests are on global social justice in mathematics education. She is passionate about creating equitable learning environments for every student. She has worked as site director for Purdue CDF Freedom School, a summer program for local youth.

Shiv Kothari

Shiv Kothari is an undergraduate student researcher with the Blue Sky Lab. Shiv is currently majoring in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in the College of Science at Purdue University West Lafayette. He first joined the Heads Up Program Evaluation Team in the 2024-2025 Office of Undergraduate Research Scholar where he is learning about qualitative research and community based research. Shiv brings his experience in Data Analytics and Data Science to the research team and is motivated to help improve after school programs and give back to the society. Outside of his work with the Blue Sky Lab and Heads Up, Shiv also works at Purdue University in the Computer Science department as a teaching assistant and a student ambassador. Shiv also enjoys playing and watching sports and he loves to travel.

kothar23@purdue.edu

Zainub Kokan

Zainub Kokan is an undergraduate student researcher with the Blue Sky Lab. Zainub is currently double majoring in data science and mathematics education in the College of Science at Purdue University. She first joined the Heads Up Program Evaluation team in the Blue Sky Lab as a 2024-2025 Office of Undergraduate Research Scholar where she is learning about mixed-methods research in educational settings and program evaluation to support strategic planning and program improvement. Zainub brings data management and statistical modeling skills as well as experience tutoring students in math at an afterschool program to the research team. She appreciates the community and support that afterschool programs provide to students who may not have that elsewhere. Outside of her work with the Blue Sky Lab, Zainub also works as a Student Pedagogy Advocate through Purdue’s Center for Instructional Excellence to help faculty assess and improve pedagogy, communication, and accessibility in their classes.

kokan@purdue.edu