MCS alum graduates with PhD from University of Washington

On June 14, Jasmin Niedo Jones, Mt. Carmel School alumna and former Public School System teacher, received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Psychology – Learning Sciences and Human Development from the University of Washington in Seattle.

The University of Washington held the distinction of receiving the most federal research funding among all U.S. public universities for over 30 years (1974-2009). Since 2009, it continues to hold a place as one of the top two highest recipients. In addition, the university’s College of Education ranks seventh among the U.S. News Best Education Schools.

Jasmin Niedo Jones, a Mt. Carmel School alumna and former Public School System teacher, receives her doctorate degree in Educational Psychology – Learning Sciences and Human Development from the University of Washington in Seattle on June 14, 2014. (Contributed Photo)

In her first year of doctoral study, Niedo Jones worked as a research assistant in the U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation Grant. Her experience supervising students’ use of a computerized rapid accelerated program to improve reading fluency and comprehension resulted in the co-authorship of an article published in Learning Disability Quarterly.

From 2012-2014, Niedo Jones also participated as a research assistant in the UW Learning Disabilities Center, which is funded by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. As part of the center’s goal to identify and treat specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other oral and written language learning disabilities, she assisted in the assessment and instructional supervision of participants.

Additional opportunities for co-authorship included the publication of Niedo Jones’ research and inquiry project in the journal of Learning and Individual Differences, a chapter in Essentials of Planning, Selecting and Tailoring Interventions, and a manuscript on levels of language currently pending for review. She also served as member of the advisory panel for the American Psychological Association’s upcoming book, Interdisciplinary Frameworks for Schools: Best Professional Practices for Serving the Needs of All Students.

Since 2011, Niedo Jones was also a recipient of the Rachel Royston Permanent Scholarship. The scholarship supports women educators who demonstrate potential for distinction in their field.

Niedo Jones credits the investment of her parents, Juanito and Esther Niedo, in her education at MCS and the school’s “challenging yet amazing teachers,” such as former English teacher Ellie Friedman, for preparing her to successfully navigate the rigorous demands of higher education. In her words, “I am immeasurably blessed and grateful to stand on the shoulders of great teachers and the prayers of family and friends.” (PR)