Postsecondary Transition and Equity Lab (PTEL)
Our Team
Dr. Sehrish Shikarpurya
Assistant Professor
Dr. Sehrish Shikarpurya (She/Her) is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research takes a critical and comprehensive approach to understanding the multifaceted impact of intersectional and marginalized identities, such as race and disability, on the postsecondary transition outcomes of racially minoritized young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Specifically, her work centers on postsecondary transition and equity across three interconnected strands: (a) strengthening culturally competent and equity-focused family-centered interventions, (b) reexamining policies and practices to increase pathways of economic and social mobility, and (c) reshaping community engagement and social belonging for racially minoritized young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Her work is guided by an equity-focused perspective aimed at ameliorating systemic inequities to ensure that all racially minoritized young adults have the opportunity to live meaningful lives while actively participating in the broader social and economic landscape of their communities.
She has published in top-tier peer-reviewed journals, presented at multiple conferences, served in leadership positions for national organizations, and conducted workshops for schools, communities, and non-profit organizations. She is also committed to community-driven research partnerships and is currently working alongside organizations serving racially minoritized families of children with disabilities across DMV and Texas. [Bio]
Anjali Sheth
Anjali Sheth (she/her) is a third year doctoral student in the School Psychology program. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience at Temple University. Broadly, Anjali is interested in culturally appropriate research, practice, and interventions for South Asian American youth. Specifically, she is interested in understanding and reducing the gap between schools and families as it relates to assessment processes, goals, and outcomes. Anjali has a newfound love for reading and reads as much as she can during her free time.
Amrina Rangar
Amrina Rangar (she/her) is a First-Year Masters Student in Higher Education program. She earned her B.A. in History, and now engages research interests in BIPOC college student experiences, History of Higher Ed & it's modern impacts, crisis response in higher education, first-gen college access. In her free time, Amrina enjoys creatively writing, scrapbooking travel experiences, cooking, and reading.
Adithi Soogoor
Adithi Soogoor (she/her) is an undergraduate Junior, Psychology and Information Systems (double major). She has a passion for DEI psychology, specifically when applying it to the workforce to foster a positive professional requirement. In her free time, Adithi enjoys crocheting, spending time with friends and going out to fun places like cafes and shops!
Avipsa Hamal
Avipsa Hamal (she/her) is an undergraduate Sophomore, pursuing a B.S. in Psychology and Minor in Asian American Studies. Her research interests include culturally competent mental health care and resources for marginalized groups, specifically researching solutions for unique issues pertaining to the South Asian community. Additionally, Avipsa is interested in researching children and adolescent psychology looking at effects of childhood trauma, cultural experiences, and racial adversities. Currently serving as the Vice President of External Affairs for the Asian American Student Union at UMD she has organized events centered around solidarity and advocacy for various issues surrounding the APIDA community on campus. In her free time, Avispa likes to go to the gym, listen to music, hang out with friends, go thrifting, go to concerts, and travel!
Ida Caternor
Ida Caternor (she/her) is an Undergraduate Senior, pursuing a B.S. in Public Health Science and a Minor in Human Development. She has a passion for equitable education in underserved communities. Her research interests include administration policies and its impact on building community within schools and educational attainment. She hopes to further research on disciplinary action and its efficacy in subjective environments. In her free time, Ida enjoys travel documentaries, expanding her palate through cooking & traditional cuisines, thrifting and reading the Bible.