Fellowships

Julianna Casella, a native of Merrick, Long Island, is enrolled in the counseling and school psychology doctoral program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology with a minor in writing from SUNY at Stony Brook. She aims for a career that combines work as a school psychologist with academic research focused on crisis prevention and intervention in schools.

Swapna Balkundi, a native of Hyderabad, India, is studying for her doctorate in counseling and school psychology. During her studies in India, she earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology at Shadan Degree College and a master’s degree in English literature at Osmania University. At UB she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology.

Iman Lathan, a San Diego native, is studying for her doctorate in educational culture, policy, and society in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and print journalism and a master’s degree in education from Hope International University.

Gabriella Martinez, a Tyler, Texas native, is enrolled in the counseling and school psychology doctoral program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in counseling from the University of North Texas. She chose GSE for its emphasis on diversity and social justice.

Carly Pershyn grew up in Buffalo and is enrolled in the counseling and school psychology doctoral program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and arts and letters from SUNY Buffalo State College, with a concentration in sex and gender. She chose GSE because of its focus on social justice and women’s advocacy and her interest in research, teaching and private-practice training.

Chelsea Rodriguez, an educational culture, policy and society doctoral student, intends to develop the discourse about Latinx and bicultural young people as a professor one day. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from San Antonio’s Trinity University. Her experience growing up in the Rio Grande Valley border community led to her interest in bicultural identity.