Isaak DeMaio is a first-year PhD student in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning. He hopes to research how cumulative high-stakes standardized testing (specifically New York State Regents Examinations) is an inequitable approach to student learning and assessment. His current interests include state learning standards, TI-Nspire calculators, the impact of COVID-19 on graduation and dropout rates, and learning computer science. Many of his research interests come from problems he has seen being a mathematics and special education teacher. Isaak holds a Masters in Education in Adolescence Mathematics Education from the University of Buffalo (UB) and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille College. He spent time within public, private, and charter schools as a general education, special class, and co-teacher, adjuncting undergraduate classes, and served as a TA in UB’s Gifted Math Program. Isaak enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and step-son and playing strategy games.