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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 º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù, 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. 

Ruhma Raza
Lab Manager

Ruhma is a first-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in Special Education at UMD. She holds a master's degree in clinical psychology and has previously worked with disabled students in º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëùal settings. Her current research focuses on the integration of South Asian students with disabilities into higher º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù, aiming to enhance accessibility and support for this population. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. Balancing serious studies with serious fun, Ruhma is dedicated to making the world a better place—one laugh and one student at a time.

Adithi Soogoor

Adithi Soogoor (she/her) is a senior pursuing a double Bachelor's degree Psychology and Information Systems. 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!

Anjali Sheth

Anjali Sheth (she/her) is a fourth-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at UMD. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience at Temple University. Broadly, Anjali is interested in school-family relationships and reducing the knowledge gap as it relates to special º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù and psychological services. More specifically, she is interested in culturally appropriate research and practice for South Asian youth. Anjali is also interested in developing her skills in diagnosing and intervening in cognitive disabilities. In her free time, Anjali enjoys reading and spending time with loved ones.

Avipsa Hamal

Avipsa Hamal (she/her) is an undergraduate Junior, 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. In her free time, Avipsa likes to go to the gym, hang out with friends, go thrifting, go to concerts, and travel!

Aprille Tejada

Aprille Tejada (they/them) is a senior pursuing a B.S. in psychology with a minor in sustainability. After they graduate, they plan to pursue a PhD in Counseling Psychology with high hopes of becoming a grief and trauma therapist. In their free time, they really love spending time with friends, cooking, playing video games, and fencing! 

Carlos Williams 

Carlos Williams is a Doctoral Candidate in the Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership with an emphasis in Educational Policy and Leadership program at the º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù, College Park.  He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  His research focuses on restorative practices for Black youth in k-12 schools, exploring restorative justice for youth with cognitive delays, and centering cultural awareness within restorative justice practices.

Diamond Emelda Williams

Diamond Emelda Williams is a first-year graduate student working to attain her PhD in Special Education at UMD. She was a special º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù teacher for a decade in NYC and supported teachers as an adjunct professor at Hunter College and with NYC Teaching Fellows. Her current research focus is culturally relevant º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿Ëù and how it manifests at the secondary level for educators and students of color. In her free time, she enjoys jumping rope, watching cartoons, and spending time with her loving husband .