Student Spotlight: Rachel Dickler

Rachel Dickler is a distinguished student at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education Advancing Excellence and Equity in education. Dickler recently placed 3rd in the Rutgers-wide Three-Minute Thesis Competition and also received the P.E.O. Scholar Reward.

Beginning her career in higher education, Dickler first received her undergraduate degree at the College of New Jersey in Special Education and Psychology. Dickler is currently in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Education in the Learning Sciences track. Based on identifying with the mission and innovative research opportunities at the GSE in addition to the experience of her family, friends, and peers, she felt encouraged to enroll at the GSE.

Placing 3rd in the Three-Minute Thesis Competition, was “helpful as practice” for her academic dissertation. Dickler was excited to have the opportunity to share her research with the Rutgers community and also learn about the research being conducted in other areas across the university. She is fascinated by the role of A.I. in education and her research focuses on the current and future implications of its effect on learning environments. Dickler is thankful for her P.E.O scholar award and appreciative of the nomination by the NJ AD P.E.O. Chapter and support from the GSE community. Dickler’s Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Janice Gobert was welcoming as she joined the research team and  has been tremendously helpful in guiding her doctoral studies. She is also thankful for the guidance of Ph.D. director, Dr. Drew Gitomer and Colleen McDermott, both of whom have been extremely helpful in navigating the program including assistance with professional development.

What inspires Dickler most about education is working with and directly supporting teachers and students. This includes evaluating the ways in which technology can support teachers and through that ultimately benefit the learning process of students. Specifically, Dickler is interested in developing technology that is accessible and adaptive to the different circumstances of teachers and students.

To destress, Dickler enjoys jigsaw puzzles, streaming and discovering new shows, and board games with one of her favorites being Monopoly.