ISET’s 2023-2024 Doctoral Fellows

Roba Hrisseh, M.Ed., is an ASPIRE OSEP scholar and third year doctoral candidate at George Mason University. Roba has worked in special education for over ten years in various settings such as charter, public, nonprofit, and in private settings primarily as an assistive technology specialist. Roba’s focus within the PhD program is on assistive technology and computer science instruction for students with disabilities. Roba is currently collecting data for her dissertation study, which focuses on integrating computer science and writing instruction for upper elementary students with disabilities. Additionally, she currently works as a graduate research assistant for a research project on using a technology-based graphic organizer to teach persuasive writing skills. Furthermore, Roba is teaching undergraduate courses in special education at George Mason University. Roba is thrilled to be an ISET Fellow for the 2023-2024 year, hoping to continue promoting the use of technology for students with disabilities.

Alice Williams, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a RAISE OSEP scholar and doctoral candidate at Florida State University. Alice was a Speech-Language Pathologist for five years before becoming a self-contained classroom teacher of students with extensive support needs. Alice taught at an elementary school for nine years before returning to school to pursue her doctorate. Her research focuses on evidence-based practices for teaching reading to students with extensive support needs, specifically those students with complex communication needs who use augmentative and alternative communication. As an ISET fellow, Alice is excited for the opportunity to help work towards closing the research to practice gap by sharing evidence based techniques with practitioners and educators related to technology.