Kita Adams, M.Ed.

Ph.D., Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies
Graduate certificate candidate, Public Policy

Kita Adams is a fourth-year doctoral student in higher education leadership and policy studies whose research focuses on Black students in U.S. medical schools. She opted for the graduate certificate in public policy to better understand how policy shapes the educational experience of Black students in undergraduate medical programs. Adams holds a master's degree in education leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a bachelor's in communications from the University of Texas at Austin. On campus, she is president of the Higher Education Student Association, whose community facilitates academic, professional and personal development among higher education students. 

Corissa Barrow, M.A., LMFT Associate

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology
Minor, Health Psychology

Corissa Barrow is a second-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program with a minor in health psychology. She is investigating and conducting research to address social and health inequities among historically marginalized populations. On campus, Barrow works as a research assistant for the Latino and Behavioral Health Research Team (LABHRT) within the Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, where her research aims to improve prevention interventions and recovery for tobacco-related and behavioral health disparities. Currently, she trains as a psychologist at UH's Psychology Practicum site in the Houston Fire Department's Psychology Unit. Barrow is also a provisionally licensed Couples and Family Therapist in Texas and received her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. 

Abeeha Arshad

B.A., Political Science
Minor, Law, Value, and Policy and Corporate Communications

Abeeha Arshad is a first-generation student majoring in political science and double minoring in law, value and policy and corporate communications. Her pursuit of a legal career began as a litigator at the University of Houston Mock Trial Association. She was introduced to public service as a Hobby School Civic Houston Intern in the office of Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Arshad has continued developing her skills as a communications and outreach intern in the Harris County Attorney’s Office, contributing to implementing strategic communications plans and projects, including public information, contract development and media relations. In this role, Arshad managed multiple campaigns and initiatives such as the Summer Legal Academy, the Lasting Legacies Initiative and the Legal Symposium.

Kalena Holeman

B.A., English Literature
Minors, Creative Work, Classical Studies

Kalena is a junior pursuing an undergraduate degree in English literature with minors in creative work and classical studies. As a 2023 UH Mellon Research Scholar, she researched Dante’s Divine Comedy in Black women’s writing. Her interest in leadership and ethics stems from her research and involvement at the University of Houston and her internships in non-profit and archival work, including at the Houston African American Research Center and Rice University’s Woodson Research Center. In addition to her work as a Mellon Scholar, she is the undergraduate research advisor for the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards and a digital research specialist for the Digital Humanities Core Facility. Holeman is also an officer in the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the English Undergraduate Association. After graduation, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in English to merge her interests in research, non-profit work and supporting marginalized voices through teaching. 

Amani Itani, M.A.

Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction

Amani Itani is a doctoral student in her second year at the University of Houston, studying curriculum and instruction with a focus on learning design and technology. She has previously worked at the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and as an instructor at Houston Community College. Itani’s research interests include the intersection between education and technology, focusing on integrating artificial intelligence into education. Her explorations also encompass curriculum planning methodologies and cultivating 21st-century skills within modern educational landscapes. 

Michael King

B.S, Political Science
Minors, Psychology, Public Leadership

Michael King is a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in political science with minors in psychology and public leadership. As a summer 2022 Houston Early Research Experience participant studying policy effects on public health and other disparities affecting the day-to-day functionality of urban communities, he set his goal toward a Master of Public Policy following graduation. His most recent work involved a Hobby School Civic Houston Internship through the Harris County Attorney's Office, aiding in policy research and outreach. King is interested in expanding the accessibility of easily readable analytical policy information to increase voter knowledge and build interest.