Research Support

Jaclyn Eccesso

Jaclyn Eccesso is a Research Assistant with the Marsico Institute working on the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Childhood (STEMIEE) grant. She supports inclusive research and practice-based initiatives alongside to ensure equitable access to educational STEM resources for all. Her work includes developing inclusive STEM activities, engaging in inclusive STEM research, and providing support to improve inclusive practices across all projects  Jaclyn worked as an early childhood special education teacher in both public and private settings before joining the Marsico Institute in 2020. She graduated from DU’s Morgridge College of Education with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education in 2018. Prior to becoming a teacher, Jaclyn worked in Chicago Public Schools creating and leading mindfulness and movement classes for young children. Since then, she has presented at a number of conferences on the benefits of mindfulness, movement, and meditation for children with disabilities.  

Emily Thumann is a Research Associate at the Marsico Institute for Early Learning.  She conducts classroom observations and child assessments, as well as supporting professional development interventions. Applying her teaching experiences and training in the Clements and Sarama approach to learning trajectories, she engages early childhood educators to use formative assessment and research-validated teaching strategies to accelerate young children’s math learning and development.  She is a former educator with experience working with children with disabilities. Her successful career in education led to an interest in educational research. Since joining the Marsico Institute for Early Learning, she has applied her excellent rapport with children and practical experience in the classroom to her work supporting learning interventions.  

Erin Jamieson

Erin Jamieson is a Research Associate at the Marsico Institute for Early Learning.  She conducts child assessments in both English and Spanish, supports development and translation of learning activities, and organizes study materials such as consents and survey data. As part of the Bajillions Team, she also facilitates participant communication to connect teachers, parents, and their children to our learning games. She has over 15 years of experience working with young children and families – both in formal and informal settings. Her work in assessment and evaluation has provided her with experience observing in classrooms, conducting child assessments, using various learning management systems, organizing logistics of assessment, and providing reports for school districts. She earned her BA in Humanities with concentrations in Sociology, Philosophy, and Spanish. As an extension of her dedication to children and families, she is a certified yoga instructor specializing in prenatal methods.

Catherine Vancik has 20 years of teaching experience, with a background working in special education, as well as teaching kindergarten and first grade. She earned her BA in Psychology and MA in Education from the University of Michigan, where she was enrolled in the Masters of Arts and Certification (MAC) program, an accelerated teaching and certification study. She first served in the role of first grade teacher in Paris, France as a preschool aide - becoming immersed in new cultures (42 countries were represented at our school!) and delving into international curriculum. In her time with Marsico, she received training in the REMA and supported assessment of early learners in mathematics. Additionally, she has worked alongside neurodiverse learners in Colorado. Her ability to gather and analyze student research data has supported her learning about young children and creating engaging curriculum for them.