Research Support

 

Maide Orcan Kacan

Maide Orcan Kacan is a researcher. She completed her undergraduate education at Selçuk University, Faculty of Vocational Education, Child Development Department, Early Childhood Teacher Program between 1997-2001, master's education 2001-2004, and doctorate education (2004-2009) on early learning curriculum and materials, and her post-doctoral studies between 2010-2012 at the Learning and Instruction Department from the Graduate School of Education University at Buffalo SUNY. She focused on early math in Drs. Sarama and Clements` Early Math Lab. in University of Buffalo. She worked as a Research Assistant at Selcuk University, Child Development Department/Early Childhood Teacher Program between 2001-2013. She worked at Muğla University as an Assistant Professor between 2013-2014 and as Associate Doctor between 2014-2022. She is still working as a professor and head of the Department of Early Childhood Education at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. She also worked as an assistant principal at Muğla University, Institute of Educational Sciences. She conducts studies on early childhood mathematics education, mathematics and STEM for teachers, childrens and families

Jaclyn Eccesso

Jaclyn Eccesso is a Research Assistant with the Marsico Institute working on the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Childhood (STEMIEE) grant. Jaclyn was a special education teacher since 2015 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.

Marion Carilli

Marion Carilli is currently a graduate student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Denver. Marion graduated from The College of Charleston with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She eventually wants to work with children/adolescents and is passionate about helping them advocate for their needs and wants. Marion is currently a research assistant for Marsico Institute, working on coding research and the LT2 site. In her free time, Marion enjoys hiking, skiing, walking in Washington Park, thrift shopping, getting coffee, and exploring all of the things the city of Denver has to offer, including all the yummy food. 

 

Luke Clements

Luke Clements is a Research Assistant with the Marsico Institute. He is working on 508 compliance videos for the LT2 website. He is majoring in cybersecurity. He enjoys mountain biking, video games, and playing guitar. 

Nebeyu Eguale

Nebeyu is a third-year undergraduate student studying Computer Science at the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Denver. He is passionate about computer science and math; and engages profoundly in these fields both academically and non-academically. He hopes that he can continue with this path to become a software engineer. He is currently a Web Developer for the Marisco Institute working on supporting the institute’s [LT]2 website.

Erin Jamieson

Erin Jamieson joins Marsico as a Research Assistant. Erin has supported research and evaluation initiatives in education in the Denver area for over ten years, with an emphasis on early childhood. She has supported quality data collection in a range of community projects, including the Denver Preschool Project, Clayton Early Learning, and Marsico's Evaluation of Learning Trajectories in Early Childhood. Currently, she is helping to improve the accuracy of translated material with STEMIIEE. She is also a mom to two great kids, manager of a busy household, and just recently mastered the art of the homemade bagel.

 

Stephen Derenski

Stephen Derenski is currently a second-year undergraduate student studying Computer Science in the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Denver. He hopes to continue his profound interest in the field by becoming a software engineer. Stephen is currently a Web Developer that works on supporting the LT2 website. In his free time, Stephen enjoys exploring and climbing the mountains of Colorado.