Dr. Rashida Banerjee's area of interest are effective assessment of young children, especially issues around diversity, inclusive intervention for young children, personnel development, and effective community, family, and professional partnerships. In her most recent role as a Professor, Early Childhood Special Education Program Coordinator, and Director for the Center for Early Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Northern Colorado, Dr. Banerjee has demonstrated commitment to students, preparation of well-prepared personnel in education, and collaboration with colleagues. In accordance with her interests, Dr. Banerjee has published articles, book chapters, received grants, and presented at numerous local, national, and international conferences. Her current national projects funded through the Department of Education, specifically focus on preparing well qualified early childhood and early childhood special educators. She has served on the Division for Early Childhood Board and currently serves on the DEC Recommended Practices Committee responsible for ensuring the development and use of evidenced based practices in early childhood. She also serves as the Editor for Journal for International Special Needs Education.

A Colorado native, Kara Duggan comes to Morgridge College of Education from the University of Wyoming. There, she received a Bachelor of Arts in English with professional and creative writing minors, and then worked on campus in a variety of positions. As an office associate for the Wyoming School-University Partnership, Duggan gained experience in conference planning, marketing, and collaborating with educators across the state. Duggan then worked as the project coordinator for UW’s Sensory Biology Center (SBC). She managed the accounting, assisted the primary investigators and graduate students, and developed communication strategies for the center. At Morgridge, Duggan is thrilled to support students and faculty in the Teacher Education Preparation and Curriculum and Instruction programs. She also will help coordinate events for the Higher Education department and assist with its newsletters and reports. When not at MCE, Duggan enjoys exploring all the activities and events DU has to offer, playing in Denver, and hanging out with family in Fort Collins.