Dana Nickson is a first year doctoral student in the PhD program in Educational Studies with a concentration in Foundations of Education and Policy at The University of Michigan. Prior to Dana's studies, she worked as a college counselor and life-skills teacher. Dana also spent a year working at an education advocacy organization in Khayelitsha, South Africa. Her research interests and desire to pursue a PhD grow out of a love for working with and learning from high school students. Dana's research interests include urban education reform, race and racism, education equity, and youth culture. In her free time, Dana enjoys live music, traveling, and spirited conversation. You can contact Dana at [email protected].