Quinesha Bentley is a doctoral student in sociology. Her research focuses on the intersections of race, economics, and law, with a particular interest in the processes of commensuration, quantification, and valuation in the awarding of monetary damages in tort litigation—especially in cases involving mass shootings at educational and religious institutions. In addition to her academic work, Quinesha is collaborating with Illinois State Senator Paul Faraci to expand access to early childhood education for children ages 1–5. The project explores how early exposure to educational curricula—particularly in reading—contributes to long-term developmental outcomes. This initiative seeks to examine how institutional structure, curriculum design, and resource access shape early learning experiences and to develop scalable solutions that can mitigate disparities and be implemented across the state of Illinois. 

Anna Barkley is a doctoral student in education policy, organization, and leadership whose research centers equity in higher education, with a specific focus on student-centered, asset-based college readiness theory and policy. She leverages her experience with both qualitative and statistical methodology to explore the policy dimensions of college equity, and is applying this knowledge and skill set in her role with State Representative Carol Ammons to examine possibilities for equitable higher education funding formulas for the state of Illinois.  

Bhakti Verma is a doctoral student in curriculum and instruction, and is collaborating with State Representative Brandun Schweizer on a literacy project for Illinois’ 104th District. Their project aims to investigate the literacy levels in the elementary schools in the district and to get perspectives from different stakeholders on the implementation of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan.