University of Cincinnati
The people behind R.O.S.E.
We explore how engineering education can expand opportunity, support well-being, and create meaningful pathways into STEM.
Lab director
Dr. Whitney B. Gaskins
Associate Professor of Engineering and Computing Education at the University of Cincinnati and director of R.O.S.E. — Removing Obstacles for STEM Excellence.
Her research connects engineering education with student experiences, identity, neurodiversity, well-being, and the learning environments that shape opportunity.
Our current team
Doctoral researchers
Different perspectives. Shared curiosity. Research that puts people at the center.
Doctoral researcher
Chidera Osaji
Chidera Osaji is a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education at the University of Cincinnati with a background in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology. Her research and professional interests center on understanding how engineering education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration can create meaningful pathways into engineering and STEM careers. Her experience spans biomedical research, engineering education, machine learning, medical device development, and STEM outreach.
More about Chidera
As a graduate researcher in the ROSE Lab, Chidera contributes to multidisciplinary research projects involving experimental design, data collection and analysis, and the development of engineering-focused educational programming in collaboration with academic, industry, and community partners.
Her previous research experience includes cardiovascular tissue engineering, machine learning applications for traumatic brain injury detection, and the design of medical imaging technologies.
Beyond research, Chidera is passionate about leadership, mentorship, student engagement, and expanding opportunities for students to explore engineering. Through leadership roles with organizations including the National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Women Engineers, she has developed experience in professional development, program coordination, community engagement, and student leadership.
She is particularly interested in research that connects engineering education with student experiences, identity, access, and career development, with the goal of contributing to more inclusive and engaging pathways into engineering.
Doctoral researcher
Uchenna Uchechukwu
Uchenna Uchechukwu is a Ph.D. student in the R.O.S.E. Lab, Department of Engineering and Computing Education at the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering and Applied Science. His research focuses on how students develop the habits of mind needed to navigate uncertainty, creativity, and complex problem-solving in engineering contexts. His work sits at the intersection of engineering formation, leadership and mentorship, engineering culture, and engineering degree and nondegree pathways.
More about Uchenna
Uchenna holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Federal Polytechnic Owerri, Nigeria, with a concentration in manufacturing. During his undergraduate studies, he served as a teaching assistant, where he developed strong instructional skills and formed meaningful connections with students.
Prior to beginning his doctoral studies, he taught STEM courses at Government Secondary School Lambar, Tureta, supporting diverse learners in foundational STEM subjects and strengthening his commitment to student-centered education.
Doctoral researcher
Kyle Turner
Kyle Turner is an education leader at the University of Cincinnati with more than a decade of experience in program leadership, workforce education, and project management. He leads STEM education initiatives that connect students with engineering and career pathways through strategic partnerships with industry, higher education, and community organizations.
More about Kyle
His work focuses on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening education ecosystems, and managing complex, externally funded programs that create meaningful impact for students and communities. Kyle is a current doctoral student in Engineering Education at the University of Cincinnati with a research focus on pre-college students and civic engagement.
The next generation of discovery
Undergraduate researchers
Computer Science · Undergraduate researcher
A.J. Tucker
A.J. Tucker is a first-year Computer Science major at the University of Cincinnati. He is interested in researching the impacts biotechnology can have on the first-year engineering experience, considering stressors including financial security, mental health, and social well-being.
He is studying computational and algorithmic thinking with a focus on data science and structural analysis to investigate societal needs and use collected data to develop meaningful projects for his peers and community.
Psychology · Undergraduate researcher
Katelyn Benoit
Katelyn Benoit is an undergraduate student at the University of Cincinnati studying psychology. Her research interests include stress, burnout, emotional trauma, and other mental health-related topics.
Photo coming soon
Undergraduate researcher
Alex Davenport
Biography coming soon.
Part of the R.O.S.E. story
Alumni & former postdocs
Former graduate advisees
University of Cincinnati Department of Engineering and Computing Education graduates advised by Dr. Whitney B. Gaskins.
- Samieh Khanamani Askarian
- Mark Onyango
- Elizabeth Meintel
Former postdoctoral researchers
- Dr. Ahjah Johnson
- Dr. Elahe Vahidi
Research with purpose