Sheiree Powell, Ed.D.

Sheiree Powell, Ed.D. (SEAL Cohort 6), is a dedicated and accomplished secondary science educator with over 15 years of experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and curriculum development. She holds multiple Connecticut certifications, including biology, TESOL, adult education and school administration.

Location

Sheiree is from Norwalk, Connecticut, a community that has profoundly shaped her commitment to education, service and advocacy.

Current place of employment

Sheiree serves as a secondary science educator and STEM coordinator in Norwalk. In addition to her teaching and coordination roles, she holds various leadership positions, including serving as a board member for a nonprofit and mentoring students across Fairfield County.

Research Topic

Her research focuses on addressing the imposter phenomenon in adolescents, particularly among students from underrepresented backgrounds. She is also deeply interested in exploring how neuroscience can enhance understanding of social emotional learning (SEL) and its impact on brain development, emotional regulation and decision-making. Specifically, her research examines how SEL strategies can support executive functioning, resilience and overall academic outcomes. Sheiree is passionate about integrating neuroscience-based approaches into SEL frameworks to help educators foster effective leadership skills, while promoting equity within diverse school settings.

How has the Holmes Scholars Program benefited your career journey?

The Holmes Scholar Program has provided Sheiree with an invaluable network of like-minded scholars and mentors dedicated to educational equity. This community has inspired her to deepen her research in culturally responsive SEL and explore its potential to transform school cultures for underrepresented students. Additionally, Sheiree believes the program will strengthen her leadership and research skills, enhancing her capacity to make a lasting impact on students and educators alike.

If you could give advice to a prospective student looking to apply to be a Holmes Scholar, what would you say to them?

Sheiree encourages prospective Homes Scholars to embrace this opportunity wholeheartedly. The Holmes Scholar Program is not only an academic fellowship but also a supportive network where scholars can grow as researchers, leaders and advocates for equity. She advises applicants to view this opportunity as a chance to challenge themselves, amplify their voices and contribute meaningfully to the field of education.

What is the most memorable thing you have accomplished being part of the Holmes Scholars Program?

Sheiree expects that one of the most memorable accomplishments of her journey as a Holmes Scholar will be her research presentation on adolescent imposter syndrome and culturally responsive SEL at the national American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) 2025 annual meeting conference, Beyond the Horizon: Charting the Course for Educator Preparation. Sharing her work and connecting with other scholars and educators dedicated to equity and inclusion will be an inspiring and empowering milestone in her career.