2024 Holmes Scholars

Mya Jo Hurtado

Mya Jo Hurtado (they/them) is a disabled Latine student pursuing a Ph.D. in the Higher Education program at Indiana University. Hailing from California, Mya completed their bachelor's degree at the University of California - Merced, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Cognitive Science. They then earned a master's degree in Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs from California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. Mya is deeply committed to addressing the issue of disenfranchisement experienced by underrepresented minority populations in higher education, especially within the disabled community, due to inequitable systemic and institutional practices and policies. Through their research, Mya aims to positively impact this area, as they believe everyone deserves equitable opportunities regardless of their background.

Andrea Lopez

My name is Andrea Lopez (she/her) and I am a first-year school psychology PhD student. I am originally from Madison, WI. I received my undergraduate majors in Psychology (B.A.) and Brain and Cognitive Science (B.S.) at University of Rochester. I was most recently living in Washington, DC working at the Center for Autism where I supported the development and implementation of a school-based executive function intervention for autistic youth. I aspire to be a bilingual (Spanish, English) school psychologist working to address disparities in identification and improve culturally responsive assessments for autistic youth and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities through research and practice.

Kyndall Saunders

Kyndall Saunders is a doctoral student in the Curriculum and Instruction program with a major of Special Education. Kyndall is originally from South Bend, Indiana and holds a B.A degree from Indiana University–Bloomington in Psychology with minors in Human Development, Family Studies, and Sociology. She graduated from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts in 2021 where she obtained her Master of Science in Education and an autism specialization while working at The New England Center for Children. She has also taught K-12 education in Boston Public Schools. Kyndall is passionate about spreading her knowledge and expertise in underserved communities, specifically focusing on Black American women and men. Her research areas include recidivism rates in minority communities, as well as looking into the potential effects of diagnosed disability and special education on the school to prison pipeline. Currently, Kyndall is a licensed special education teacher in Severe Disabilities-all levels. She actively engages in program and service through her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Manabu Taketani

Manabu Taketani is a doctoral student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Program at Indiana University, with nearly a decade of experience in mentoring students and supporting campus communities. He began his career as a Hall Director in the Pacific Northwest and distinguished himself during his tenure at Purdue University from 2018 to 2024, where he received two Bravo Awards for exceptional employee achievements and a Jefferson Award for his significant community contributions. In 2022, he was honored with the Dr. Daniello Balón Mentoring Award by the American College Personnel Association’s Asian Pacific American Network for his impactful work with APIDA students and student affairs professionals. Manabu is dedicated to fostering authenticity, empathy, and humility in his interactions and enjoys spending his spare time with friends, watching movies, and exploring new adventures.