personal photo of Micaha Dean Hughes, M.S.Ed

Micaha Dean Hughes, M.S.Ed

Tagline:Mattering Researcher | Community Builder and Collaborator | Strategic, Futuristic Thinker

Raleigh, NC, USA

About Me

I’m a people-first mattering researcher and education strategist who bridges the gap between insight and implementation. I specialize in mixed methods research and program development that centers positive youth identity development in educational and community spaces.

I thrive at the intersection of research, people, and purpose, using data and empathy to design systems that work for students, school admin, and communities.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

    from: 2021, until: 2026

    Field of study:Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, Educational PsychologySchool:North Carolina State University

  • Master of Science - MS

    from: 2018, until: 2021

    Field of study:STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) EducationSchool:University of Kentucky

  • Bachelor of Arts - BA

    from: 2011, until: 2015

    Field of study:Integrated Strategic Communication, Public RelationsSchool:University of Kentucky

Research Interests

  • Sense of Mattering
  • Middle-to-Late Adolescence
  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Community-Engaged Research
  • Youth-Led Measurement

Publications

  • Mitigating Rural Flight: The Role of a Place-based Engineering Curriculum in Strengthening Community Assets

    DocumentPublisher:American Society for Engineering EducationDate:2024
    Authors:
  • University–Museum Partnerships for K-12 Engineering Learning: Understanding the Utility of a Community Co-Created Informal Education Program in a Time of Social Disruption

    DocumentPublisher:Education SciencesDate:2024
    Authors:
  • Exploring the Impact of Pre-college STEM Exposure on First-year Engineering Student Self-efficacy

    DocumentPublisher:Master's ThesisDate:2021
    Authors:

Work Experiences

  • Graduate Research Assistant

    from: 2022, until: present

    Organization:NC State College of EducationLocation:Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

    Description:

    Mixed Methods Research & Evaluation Support
    Contributed to education research and program evaluation projects using mixed methods approaches, supporting efforts to assess impact and inform decision-making within K–12 settings.

    Literature Review & Research Synthesis
    Organized and synthesized scholarly articles and reports to support literature reviews and theoretical framing for ongoing research studies and evaluation reports.

    Data Collection & Analysis
    Assisted with qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Supported data cleaning, coding, and preliminary analysis to generate insights for reporting.

    Reporting & Communication
    Edited and prepared memos, evaluation reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with project goals.

  • Course Instructor

    from: 2024, until: 2024

    Organization:North Carolina State UniversityLocation:Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

    Description:

    Course Design & Instruction
    Designed and delivered content for an undergraduate Educational Psychology course, teaching core concepts related to human development, learning theories, motivation, and classroom assessment to approximately 80 students.

    Student Engagement & Support
    Facilitated active learning through lectures, discussions, and interactive activities. Provided academic support through office hours, feedback sessions, and individualized communication to promote student success.

    Assessment & Feedback
    Developed and graded assignments to assess student understanding. Used formative assessments and student feedback to continuously improve course delivery.

    Pedagogical Reflection & Growth
    Applied evidence-based instructional strategies to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Reflected on teaching practices and incorporated feedback to refine instruction.

  • Director of K-12 Engineering Outreach and Community Engagement

    from: 2018, until: 2021

    Organization:University of Kentucky College of EngineeringLocation:Lexington, Kentucky

    Description:

    Program Development and Project Management
    Led and managed K–12 engineering outreach programs, ensuring the successful execution of workshops, summer camps, and events designed to inspire engineering participation. Developed innovative solutions to address pressing needs in engineering education, coordinating programs for K-16 students and their families. Worked closely with faculty and staff to build and deliver impactful community-focused programs. Developed and maintained the college outreach budget, ensuring alignment with program objectives and strategic goals. Managed financial resources, including grant funds, effectively to maximize the impact of outreach initiatives.

    Marketing, Communications & Fundraising Strategy
    Collaborated with the communications and marketing team to design and implement strategies for promoting outreach events, increasing visibility and participation in engineering education programs. Partnered with the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement to foster long-term relationships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and alumni. Secured new partnerships to support outreach initiatives and expand the reach of engineering education efforts.

    Team Leadership & Mentorship
    Led a team of staff and faculty peers to develop annual Engineers Day, a community-focused event that attracted more than 3,000 attendees each year. Recruited, trained, and supervised College of Engineering Student Outreach Ambassadors, developing a yearly strategic outreach and engagement plan. Worked with ambassadors to design age-appropriate activities that engage K-16 students and extend the university’s outreach to local communities.

  • Assistant Director of Engineering Recruitment

    from: 2017, until: 2018

    Organization:University of Kentucky College of EngineeringLocation:Lexington, KY

    Description:

    Recruitment & Strategic Planning
    Developed and implemented a data-driven recruitment strategy to increase enrollment in engineering and computer science programs at the University of Kentucky. Utilized comparative research and data analysis from our institution and aspirant schools to craft effective initiatives for recruiting eligible freshmen and transfer students.

    Program Development & Initiative Coordination
    Planned and coordinated recruitment initiatives, outreach events, and campus activities aimed at attracting high school and transfer students to the College of Engineering. Collaborated with faculty and staff to design engaging, informative experiences that promoted the value of engineering and computer science education at UK.

    Retention & Student Support
    Worked on student retention efforts, serving as a non-academic advisor to select students within the engineering program. Provided guidance and support to help students navigate their academic and career paths, contributing to their success and persistence in the program.

Honors & Awards

  • University of Kentucky Sarah Bennett Holmes Award

    date: 2019-04-01

    Description:

    Received the Sarah Bennett Holmes award for promoting growth and well-being of women at the University of Kentucky and across Kentucky.

  • National Center for Women in Information Technology (NCWIT) Educator Award

    date: 2018-04-01

    Description:

    The NCWIT Educator Award publicly celebrates formal and informal educators who encourage high school women’s interest and participation in technology pursuits.

Skills

  • Mixed Methods Research
  • Literature Reviews
  • Report Writing
  • Publication Planning
  • College Recruiting
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Team Leadership
  • Program Development
  • Project Management
  • Educational Outreach
  • Community Engagement
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Instructional Design
  • University Teaching
  • Student Development
  • Leadership
  • Event Planning
  • Public Speaking
  • Public Relations
  • Strategic Communications