Student Voices - Graduate
Adrienne Sgammato
Ph.D. in Education; Educational Psychology, Measurement and Evaluation
Class of 2009
Sandy Hook, Conn.
My background
I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. I worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for three years prior to attending UNC. I primarily worked with adults with psychiatric illnesses, assisting them with returning to work and other activities to enable them to live more independently within their communities.
Why I chose education
As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I used a variety of standardized inventories and assessments to evaluate a wide range of skills, abilities, interests and aptitudes. I encountered issues and problems related to test administration and use of inventory scores. Although my education and experience fell more within the realm of psychology, I was drawn to the Educational Psychology area at the School of Education because it allowed for the integration of all my interests including: cognitive psychology, human development and standardized testing with a focus on measurement processes, issues and problems. I transitioned to education because I felt it would allow me to make a more direct and immediate impact.
Why I chose the UNC School of Education
Having lived in the Northeast, I wanted to see a different part of the country. I specifically selected UNC-Chapel Hill because of its wonderful reputation and because the Educational Psychology, Measurement and Evaluation track in the Ph.D. in Education program offered a great curriculum that was very much aligned with my interests.
My experience
My experience in the School of Education was quite challenging in every sense. However, I would not be enjoying the great success that I have today if it were not for those challenges. For that I am grateful. It is rewarding for me personally to know that I worked very hard to earn my Ph.D. Of course, I could not have been successful without the constant support and guidance of my advisor, Professor Gregory Cizek, and my fellow graduate students.
Student life
I took my studies very seriously (maybe too seriously!). I know where most of the libraries are and spent much of the five years of my doctoral study using them. I do know that there is always something going on across the UNC campus, day and night. When running to and from class, the library, bus stops, etc., I always tried to take a moment to look around at the beautiful campus so that I would never forget where I have been.
My inspiration
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my undergraduate professors at Springfield College for their support and encouragement. Of course, my parents consistently supported me throughout this journey. My parents taught me that we are all equal and born with the same amount of "smarts" but that we differ in how we choose to use them. Their encouragement has carried me through today.
In 10 years
After completing my Ph.D., I secured a wonderful and challenging job with the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J., conducting assessments for the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP). I would like to stay connected to academia, maybe as an adjunct professor, while continuing my work as a psychometrician.