Janelle L. Gagnon
Senior Research Associate
Education
- B.A., Mount Holyoke College
- M.A., Mount Holyoke College
Interests
I am interested in studying role conflict in the lives of working individuals. Specifically, I am interested in learning how the role of the workplace can influence decisions made by those who are juggling between work, school, and family responsibilities. Currently, I am studying businesses that offer tuition reimbursement benefits to their workforce to understand the role they can play in both facilitating learning and creating obstacles for working adults seeking to attain a higher education. I am also interested in researching how low-income ‘working students’, students who work part-time while enrolled in school full-time, manage the demands of school while juggling the responsibilities associated with maintaining a job.
In addition to this project, I am working with Dr. Becky Packard on a project focused on understanding how community college women get ‘on-track’ to transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Presently, we are collaborating with several area community colleges to learn how first generation college women interested in STEM careers transition to the four-year school of their choice. Additionally, I also enjoy researching programs within the local community that serve to enhance and encourage positive futures and opportunities for students who come from low-income backgrounds.