Catheryn Melgar

Catheryn Melgar graduated with an M.S. in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. She is a Salvadoran American aspiring to teach via a holistic lens and provide direction and opportunities for immigrant scholars in higher education. She has several experiences working within Education and Non-profit organizations.

Additionally, Catheryn has held research positions in the School of Education and Social Sciences. She is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, has experience leading an empirical research study and managing K-16 institutional evaluation projects. With her degrees in Psychology and Higher Education, she strives to holistically teach, serve, and support students in higher education through research and policy changes.

EXPERIENCE

Research Project Coordinator ​University of California, Irvine

School of Education​​​​​​​​ January 2022 – January 2025

• Code classroom lessons using OLOS and NOLDUS software for K-3rd grade English literacy research.
• Conduct and organize over 1,000 standardized cognitive, comprehension, and literacy assessments in English and Spanish for 177 students.
• Lead 14 classroom observations and collaborate with 8 teachers across 6 elementary schools.
• Train research assistants in English and Spanish literacy assessments and review 100+ applications as part of the interview committee.
• Develop teacher recruitment materials and design non-technical quarterly reports on student progress.
• Draft Spanish consent forms for non-English speaking parents.

Research Analyst ​​​​ ​​​ California State University, Fullerton Center for Research on Educational Access, and Leadership ​​ August 2021- November 2022

• Led qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and evaluation for K-12 institutions to assess program effectiveness and equity outcomes.
• Prepared comprehensive evaluation reports, executive summaries, and state/federal reports, incorporating statistical outcomes and narrative insights for informed decision-making and planning.
• Trained 30+ student researchers on data analysis tools (SPSS, NVivo) and report writing.
• Developed and delegated professional development opportunities for team members on research methods and DEI-focused program evaluations.
• Designed and advised four campus-wide programs addressing DEI issues, such as COVID-19's impact on students, experiences of transgender and gender non-conforming students, and anti-blackness pedagogies in education.

Camp Director​Berkeley District

Edventure More​​​​​​​​​ May 2021 - August 2021

▪ Hired and trained 30 instructors and counselors in the Berkeley District on daily responsibilities, classroom structures, behavior management, and supervision responsibilities.

▪ Provided solutions and decisions regarding two large summer programs by implementing policies and directions.

▪ Supervised 16 staff members and approximately 200 students at an elementary school and middle schools.

▪ Assisted other camp directors at four summer camps in the Napa and San Marcos area by covering as a director, supporting classrooms, and curriculum.

▪ Resolved student incidents such as conflicts, behavior management, and monitored covid-19 restrictions.

▪ Served as liaison for camp administration, school staff, parents, team, and students.

▪ Collaborated with program coordinator to ensure camp quality, safety, and effectiveness by having clear expectations for team members and maintaining regular communication.

▪ Managed program expenditures within allocated budgets and proposed budget changes when needed.

Master of Science in Higher Education with an emphasis in leadership, student development, DEI training