This fall, BU Wheelock welcomed six new full-time faculty members. Their research interests include teacher quality, the learning needs of students with disabilities, excellence in individuals and teams, labor markets and education policy, and language transition. They are committed to improving systems and unlocking opportunities that will make the world a better place and helping their students do the same.

Andrew Bacher-Hicks

Assistant Professor Andrew Bacher-Hicks studies K–12 education policy in the United States, with a focus on teacher labor markets, school discipline, and the link between crime and education.

“Although COVID-19 has created unimaginable changes to our daily lives, the resilience of the Wheelock community is striking,” says Bacher-Hicks. “Despite all of the challenges in the current learning environment, students are still clearly excited and engaged. I think this speaks volumes to the strength of this community, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Olivia Chi

Assistant Professor Olivia Chi uses quantitative methods to study the economics of education, with a focus on teacher labor markets, measures of teacher quality, and policies that reduce educational inequality.

“While getting oriented in my new role through online-only meetings and events has definitely been a new and different experience, I’m so grateful to have joined such a supportive, welcoming, and inspiring community here at BU Wheelock,” says Chi. “I’m very much looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues in the months ahead.”

Johny Daniel

Johny Daniel’s research interests include developing evidence-based reading interventions for students with learning disabilities in grades K–12, and using extant data to analyze variables that influence academic outcomes for students with disabilities.

“I am enjoying working and interacting virtually with some amazing colleagues. It’s been a pleasure to teach a highly motivated group of students who have done so well to adapt to the remote learning environment,” says Daniel.

Edson Filho

Edson Filho is an associate professor of sport psychology & counseling. His research agenda centers on human excellence and performance optimization at both the individual and group levels of analyses. 

“I am grateful for the warm welcome by everyone,” says Filho. “I look forward to working with everyone for years to come.”

Joshua Goodman

Joshua Goodman is an associate professor of education and economics, and works as an applied microeconomist on labor economics and education policy.

“My first month at Wheelock has felt like a good kind of a whirlwind,” says Goodman. “I’m happy to be (virtually) surrounded by smart, ambitious people trying to learn more about what makes schools work.” 

Kathy Minhye Kim

Kathy MinHye Kim is a clinical assistant professor of language education. Her work specializes in understanding how adult learners encode and retain second language (L2) knowledge.

“I earned my EdM in TESOL at BU, and my first month back in Boston has been full of excitement,” says Kim. “It is truly great to be back. I can’t wait to stroll through the campus, like I used to, and grab coffee or tea with students and colleagues. Till then, please stay healthy and safe everyone.”