Doctoral Grad Becomes New Mom As She Finishes Dissertation

Christi Carnahan is planning a big Commencement weekend. She’ll receive her doctoral hood in education at UC’s doctoral hooding ceremony at 1 p.m., Friday, June 8, in Fifth Third Arena. Plus, she’ll march with graduates of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services during the afternoon ceremony All-University Commencement at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 9, in Fifth Third Arena. It has truly been a successful year for this 29-year-old Milford resident who first discovered her true calling as a student at Purcell Marian High School.

“Part of my volunteer work at Purcell Marian involved working with people with significant disabilities,” she says. That first led her into a career as a special education teacher, with experience teaching seventh and eighth grades and kindergarten through third grade.

“Then I decided I really wanted to teach future teachers,” says Carnahan. “I wanted to have a broader impact for all students with significant disabilities, so working with future teachers has a much wider impact than working in just one classroom.”

As Carnahan pursued her doctoral degree, she became a widely published author and also presented nationally on a disorder that largely remains a mystery: autism. The Autism Society of America estimates 1.5 million Americans and their families are affected by autism, a health crisis the society estimates is costing the U.S. at least $35 billion every year.

Carnahan’s dissertation focused on increasing the effectiveness of teachers trying to reach children with autism. Through her work with the UC Action Research Center housed in CECH, Carnahan used an educational research tool called PhotoVoice that uses photography to help children with autism share their experiences through pictures. Center director Mary Brydon-Miller, an associate professor of educational studies, called Carnahan’s work “groundbreaking” in terms of opening communication for children who struggle to connect with others, even their own parents.

In 2004, Carnahan was named Teacher of the Year by the Autism Society of Cincinnati. She had remained teaching through the first year of her doctoral program and has worked as a consultant the past two years. “Christi brings a passion and enthusiasm for her work that’s inspiring,” says Stephen Kroeger, assistant professor of education and coordinator of the CECH undergraduate special education program. “She is fearless in her desire to see children succeed, regardless of the perceived obstacles or barriers. We look forward to the contribution she will make to the profession and to the lives of countless children.”

“She really has a passion about young children with disabilities, particularly young children with autism, and it’s her passion and commitment that everybody notices,” says Annie Bauer, professor of special education, who will present Carnahan with her hood on June 8.

Because of her dedication, Carnahan was honored with the college’s Outstanding Joseph E. Zins Doctoral Student Award. The award is named in memory of Joseph E. Zins, a professor of education and former director of the special education doctoral program who died suddenly last year.

Carnahan was finishing her dissertation when her first baby, daughter Ellie, was born on Feb. 8. She says it has been a busy quarter of “writing, writing, writing,” but now that her dissertation is finished, she can focus solely on embracing the joy of being a new mom. She also thanks her husband, Shane, and the support of her family for helping her reach this milestone.

UC Commencement Web site