My name is Shea Charles. I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and am currently based out of Connecticut.
I initally began my college journey at the University of Cumberlands to wrestle collegiately, then I transferred back home and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. There, I worked for the Kokua Disabilities Service office and the ACE First-year Mentor program, where I began developing an interest in mentorship and disability. I am now a Ph.D. student in Educational Psychology, working with college students. I previously worked at the Student-Athlete Success Program and currently manage the NSF TAPDINTO STEM program at the University of Connecticut.
My previous academic and work experiences inform my work. My research interests surround topics of postsecondary and career transition, understanding the implications of public school closures on students with disabilities, and mentorship for college students with disabilities.
Much of my work is rooted in answering the question: “How do we improve college students’ transition to college, success in college, and their career transition experiences?”
An essential aspect of my work is mentorship and working with students. Throughout my academic career, I have had amazing mentors and the privilege to mentor students across different college contexts.
Outside of Academics
I am a big sports person
From the NHL to the WNBA, college athletics to international athletics, I’ll always have some game running in the background. My current favorite teams are the Connecticut Sun, Boston Celtics, UConn Huskies, Boston Bruins, Montreal Victoire, and the Opals, just to name a few.
It's no surprise that if we meet at a conference, I’ll probably be looking for a sporting event to attend before I leave the city.
Watching sports just isn’t enough! — I’m running the Hartford marathon and working on getting better at golfing and figure skating as we speak.
I also love working with my hands
Painting, ceramics, and fiber arts are my current favorite ways to keep my hands busy.
In the spring, summer, and fall, I like exploring new trails in New England, looking at the foliage, and trying my best to avoid spiders or slimy critters on the path.
Lastly, you’ll always hear me talking about the next international trip. I love to travel, see new places, and meet new people. I’ve had amazing opportunities to travel across the world. I’m hoping to hit all seven continents before I turn 30 fingers crossed