Margaret Gatongi
Ph.D. student, School of Education
Program Area: Research, Assessment and Evaluation
Education
- Ph.D. in Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia (May 2026)
- M.S. in Biological Sciences, Marshall University
Line of Research
My line of research is multidisciplinary, spanning research methodology, program evaluation, and curriculum development, within the context of education, with a particular emphasis on STEM.
Selected Research and Scholarship
Trzyna W. C., M. W. Mbugua, and A. Rogerson (2010). Acanthamoeba in the Domestic Water Supply of Huntington, West Virginia, U.S.A. Acta Protozool., 49: 9-15. https://www.ejournals.eu/Acta-Protozoologica/2010/Issue-1%20/art/3552
Mbugua, M. W. (2007). Characterization of Unusual Gymnamoebae from the Marine Environment. Masters Thesis, Marshall University, West Virginia. Characterization of Unusual Gymnamoebae Isolated from the Marine Environment (marshall.edu)
Awards
- Lois and John L. Imhoff Distinguished Teaching Award, PRATT School of Engineering, Duke University (2022)
- Marshall University Graduate Advisory Board Thesis Grant (2007)
- Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Participation (LSAMP) Research Grant, Marshall University (2007)
- Tropical Biology Association, European Union research scholarship
Media
Presentations
Kim, C, Wallace, C, Gatongi, M. (2023). ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. Board 28: Transforming the Molecular and Cellular Engineering Educational Experience in Biomedical Engineering. https://strategy.asee.org/42754
Short, A., L. Bevins, M. W. Mbugua, W. Trzyna and A. Rogerson (2008). Prevalence of Acanthamoeba in Huntington Tap Water. Annual Undergraduate Research day at the Capitol, Charleston, WV.
Mbugua, M. and A. Rogerson (2007). Characterization of Unusual Gymnamoebae from the Marine Environment. Marshall University, Sigma-Xi Research Symposium, Huntington, WW.
Biography
Margaret is a second-year doctoral student in the Research, Assessment and Evaluation track in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her interest and focus is research design, quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, mixed methods research, program evaluation and curriculum development. Margaret is a dedicated educator, researcher, and leader in the field of education and science. Her academic journey and professional experiences have equipped her with a diverse skill set and a strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in science and education.
What does the Holmes Scholars Program mean to you?
Being a Holmes Scholar gives me the unique opportunity to be a part of a community of scholars united by a shared dedication to addressing common interests including diversity and equity in education. The program's professional development support and mentorship are valuable benefits that play an integral role in shaping the trajectory of my career in the realms of research and education. What truly resonates with me is the chance to connect with fellow scholars who share a passion for these crucial values and uphold similar goals. This connection fosters a supportive and collaborative network that I find invaluable as I navigate my academic and professional journey. The Holmes Scholars Program is not just a program; it's a heartfelt commitment to making a meaningful impact in education, and I am genuinely honored to be a part of it.