This study utilizes multigroup path analysis to explore the factors that contribute to Filipino student success at the University of Hawaii (UH). Filipinos are the largest non-white and Asian ethnic group in the State of Hawaii, yet Filipinos have been historically underrepresented at UH's four-year campuses, and overrepresented at the community…

Asian Americans (AA) are one of the most rapidly growing populations in higher education, increasing by 36% since 2010. AA students are considered the model minority group who are generally academically successful. However, recent studies by Vang (2016) and Nguyen (2018) have disaggregated data and found while many Asian immigrants came to the…

This dissertation covers two evaluations on migration policies and their impact on distinct groups of immigrants. The first chapter deals with a recent policy in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, which started to charge tuition fees from international students in 2017. Tertiary education remains free of charge in all other 15 states, which…

In this study, I explored the problem of disproportionate representation of Filipino American female educational leaders. The purpose of this study was to explore how cultural backgrounds and identity development shaped Filipino women's perceptions of acculturation. I collected and analyzed data from a sample of Filipino American female…

Discriminatory "bamboo ceiling" narratives have been observed to perpetuate historical disparities in career paths (e.g., colonial messages of nursing as the predominant career for Filipino Americans). Certain healthcare careers are then seen as unattainable or culturally unacceptable. More research is needed to explore how racism may…

This research examined the experiences of Filipinx California community college alumni involved in a Filipinx learning community within the last 5 years. This research explored the influencing factors leading Filipinx students to join Filipinx learning communities and how Filipinx culture and the concept of family was incorporated within the…

U.S. Filipinos are one of the largest immigrant groups in the United States. However, they are often invisible in the discussion of race and education. Using quantitative research design, this study examined various environmental and individual factors that influence U.S. Filipino college students' educational experiences and success. More…

This dissertation examines how past U.S. colonial education in the Philippines impacts the ways in which Filipino bodies are commodified and racialized under contemporary education and training systems in both the Philippines and the United States. This research project utilizes participatory action research and in-depth interviews with over 50…

The purpose of this project was to lift up the stories of Filipinx staff and their meaning-making, meanings, and enactments of decolonization. Through journaling, an online group meeting, and individual interviews with five staff in higher education in the United States, I aimed to answer the following research questions: How do Filipinx higher…

Parents have the ability to influence the educational achievements of their children who are in college by implementing strategies and techniques that will support them. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the parental involvement of Filipino-American parents who were instrumental in helping their children complete their…

There has been limited research on American doctoral education and even less scholarship exploring Filipinx higher education experiences. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this exploratory research seeks to expand the understanding on Filipina educational experiences in doctoral programs, creating a space to share non-traditional…

College enrollment and completion rates among low-income and historically underserved students are lower than those of their middle- and upper-income counterparts. "Promise scholarships," also known as "last dollar" scholarships, are becoming an increasingly popular way for states throughout the U.S. to incentivize…

With more women of color (WOC) aspiring to study science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and healthcare (STEMH), colleges and universities serve as a critical environment for preparing and supporting successful transitions from earning a STEMH degree through participation in the STEMH workforce. I use a three-article format to examine the…

Filipinos are the second largest ethnic group in Hawai'i and their population continues to grow at a rapid pace. However, they are among the lower socioeconomic groups in Hawai'i and are disproportionately represented in the University of Hawai'i system--overrepresented in the community colleges while underrepresented at the flagship campus, the…

At more than three million, Filipina/o Americans are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the United States. Yet, few studies have focused on the experiences of Filipina/o Americans in institutions of U.S. higher education. Given the increasing disparity in degree achievement between first and second generation Filipina/o Americans, this…