Rachel Fischer

Rachel Fischer is a first year Ph.D. student in the Human Development and Family Sciences program at the University of Delaware. She recently graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with her B.A. in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology. She is interested in understanding the unique needs of rural early childhood education (ECE) programs, and the supports they receive. This includes if and how rural ECE programs (i.e., classroom practices) and policies promote children’s academic and social-emotional development. Specifically, she is interested understanding rural curriculum development and implementation, finding ways to improve quality in rural ECE programs, and understanding the ways to best support rural ECE workforce (e.g., professional development). Overall, Rachel is interested in finding the best ways to support both children and educators in rural ECE.

Research Projects

• Undergraduate Honors Thesis, Psychology Department, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2023-2024)

Recent Presentations

• Brandt, J., Fischer, R. & Qalawee, H. (2023). Frequency of extraneous visual elements in beginning reader books. Poster presented at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD), UMBC.
• Fischer, R. (2024). The role of feedback and attention in learning during educational instruction. Orally presented at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD), UMBC.

Professional Experiences

• Undergraduate Research Assistant, Psychology Department, Child Development Lab, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2022 – 2024)
• Undergraduate Peer Mentor, Psychology Department, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2022 – 2024)

Honors and Awards

• Magna Cum Laude, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2024)
• Distinguished Achievement Award, Psychology Department, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (2024)

Past Education

• B.A. Psychology, Developmental Psychology specialization, University of Maryland, Baltimore County