Graduate Assistants
Our graduate assistants are a dynamic and integral part of our academic community. Balancing advanced studies with hands-on roles in research and teaching, they bring a unique blend of fresh perspectives and expert knowledge to every project. Their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence not only enriches our programs but also fosters a vibrant learning environment for students and faculty alike.
Meet Our Graduate Assistants
Esther Adum-Atta
Esther Adum-Atta is a PhD student in Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University. She holds a BA in Culture and Tourism and an MPhil in Business and Management with a focus on Human Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Her research interests include leadership, sociological studies, and educational leadership. With experience in various administrative and research roles, Esther is passionate about contributing to academic research and development. She has also served as a voluntary youth ministry teacher.
Grace Gandy
Grace Gandy is a PhD student and research assistant with mixed methods research experience evaluating burnout and retention rates, creativity and feedback in the workplace, and hybrid work environments. Furthermore, she has research interests in interdisciplinary collaboration, specifically in the environmental sciences and public policy fields. Grace has also served on multiple projects as an external consultant to improve processes within organizations throughout the United States.
In addition to her work and academic pursuits, she has been recognized for her leadership and academic excellence through awards like the Tom W. Dutton Award and the Dean's List distinctions at LSU.
Omaima Hajjami
Omaima Hajjami holds a BS in marketing and management from Morocco and an MS in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University. Her current research interests focus on the intersection of faith in the professional experience of women in the workplace within the United States and broader Western context, employing qualitative inquiry.
She has presented at multiple national and international conferences, such as the Academy of Human Resource Development annual conference, and is actively engaged in research opportunities and collaborations.
Supritha Kannan
Supritha Kannan is a PhD student specializing in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leadership, and Human Resource Development. With a focus on leveraging AI technologies such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs), her research explores innovative ways to enhance HRD frameworks to drive organizational efficiency and development. She serves as an Assistant Editor for Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning.
Currently, she is actively engaged in building AI-based solutions for real-world HR challenges through academic and industry collaborations. Her work aims to bridge the gap between technology and human-centered development, advocating for ethical and broad AI adoption.
Terri Ricks
Terri Porche Ricks is an attorney and the former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards.
While serving at DCFS, Terri began studying Leadership and Human Resource Development (LHRD), using the principles and research she learned as a PhD student to aid in the administration of DCFS. Her research interests include global leadership, the poverty competencies of helping professionals, transformative learning theory, and adult learning theory.
Payton Stewart
Payton Stewart is a PhD student in Leadership & Human Resource Development with a minor in Applied Statistics at Louisiana State University (LSU) under the guidance of Dr. E. Michelle Todd. Her background began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics from the University of St. Thomas Houston.
Payton has developed a true passion for research and leadership development. In her current role at the Leadership Development Institute at LSU, Payton contributes to the design, development, execution, and evaluation of signature leadership programs and projects.
Additionally, she serves a role in her advisor’s Sustainability, Leadership, Innovation, and Creativity lab, exploring innovative training techniques, creativity, and leadership development. Her research contributions include a co-authored publication on training design thinking in organizations.