Tamika McElveen is a Ph.D. student in NC State’s Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, with a focus in Educational Psychology.  As a research assistant for the SMART Collaborative, Tamika engages in grant implementation, data collection, and data analysis for several research projects.  Her research interests aim to utilize motivation research and practice to impact academically under-performing students and schools.  As a School Counselor in Wake County Public Schools and as a community mental health provider in Wake, Harnett, and Johnston counties, Tamika understands the importance of quality schools, teachers, and parental and family involvement.  Tamika received a B.A. in Psychology and M.Ed in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Tamika seeks to strike a work-life balance and enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.  Tamika also enjoys reading, puzzles, and video games.