Celebrating 2026 Math Ed Doctoral Graduates
As the academic year came to a close, the Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates. This year, we recognized Claire Lambert and Sabrina N. Zarza, both PRIME doctoral students. A graduate luncheon was held in their honor on May 1, 2026, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.
Claire successfully defended her dissertation “Conceptualizing Elementary Preservice
Teachers’ Well-Being to Understand the Need for Change in Elementary Teacher Preparation
Programs” on March 30th, and it has been published to ProQuest. Claire was officially conferred the
Doctor of Philosophy degree on May 11th. 
While Claire was not able to attend the luncheon, she did have some shout-outs she wanted to share: “This journey was not easy, and I am so thankful for the people who supported me throughout everything, including Kendall, Erin, my family, my advisor, Tonya, and most importantly, my husband, Jacob (who successfully defended his document for a Doctor of Musical Arts in Saxophone from MSU… the day after my defense).”
Since Claire has completed all requirements for this degree, she has been reading voraciously, making more pottery, going on longer runs, sitting outside and soaking in the sun, and ensuring that her bunnies (Tofu and Manicotti), continue to be spoiled beyond belief.
Sabrina’s dissertation, “Examining Institutional Influence on Whiteness in Mathematics Departments: Pláticas with Latiné Mathematics Majors” will be defended on June 12th. Her advisors, Drs. Beth Herbel-Eisenmann and Matt Voigt, shared that Sabrina has been a bright light in the PRIME community. They spoke about her excellent performance, demonstrated leadership, and insightful analysis which have greatly advanced the research and community within PRIME.
Sabrina is receiving a Dual PhD in Mathematics Education and Chicano/Latino Studies,
complemented by a Graduate Certificate in Urban Education. Throughout her time at
MSU her presence has been felt not only in her research but in the 
commitments to the program itself, having served on six different PRIME committees,
mentored three PRIME students, and served on four practicum committees. Her work has
reached beyond campus as well, with presentations at national and international conferences
including AERA, PME-NA, AMTE, and RUME. Sabrina shared that, “none of what I have
accomplished in the last four years would have been possible without my amazing support system and the kindness
from staff and faculty in PRIME, CITE, and CLS. The biggest shout out goes to my husband,
Ben Jackson, who sustained me in every sense of the word, including through his fresh,
home-cooked meals provided almost every evening!”
Congratulations to Claire and Sabrina and all of this year’s graduates who are working to improve mathematics education. Your work matters—and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for each of you!
