Graduate Student Spotlight: Kira Morris

The Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) is excited to welcome first-year doctoral student Kira Morris.

Kira’s research interests are centered on exploring the intersection of mathematics education and accessibility, particularly within the Deaf community. She would like to create an educational environment where communication barriers are eliminated and contribute to a more equitable and accessible landscape in mathematics education.

With a strong foundation in education, Kira earned two degrees from the University of Arizona: A Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a minor in American Sign Language, and a Bachelor of Science in Education in Deaf Studies with a focus on Educational Interpreting.

Before joining PRIME, she was a Team Leader for the AmeriCorps Student Thinking and Enrichment through Mathematics Mentors (STEMM) Program. She organized and hosted virtual and in person math game nights for K-12 students. She also coordinated volunteer training sessions for participation in STEM nights at local schools in the Tucson community. Kira taught multiple college-level training sessions with a focus on mentoring, using a case study approach. She also provided tutoring sessions for students in Arizona using Zoom.

Kira’s student teaching experiences were with middle school and high school Deaf students at Arizona’s School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB). There, Kira had opportunities to work with two Deaf mathematics teachers to teach and conduct research for her senior honors research project. These experiences provided Kira with invaluable insights, further fueling her passion for integrating mathematics education with deaf education.

She has also been a Mathematics Instructor for Bricks 4 Kidz during their On Track Summer Camps. Kira instructed approximately 100 students per week with custom curriculum she helped design aligned with the Arizona K-6 mathematics standards. They found ways to integrate Legos into mathematics learning, making the camp fun and exciting for kids in K-6th grade.

Kira Morris, an inspiring Arizonan, was born and raised in the sunny Phoenix area, specifically in the charming Chandler and Gilbert communities. After high school, she pursued her academic dreams at the University of Arizona in Tucson, where her love for learning blossomed. Bear Down! Go Cats!

Kira's talents extend far beyond the classroom. As a character performer, she delights in embodying Disney princesses, sharing magical moments with children and families alike. Currently, she’s friends with iconic characters Cinderella, Ariel, and Princess Leia, and will be getting to know other characters in the near future. She is currently a cast member at Olivia Grace and Company in Michigan. Before moving to Michigan, Kira's dedication to spreading joy also led her to help run a non-profit organization called Giving a Little Arizona Magic (GLAM).

When she’s not performing, Kira enjoys a myriad of hobbies that showcase her artistic flair. Sewing, oil painting, diamond painting, and crafting—skills passed down from her Great Aunt Shirley and Great Grandmother—fill her free time. Kira also has a love for watching hockey, inspired by her father’s athletic background. He used to play hockey, and Kira would take her little cousin to the games and practices. Kira stated, “I always said that I was most likely one of the biggest fans of the Wildcat hockey team at the University of Arizona!” Here is a picture of Kira and Wilbur (one of the mascots) at the hockey game:

Not just a performer, Kira is also a skilled sign language interpreter, lending her expertise in educational and performance settings. She has interpreted for K-12 classrooms, sports events, and some theater productions. Kira even interpreted at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, showcasing her versatility. A photo is shown below.

Kira commented, “During COVID, I picked up on a new hobby that I enjoy doing to this day! I really enjoy playing Pickleball! In Arizona, it's much easier to play outdoor pickleball all year round but I might have to switch to indoor pickleball here in the winters!”

Kira recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure along Route 66 with her mom from Arizona to Michigan. She remarked, “I started by heading to the Santa Monica pier in California at the official “end of the road” and traveled backwards along the route all the way to Chicago! It was such an amazing experience! I got to stay overnight in a Wigwam in California, in a train car in Williams, AZ, in the Elvis Room in Missouri, and some galactic space pods in Missouri as well! Some highlights of the trip included: Oatman, AZ where we got to hang out with burros in the middle of the road! Albuquerque, NM at the Route 66 hotel and casino and enchanted trails RV park! The Cadillac Ranch in Texas! The Route 66 fire station in Oklahoma! Seeing all the Cars from Disney’s Cars Movie in Kansas! The Arch in Missouri! And also, finally reaching the end, or should I say beginning, of the route in Chicago!”

As to other extracurricular activities, Kira stated, “I am a senior black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I started learning when I was 4 years old. I received my black belt when I was 13 and soon after that, after about a year of assisting my instructor in teaching classes, I became a senior black belt. My favorite weapon I’ve been trained with is the bo staff." Pictured at right is Kira at a martial arts competition performing a bo staff kata.

She continued, “I started playing piano in kindergarten! I’ve always been musically talented. I can now play over 7 instruments! I was in color guard and marching band in high school. I marched the tenor and alto saxophone and was the head drum major in my final year. I’ve also been a reed player for multiple community theaters in the pit orchestra. I’ve played for theater productions of Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, and Seussical the Musical in the past!”

As she continues her journey at PRIME, Kira is excited about the endless possibilities that await her and is determined to support and uplift those around her. When asked what she sees herself doing after graduating from PRIME and about her future goals, Kira answered, “There are so many different paths I see myself taking after graduating from PRIME! I’m excited to see where my research takes me and how I can best support the Deaf community in the field of mathematics education.”

Kira Morris is not just a performer or educator; she embodies the spirit of creativity, adventure, and community service. We can’t wait to see the great things she will do at PRIME and beyond. Welcome, Kira!