About the Lab
Research that matters, for those who matter!
Welcome to the Research on Race Equity & Gender in Education (R2EGE) Laboratory (pronounced r eh - j ee / “Reggie”). R2EGE utilizes interdisciplinary and multi-method approaches to explore race and gender equity in education. Activities within the lab include conducting interviews, focus groups, data analysis, manuscript development, survey development, writing for publication, as well as the preparation and dissemination of promotional information.
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The lab is headed by Dr. Joshua Wallace, Assistant Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs, Department of Leadership, Evaluation and Development, at the University of Louisville.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to conduct research that promotes equity across race and gender in education.​​
Vision Statement
​​Our vision is to become a nation leading research lab on issues of racial and gender equity in education. Utilizing both established and novel methods, R2EGE aspires to conduct research that produces positive outcomes in local and national communities.
Meet The Team
Dr. Josh Wallace
Director and Principal Investigator
Dr. Wallace serves as the lab’s director and principal investigator on research projects. His work draws on qualitative methodologies to explore research topics that cut across topics of race and gender in education. Primarily, his work (1) critically explores Black masculinities and Black feminisms in higher education and (2) examines how Black men in engineering develop their identities (e.g., race, gender, academic discipline). Dr. Wallace received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in educational leadership & policy analysis. In addition, he received his bachelor’s degree in communication from Emporia State University and master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in higher education administration. Administratively, Dr. Wallace has worked in academic success, tutoring as well as overseeing programs for minoritized students.
Vincent Gardener
Research Associate
Vincent currently serves as a research associate in the R2EGE Laboratory. He is a second-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Louisville, whose research centers around morality and forgiveness. A proud Jamaican, Vincent recently relocated to the United States. Vincent earned his B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and his M.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. He has experience working, in multiple roles, in the child protection sector both in Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Vincent has worked in the criminal justice system as an alternative dispute practitioner, as well as in the hospitality industry focusing on brand delivery and process improvement.
Ashley Hatcher
Research Associate
Ashley Hatcher is currently a graduate student at the University of Louisville, pursuing a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs. Her passion for this field stems from her undergraduate experiences, where she witnessed the impact of student affairs professionals in fostering student success and engagement. Her research interest focuses on the experiences of Black undergraduate women, exploring the challenges and opportunities they encounter in higher education. In her professional role, she engages with students through student organization advising and manages programs within the Office of Student Engagement. Additionally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and an alumna of Western Kentucky University. Through her academic and professional journey, she strives to create inclusive and empowering campus environments.
Fred Smith
Research Associate
Fred Smith is a first-generation college student, currently pursuing his masters in counseling psychology. He holds a deep passion for social justice, and aims to better support marginalized communities through his contributions to meaningful changes in mental health and support systems for underrepresented groups. Prior to pursing his masters degree, Fred earned a bachelor's degree in communication from Lindsey Wilson college where he played collegiate basketball. Fred's experiences span across serving as a tutor and leadership counselor, where he has assisted teachers and supported students through mentorship and guidance.