Mauriell H. Amechi is a Pre-Doctoral Fellow in the SMART Collaborative and Ph.D. candidate at UW-Madison in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (concentration in Higher Education). The overarching goal of his research is to understand how colleges and universities create educational environments that enhance learning, affirm cultural identity, and inspire achievement among minoritized groups in order to improve their access, persistence, and educational attainment. Amechi examines issues of equity, identity, and student engagement among historically underserved student populations, with a special emphasis on the college transitions of foster youth. In a second, related strand of research he explores strategies employed by colleges and universities to cultivate inclusive and optimal learning environments for all students. To date, the ACPA Foundation and the National Association for Campus Activities have funded his research. A native of Chicago, Amechi received his B.A. with highest distinction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and went on to study at Ohio State University, where he earned a M.A. in higher education and student affairs.