About Ishan Vengurlekar
Doctoral candidate in School Psychology with a focus on research in child and adolescent mental health
Biography
I am a doctoral candidate in School Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in research on child and adolescent mental health. With a strong academic foundation in evidence-based research approaches, I am dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique psychological needs of young people in educational settings.
My research focuses on school-based mental health interventions, single-session interventions, and supporting students experiencing internalizing concerns. Through rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies, I investigate effective strategies to support student well-being in schools.
Currently completing my doctoral studies under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Kilgus, I am actively conducting research and gaining practical experience through advanced practica in the Madison Metropolitan School District and surrounding areas, with a focus on advancing the field through evidence-based practice and research.
Education & Experience
Academic background and professional development
Education
Ph.D. in School Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Kilgus • School-based mental health interventions
M.S. in School Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Advisor: Dr. Stephen Kilgus • GPA: 4.00
B.A. in Psychology
University of Arkansas
Advisor: Dr. Timothy A. Cavell • GPA: 4.00 • Minor: Social Work • First-Ranked Senior Scholar
Clinical Experience
School Psychology Advanced Practicum Student
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District – Glacier Creek Middle School
Supervisors: Kathryn Jackson, Ed.S., Katie Hartman, Ed.S., & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley, Ph.D.
- Conducted individual and group therapy for students with internalizing and externalizing concerns
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations for students with academic, social, emotional, and behavioral concerns
- Helped pilot and deliver the Resilience Education Program (REP) and refined Tier 2 supports
School Psychology Advanced Practicum Student
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)
Supervisors: Kristi Nelson, Ed.S., & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley, Ph.D.
- Consulted with school staff district-wide regarding provision of mental health supports
- Communicated with hospitals to facilitate delivery of school-based supports
- Collaborated with district director to optimize dissemination of mental health services
Advanced Student Clinician
School Psychology Training Clinic (SPTC)
Supervisors: Drs. Kristy Kelly, Haley Schultz, & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley
- Supervised first-year EdS and PhD students in summer-long assessment casework
- Supervised first-year EdS high school social-emotional intervention and group Coping Cat work
- Provided weekly didactics and feedback on case conceptualization and clinical communication
School Psychology Field Student
Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) – Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School
Supervisors: Margaret Pennoyer, Ed.S. and Caroline Racine-Gilles, Ph.D.
- Conducted special education evaluations and administered standardized assessments (WISC-V, KTEA, KABC)
- Led and co-facilitated group interventions targeting internalizing symptoms, social skills, and emotion regulation
- Led individual counseling sessions and consulted with staff on student functioning
Student Clinician
School Psychology Training Clinic (SPTC)
Supervisors: Drs. Kristy Kelly, Haley Schultz, & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley
- Conducted intake interviews and led feedback sessions for parent and university student clients
- Gained proficiency in standardized assessments (WISC-V, WIAT-IV, WAIS-IV, TOWL-4)
- Led individual therapy sessions and received training on suicide risk assessments
Student Clinician
Dane County Juvenile Detention Center
Supervisors: Drs. Kristy Kelly & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley
Led group therapy sessions at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center using an adapted social-emotional learning curriculum.
School Psychology Practicum Student
Sun Prairie Area School District (SPASD)
Supervisors: Joe Deegan, Ed.S., & Drs. Katie Eklund, & Elizabeth Hagermoser-Bayley
- Implemented revised criteria for Advanced Learning identification using local norms at district level
- Conducted comprehensive assessments including systematic observations and behavior rating scales
- Consulted with educators on evidence-based behavioral management strategies
Research Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Eklund and Kilgus Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Stephen Kilgus
- Collaborated on Multi-Informant Decisional Assessment System (MIDAS) project with University of South Florida
- Helped prepare $4,000,000 IES grant for developing high school-appropriate Resilience Education Program (REP)
- Conducted literature reviews on progress monitoring, universal screening, and culturally adapted interventions
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Center for Research on Aggression and Victimization (CRAV) Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Timothy A. Cavell
- Coordinated Hog Pen Pals mentoring program with 10 local elementary schools
- Collaborated with Boston University on IES-funded Active-Duty Military Families study
- Mentored undergraduate research assistants and conducted literature reviews on peer victimization
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Diversity Research and Enhanced Access for Minorities (DREAM) Lab
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ana J. Bridges
Completed qualitative research training, transcribed interviews for graduate dissertations, and assisted with studies on microaggressions and juvenile justice involvement.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Family and Community Intervention (FCI) Laboratory
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lauren B. Quetsch
Engaged in participant outreach for online study on teenagers with autism, conducted literature review on parental engagement, and created scientific poster for existing study.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant and Interim Lecturer
ED PSYCH 880 School Prevention Science
Faculty Instructor: Dr. Craig Albers
- Delivered lectures on school-based prevention science mechanisms (teacher-student relationships, SEL, school climate)
- Co-taught and independently taught classes while facilitating classroom discussions
- Graded all assignments and held regular office hours for student support
Mentor Lead
PSYC 207V Hog Pen Pals Service-Learning Course
Faculty Instructor: Dr. Timothy A. Cavell
Assisted graduate instructor with training sessions and grading, reviewed mentor journal entries to ensure safe mentoring practices, and consulted with mentors about the program.
Peer Academic Coach
Student Success
Faculty Instructor: Ms. Kristen Kaprinski
Worked one-on-one with students on academic success, created tailored plans to improve GPA and time management, and generated academic success workshops for campus-wide presentation.
Professional Affiliations
Organizations and associations
American Psychological Association
Student Member
Society for Research in Child Development
Associate Member
National Association of School Psychologists
Student Affiliate
Beyond Psychology
Personal interests and activities
temp temp temp I like hiking
I am also passionate about making psychology more accessible to the general public and frequently participate in community education events about child development and mental health.
