Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative

Julia Upton is a recent graduate from the University of South Carolina, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Through her involvement in the Ronald McNair internship program, Julia conducted research on implicit bias among educators, specifically focusing on school disciplinary disparities. She is driven by her passion for equity and social justice in education. Her work in multiple undergraduate research labs at the UofSC centered around race and equity services, allowing her to work on projects related to racial redlining and energy vulnerability. Julia's ultimate ambition is to return to the classroom and teach, and later work for the Federal Department of Education, advocating for policies that address educational disparities and ensure equal opportunities for Black, Brown and Indigenous students of color.

Recognizing the importance of a deeper understanding of policy development and implementation, Julia has set her sights on pursuing a Master's degree in Urban Education Policy at Brown University. She believes that her time at Brown will equip her with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of education. 

At NAISI, Julia provides critical administrative and communications support for NAISI programming.