"Dr. Maria Lovett is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Florida International University and former Director of the Education Effect. The Education Effect is FIU’s university-affiliated community school partnership to support educational achievement in the Liberty City community of Miami, particularly Miami Northwestern Senior High School and the feeder schools. Maria received her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Villanova University, a Master’s degree in Media Studies from the New School University in NY and a PhD in Education Policy Studies from the University of Illinois. With an extensive background in documentary production, teaching youth media, and urban education Maria uses media as a tool to fight for social justice both in the classroom and the community. As an educator and researcher in the field, Maria has taught youth media production and participatory action research projects in cities across the United States. In Miami she works with students from the Algebra Project and the Young People’s Project to advance multiple literacy skills and promote community action. Bringing her multifaceted background and expertise in urban education her passion for the fight for quality education for all students coalesced two years ago when she became Director of The Education Effect. "