Rohana J. Swihart
Previous Degrees Obtained
Heritage University, Masters, Special Education; Warner Pacific University, Bachelor’s of Science, Business Administration; Blue Mountain Community College, Associates, AgriBusiness
Research Topic
“*Inclusive immersive green market capacity development
*Green Apprenticeship workforce readiness for BIPOC communities
*Healing through nature in urban gardens
*Equine-assisted learning for social emotional health and wellness”
Rohana is an experienced special education teacher and extended reality (XR) education coach with hidden disabilities (2e), deeply committed to empowering youth furthest from opportunity. With a strong passion for human-centered design using innovative technologies and project-based learning, she strives to bridge the educational gap for marginalized students. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Sustainability Education, her research focuses on leveraging immersive learning to enhance STEM college and career readiness, especially green workforce development, while incorporating neuroscience and wellness. She loves bringing awareness of the positive potential of immersive learning to overburdened communities — voices historically left out of sustainability conversations. Rohana is grateful for the world stages she presents her research from including conferences for edTech, special/exceptional education, higher Ed, and sustainability. Rohana has received two prestigious awards this year: Leonard P. Gollobin Scholarship at I/ITSEC 2024; and the Emerging Scholar, 21st International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability at FIU-Miami, 2025. Her continuing work with scholars with disabilities, BIPOC scholars, community partners and shareholders to co-create a more regenerative and harmonious world is what drives her pioneering research.
Q&A
Prescott’s interdisciplinary approach and ability to co-create new research pathways alongside BIPOC communities while finding solutions is the reason I transferred into the Sustainability Education program.
My research focuses on inclusive immersive green apprenticeship curriculum development.
The flexibility around my full-time career, the radical grace demonstrated by professors and the beloved community, and the co-creating of learning spaces are what I like best about the PhD program.
Life has so many highs and lows, unexpected challenges, and multiple opportunities! Breathe, rest, hold space, then walk on!
When I started the PhD program, I was an experienced high school special education teacher having facilitated learning in both urban and rural districts. I decided to make a career change over the Summer, and am now an outreach manager for green energy new building development. I love my role as it helps communities learn about the benefits of building to Net Zero and renewables. It also cultivates greater awareness of green energy and careers to communities historically left out of the renewables conversation.
I’m a PATH therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI), and enjoy singing while traveling to white sand beaches.
Inspite of plans and support systems, life surprises us; some happy, some sad. Along the gauntlet of any doctoral program, the silver lining and unexpected opportunities and blessings will keep you working towards your goal. The world really is our stage. And there are even more stages to find in this world — yes, I’ve found a couple new ones! The world needs more of us solutionaries (aka change makers)! Join us in co-creating a more regenerative, harmonious world.