Graduate Assistants

Ebow Barton-Odro, originally from Ghana, earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ghana in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration from the same institution in 2020. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit management at Georgia Southern University. With a strong background in community organizing and advocacy, Ebow is passionate about addressing systemic disparities and empowering marginalized voices. From 2017 to 2023, he worked as a Research Assistant in Ghana’s Office of Parliament, where he contributed to projects focused on governance and public policy. Ebow’s research interests include social justice, community development, and Social equity, with a particular emphasis on finding innovative solutions to enhance well-being in underserved communities. He actively engages with local organizations to develop programs that promote community resilience. He is committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, making a meaningful impact in both his studies and the community he serves.

Edie Grice is, from Statesboro, Georgia, is a Graduate Assistant at the Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities, where she focuses on fostering community engagement and strengthening local initiatives. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Nonprofit Management from Georgia Southern University in 2023. She is pursuing a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. A lifelong resident of Statesboro, Edie is deeply committed to her community. She is particularly passionate about exploring innovative approaches to address local challenges and enhance the well-being of underserved populations, especially those with special needs. Her dedication to this cause is further demonstrated by her first manuscript published in the Journal of Special Education in 2023, reflecting her commitment to academic research and social impact. In her role at the Institute, Edie collaborates with community members and organizations to identify critical issues and develop sustainable solutions, all while promoting a vibrant and engaged community environment.

Quah’Ja Bullard, from Dooly County, Georgia, serves as a Graduate Assistant and Qualitative Coder at the Institute for Vibrant and Engaged Communities. He empowers local communities by engaging in initiatives that explore the complexities of local governance and compiles and organizes research data to support the institute’s objectives. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Georgia Southern University in 2022. He is pursuing a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management. From 2021 to 2022, he worked as a Peer Leader for the First and Second-Year Experience program at Georgia Southern University, where he taught and assisted first-year students with acclimating to Georgia Southern University. Quah’Ja’s research interests include financial literacy, social equity, education access and inequities, and mental health. In his role in the Institute, he is committed to finding practical solutions, promoting inclusivity in all spaces, and building a support network to share ideas to promote an engaged and vibrant community.