2025 Dean’s Merit Scholar Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom
Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom
Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom
PhD Special Education
Elizabeth Cambray-Engstrom has been connected to UIC for 28 years and intends to stay connected to the university in the coming years. She has either been a student or an adjunct faculty for those years. She feels connected to the university, having spent most of her life in and around it and attending nearby Whitney Young Magnet High School.
Her UIC journey began as an undergraduate, earning her bachelor’s in elementary education in 2004. She then continued in the master’s program in Special Education.
“I think the whole college is diverse. Our program is open to students who are ready to be full-time and people like me, part-time students balancing careers and families,” said Cambray-Engstrom.
Supporting both pre-service and in-service educators—as well as the families they serve—is at the heart of her work. Last year, she was honored with the UIC Silver Circle Teaching Award, presented annually to those faculty voted most outstanding by the members of the senior class.
Her research has focused on Latino families and their experiences navigating health and educational systems. “They have been really resourceful, they’ve leaned on other people, mother mentors, I like to call them, in order to navigate systemic barriers,” said Cambray-Engstrom.
She has also been involved in the CARES Clinic at the College of Education, working with families and students to help them secure an Individualized Education Program (IEP), when there are academic, social and/or emotional challenges that warrant having special education services.
Growing up in Little Village and still residing in the neighborhood, Cambray-Engstrom often guides students from that community to apply for admission to UIC.
She attributes her success to the unwavering support she’s received from faculty in the College. “I’m grateful, because I’ve had the support of everyone.”
“Throughout the years, Dr. Cambray-Engstrom has taught 11 different courses, most several times, in the Urban Education, HDL, and Special Education programs. She is sought out as adjunct instructor because of her knowledge and skillful teaching abilities, her dependability as a professional, and for her deep commitment to her students,” said Associate Professor Emerita Norma Lopez-Reyna, who has interacted with her as a doctoral advisor, instructor, co-grant director and mentor.
She plans to stay at the university as a post-doctoral fellow. “UIC is truly my community. It is truly my home.”