Max Limric ’25 and mentor Dr. Bryan Ripley Crandall collaborate on a research project focused on literacy in multilingual classrooms.
By
John Mendez
Excellence in the Classroom
Senior Max Limric ’25 has carved out a unique educational experience for himself at Fairfield, guided by the mentorship of Bryan Ripley Crandall, PhD, who teaches in the School of Education and Human Development (SEHD). Their work together is a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering collaboration across schools and disciplines.
Limric, an English and Spanish double-major in the College of Arts and Sciences, has a minor in educational studies. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of The Fairfield Mirror, the school’s independent student newspaper. Dr. Crandall is an associate professor of literacy at SEHD. They share a commitment to social justice and to teaching, which has led to projects that tackle important crosscultural challenges while equipping Limric with a transformative education.
As a student in Dr. Crandall’s young adult literature course, Limric participated in observational studies at public schools in Bridgeport, Conn. During his visits, he noticed an area of need that eventually became the basis for his research: the majority of the students in the classrooms he observed were Spanish-speakers, but most of the teachers did not have Spanish language skills. “I kept asking myself, how are these students being taught if their teachers can’t communicate with them,” he said.
This is about more
than just assisting
students. It’s about
promoting their
language and culture
in the classroom.
– Max Limric '25
An E. Gerald Corrigan Scholar, Limric was granted the opportunity to pursue faculty-mentored research. He chose to work with Dr. Crandall, whose expertise in literacy and educational equity made him an ideal collaborator. Together, they developed a project that sought to integrate Spanish literature into classrooms and investigate new ways to support multilingual students.
Dr. Crandall reflected with pride on his mentee’s dedication to exploring Spanish-focused literature and improving the school experience and outcomes of bilingual students. “It’s rare to see such passion at this stage,” he said of Limric.
Under Dr. Crandall’s guidance, Limric applied his research in real-world settings at local public schools and the Ubuntu Academy, a two-week summer program at Fairfield University that supports refugee and immigrant youths through writing. “When we offered books written in their language, their eyes lit up,” said Limric. “It completely transformed how they engaged with learning.”
Limric, editor-in-chief of The Fairfield Mirror, in the newsroom.
Blending his passions for teaching, Spanish, and literature, Limric’s research has helped him better understand the issue of language barriers in classrooms and has encouraged him to look for solutions to the systemic challenges Spanish-speaking students face in American classrooms. His work has allowed him to engage with national scholars and present at prestigious conferences, including the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE).
Over the past several years, Dr. Crandall has been a constant supporter of Limric’s scholarly activities. From guiding his research and securing public presentation opportunities, to helping him develop practical writing and publishing skills, their mentor-student relationship has been both rewarding and impactful. “Why not invest in somebody who’s already brilliant and encourage them to continue doing brilliant things?” said Dr. Crandall, noting Limric’s collaboration as an editor of Power of Words, an anthology published annually through the Connecticut Writing Project.
As Limric completes his senior thesis, he recognizes that his studies have provided him with the tools and inspiration to make a lasting impact in the field of education. After his undergraduate Commencement in May, he plans to stay involved with the Connecticut Writing Project and study toward his master’s degree at Fairfield’s SEHD. Additionally, he aspires to pursue a Fulbright and continue his advocacy for bilingual students in the U.S. and abroad.
Limric’s journey at Fairfield exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration and strong mentorship can drive both academic success and social change. “This is about more than just assisting students,” he said. “It’s about promoting their language and culture in the classroom.”
