For Aidan Campagnolio, pursuing a career in school psychology is about more than conducting assessments or supporting students in the classroom. It is about making sure students, especially those with disabilities, have their voices heard.

Campagnolio, a doctoral student in Temple University’s in the school psychology program at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), is also a graduate assistant with the college’s Institute on Disabilities (IOD). In 2026, he was selected to participate in the American Psychological Association’s Disability Mentoring Program, which connects psychology graduate students with mentors to support professional development and strengthen inclusion in the field. Through these roles, he works at the intersection of research, advocacy and practice, exploring how systems can better support individuals with disabilities and their families.

His path to this work began with a simple goal: finding a way to support students through psychology and education.

“I really just wanted to work in schools and do something related to psychology or mental health,” Campagnolio said. “I’m from Philly, so Temple just seemed like the best place.”

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Campagnolio first came to Temple to pursue an education specialist degree (EdS) in school psychology. But as he approached graduation, he began thinking about how he could continue building his knowledge and skills.

“As graduation was getting closer, I felt like I didn’t know nearly as much as I wanted to know,” he said.

That thought led him to pursue doctoral training.

“I asked myself, how do you learn more?” he explained. “For me, pursuing a doctorate was really about wanting to keep learning and growing.”

Now in his fourth year in the doctoral program, Campagnolio continues developing research, and the clinical and advocacy skills needed to support students and families in school and clinical settings.

Connecting Research and Community Impact

During his first year of graduate school, Campagnolio engaged with a research project evaluating the quality of life and services for individuals receiving federal disability benefits.

“We interview individuals who receive federal benefits for disability to make sure quality of life is good and how services are going,” Campagnolio explained. “If things aren’t going well, the data can be used to improve supports."

He presented his findings at an IOD poster session, an experience that connected him with the institute and eventually led to his current role.

“I was really nervous because it felt like a really big deal,” he said. “But that presentation helped me connect with the IOD and eventually led to the opportunity to work there.”

Today, Campagnolio contributes to research projects that focus on disability services, quality of life and improving systems that support individuals with disabilities.

A Personal Connection to Disability Advocacy

Campagnolio’s interest in disability advocacy is deeply personal.

“I have family members with disabilities,” he said. “So the disability community is something I’ve always felt close to and had a kinship with.”

While he always knew he wanted to work with children, experiences during graduate school helped him recognize the powerful role advocacy can play in supporting students.

During psychoeducational assessments as part of his coursework, one moment stood out to him.

“After long testing sessions, some students asked if they could return for more,” he shared. “At first, it sounds really sweet. But testing is tiring and demanding. The fact that they wanted to come back made me realize how little positive reinforcement some students with disabilities sometimes receive. If simply saying ‘nice job’ or ‘great work’ makes them want to come back, that says a lot.”

Moments like these reinforced how important it is to recognize students’ strengths and perspectives.

Elevating Student Voice

A central focus of Campagnolio’s work, both at the IOD and in his doctoral training, is student voice and advocacy.

For him, advocacy begins with listening.

“Advocacy isn’t about being the perfect voice—it starts with listening and centering the voices of the disability community.”

By combining research, clinical training and community engagement, Campagnolio hopes to contribute to systems that center those perspectives and promote meaningful change.

As Campagnolio continues his doctoral training, he hopes to build a career that blends school psychology, research and disability advocacy.

Programs like Temple’s school psychology doctoral program, along with research opportunities through the IOD, provide students with the chance to connect research, community partnerships and real-world impact.

For Campagnolio, that work ultimately comes back to the students.

“The goal of my work is making sure students feel heard, supported, and truly valued by centering their needs over my own perspective.”