Created for the kids who think differently, by someone who believes different is where the magic begins.
Michelle Yin, Ph.D.
Founder, Nexellence Institute
Educator | Economist | Mom | Advocate for Every Learner
Learn with Purpose. Lead with Confidence.
Nexellence, Where Bold Thinkers Build a Brighter Future.
At Nexellence, our mission is to equip the next generation of thinkers, makers, and leaders with the tools to understand the world—and shape it for the better. We don’t just teach subjects—we help students discover how their unique minds can make a difference. Through inclusive, challenge-rich learning and real-world exploration, we nurture the confidence to speak up, the curiosity to dig deeper, and the courage to imagine something new. Our goal isn’t just academic success—it’s building a future where diverse talents are valued, voices are heard, and every student has the power to lead with purpose.
Get to Know the Educators Behind the Scenes
Dr. Michelle Yin
Founder & Curriculum Architect Nexellence InstituteAssociate Professor, Northwestern University
Dr. Michelle Yin
Founder & Curriculum Architect | Nexellence Institute
Associate Professor, Northwestern University
Dr. Michelle Yin is the founder and visionary behind Nexellence Institute, where she leads the development of inclusive, research-based curriculum designed to help bright, curious, and differently-wired students learn, grow, and thrive. As an economist and professor, she brings over 20 years of experience in building innovative, student-driven programs that center the needs, voices, and potential of diverse learners.
Dr. Yin’s expertise lies in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) education, social-emotional development, and applied research methods. She is also the founding architect of Northwestern’s dual master’s degree program with The Chinese University of Hong Kong—a globally recognized model for interdisciplinary, student-centered education. This experience, alongside her work leading international and domestic evaluation efforts, uniquely positions her to guide Nexellence in blending academic rigor with creativity, equity, and global relevance.
Across her career, Dr. Yin has collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to design, evaluate, and scale effective educational interventions. Her work connects policy and practice, with a focus on empowering students—especially those who learn differently—to chart their own path.
At Nexellence, Dr. Yin brings this passion home. She leads with the belief that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated—not only for their academic potential, but for who they are. Through Nexellence, she is creating the kind of educational experience she has long researched—and always believed was possible.
Francine Catalla
Program Implementation Specialist
Francine Catalla
Program Implementation Specialist
Francine Catalla is an expert in program management with significant experience in intervention implementation for youth, especially those impacted by the justice system. Her expertise includes managing large-scale projects, providing technical assistance, and employing innovative strategies to enhance program delivery and outcomes. Francine, a committed mentor and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to fostering career readiness and empowering young individuals to succeed.
Ruhan Circi, Ph.D.
Academic Advisor
Ruhan Circi, Ph.D.
Academic Advisor
Dr. Ruhan serves as the Academic Advisor at Nexellence Institute, bringing her extensive expertise in AI, data science, and research methodology to the forefront of curriculum design. Her profound knowledge in these areas is crucial in developing innovative technological solutions aimed at enhancing student learning experiences.
Dr. Burhan Ogut
Academic Advisor
Dr. Burhan Ogut
Academic Advisor | Data Science, Educational Measurement, and Innovation
Dr. Burhan Ogut is a leading education researcher and data scientist specializing in educational measurement, data analytics, and the application of advanced statistical methods to real-world learning challenges. As a Senior Advisor to the Nexellence Institute, he supports curriculum innovation and research strategy, bringing deep expertise in leveraging big data, machine learning, and policy analysis to drive educational excellence for gifted, twice-exceptional (2e), and diverse learners.
Dr. Ogut has led nationally recognized research initiatives focused on academic readiness, STEM education pathways, and the development of college and career success indicators. His work integrates rigorous quantitative methods with a deep commitment to applying data science for educational improvement. At Nexellence, he helps shape the data-driven foundation behind programs that empower young scholars to thrive in research, critical inquiry, and leadership both in the classroom and beyond.
Dahlia Shaewitz
Academic Advisor
Dahlia Shaewitz
Academic Advisor
Ms. Shaewitz, serving as an Academic Advisor at Nexellence Institute, specializes in professional coaching. Her expertise is integral to providing students with targeted training focused on professional development and soft skills. Ms. Shaewitz’s guidance and mentorship enrich the students’ academic journey, preparing them for the professional world with confidence and competence.
Dr. Sinan Yavuz
Academic Advisor
Dr. Sinan Yavuz
Academic Advisor | Advanced Quantitative Methods & Data Science
Dr. Sinan Yavuz is an expert in educational measurement, Bayesian statistics, and quantitative research methods. As a trusted advisor to the Nexellence Institute, he brings exceptional technical expertise in Bayesian modeling, small area estimation, machine learning, and large-scale educational data analysis. His contributions help ensure that Nexellence’s curriculum design, program evaluation, and innovation strategies are informed by the highest standards of quantitative rigor and data-driven methodology. Dr. Yavuz holds a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement and Evaluation and is currently completing a second Ph.D. in Quantitative Methods–Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research includes the development of the Small Area Bayesian Dynamic Borrowing (SABDB) model, simulation-based approaches for educational data analysis, and contributions to the EdSurvey R package for analyzing complex large-scale assessment data. He is an active contributor to the field, regularly publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences. Dr. Yavuz’s technical leadership helps Nexellence students and programs remain at the forefront of applied data science and educational measurement.
Gizem Toska
Academic Advisor
Gizem Toska
Academic Advisor
Dr. Gizem Toska is a counseling psychologist and educator with a strong background in psychological research, social-emotional learning, and talent development. She brings a deep commitment to fostering academic and personal growth in diverse learners. She holds dual BA degrees in Psychology and Guidance & Psychological Counseling from Boğaziçi University, where she graduated as valedictorian, and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Florida.
Dr. Toska has held several university faculty positions where she has lectured on topics including counseling theories, social-emotional development, group counseling, and mindfulness-based practices for learners of all ages. Her teaching and leadership have consistently emphasized student-centered learning, inclusive practices, and the development of core academic and emotional competencies—areas particularly relevant to supporting gifted and twice-exceptional students. Since 2024, she has been working with Dr. Yin to support the development of the Nexellence curriculum, with a particular focus on social-emotional learning and skill development for learners with diverse learning needs. Her experience makes her especially well-suited to teach research methods in a way that is both rigorous and responsive to the strengths and challenges of gifted and twice-exceptional learners.
Dr. Ferit Toska
Academic Advisor
Dr. Ferit Toska
Academic Advisor | Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Innovation Strategy
Dr. Ferit Toska is a mathematician, AI architect, and research innovator who brings deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced mathematics to the Nexellence Institute. As an Academic Advisor, he supports the development of cutting-edge AI-driven learning solutions and helps design data science programming that empowers gifted, twice-exceptional (2e), and advanced learners to excel in a rapidly evolving digital world.
With a Ph.D. in Mathematics, Dr. Toska’s career spans roles in academia, applied research, and AI system design. His background includes leading AI initiatives in the private sector, advancing neural network research, and teaching university courses in mathematics, discrete structures, and data science fundamentals. At Nexellence, Dr. Toska helps ensure that all programs are informed by the latest innovations in AI, complexity theory, and applied analytics—preparing students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and drive future innovation.
Meghan Hussey Lim
Inclusive Education Specialist
SEL & UDL Advocate
Meghan Hussey Lim
Inclusive Education Specialist
SEL & UDL Advocate
Meghan Hussey Lim is an inclusive education leader with over a decade of global experience designing programs that help all learners—especially those who learn differently—access meaningful, engaging, and empowering education. Her work centers on building systems that reflect the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), ensuring every student has the tools and support to thrive.
Before joining Nexellence, Meghan served as the Inclusive Education Advisor at USAID, where she led the agency-wide effort to embed UDL across its global education programs. She has also worked extensively with Special Olympics on youth and education initiatives and has conducted fieldwork and research on inclusive development in Asia, Africa, and Europe. As a Fulbright Scholar at Beijing Normal University, she explored educational approaches for autistic youth in China.
Meghan holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.Sc. in International Development from Trinity College Dublin, where she was a George J. Mitchell Scholar. She brings to Nexellence a deep commitment to equity, a passion for innovation, and a global perspective on what it means to build learning environments where every student is seen, supported, and inspired.
She currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband.
Exploring Diverse Career Pathways and Focus Areas
Nexellence Institute not only equips transition-age youth and young adults of ALL abilities with vital research and analytical skills but also unlocks a realm of diverse career opportunities. As they embark on this learning odyssey, we provide them with a comprehensive introduction to these dynamic career pathways:
• Consulting and Advisory Services:
Our participants acquire the prowess to excel in consulting roles, providing invaluable guidance to organizations, governments, and businesses rooted in data-driven research.
• Management and Strategy:
Armed with analytical acumen, participants flourish in management and strategy positions, shaping effective business plans and steering organizational expansion.
• Nonprofit and Social Impact:
Participants channel their skills toward the nonprofit sector, utilizing research insights to drive positive change within communities.
• Data Analysis and Visualization:
Proficiency in research methods and coding empowers participants in data analysis and visualization roles, enabling organizations to make informed decisions.
• Public Policy and Government:
A fulfilling career in public policy and government beckons participants who aspire to influence policy-making, drive systemic change, and tackle socio-economic challenges head-on.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
Bolstered by research-driven insights, participants embark on entrepreneurial ventures, crafting innovative solutions and products that address real-world challenges.
To learn more, please contact us at: info@nexellence.org
