Shamika Hayes is a Research Specialist Affiliate at the Madison Center for Community Development at James Madison University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology, equipping her with a deep understanding of learning processes and instructional design.

Her research focuses on Youth Development, with an emphasis on Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, and Cognitive Development. She explores how learning theories can be applied to create effective educational experiences that foster cognitive growth and long-term success for young learners. Through her work, Shamika is committed to advancing innovative, research-based strategies that empower educators and learners alike.