Past Board Members

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education: Political Science and Sociology

Arnela is interested in the role of education in post-conflict state-(re)building, particularly in areas affected by ethnic violence. Her current research in countries of the former Yugoslavia focuses on how education is used to build political legitimacy and national identity in the post-war period.

Fun fact

Arnela was a flanker on her university's rugby team in college.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Research and Scholarly Interests

Camille is interested in the role of education in nations affected by conflicts, especially at the intersection of language issues, identity and ethnicity. Currently, she is exploring the polyphony of education actors to understand the role of education in building national identity and coexistence in Cameroon.

Fun fact

As a child, Camille secretly dreamed of having the same haircut as Jean de La Fontaine.

Title

Senior Editor

Program

PhD in Comparative and International Education

Research Interests

Whitney’s research interests focus on the nexus of education, conflict, and peacebuilding. Her current research looks at teachers' roles and agency in conflict-affected contexts, specifically at the secondary education level. 

Fun Fact

Whitney has been to all seven continents, including Antarctica, where she swam in the Antarctic Ocean.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative and International Education: Sociology

Research and Scholarly Interests

Darren Rabinowitz's research interests lie in diffusion, neoliberalism, and education, climate change education, youth as activists, and social movements. Darren is currently a research associate at the Teachers College Center for Sustainable Futures and has worked with the MECCE project and NAAEE on numerous climate change education and communication projects.

Fun Fact

Darren was one of the first people in history to fly on a flying trapeze on the White House's front lawn.

Title: Senior Editor

TC Program: Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education

Fun Fact: “I like bugs.”

Title: Senior Editor

TC Program: PhD in Comparative and International Education

Fun Fact: “My favorite word is skedaddle! It means to leave quickly, as if you are running from something amusingly dangerous.”

Title: Copy Editor

TC Program: MA in International and Comparative Education

Research and Scholarly Interests:

Fun fact: “I enjoy baking new recipes for nutritious desserts.”

Title: Copy Editor

TC Program: MA in International Education and Comparative Education

Research and Scholarly Interests:

Fun fact: “I have a Brazilian cat named Cleo who is from Aterro de Flamengo in Rio de Janeiro.”

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Research and Scholarly Interests

Education governance reforms, school autonomy with accountability, Teachers' Professionalism, International and Large Scale Assessments, Educational Privatization, New Philanthropy in Education, Latin America, Policy diffusion, and globalization

Fun fact

Tomás is the youngest of five siblings and has strong barbeque (Argentine style) skills.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative and International Education: Sociology

Research and Scholarly Interests

Darren Rabinowitz's research interests lie in diffusion, neoliberalism, and education, climate change education, youth as activists, and social movements. Darren is currently a research associate at the Teachers College Center for Sustainable Futures and has worked with the MECCE project and NAAEE on numerous climate change education and communication projects.

Fun Fact

Darren was one of the first people in history to fly on a flying trapeze on the White House's front lawn.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D Mathematics, Science, and Technology 

Research Interests

Yvonne's research interest lie in the intersection between culturally relevant pedagogy and social justice education in STEM. Her research will explore how a culturally relevant, socially justice computer science curriculum impacts the STEM identity and conceptual knowledge of Black elementary students. 

Fun Fact

I only drive manual transmission cars. I will most likely be a rare breed over the coming years, as every time I take my Jeep to get an oil change at the dealer, the staff always exclaims, "Oh, wow! Where did you get this car? I've never seen a manual!" (I WILL break down to buy an electric car in the near future (maybe); but that would be the only reason to give up driving a manual!

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Research and Scholarly Interests

Fun fact

While on a recent work trip in Jordan, Chris experienced Yemeni cuisine for the first time. He is now desperate to visit Sana'a to eat more.

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education: Political Science and Sociology

Arnela is interested in the role of education in post-conflict state-(re)building, particularly in areas affected by ethnic violence. Her current research in countries of the former Yugoslavia focuses on how education is used to build political legitimacy and national identity in the post-war period.

Fun fact

Arnela was a flanker on her university's rugby team in college.

Title 

Editor 

TC Program & Specialization 

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning (IPP)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Sumit Karn's research interests center on understanding educational inequalities within marginalized communities in low- and middle-income countries. He is particularly interested in understanding the influence of social settings such as homes, neighborhoods, and schools on the student's academic achievement and, in turn, its impact on reducing/increasing social stratification. In addition, his scholarly interests include school reform, intersectionality in public-private partnerships, and the privatization of education.

Fun Fact 

Despite growing up in a patriarchal society, I have inherited my mother's surname instead of my father's. 

Title 

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, Peace and Human Rights Education

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in human rights and citizenship education.

Fun fact 

I love Elena Ferrante while I also love the tv series Gossip Girl (first edition)

Title 

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., in Early Childhood Education

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization
Ed. M. in Curriculum and Teaching 

Research and Scholarly Interests
My focus is teachers' education, adult education, and the development of collaborative learning environments. I am interested in finding ways where teachers can share their knowledge with the support of schools and universities.

Fun fact

I like having knitting projects during the Fall and Winter. Last year I made sleepers for all my husband, brothers, sisters-in-law, niece, and nephews. I still have some pending, but I am planning on continuing with the sleepers project and adding some scarf or sock projects as well.

Title

Digital Engagement Manager 

TC Program & Specialization

Ed. M. in International Education Development  

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in understanding Ethiopia's Higher Education system through a Historic lens. I want to provide A historic perspective on how volatile socio-political climates Impacted Higher education systems(and vice versa) during 1960s- 1990s and the impact it may have on current trends.

Fun fact

I have completed over seven half marathons and biked from NYC to DC two years in a row.

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) - Bachelor of International Relations   

Universidade do Estado do Rio De Janeiro (UERJ) - Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations

IBMEC-SP - Lato-sensu Post-graduation in Educational Management

Research and Scholarly Interests

Decolonial theories, epistemologies from the South, post-development, feminist perspectives in International and Comparative Education, women's and girls' education, critical pedagogy, race and inequality in Brazilian schools, and topics related to Brazilian and South American educational policies. 

Fun fact

She is an enthusiastic supporter of Flamengo, the best football team in the world.

Title

Managing Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative and International Education & Sociology

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College Columbia University, 

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

China education reform, Teacher training and development, Policy analysis and politics of education reform, Educational equity

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education, Columbia University (2018)

B.A., Australian National University (2011)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Access to higher education, Philanthropy and education, Public opinion, Inequality and Merit

Fun fact

I like to play tennis when I find a chance

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D Mathematics, Science, and Technology 

Yvonne Thevenot is an educator-activist who believes that all students are capable of learning and that education can be used as a form of resistance against socio-economic marginalization. She is the founder and Executive Director of STEM Kids NYC, a 6-year-old education nonprofit organization that teaches PreK-12 grade students in New York City schools how to code, engineering, engage in science and robotics, and generate a STEM identity for themselves.

Yvonne has over 17 years of professional experience in Computer Science, as a Computer Programmer for Fortune 500 companies, as well as in K-12 education, where she has taught on the elementary and middle school levels, as well as alternative school/High School Equivalency levels. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems, a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California, an Ed.M. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, and is currently a Ph.D. Student in the Mathematics, Science, and Technology program at Teachers College.

Yvonne is not only a Senior Editor for Current Issues in Comparative Education, but is also the Managing Editor for Voices In Urban Education, housed at NYU. Her research interests are centered on culturally responsive, socially just STEM teaching and learning and examining how technoscience pedagogical practices create liberatory learning spaces. She is a research assistant for Teachers College’s National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching, as well as a Professional Development Associate for Teachers College’s Center for Technology and School Change. 

She is a rugby mom to her 18-year-old son, Blaise (named after the mathematician), who is a 1st-year Mechanical Engineering major at a 4-year university in Ohio, and enjoys fitness boot camp and HIIT classes. She currently resides in North Bergen, New Jersey.  

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Education Policy

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed.M. International Education Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA

M.A, International Affairs, Sciences-Po Paris, France

B.A., International Relations, PUC-SP, São Paulo, Brazil 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Brazilian education policies, K-12 policy implementation, teachers' professional development, standards-based reforms, technology in education, the role of philanthropies and international organizations in designing and implementing education policies.

Fun fact

I moved a lot! I've lived in +20 houses in my life.

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., English Education

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed.M., English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A., Curriculum and Teaching, English Education, CUNY Hunter College

Research and Scholarly Interests

Domestic and international literacy curriculum design, development, and its policies, technologies and literacies, plus culturally relevant literature.

Fun fact

I taught secondary English for ten years in traditional and community-based educational settings, primarily in New York City / Harlem, the Commonwealth Caribbean region, and Ethiopia.

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, Languages, Literacies & Cultures (LLC)

Previous degrees & institutions

Master Public Administration, Clark University (2014)

B.A., double major in Psychology & Asian Studies, Clark University (2013)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Language-in-Education Planning & Policy, Decolonization Studies, Raciolinguistics, Human Rights Education

Fun fact

Once competed in a Mandarin Chinese singing competition.

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A. Candidate, International Educational Development 

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Journalism, Universidad Eafit in Medellin, Colombia 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Education in conflict and post-conflict settings, peace education, teachers' wellbeing, Colombia

Fun fact

She sometimes works as a voiceover artist (among others, she did a baby's voice for a diapers commercial) 

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues

Title 

Editor 

TC Program & Specialization 

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning (IPP)

Previous degrees & Institutions

B.A., Strategic Communication, Washington State University

A.A., Journalism, Everett Community College 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Equity in Education, Education Policy, School Reform, Diversity and Identity, Gender and Education 

Fun Fact 

Despite growing up in a patriarchal society, I have inherited my mother's surname instead of my father's. 

Jade Sheinwald is a first-year M.A. student in the International Education Development Program. Her research interests include languages of instruction in primary and secondary schools in postcolonial contexts, with a specific focus on the recognized establishment of nondominant languages in education. Previous to beginning her studies at Teachers College, Jade worked as an early childhood educator in an international bilingual French school for four years and contributed to the Borgen Project as a writer and editor. Passionate about languages, Jade speaks fluent English and French, conversational Spanish, and is currently learning Haitian Creole as a beginner. In her spare time, she enjoys composing music, spending time with her bunny rabbit, and utilizing New York City as a personal playground. 

Title 

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Education Development

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A. English, Bryn Mawr College

Research and Scholarly Interests

Higher education, education policy and economy, Asia (east, central)

Fun fact

I have eaten at almost every Ethiopian restaurant in Manhattan.

Title 

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, Peace and Human Rights Education

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., International Relations, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (2017)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Human Rights Education, Democratic Education, Education for the prevention of genocide, Social Justice 

Fun fact 

Love to watch Gossip Girls TV series (original version) 

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.D., International Education Development 

Previous degrees & institutions

M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A&M University USA

M.A, English Studies, Pokhara University Nepal

Advanced Diploma, University of Manchester UK 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Bilingual & multilingual education; human rights education; peace education; education for immigrants and minorities; mixed methods study

Fun fact

Loves cooking and reading about big bang theories!

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues 

Previous degrees & institutions

B.S., Health Sciences, Human Physiology, Boston University (2015)

Research Interests

Refugee Education, Education and Conflict, Human Rights and Peace Education

Fun fact

Is a certified advanced scuba diver

Title

Editorial Administrator & Senior Editor 

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D, Cognitive Science in Education

Mariel Halpern is the Senior Editor and Board Administrator of Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE). She started working with CICE in 2017 when she started her Ph.D. program in Cognitive Science in Education. Her program of research involves investigating and understanding how to best help adolescents think critically via scientific reasoning practices (e.g., argumentation and debate). Previously, while studying for her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology at Temple University, Mariel worked on several research projects on how to support college students’ motivational and cognitive processes in introductory science courses. Mariel’s broad based research background allows her to harness integrative approaches to research theory and practice by building on a number of existing ideas about learning in disparate strands of research (e.g., integrating findings from psychological development with motivation). She is particularly interested in understanding whether and how students come to value the things they do and learn in the classroom. When Mariel is not working, she enjoys exploring New York City.

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) - Bachelor of International Relations   

Universidade do Estado do Rio De Janeiro (UERJ) - Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations

IBMEC-SP - Lato-sensu Post-graduation in Educational Management

Research and Scholarly Interests

Decolonial theories, epistemologies from the South, post-development, feminist perspectives in International and Comparative Education, women's and girls' education, critical pedagogy, race and inequality in Brazilian schools, and topics related to Brazilian and South American educational policies. 

Fun fact

She is an enthusiastic supporter of Flamengo, the best football team in the world.

Title

Managing Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative and International Education & Sociology

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College Columbia University, 

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

China education reform, Teacher training and development, Policy analysis and politics of education reform, Educational equity

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education, Columbia University (2018)

B.A., Australian National University (2011)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Access to higher education, Philanthropy and education, Public opinion, Inequality and Merit

Fun fact

I like to play tennis when I find a chance

Title

Editorial Administrator & Senior Editor 

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D, Cognitive Science in Education

Mariel Halpern is the Senior Editor and Board Administrator of Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE). She started working with CICE in 2017 when she started her Ph.D. program in Cognitive Science in Education. Her program of research involves investigating and understanding how to best help adolescents think critically via scientific reasoning practices (e.g., argumentation and debate). Previously, while studying for her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology at Temple University, Mariel worked on several research projects on how to support college students’ motivational and cognitive processes in introductory science courses. Mariel’s broad based research background allows her to harness integrative approaches to research theory and practice by building on a number of existing ideas about learning in disparate strands of research (e.g., integrating findings from psychological development with motivation). She is particularly interested in understanding whether and how students come to value the things they do and learn in the classroom. When Mariel is not working, she enjoys exploring New York City.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D Mathematics, Science, and Technology 

Yvonne Thevenot is an educator-activist who believes that all students are capable of learning and that education can be used as a form of resistance against socio-economic marginalization. She is the founder and Executive Director of STEM Kids NYC, an education nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between current school curriculum and the immediate need for schools to prepare students for experiential STEM skills, particularly in Science, Computer Science and Engineering & Design, and for jobs that do not yet exist.  

Yvonne has over 15 years of professional experience in Computer Science, as a Computer Programmer for Fortune 500 companies, as well as in K-12 education, where she has taught on the elementary and middle school levels, as well as alternative school/High School Equivalency levels. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems, a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California, an Ed.M. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College,and is currently a Ph.D. Student in the Mathematics, Science, and Technology program at Teachers College.

Yvonne is not only Publishing Editor for Current Issues in Comparative Education, but is also one for the newly revived education journal, Voices In Urban Education, housed at NYU. She has presented her body of work on culturally responsive STEM curriculum, as well as a new pedagogical construct that she co-founded, which is centered on feminism and critical race theory, and is called Sisterly Responsive Pedagogy, in numerous education conferences at Teachers College, as well as at Columbia University’s Women in Science at Columbia symposiums. 

She is a hockey mom to her 16-year-old son, Blaise (named after the mathematician) and enjoys fitness boot camp and HIIT classes. She and her son currently reside in North Bergen, New Jersey.

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Education Policy

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed.M. International Education Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, USA

M.A, International Affairs, Sciences-Po Paris, France

B.A., International Relations, PUC-SP, São Paulo, Brazil 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Brazilian education policies, K-12 policy implementation, teachers' professional development, standards-based reforms, technology in education, the role of philanthropies and international organizations in designing and implementing education policies.

Fun fact

I moved a lot! I've lived in +20 houses in my life.

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., English Education

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed.M., English Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A., Curriculum and Teaching, English Education, CUNY Hunter College

Research and Scholarly Interests

Domestic and international literacy curriculum design, development, and its policies, technologies and literacies, plus culturally relevant literature.

Fun fact

I taught secondary English for ten years in traditional and community-based educational settings, primarily in New York City / Harlem, the Commonwealth Caribbean region, and Ethiopia.

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development (Languages, Literaries & Cultures)

Previous degrees & institutions

Master Public Administration, Clark University (2014)

B.A., Psychology, Asian Studies, Clark University (2013)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Language-in-Education Planning & Policy, Literacy Development, Decolonization Studies, Human Rights Education

Fun fact

Once competed in a Mandarin Chinese singing competition.

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues

Previous degrees & institutions

B.S., Health Sciences, Human Physiology, Boston University (2015)

Research Interests

Refugee Education, Education and Conflict, Human Rights and Peace Education

Fun fact

Is a certified advanced scuba diver

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A. Candidate, International Educational Development 

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Journalism, Universidad Eafit in Medellin, Colombia 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Education in conflict and post-conflict settings, peace education, teachers' wellbeing, Colombia

Fun fact

She sometimes works as a voiceover artist (among others, she did a baby's voice for a diapers commercial) 

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.D., International Education Development

Previous degrees & institutions

M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, Texas A&M University USA

M.A, English Studies, Pokhara University Nepal

Advanced Diploma, University of Manchester UK 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Bilingual & multilingual education; human rights education; peace education; education for immigrants and minorities; mixed methods study

Fun fact

Loves cooking and reading about big bang theories!

Title

Copy Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Education Development

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A. English, Bryn Mawr College

Research and Scholarly Interests

Higher education, education policy and economy, Asia (east, central)

Fun fact

I have eaten at almost every Ethiopian restaurant in Manhattan.

Name

Paula Mantilla-Blanco

Title

Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A, Cultural and Educational Policy Studies, Loyola University Chicago

B.S., Mathematics, Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia 

Research and Scholarly Interests

Education in conflict and post-conflict settings, collective memory, memory sites as pedagogical tools in transitional contexts, Colombia

Fun fact

Holds a degree in pastry arts

Name

Kevin Henderson

Title

Former Editor-in-Chief

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education, Sociology and Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A, Fordham University

B.A., Australian National University (2011)

Research and Scholarly Interests

The recent realignment of national education systems in ASEAN-5 towards digital skilling/digital literacy and the forces spurring this change

Name

Abbas Abbasov

Title

Managing Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education, Columbia University (2018)

B.A., Australian National University (2011)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Access to higher education, Philanthropy and education, Public opinion, Inequality and Merit

Fun fact

I like to play tennis when I find a chance

Name

Erika Kessler

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative and International Education & Sociology

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College Columbia University, 

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

China education reform, Teacher training and development, Policy analysis and politics of education reform, Educational equity

Name

Yvonne Thevenot

Title

Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Yvonne Thevenot is an educator-activist who believes that all students are capable of learning and that education can be used as a form of resistance against socio-economic marginalization. She is the founder and Executive Director of STEM Kids NYC, an education nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between current school curriculum and the immediate need for schools to prepare students for experiential STEM skills, particularly in Science, Computer Science and Engineering & Design, and for jobs that do not yet exist.  

Yvonne has over 15 years of professional experience in Computer Science, as a Computer Programmer for Fortune 500 companies, as well as in K-12 education, where she has taught on the elementary and middle school levels, as well as alternative school/High School Equivalency levels. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems, a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California, an Ed.M. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College,and is currently a Ph.D. Student in the Mathematics, Science, and Technology program at Teachers College.

Yvonne is not only Publishing Editor for Current Issues in Comparative Education, but is also one for the newly revived education journal, Voices In Urban Education, housed at NYU. She has presented her body of work on culturally responsive STEM curriculum, as well as a new pedagogical construct that she co-founded, which is centered on feminism and critical race theory, and is called Sisterly Responsive Pedagogy, in numerous education conferences at Teachers College, as well as at Columbia University’s Women in Science at Columbia symposiums. 

She is a hockey mom to her 16-year-old son, Blaise (named after the mathematician) and enjoys fitness boot camp and HIIT classes. She and her son currently reside in North Bergen, New Jersey.

Name

Mariel Halpern

Title

Editorial Administrator & Senior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D, Cognitive Science in Education

Mariel Halpern is the Senior Editor and Board Administrator of Current Issues in Comparative Education (CICE). She started working with CICE in 2017 when she started her Ph.D. program in Cognitive Science in Education. Her program of research involves investigating and understanding how to best help adolescents think critically via scientific reasoning practices (e.g., argumentation and debate). Previously, while studying for her M.Ed. in Educational Psychology at Temple University, Mariel worked on several research projects on how to support college students’ motivational and cognitive processes in introductory science courses. Mariel’s broad based research background allows her to harness integrative approaches to research theory and practice by building on a number of existing ideas about learning in disparate strands of research (e.g., integrating findings from psychological development with motivation). She is particularly interested in understanding whether and how students come to value the things they do and learn in the classroom. When Mariel is not working, she enjoys exploring New York City.

Name

Sarah Carey

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., Applied Linguistics

Sarah Carey is a member of the CICE Editorial Board. She is pursuing her master's degree in Applied Linguistics at Teachers College, Columbia University. Previously, Sarah earned both her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in Education, with an emphasis on English as a Second Language, from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky. Her research interests include bias against rural English dialects in the United States, dual-language programming in elementary education, and English language programming in East Asian schools. Sarah has taught as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in South Korea, and in various positions in China, Kentucky, and New York. In staying true to her Kentucky roots, Sarah was once a budding banjo picker during her teenage years but gave up the craft after determining that she would never become an overnight success. 

Name

Lauren Gonzalez

Title

Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues

Previous degrees & institutions

B.S., Health Sciences, Human Physiology, Boston University (2015)

Research Interests

Refugee Education, Education and Conflict, Human Rights and Peace Education

Fun fact

Is a certified advanced scuba diver

Name

Obi Eneh

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Editor

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, Language Literary & Culture

Previous degrees & institutions

Master Public Administration, Clark University, (2014)

B.A., Psychology, Asian Studies, Clark University (2013)

Research and Scholarly Interests

Language in Education Policy, Human Rights, Refugee Education

Fun fact

Once competed in a local Chinese singing competition.

Name

Honey Walrond

Title

Digital Engagement Manager & Editor

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M., English Education & Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Curriculum and Teaching, English Education, CUNY Hunter College

Research and Scholarly Interests

The Honorable Rep. Shirley Chisholm; plus domestic and international curriculum design, development, and its policies.

Fun fact

I taught secondary English Language Arts for ten years in traditional and community-based educational settings, primarily in New York City / Harlem, the Commonwealth Caribbean region, and Ethiopia.

Name

Abbas Abbasov

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Australian National University, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-College educational quality assessment

-Teaching motivations and instructional communication

-Non-tenured faculty lives and faculty involvement in shared governance

-College access and high school to college transition

Name

Erika Kessler

Title

Board Secretary, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

-China education reform

-Teacher training and development

-Policy analysis and politics of education reform

-Educational equity

Program & Specialization

EdD, International Educational Development, International Policy and Planning

Geographical Focus

Southeast Asia, East Asia

Previous degrees & institutions

MA, Fordham University, 2017

MPS, Alliance Theological Seminary, 2014

BS, Nyack College, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-ICT & Southeast Asian Higher education

-Social movements; technology and social change

-Technological disruption & higher education

-Ethics & technology

Name

You Zhang

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Sichuan University (China), 2016

B.A., Sichuan University (China), 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Higher Education

-International Policy and Planning in Education

Name

Yvonne Thevenot

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M. Curriculum & Teaching

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., University of Southern California, 2014

B.Sc., University of Dayton, 1992

Research and Scholarly Interests

-STEM Education and curriculum development

-STEM Education and the promotion of equity in the classroom for diverse learners

-Culturally relevant pedagogy and instruction

-Knowledge acquisition teaching strategies for adult learners diagnosed with behavior challenges

Name

Abbas Abbasov

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Australian National University, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-College educational quality assessment

-Teaching motivations and instructional communication

-Non-tenured faculty lives and faculty involvement in shared governance

-College access and high school to college transition

Name

Sumita Ambasta

Title

Outreach Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed M. Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Jawaharlal Nehru University

PDDM, XLRI

B.Sc., Presidency College

Research and Scholarly Interests

-International Education

-Cultural Anthropology

-India

-Asia 

Name

Cody Freeman

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A. International Educational Development

Previous degrees & institutions

BFA, University of the Arts, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

-LGBT Issues in Comparative Education

Program & Specialization

EdD, International Educational Development, International Policy and Planning

Geographical Focus

Southeast Asia, East Asia

Previous degrees & institutions

MA, Fordham University, 2017

MPS, Alliance Theological Seminary, 2014

BS, Nyack College, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-ICT & Southeast Asian Higher education

-Social movements; technology and social change

-Technological disruption & higher education

-Ethics & technology

Name

Reaz Khan

Title

Publishing Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M., Comparative and International Education, Political Science

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Relations and Conflict Resolution, American Military University, 2016

B.A., International Studies, Adelphi University, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Transnational Religious Actors

-Immigration and Education

-Security and Conflict Resolution Studies

-Innovative Financing in Educational Development

Name

Erika Kessler

Title

Board Secretary, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

-China education reform

-Teacher training and development

-Policy analysis and politics of education reform

-Educational equity

Name

Soomin Park

Title

Publishing Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., University of California- San Diego, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Education and sustainable development

-Education in emergencies

-Civil society and non-governmental organizations

-Education in community settings

Name

Yvonne Thevenot

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M. Curriculum & Teaching

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., University of Southern California, 2014

B.Sc., University of Dayton, 1992

Research and Scholarly Interests

-STEM Education and curriculum development

-STEM Education and the promotion of equity in the classroom for diverse learners

-Culturally relevant pedagogy and instruction

-Knowledge acquisition teaching strategies for adult learners diagnosed with behavior challenges

Name

You Zhang

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Sichuan University (China), 2016

B.A., Sichuan University (China), 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Higher Education

-International Policy and Planning in Education

Name

Abbas Abbasov

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A, Higher and Post-secondary Education

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Australian National University, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-College educational quality assessment

-Teaching motivations and instructional communication

-Non-tenured faculty lives and faculty involvement in shared governance

-College access and high school to college transition

Name

Kayum Ahmed

Title

Senior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D., Comparative International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

MS.t., University of Oxford, 2016

LL.M., Leiden University, 2004

M.A., University of the Western Cape, 2004

LL.B, University of Cape Town, 2001

B.A. (Hons.), University of Cape Town, 1999

Research and Scholarly Interests

- Critical human rights theory

- Student protest movements

- Radical African thought and philosophy

- South Africa

Name

Sumita Ambasta

Title

Outreach Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed M. Comparative and International Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Jawaharlal Nehru University

PDDM, XLRI

B.Sc., Presidency College

Research and Scholarly Interests

-International Education

-Cultural Anthropology

-India

-Asia 

Name

Maggie Sheahan Appleton

Title

Junior Editor

TC Program & Specialization

MA., International Education Development, Policy and Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A. Pomona College, 2008

Research and Scholarly Interests

- Secondary Education Development

- East Africa Education Policy

- Education and economic development

Chanwoong Baek is a Ph.D. Student in Comparative and International Education. His research interests center on the sociological dynamics of the purpose and execution of education. In particular, he examines cross-national policy attraction and explores the reception, translation, and recontextualization of education policies in different countries.

Yu Bai is a Ph.D. student in Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics at Teachers College. She completed her MA at TC in May 2015 in Developmental Psychology. Her research interests center around developing and advancing testing models, focusing on Item Response Models and Cognitive Diagnostic Models.

Peter Bjorklund Jr. is a PhD Student in Education Studies at UCSD. He completed his ED. M. At TC in June 2016 in International Educational Development. While at TC his interests centered around education in emergencies and quantitative methods and his primary research interests center on teachers and teacher identity.

Name

Phillip A. Boda

Title

Senior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ph.D.; Math, Science, and Technology, Science Education

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed.M.; Teachers College, Columbia University, 2014

B.Sc.; Bowling Green State University, 2011

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Disability Studies in Education

-Science Teacher Education/Urban Teacher Education

-Conceptual Change/Phenomenography

-Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed-Methods Research Design

Lina Tianshu Guo is a Master student in Economics and Education at Teachers College. She completed her undergraduate degree in Operations Research from Columbia University. Her research interests include the returns to education and social skills in the labor markets, and evaluations on alternative teaching certifications in the teacher labor market.

Name

Erika Kessler

Title

Board Secretary, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

BSIBL., University of Tulsa, 2014

B.A., University of Tulsa, 2014

Research and Scholarly Interests

-China education reform

-Teacher training and development

-Policy analysis and politics of education reform

-Educational equity

Name

Reaz Khan

Title

Publishing Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M., Comparative and International Education, Political Science

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Relations and Conflict Resolution, American Military University, 2016

B.A., International Studies, Adelphi University, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Transnational Religious Actors

-Immigration and Education

-Security and Conflict Resolution Studies

-Innovative Financing in Educational Development

Name

Audrey Le

Title

Senior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

PhD., Anthropology and Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.Ed, Teachers College, 2012

B.A., Pacific University, 2007

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Science and Technology

-Language and Literacy

-Education program evaluation & policy analysis

-Politics of international educational development

Program & Specialization

PhD., Comparative International Education, Economics

Geographical Focus

China, East Asia

Advisor

Gita Steiner-Khamsi, PhD

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Columbia University, 2014

B.Sc., University of Kansas, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Teacher labor markets

-Education and economic development

-Education finance and policy analysis

-International large-scale student assessments

Name

Nivetha Nagarajan

Title

Outreach Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Education Development

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., Pace University, 2016

Research and Scholarly Interests

-International humanitarian issues

-Peace and human rights education

-Education and ethics

Abhijit Tagade is a Masters student in Economics and Education program at Teachers College. His research interests are human capital theory, inequality, development and labor markets; in particular, exploring what causes economic inequality, and how education can alleviate it. His previous experience includes research in law and finance, economics of education, and radicalization.

Alexandra Tamiko Da Dalt is a graduate of the IED MA program. While at TC, her research interests included gender in conflict & post-conflict contexts, and environmental & sustainability education. Alexandra conducted research in Timor-Leste as fellow of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute & AC4, and is a recipient of the Morton Deutsch Award for Graduate Social Justice Paper.

Name

Marlana Salmon-Letelier

Title

Senior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

EdD, IED, Education in Conflict Settings

Previous degrees & institutions

M.T.S., Multiculturalism and Religion with a focus in Education, Harvard University, 2014

B.B.A./B.A., Business Honors & International Business/Spanish, University of Texas at Austin, 2010

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Education in ethno-religious conflict

-Islamophobia

-Civic and multicultural education

-Diverse schools in conflict settings

-Intergroup relations within schools

Name

Kelsey Steffen

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

MS, Neuroscience and Education

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., University of New Orleans, 2015

B.Sc., Southeast Missouri State University, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Special education

-Neuroscience and exceptionalities

-Professional development for teachers

-Augmentative and alternative communication

Name

Soomin Park

Title

Publishing Co-Chair, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development, International Policy & Planning

Previous degrees & institutions

B.A., University of California- San Diego, 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Education and sustainable development

-Education in emergencies

-Civil society and non-governmental organizations

-Education in community settings

Name

Yvonne Thevenot

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

Ed.M. Curriculum & Teaching

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., University of Southern California, 2014

B.Sc., University of Dayton, 1992

Research and Scholarly Interests

-STEM Education and curriculum development

-STEM Education and the promotion of equity in the classroom for diverse learners

-Culturally relevant pedagogy and instruction

-Knowledge acquisition teaching strategies for adult learners diagnosed with behavior challenges

Huan Wang is a post-doctoral researcher in Rural Education Action Program (REAP) at Stanford University. She earned her doctoral degree in Economics from Northwest University, China. Her research is focused on education in rural China and she is currently leading a project to deliver basic vision care interventions to Chinese schoolchildren in underprivileged areas.

Name

You Zhang

Title

Junior Editor, CICE

TC Program & Specialization

M.A., International Educational Development

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., Sichuan University (China), 2016

B.A., Sichuan University (China), 2013

Research and Scholarly Interests

-Higher Education

-International Policy and Planning in Education

Rachel Yang Zhou is a doctoral student in Economics and Education at Teachers College. She conducts quantitative research on the transitions from high school to college and the workforce, college persistence and performance, and the impact of financial aid programs on academic and labor market outcomes.