Current Doctoral Students

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor:
S. Garnett Russell

Previous degrees and institutions:
M.A., Anthropology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
B.A., Pedagogy in Humanities and Spanish Language, Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Colombia

Research and Scholarly Interests: 
My research and scholarly interests include education in context of migration and forced displacement, conflict resolution processes in the school, and peace education. I am particularly interested in the construction of the category of "migrant student" in Colombia and Latin America through school coexistence policies and student agency. Much of my work has been framed in the field of Anthropology of Education, particularly in the development of ethnography in the classroom.

Awards & Grants: 
Fulbright Minciencias Scholarship (2022). Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia (Minciencias) and the Fulbright Commission in Colombia.
Colfuturo Scholarship (2022). Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Colombia (Minciencias) and Colfuturo NGO.
Meritorious Master's Thesis (2016). Department of Anthropology, Universidad Nacional Colombia Bogotá, Colombia

Program & Specialization

International Educational Development

Advisor

Gita Steiner-Khamsi

Previous degrees & institutions

MIA (Master of International Affairs), School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

B.A., Integrated Social Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany

Awards & Grants

School of International and Public Affairs (Columbia University) Fund Fellow, 2016 to 2018

Merit-based scholarship, Jacobs University Bremen, 2005 to 2007

Something special about TC

I look forward to joining TC this Fall. One of the outstanding elements of my program is access to prominent academics with diverse expertise and experiences in international educational development. This promises to broaden student’s knowledge of emerging theories and innovative practices in the field.

Program and Specialization: International and Comparative Education, Economics

Advisor: Dr. Regina Cortina

Previous degrees and institutions
M.A. Economics and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University,
M.A. History, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia
B.A. Literature and Philosophy, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia

Research and Scholarly Interests
I am interested in teachers’ education and students’ non-cognitive outcomes. My research explores ways to overcome educational inequities driven by race, gender, language, or geographic location.

Advisor

Susan Garnett Russell

Previous degrees & institutions

Ed. M, Comparative & International Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

M.Ed., Student Personnel & Counseling in Higher Education, Widener University

B.A., French & Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Academic Year Abroad, French Literature & Translation, Université Cheik Anta Diop, Dakar, Sénégal

Research and Scholarly Interests

My work draws connections of Black women’s involvement in social movements between the diaspora and the African continent. Prior to TC, I directed global programs in institutions of higher education and led initiatives in educational exchange and partnership formation, research and curriculum, and internships and teacher training.  I have collaborated with educators, practitioners, policy makers, and activists to develop programs on youth and women’s empowerment, civic literacy, equity in education and curricular resources infused with human rights standards.  I am interested in the role of decolonization, human rights, and social movements in transforming structures of inequality in educational settings and policies, particularly how students carry out such efforts within many global contexts to inform our understandings and enactment of educational reform. My research centers on how Black female student activists, on the African continent and in the diaspora, conceptualize resistance and operationalize multiple frameworks—gender, decolonization, and human rights—in response to systems of marginality in education.

Awards & Grants

Something special about TC

TC encourages the acquisition and application of knowledge.  It is a special place because it embodies the essence of transforming education from theory-to-practice.  Through academic engagement with faculty and students, I developed a Human Rights Education curriculum on Financial Literacy for WISER School in Kenya; designed an M&E instrument for Soronko Academy in Ghana and conducted research on Female Leadership and Access to Tertiary Education in Post-Conflict Contexts at the George Clement Bond Center for African Education in collaboration with SHE-CAN under the mentorship of Professor S. Garnett Russell. TC’s emphasis on the value of theory-to-practice, led me to create and direct Critical Dialogue in Education, a program designed as an academic and social response to educational innovation discussions to amplify perspectives from the African continent. I am grateful for all these opportunities and look forward to more!

Advisor:

Garnett Russell

TC Program and Specialization:

Ed.D. Student, International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Issues

Previous Degrees & Institutions:

M.Phil., International Peace Studies, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Licence de Science Politique, Université Paris I-Panthéon Sorbonne, France
B.A., International Relations, University of Redlands, Redlands, CA 

Research and Scholarly Interests:
My research interests converge around formal and informal education structures in conflict and post-
conflict settings, Internal displacement and increasing access to education for refugee populations,
post-conflict/post-genocide memory and trauma, the role of Education in local and International
transitional justice mechanisms, Language, Identity and Peace Building, decolonizing curriculums
and reclaiming narratives. Geographical knowledge and interest: Great Lakes Region of Africa
(particularly Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda), Levant (Palestine, Lebanon.)

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor:
Regina Cortina

Previous degrees and institutions:

MA (Master of International Educational Development), Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A., Psychology, Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria, Peru

Research and Scholarly Interests:

I am passionate about understanding policymakers' decisions concerning teacher policies in Latin America.

Awards & Grants:

Program 

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Gita Steiner-Khamsi

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in advancing basic education and systems strengthening reforms within the humanitarian-development nexus 

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor:
Prem Phyak

Previous degrees and institutions:

Masters of Science in International Educational Development Program, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education 

Bachelors of Arts in Education (International Strand), Smith College

Research and Scholarly Interests:

My research and scholarly interests focus on critical literacy as a catalyst for social change, emphasizing the integration of cultural elements, indigenous languages, and local stories in the classroom, particularly in underrepresented regions. Furthermore, I aim to focus on multicultural and multilingual curricula, translanguaging, and language policy.

Awards & Grants:

First-year doctoral studies grant from Camellia Foundation, 2024

Graduate School of Education Merit Scholarship, University of Pennsylvania, 2021 - 2022

Naropa Fellowship, 2020 - 2021

Davis Projects for Peace Grant, 2018

Special Congressional Recognition Award from Representative Nita Lowey, New York, 2016

ANNpower Women’s Leadership / Vital Voices Fellow, Summer 2015

Advisor

S. Garnett Russell

Previous degrees and institutions:

Research and Scholarly Interests: 

My research centers education as a tool of the state and reflects on the importance of education policies and structures in forming civic attitudes and national loyalties, particularly in post-conflict contexts. I examine the influence of international organizations on national education policies and systems in politically transitioning, multi-ethnic states. The intent of my research is to explore how internationally driven political and social reconstruction in the aftermath of conflict contributes to or hinders the peacebuilding and nation (re)building efforts in states emerging from conflict. 

Recent Awards & Grants: 

• Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2021-2024
• Dean's Fellowship, Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, 2019-2020
• ICE/IEPA MA Fund Grant, 2020
• Center for Russian, Eastern European, and Eurasian Studies at Stanford University Conference Travel Grant, 2020

Something Special about TC: 

In addition to the numerous opportunities for collaboration and service that TC's New York City location offers, the multidisciplinary approach to research in the education in emergencies and education in conflict fields drew me to TC. 

Advisor

Gita Steiner-Khamsi

Previous degrees & institutions

MA., International and Comparative Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

BA., Pedagogy, Kyrgyz State Pedagogical University, Kyrgyzstan

Research and Scholarly Interests

My interest focuses on the intersection of policy formulation and implementation in developing countries, governance, and social accountability in education and how approaches and mechanisms of citizen engagement support improvements in the accountability at school and education system levels.

Awards & Grants

Fulbright Foreign Student Program 2016-2018

Something special about TC

TC is special with its world-renowned faculty, wealth of resources, ambitious and diverse students. It can help you use your life to make an impact on the world.

Program & Specialization 

International Education Development, African Education

Advisor

S. Garnett Russell

Research and Scholarly Interests

My research focuses on the role of civic education in the construction of national identity and citizenship in African contexts

Something special about TC

It has been great to have access to faculty with such varied experience and to know that they are here to support the work of students. Being able to engage with professors in various disciplines has enriched my academic experience and allows me to consider the potential impact of my research from different perspectives. In addition, TC’s location in NYC, particularly in Harlem, has been advantageous in providing multiple non-academic resources to further enrich my study experience. Having access to a variety of cultural events and lectures at locations such as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Africa Center has been instrumental in understanding how topics in African studies are translated and discussed in non-academic spaces.

Bio

Tobore Egborge is an international development professional with over 15 years’ experience in the non-profit sector and with expertise in strategic planning, fundraising and business development. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the City College of New York; a master’s degree in International Public Health from Tulane University in New Orleans; and an Advanced Certificate in International Education: Cross-cultural communication and training, from New York University in New York.

Tobore’s international experience includes work on health, education and emergency response programs in countries including Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, South Sudan and Zambia. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York with a research focus on the role of civic education in the construction of national identity and citizenship in African contexts.

Advisor:

Prof. Gita Steiner Khamsi

Previous degrees and institutions 

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Buenos Aires

Master of Arts, Policy Studies in Education, University College London

Master of Public Administration, School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University

Scholarly interests

Educational privatization, public-private partnerships, school reform, education governance, new philanthropy, social network analysis and International Large Scale Assessments. 

Grants and awards

• Fulbright scholarship (2019-2021)
• Organization of American States Graduate Program Scholarship (2020)
• Chevening Scholarship (2019-2018)

Why TC?

The vibrant intellectual atmosphere and collaborative spirit created by it’s faculty and students are the reasons why I have no doubts it is the best place to continue my career. 

Advisor:
Dr. Garnett Russell

• Previous degrees & institutions:

• Research and Scholarly Interests: Education policy in Africa, and internationally (Europe, US) 
  
• Awards & Grants: Doctoral Fellowship 

Program & Specialization:

Ph.D., Student, International and Comparative Education, Anthropology

Advisor:

Carolyn Benson

Previous degrees & institutions

M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, 2013

M.S.Ed. General Childhood Education, Bank Street College, 2003

A.B., Hispanic Studies, Harvard College, 2000

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am broadly interested in the topics of immigration and multilingualism in school settings. A few questions I have formalized during my time at TC are: Do schools nurture students’ multilingualism and, if so, how? How does this reflect the language ideology of the school? Is this ideology overt or covert? Do these phenomena differ in regions that are officially multilingual versus regions that are not and, if so, how? And lastly, how do race, migration, class and economic capital come into play? I have recently become particularly interested in how participatory research programs, such as YPAR, have the potential to amplify the voices of multilingual immigrant students in school settings. I am interested in investigating these questions in New York as well as in Spain, particularly with middle school students. 

Given my interest in state language ideology and speaker practices, I chose to undertake a summer research project in Ischia, a small island in the bay of Naples. I am investigating the perception and usage of Ischitano (Neapolitan) by speakers of the language. I aim to understand better how speakers communicate and conceptualize specific language ideologies and how these ideologies intersect with political perspectives around language and national identity in the specific sociocultural context of Ischia.

Awards & Grants

ITS Summer Research Grant 2019

TC General Scholarship 2019-2020

NYU Teacher Fellowship: Using Media to Teach about Human Rights, spring 2019

Young Center for Immigrant Rights: Child Advocate

NEH Summer Institute for Teachers Grant Recipient: Tales of the Chihuahuan Desert, summer 2017

Something special about TC

The people! One of the things that is special about TC, and I would argue especially about the ITSF department, is the diverse and very international work being done by faculty and students alike. I am consistently impressed by the range of experiences TC professors and students have, from founding schools, to working in refugee camps, to working for organizations such as the UN! I learn so much by spending time with classmates and professors alike and feel truly fortunate to be here.

Program & Specialization: 

Comparative and International Education, Sociology

Advisor: 

Mary Mendenhall

Previous degrees & institutions:

BA in Sociology and Psychology (Double Major); Koc University

MA in Education Policy and Management; UCL Institute of Education, Universidad de Deusto, Aarhus Universitet (Joint Degree)

Research Interests:  

My research interests include refugee education, education policy, sociology of education, identity and interculturalism. I plan to focus my dissertation research on educational experiences of Syrian refugee students in Turkey.

Awards & Grants: 

Fulbright PhD Scholarship

Something special about TC:

 I am grateful to be surrounded by exceptional faculty and students with diverse backgrounds and interests who are passionate to improve educational theory, policy, and practice. I learn a lot from and get inspired by my professors and fellow students. I really appreciate the international and interdisciplinary focus of our program. Studying at TC is a privilege, as it offers so many opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

Program and specialization: 

Ph.D., International and Comparative Education

Advisor:

Oren Pizmony-Levy

Research and Scholarly Interests: 

My research explores transnational organizations and their role in the digitization of education in South and Southeast Asia.  I am particularly interested in the diffusion of ideas and the networks through which ideas on digitization travel. 

Something special about TC: Teachers College is a vibrant place and has a wonderfully international feel. It is common to interact with, and learn the perspectives of, students and practitioners from around the world.  

Advisor: 

Mary Mendenhall

Previous Degrees & Institutions:

• Post Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management, Northeastern University
• M.A., Conflict, Security and Development, University of Bradford, United Kingdom
• B.A., Psychology and Cross-Cultural Studies, Carleton College

Research and Scholarly Interests: 

My research interests focus on the nexus of education, conflict, development, and peacebuilding. I am particularly interested in further exploring access to high quality education in emergencies; teacher professional development in crisis and conflict-affected contexts; education’s role in post-conflict reconciliation; and youth civic engagement following conflict.

Something Special about TC:

I am drawn to Teachers College for so many reasons, but appreciate above all the passion of the students, the strong program ties between theory and practice, and the extensive and diverse experiences that faculty have in the education in emergencies field.  

Program & Specialization

Ph.D., International and Comparative Education, Sociology

Advisor

Oren Pizmony-Levy

Previous Education Background

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

M.A. English Language and Literature, East China Normal University

B.A. English Language and Literature, East China Normal University

Research & Scholarly Interests

My research interests include sociology of education, global education policies, educational big data and comparative education. My current research involves international large-scale student assessments (ILSAs) and assessment-data-driven educational policy-making—e.g., I study media discourses of ILSAs within different countries; countries’ participation and non-participation in ILSAs; and the uses and misuses of assessment data.

Geographical Focus

Global, Asia-Pacific

Publications and Presentations

Hu, Z. (2020). Local Meanings of International Student Assessment: an Analysis of Media Discourses of PISA in China, 2010-2019. Compare: A Journal of Comparative and International Education, DOI: 10.1080/03057925.2020.1775553.

Hu, Z. (2019). Review Essay: Big Data in Education: The Digital Future of Learning, Policy and Practice. Current Issues in Comparative Education 20(2), 43-47.

Hu, Z. (2018, March). Understanding China’s Participation in the Global Testing Regime: An Analysis of Media Discussions of PISA in China, 2010-2016, presented at the 2018 CIES Annual Conference at Mexico City, Mexico.

Yu, J. & Hu, Z. (2018, March). Crouching tiger, hidden dragon: reform of China’s physical education regime at the secondary education level, presented at the 2018 CIES Annual Conference at Mexico City, Mexico.

Hu, Z. & Yu, J. (2017, March). Not so rosy: young people’s perspectives on education today, presented at the 2017 CIES Annual Conference at Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Hu, Z., Kotsumoto, S., Choi, E., and Jiang, X. (2017, March). Media analysis of PISA 2015 results: a comparative study of East Asia top performers, presented at the 2017 CIES Annual Conference at Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Hu, Z. & Yu, J. (2016, September). Is online learning the future of education? Agenda, World Economic Forum.

Translation (with Li Xiaoqin, Fu Jing, Zhang Yi, Gong Shanshan), Pascal Acot, Histoire du Climat, French to Chinese, Xuelin Press, 2011.

Program & Specialization

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

Advisor:

Hope Leichter

Program 

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Garnett S. Russell

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in researching the access to and quality of education for refugee students in emergency contexts. 

Awards & Grants

Fulbright award, 2018-2019

Harvard College Research Fund, 2016

Advisor:
Oren Pizmony-Levy

Previous Degree & Institutions: 

Master of Arts in International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University 

Graduate Certificate in Global Education Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication, Washington State University

Associate of Arts in Journalism, Everett Community College

Research & Scholarly Interests:

I have a strong research focus on the convergence of educational inequities, public opinion, and policymaking, specifically in low- and middle-income countries. My particular interest lies in comprehending the impact of public opinion and attitudes toward education on the development and execution of education-related policies within South Asian contexts. With a deep commitment to fostering equitable education systems, my work aims to shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by these regions and advance evidence-based solutions.

Awards & Grants (if any) 

• Full-ride scholarship ($144K+) covering all expenses at Teachers College, Columbia University (2021 – 2023)
• Data and Policy Summer Scholarship and Dean's Opportunity Scholarship ($64K), University of Chicago (2022)
• Agent of Change Award, Seattle Works (2020)
• Emerging Leaders of Snohomish County Award, The Herald Business Journal (2019) 
• Horace & Susie Revels Cayton scholarship for high academic achievement at Washington State University (2019)
• President’s Honor Roll Academic Achievement Award (earned every semester at Washington State University) (2018 – 2019)
• Exceptional Work Ethic Award (twice), Steps (Department of Social and Health Services Agency) (2016-2018)
• Distinguished Student Service Award for the maximum student contribution at Everett Community College (2014)
• Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund ($25K), U.S. Department of State (2013)
• Community College Initiative Program ($32K), a full-ride scholarship covering all expenses at Everett Community College (2012)

Program and specialization: 

Ph.D., International and Comparative Education

Advisor:

Susan Garnett Russell

Research and Scholarly Interests: 

My research examines the role of citizenship education in inculcating democratic norms and behaviors. I am especially interested in exploring the relationship between deliberation-focused pedagogy and students' democratic competencies in the post-socialist context. 

Something special about TC: Teachers College is a stimulating community of scholars and students from around the world, where professors foster close and caring relationships with students. 

Program 

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Regina Cortina

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in examining the role of teacher policies in improving the quality of education in schools.

Awards & Grants

Program

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education

Advisor

Oren Pizmony-Levy

Research and Scholarly Interests

My research interests include the following: international institutional forces and local contextual variations; multiculturalism and diversity; international and local NGOs; intersectionality of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual/gender identity; identity formation among Asian/Americans; inclusive curricula and policy; and school climate. I approach these areas of study using a sociological lens, quantitative/qualitative methods, and social network analysis. 

Awards & Grants

TC Scholarship 2019-2021

Something special about TC

TC is unique for its scholars, curriculum, pedagogical resources, research opportunities, and diversity of students and their research interests.

Advisor:

Mary Mendenhall

Previous degrees and institutions:

• MPhil in Educational Leadership and School Improvement, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
• BA in Education, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
• Diploma in Educational Management and Leadership, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

Research interests and professional background:

Samaya’s research and scholarly interests lie at the intersection of citizenship, education, positive social change, and democracy in conflict and post-conflict settings. Prior to joining the PhD program, Samaya worked as a researcher and consultant for the MENA region on several large-scale projects that focus on education reform and school improvement, education policy in the MENA region, teacher training and wellbeing, and youth development.

Awards and Grants:

• Graduate Assistantship, Teachers College, Columbia University - 2021
• International Scholar Scholarship, Teachers College, Columbia University – 2021
• Philippe Jabre Association Scholarship for Graduate Studies at the University of Cambridge – 2016
• Graduate Assistantship at the American University of Beirut – 2015
• Sara Al Turki Scholarship for Education Students at the American University of Beirut – 2014
• Dean’s Honors List at the American University of Beirut – 2011- 2015
• Best Practice Teaching Award, American University of Beirut – 2014
• Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research Scholarship for Undergraduate Studies at the American University of Beirut – 2011

Something special about TC:

TC offers an international and interdisciplinary program, and it brings together faculty and students from diverse backgrounds. It provides opportunities for personal and professional growth within an environment of learning, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. I am very privileged to learn with and from professors and colleagues.

Program: Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education, 2023

Advisor: Gita Steiner-Khamsi

Research and Scholarly Interests:

My research interests center on the typologies of educational change during political transitions, specifically in former authoritarian, post-communist, and national reunification contexts. 

Awards and Grants:

Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund (SYLFF), Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University (2017)

Department Diversity Scholar, Teachers College, Columbia University (2016-2017)

IIE's U.S. Department of State Scholarship (2012-2013)

Program 

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Regina Cortina

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in continuing researching the impact of climate change-related displacement and migration on girls' access to education in Guatemala and Honduras 

Awards & Grants

• Hillary Rodham Clinton Global Challenges Scholar Award, Swansea University School of Law, 2020 - 2021
• Senior Leader Award, New York University Abu Dhabi Campus Life Leadership Awards 2020
• Collaborative Leadership Award to ElevatED,  New York University Abu Dhabi Campus Life Leadership Awards 2020
• Dalai Lama Fellow, Dalai Lama Fellowship Award, University of Virginia, 2017-2018

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Oren Pizmony-Levy

Previous degrees and institutions

M.S. Computational Design Practices, Columbia University GSAPP

B.S. (Hons) Arts & Entertainment Technologies, The University of Texas at Austin

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in studying the role digital media plays in climate education and its influence on local movements worldwide, particularly South Asia and the United States.

Awards & Grants

• Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College, Columbia University (2024-2027)
• Design Fellowship, Columbia Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Design (2022-2023)
• Avery Scholarship, Columbia University GSAPP (2022-2023)
• World-Changing Students Distinction, College of Fine Arts, The University of Texas at Austin (2021)

Advisor:

Dr. Oren Pizmony-Levy

Previous degrees and institutions:

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

B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies (International Relations and Performing Arts), American University

Research and Scholarly Interests: 

My research interests are situated in studying the impacts of education and human well-being on climate change. Specifically, how is human behavior and activities, which are seen to be the main cause of climate change, influenced by education and an individual's well-being? I am curious to know more about how localized environmental disasters may influence the importance of education in a national context. I am interested in exploring how education can curtail human behaviors that contribute to climate change and, in turn, support countries' sustainable development efforts toward greener economies, political structures and societies. In this area, I helped found the Teachers College Center for Sustainable Futures (https://www.tc.columbia.edu/sustainability/), worked with the New York City Department of Education and the Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education (MECCE) Project.

Awards & Grants: 

• Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College, Columbia University (2021-2023)
• AC4 Fellowship, Earth Institute, Columbia University (2019)
• International and Comparative Education Departmental Grant, Teachers College, Columbia University (2019)
• Center for African Education Travel Grant, Teachers College, Columbia University (2019)

Something special about TC:

I admire the professors in our department, who bring their experience, curiosity, and joy of learning into the classroom. If not for them, I would not have applied to PhD programs after graduating with my M.A. The opportunities they opened my eyes to and their encouraging words allowed me to blossom as an academic, professional, and educator. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to the field of education and their students. It is because of their tireless efforts we all have a future worth looking forward to.

Program 

Ph.D. Student, International and Comparative Education 

Advisor

Mary Mendenhall

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in researching what defines quality education and how social and emotional learning impacts the academic and personal outcomes for young women and vulnerable students throughout the world.

Grants and Awards

AmeriCorps 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor:
Mary Mendenhall

Previous degrees and institutions:

M.A., Science Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

B.A., Chemistry, Lawrence University

Research and Scholarly Interests:

Issa's research will focus on teacher professional development (TPD) in emergency contexts, with a particular emphasis on peer-to-peer learning models. Her interests have been shaped by practices she participated in within NYC schools. She is eager to explore how similar models might be effective in different settings, such as in East Africa. Prior to starting her doctorate, Issa taught in various environments, including the International Rescue Committee's Newcomer Youth Summer Academy, a project-based high school in Brooklyn, and as a secondary science teacher in Mozambique, where she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Awards & Grants:

Graduate Assistantship, Teachers College, Columbia University (2024)

Jaffe Peace Corps Fellowship (2020) 

Advisor: Dr. Mary Mendenhall

Tiffany’s research interests focus on accelerated learning programs as interim solutions for out of school children in conflict contexts. She plans to examine student trajectory and experience in these programs as well as their applicability in other areas such as the Middle East. Prior to Columbia, she has worked as an Instructor at the American University of Iraq Baghdad. Her previous roles include Senior Education Consultant in Abu Dhabi for the KHDA, English Language Fellow at the Military Academy in Budapest, and a Senior Development Trainer for Afghan National Police in Afghanistan. She is also a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Jordan and Moldova. She holds an Ed.M. in International Education from Harvard University and an M.A. in Human Rights from University of Essex.

Advisor: 

Oren Pizmony-Levy

Previous degrees & institutions:

M.A., International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A., School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University

Program & Specialization:

PhD. student, Comparative and International Education, Sociology

About Me:
My academic interests center on the dynamics of educational change and the role of the social, political, and cultural contexts in informing this change. For example, I am interested in how public opinion shape schools’ decision-making processes, and how partnerships between schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and EdTech companies contribute to school improvement in areas such as educational equity, sustainability education, and achievement. I approach these issues using sociological theory, quantitative methods, and social network analysis. My geographical focus is on the U.S. and China.

Program

Ph.D. Student, Comparative & International Education

Advisor

S. Garnett Russell

Previous degrees & institutions

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

B.A., International Relations (Global Security), Brown University

Research and Scholarly Interests

I am interested in the role of multi-national corporations in funding and supporting global education, particularly within education public-private partnerships. My research centers on understanding the sense-making process of different stakeholders in these partnerships, how partnerships are portrayed versus enacted, and how private actors' decision-making to align with SDGs varies across different historical, political and economic contexts in the Global South. 

Awards & grants

George W. Perkins Memorial Scholarship (2019)

Vice President's Grant for Diversity and Community Initiatives (2018-2019)

Something special about TC

At TC, I've been able to grow as a researcher in a community where I've developed meaningful relationships with both faculty and students. I'm very grateful for all the opportunities I've had to turn an idea into an event for the Center for African Education and become involved in Dr. S. Garnett Russell's research on resettled refugee and newcomer students' experiences with civic identity and belonging in U.S. schools.

Program and specialization:
Ph.D., International and Comparative Education 

Advisor:
Garnett Russell

Previous degrees and institutions:

M.A. International Education, New York University.

B.A Teaching with Major in Spanish Language, Universidad de los Andes.

Research and Scholarly Interests:

I focus on how education can empower and solve problems in marginalized communities, especially in realms of conflict. Drawing from my experience in anti-child trafficking and diverse teaching roles, I aim to create strategies that foster social cohesion driving a meaningful social change through education and edtech.

Awards & Grants:

Zankel Fellowship, Teachers College, Columbia University 2024 – 2025.

School Commencement Representative for Graduate Students, Class Representative, for the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, 2024, New York University.