Research
My research interests focus on education in crisis and forced migration contexts, with a particular emphasis on supporting refugee children, youth, and educators. I explore the intersection of education and psychosocial support, using innovative approaches such as arts-based interventions and play-based learning to enhance both educational outcomes and community resilience. A significant aspect of my work involves examining the challenges faced by displaced populations in accessing quality education, as well as identifying strategies to bridge gaps between policy and practice.
I investigate the professional development and well-being of teachers in crisis settings, exploring effective models of teacher support, compensation, and leadership. My research also delves into the specific educational needs of resettled refugees and the impact of emergency contexts on educational systems, with a focus on creating more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive educational frameworks. Overall, my work aims to strengthen educational opportunities for displaced individuals and improve the systems supporting both learners and educators in these challenging environments.
While I served as the lead PI or co-PI for all of the studies below, I collaborated closely with many master’s and doctoral students, faculty colleagues, researchers, and practitioners. For more details about each of the projects below, including the myriad collaborators, please click the button below to visit the Human Rights, Emergencies and Peacebuilding at Teachers College, Columbia University.
