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Lydia M

- Research Program Mentor

EdD candidate at New York University

Expertise

Education, Educational leadership, Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Organizational Policy and Procedure

Bio

After starting in business, Lydia decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being an educator. She is a teacher and works with students from all age ranges. Her research passion centers around equity in education. Currently, she is investigating how cultural barriers in schools affect families. She hopes to empower students and champion diversity. Lydia also considers herself a multifaceted artist! Whether it be experimenting on the design and colors of an interior space, moving to the rhythm with Bharanatyam dance movements, or researching new recipes to cook an ethnic dish, she appreciates the harmony that creativity brings to life.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

High School Equity Case Study

Think about your high school and ask yourself the question: “Do/Would students from different backgrounds feel welcomed here?” In this project you will interview students and teachers to document how your school can better champion diversity and inclusion efforts. You will use primary and secondary sources to uncover themes and gaps in your school’s equity policies and practices.

Historical Overview on American Schools

Did you know that America’s education system is not an accident? It was purposefully structured to succeed specific groups of people. In this project you will research the origins of US schools leading to its current situation. Drawing upon politics including landmark court cases and foreign policy, you will investigate how education has changed throughout history and what inequalities persist. You will read academic articles and journals to assess how education today is set in place by structures and systems.

Languages I know

Malayalam - fluent, Hindi - fluent, Urdu/Punjabi - intermediate

Teaching experience

I have been an elementary and middle school teacher for 5 years. I have taught every grade from 3-6 and love thinking of hands-on activities for my students to demonstrate their learning! I have also tutored students from K-12th grade in person and online across various content areas.

Credentials

Work experience

New Hyde Park - Garden City Park School District (2018 - Current)
Teacher

Education

City College of New York (CUNY)
BBA Bachelor of Business Administration (2018)
Accounting
Saint Joseph's University
MA Master of Arts (2020)
Elementary Education
New York University
EdD Doctor of Education candidate
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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