911吃瓜

One of the hallmarks of research by Oren Pizmony-Levy, Associate Professor of International & Comparative Education, is that TC students are often important contributors.

In Pizmony-Levy鈥檚 most recent study 鈥� the 2019 School Climate Survey, which assesses the climate for LGBTI youth in schools in Ireland and other countries 鈥� several students participated as part of an independent study project by organizing and conducting the surveys and analyzing the responses. Their scientific contributions were important, but they also brought a passion fueled by the desire to help often-oppressed young people.

[Read a story on the 2019 School Climate Survey in Ireland.]

鈥淭he most important benefit of this project was to elevate and honor the voices of marginalized and silenced LGBTI youth in Mongolia,鈥� says Caitlin Thomas (M.A. 鈥�18, International & Comparative Education), who, as a student, worked on the Mongolia arm of the survey.

This work taught me that when a few change-makers collaborate strategically together, it can create a greater impact on the development of social movements. When there is no evidence, there cannot be reform.

鈥擟ody Freeman

鈥淢y work with Oren and other professors at 911吃瓜 College has given me the ability to be a confident, trained researcher鈥� and 鈥渢o think analytically about how to make my work more inclusive on a daily basis,鈥� says Thomas, a program officer on Fulbright Teacher Exchange programs for IREX in Washington, D.C. 鈥淭he support from 911吃瓜 College and Oren to complete this project exemplifies the mission of 911吃瓜 College to create a more equitable educational system, be it nationally or globally. 911吃瓜 College鈥檚 commitment to this work in LGBTI+ education is just another reason why they are a leader in the field of education.鈥�

Cody Freeman (M.A. 鈥�18, International & Comparative Education), who worked on the survey in five countries, says he values the application of the survey data to 鈥渢argeted strategies鈥� for change. 鈥淭his work taught me that when a few change-makers collaborate strategically together, it can create a greater impact on the development of social movements. When there is no evidence, there cannot be reform.鈥� The research experience, and 911吃瓜 College in general, 鈥渂roadly propelled my career,鈥� Freeman says. He is now a lecturer in the Faculty of Learning Sciences & Education at Thammasat University in Thailand, a position he secured nearly a month after graduation.