Lumbini Barua
Degree, Program, and date of graduation:
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education; expected graduation in Spring 2025
Dates of working with the WGD Program:
Fall 2021 – Summer 2023.
Short intro to yourself:
I am a third-year doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, majoring in Instructional Design and Technology. I am an experienced social science researcher with an interest in a diverse set of fields including Edtech, inclusive education, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through instruction and integration of emerging technologies, gender and financial inclusion, and preventing and countering youth radicalization and extremism. My current doctoral research concentrates on flexibility in higher education, emphasizing the need to adapt the course design and delivery to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.
In 50 words or less, explain your work associated with the WGD Program:
As a Graduate Assistant, I coordinated the Women and Gender in International Development Discussion Series hosted in either a virtual or hybrid format. My other responsibilities included providing support in literature reviews for research papers and grant proposals, preparing lesson plans and teaching materials for course lectures, and writing administrative reports.
What has been the most exciting part of your experience, interesting discovery you’ve found, or connections you’ve made while working with the WGD program?
One of the most exciting parts of my experience was the extensive networking opportunities it provided. I had the privilege of connecting with renowned scholars in gender and international development, both from Virginia Tech and from the broader global community. These interactions deepened my understanding of gender issues and dynamics on an international scale, enriching my academic and professional perspective.
What do you hope to do after graduating or what are you doing now?
Currently, I am working as a GA at the Executive Vice Provost’s Office at VT. I am responsible for coordinating the assessment and evaluation process of a multi-phase intervention by the provost’s office and TLOS focused on exploring the Faculty Innovation Group approach in influencing select emerging technologies adoption and integration at VT.
How did your work with the WGD program influence your future?
My involvement with the WGD program has had a profound impact on all of my current and future work. It has not only sharpened my skills in gender-focused research and program development but also ignited a deep-seated passion for advocating gender equity in international development. This experience has helped shape my career trajectory and influenced me to underscore the gender agenda in my research and projects.