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Lumbini Barua

Lumbini

Degree, Program, and date of graduation: 
PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, major in Instructional Design and Technology; expected graduation in May 2026

Dates of working with the WGD Program:
I am joining the WGD team from August 2021.

In 50 words or less, explain your work associated with the WGD Program:
As a Graduate Assistant, I work with Dr. Maria Elisa Christie, the Director of the WGD program at the CIRED. My major responsibilities include supporting the InclusiveVT initiatives of OIA, providing research and writing support for grant proposals and research papers, assisting with integration of the gender component into WGD research and project proposals, and supporting organization of CIRED’s WGD Discussion Series and Conference.


What are you looking forward to during your time with the WGD program?
As an international student at Virginia Tech, I am admittedly excited to receive this opportunity of working at a platform like the WGD program. I have been working as a social researcher for more than three years; and gender, inclusion and tolerance have been some of the major elements in my research and advocacy. I look forward to getting involved in research and development projects on an international scale where I can contribute from my position in making measurable impact on the society.


What do you hope to do after graduating or what are you doing now?
After graduation, I aspire to continue my research on inclusive education as an academic and at the same time work with the international development organizations to make sure my research influences some actionable solutions at the field. 


How will your work with the WGD program influence your future?
My research interest being development of an inclusive education framework for the developing countries, WGD provides me with an excellent opportunity to learn about gender sensitization approach to conducting research and development projects. I am certain that the learning from my tenure in this program will significantly shape my research goals and outcomes both in my academic life and my future career.