PhD Dissertation Research

Pathways to Equitable Learning: Teacher Agency and Networks in Indian Private Schools
(Funded by the Ruth Newmark Award, International Travel Grant, and Dissertation Grant, totaling $4,800)
University of California, San Diego | 2021 – Present

• Conducting dissertation research on how teacher agency and social networks influence the adoption of equitable practices in private schools in India.

• Data collection from 145 teachers across urban and rural schools, examining how teacher collaboration and professional networks affect student outcomes.

• Utilizing mixed methods, including qualitative interviews and quantitative social network analysis, to explore variances in teacher agency across diverse educational contexts.

• Findings will contribute to policy recommendations for fostering equity and social justice in education through the development of teacher-led networks.

Co-Principal Investigator

Let the Students Teach: Effects of Peer Tutoring Pedagogies on Academic and Socio-emotional Outcomes
(Funded by a $275,000 grant from the Agency Fund and $9,200 from the Partnership for Economic Policy)
In collaboration with Columbia University (Palaash Bhargava), Harvard University (Madhavi Jha & Nikhil Kumar), University of British Columbia (Dashleen Kaura), and Involve Education, India
January 2021 – Present

• Co-leading a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 25,000 students from rural Bihar, India, evaluating the impact of peer tutoring on academic performance and socio-emotional development.

• Completed the first phase of data collection; current focus on analyzing the effects of personal attention and leadership roles on math proficiency, non-cognitive skills, and social interactions.

• Examining how peer tutoring reshapes classroom social networks, fostering improved learning environments.

• Findings will inform scalable, cost-effective solutions for enhancing academic outcomes and long-term social and academic growth.

Co-Principal Investigator

Leveraging Student Network Information to Design Equitable Classroom Seating Arrangements
(Funded by a $60,000 grant from Weiss, Program for Economic Research, Department of Economics, Columbia University, and CDEP)
In collaboration with Columbia University (Palaash Bhargava) and Aawaaz Education Services (Chandraditya Raj)
January 2021 – Present

• Co-leading an RCT leveraging student network data to design equitable classroom seating arrangements, enhancing social interactions and reducing bullying.

• Study includes 13,000+ students and 520 teachers across 377 classrooms in India, aiming to foster inclusive learning environments.

• Co-designed seating arrangements based on network data to enhance peer support and classroom equity.

• Data analysis completed; manuscripts in progress for submission to peer-reviewed journals.

• Early findings indicate improved student well-being and reduced bullying, with further analysis ongoing.

Graduate Research Assistant

Socionomy Social Network Project
In collaboration with Dr. Christoforos Mamas, University of California, San Diego
June 2023 – August 2023

• Led the pilot implementation of the Socionomy Social Network Project, adapting the tool for the Indian education context based on prior applications in Cyprus and Southern California.

• Worked with 48 teachers and 564 students across three Indian cities to assess classroom social network structures, focusing on peer and teacher-student relationships.

• Collected and analyzed social network data to evaluate classroom interaction strength and its effect on student outcomes.

• Presented findings at ICSEI 2024, with the talk “Is this my classroom…? Revealing Social Network Information for Better Student Outcomes.”

Graduate Research Assistant

ClassInSight Project
In collaboration with Dr. Sherice Clarke, University of California, San Diego
September 2019 – February 2022

• Contributed to the ClassInSight Project, enhancing teacher reflection and engagement in middle and high school science classrooms.

• Collected and analyzed audio recordings and classroom observations from science classrooms across Southern California, studying teacher-student discourse and instructional strategies.

• Assisted in the design of reflection protocols to help science teachers improve classroom discussions and engagement with student dialogue.

• Supported the development of classroom discourse analysis tools to refine teaching practices.

• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to analyze teacher behaviors and generate actionable insights for improving science education.