My academic journey in a small village in Kenya and has since spanned multiple continents and
Disciplines.
Educational Background
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Upper Second-Class (Science) Honors from Nairobi University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Professional Experience
I have had the privilege of teaching Mathematics, Chemistry, and Math Education in various countries including Kenya, Canada, Namibia, Tanzania, and the United States. I have also held leadership roles such as Program Director and Associate Chair for the Teacher Education Program.
In 2005, my colleague and I pioneered the first online ESOL program accessible to all ESOL teachers in South Carolina, funded by a substantial grant of $998,000 from the State Department of Education. I am a curriculum developer and reviewer for secondary mathematics specialist programs. I have extensive experience as a curriculum developer locally and internationally.
Research Interests
My research is interdisciplinary in nature, focusing on access to educational opportunities and fostering teacher agency through professional learning communities. My scholarly contributions include articles in peer-reviewed journals, books chapters. My Ph.D. thesis won the Michel Lafferriere Research Award for Outstanding Research Study in Comparative and International Education. The thesis culminated in a book entitled: “Women’s Agency and Educational Policies: The Experiences of the Women of Kilome, Kenya.
Awards and Honors
2022-2023: Fulbright Scholar Award to Tanzania
2018, 2017, 2015: Carnegie African Fellowship Award
2013: Leadership Award – Co-chair for the 2013 ASTE Annual Conference,
Association for Science Teacher Education
2012-2013: Fulbright Scholar Award, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs
Department of State
2009: Distinguished Service Award, Center for Partnerships to Improve Education
(CPIE)
2009: Global Scholar, Global Scholar Program
2009: Outstanding Faculty of the Year for SOEHHP, School of Education
1996: Michel Lafferriere Research Award for Outstanding Research Study in
Comparative and International Education
1994: Young Canadian Researchers’ Award
1989: International Development Research Centre Research Grant
1988: CIDA-Government of Kenya Scholarship