Ananya Tiwari is an Assistant Professor in Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University.
We asked Dr. Tiwari about her current work and here are snippets of what she shared:
What is the focus of your current work and/or research? I am an Assistant Professor in Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. My research interests lie at the nexus of educational psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and evaluation. I broadly investigate how sense of belonging is shaped and influenced by identities, social structures, and experiences among marginalized communities. I further look at issues related to measurement of social and emotional attributes cross-culturally. The second strand of my research seeks to understand how programs and policies can enhance belonging for marginalized communities where I engage in policy-level analysis and program development. Additionally, I conduct process and impact assessments as part of evaluation using frameworks of culturally responsive evaluation and assessment (CREA).
How has your GRID minor helped you in your career? Being a GRID student and winning WGGP fellowships has truly transformed my career as a researcher and scholar. As a PhD student, funding can be a constant concern, especially when conducting international research in the Global South. The fellowship provided me with a sense of security that allowed me to focus on my research without the looming stress of funding. Additionally, the graduate student presentation series has been invaluable for my professional development. Presenting my research and receiving feedback from peers—and engaging with the broader community—has sparked meaningful conversations that can lead to real change and advance scholarship. I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities!
Do you have any advice or suggestions for current GRID Students? When I was applying for the WGGP Fellowship, I faced a significant challenge: I needed to travel back to India for my field research and data collection, but the COVID-19 pandemic made that impossible. It is a reminder that challenges will arise, no matter what. While it would be wonderful to achieve everything we have outlined in our proposals and applications, things don’t always go as planned. The key is to adapt and find alternative routes to reach your goals. You learn to pivot, advocate for yourself, and embrace the unexpected. Surround yourself with supportive friends, faculty, and mentors who understand the importance of your work and believe in your ability to succeed. Together, you can navigate these hurdles and keep moving forward!
How can we learn more about your work?
Scholarly Profile: https://directory.education.tamu.edu/view/1765