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Sarah Dryden-Peterson

Sarah Dryden-Peterson

Faculty Info

Professor of Education

Degrees

Ed.D., Harvard University, (2009)
M.A., Tufts University, (2000)
M.Phil., University of Cape Town, (2000)

Vitae/CV

sarah-dryden-peterson-80119.pdf

Areas of Expertise

Sarah Dryden-Peterson

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Email

sarah_dryden-peterson@gse.harvard.edu

Personal Site

REACH

Office

Gutman 457

Office Hours

Not available for appointments at this time

Faculty Coordinator

Wendy Angus

Sarah Dryden-Peterson leads a research program that focuses on the connections between education and community development, specifically the role that education plays in building peaceful and participatory societies. In her field-based research globally, in her teaching, and in her role as founder and director of Refugee REACH, she examines what it would take for all children to access quality education, be part of welcoming communities, and contribute to building peaceful futures. Her research connects practice, policy, and scholarship and is strengthened through sustained collaborations with communities, NGOs, governments, and UN agencies, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries particularly those that are conflict-affected. Dryden-Peterson’s research has played critical roles in shaping global policy and local programs that have the potential to create quality, conflict-informed, and future-creating education for millions of children globally in settings of migration and displacement. Raised in Toronto, Canada, Dryden-Peterson taught primary and middle school in Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States.­ Learn more about her academic research publications and her Mowana Research Lab.

  • Palmer O. Johnson Award for outstanding article, American Educational Research Association (2018)
  • National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation, Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015-2017 (2015)
  • Joyce Cain Award for distinguished research on African descendants, Comparative & International Education Society (2011)
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2009-2012) (2009)
  • Spencer Foundation Research Training Grant (2006-2007) (2006)
  • Harvard University Presidential Fellow (2003-2007) (2003)
  • Fulbright Scholar, Uganda (2002-2003) (2002)

  • Breaking the Link Between Exclusion and Conflict: Education in Botswana
    This study examines the role of education in socio-political stability in Botswana, particularly how students learn through formal education about national belonging, ways of contributing to society, and dissent. Data include interviews, school-based observation, and participatory action research with Junior Secondary School students. Funded by the Harvard Academy Junior Faculty Development Grant and the Harvard Research Enabling Grant. Principal Investigator: Sarah Dryden-Peterson.
  • Education’s Role in Migration Decision-Making: Syrian refugee youth in Lebanon
    This study examines the complex interplay between conflict, education, and migration. Through longitudinal qualitative data collected with Syrian refugees in Lebanon, we seek to understand how young people in conflict settings experience and explain migration decisions and the connection between those decisions and their views of and experiences with education. Funded by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Grant for Faculty Research. Principal Investigator: Sarah Dryden-Peterson.
  • Learning for All: Improving Access to a Meaningful Education Globally
    This study aims to identify and test promising local and global levers to improve literacy and civic engagement for all students. The project is comparative, with sites in Peru, Colombia, Botswana, and Brazil and includes partnerships with Ministries of Education and universities. Funded by the Harvard Graduate School of Education Dean’s Venture Fund, the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Harvard Center for African Studies, and the Lemann Brazil Research Fund at Harvard University. Co-Investigators: Felipe Barrera-Osorio, Sarah Dryden-Peterson, and Paola Uccelli.
  • Transnationalism in Refugee Education: Harnessing Resources through Diaspora
    This study examines the ways in which Somali refugee students in refugee camps and Somali Diaspora outside of refugee camps build and sustain relationships, and the benefits they draw from these relationships, particularly related to education. Data include in-depth interviews with young people in the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya and an online survey of Somali Diaspora. Funded by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs Grant for Faculty Research. Principal Investigator: Sarah Dryden-Peterson.
  • Development and Implementation of Refugee Education Strategies
    This study investigates the processes of implementing the UNHCR Education Strategy 2012-2016 in 14 priority countries (Bangladesh, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen). Data include documents, interviews, and field-based case studies. Funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Principal Investigator: Sarah Dryden-Peterson.
  • Diaspora Involvement in Educational Development in Conflict-Affected Settings: Transnational innovations in provision of high quality education for marginalized children
    The study aims examines promising transnational educational practices and partnerships between Diasporas, Ministries of Education, donors, NGOs, and local communities in addressing the global challenge of providing quality education for children in conflict settings. Data include in-depth interviews. Funded by the Harvard University William F. Milton Fund and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Principal Investigator: Sarah Dryden-Peterson.

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