From Austin to Asia: Meredith Oldham's Journey into Educational Research
Tell us about yourself.
I pursued a bachelor’s in English with a minor in Francophone studies. I have a wide range of hobbies including running, playing sports, and I love animals. I also have a fraternal twin sister. Currently, I'm training for the Chicago Marathon. Although I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, my family extends across the UK, France, and New Zealand.
How did you come to be in the field of education?
My journey into education began with internships during my college years in various educational spaces, including the Pen America Public Programming Department, where I was involved in educational outreach events. After graduation, I ventured overseas on a Fulbright in Korea to teach English for a year. After returning to the U.S., I knew I wanted to continue my career in something related to education.
Why did you do your Fulbright in Asia?
I was eager to acquire a new language skill. Already fluent in French, I opted not to go to Europe, despite having family there. My decision was influenced by previous interactions with Korean students during a summer program in Massachusetts, where I had a rewarding experience both teaching and learning from them. Their enthusiasm and the cultural exchange we had made Korea an appealing destination for my Fulbright.
Why did you choose the Master’s in Education in Learning Sciences?
I am drawn to learning sciences because I want to explore how people develop their identities and the ways we communicate, particularly through technology. My goal is to delve deeper into research that examines the impact of technology on student communication and identity formation.
How has the field of learning sciences influenced your career goals?
Every course in learning sciences introduces new topics that have reshaped how I view the world and what I value—particularly identity formation and digital communication. It’s changed the trajectory of my career towards a more research-focused path, possibly leading to a PhD. Post-graduation, I plan to continue my research in learning sciences. I am particularly interested in information science, which ties closely with my personal interest in online learning and digital spaces. My goal is to conduct research that not only advances knowledge but also gives back to the community.
Is there any work or volunteer experience that influenced you to go into learning sciences?
Definitely, my Fulbright experience in Korea was pivotal. It wasn't just about teaching; it was about engaging with students and understanding their identity development. Additionally, my time at Northwestern's Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing exposed me to community-centric research, which has deeply influenced my approach to learning sciences. I am also currently part of the E4 Fellowship, a collaboration between the School of Education and Social Policy and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. This fellowship has allowed me to integrate my interests in education and communication, further enriching my academic journey.
Have you explored the importance of understanding these cultural differences in learning sciences?
Yes, my experience in Korea highlighted the stark differences in educational values and methods. For instance, the Korean curriculum emphasizes academic success in English, which contrasts with a more communicative approach in the U.S. This experience taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity in educational practices, which is a crucial aspect of learning sciences.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced during your studies and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge has been managing my time effectively, especially balancing part-time work, academic responsibilities, and personal life. I've learned the importance of prioritizing and giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly.
Who has been your biggest inspiration or mentor during your studies?
Jolie Matthews, one of my professors, has been a significant influence. Her research and the way she discusses learning and representation have been truly inspiring. Each term, I find new faculty members who motivate and challenge me. I've learned different ideologies about what learning looks like and how it occurs. Their diverse research methodologies and the practical applications of their studies have been invaluable to my educational experience.
Meredith Oldham is a student in Northwestern's MSEd in Learning Sciences concentration.