Kathlyn is a second-year doctoral student and was previously a high school history teacher. Her research interests are preventing violent extremism through education, education in emergencies, gender and education, and global citizenship. She also works as a Managing Editor for Education Research in Global Contexts and was the Feminist Mentoring Workshop Coordinator for the Gender and Education Standing Committee at the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) for the 2020-2021 academic year. Kathlyn holds a B.S. in International Culture and Politics, specifically religion and politics, from Georgetown University (2007), and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (2009) from the University of San Diego. Prior to starting her Ph.D., Kathlyn taught high school history for 10 years in Houston, Shanghai, and San Diego; she is certified to teach both English and History grades 6-12. She speaks proficient Spanish, beginner Mandarin and is now learning Finnish.
Kathlyn’s dissertation focuses on preventing violent extremism through education, specifically how educators understand their role in preventing violent extremism. Finland’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism has been cited by the United Nations as a model for the rest of the world. The REDI Model for Supporting Resilience, Democracy and Dialogue Against Violent Radicalization and Extremism in Educational Institutions used in Finland’s National Action Plan was developed by Ph.D. student Katja Vallinkoski together with the Growing up Radical? team. Kathlyn says she hopes not only to conduct her doctoral research in Finland but also gain a better idea of how education can be used to prevent violent extremism in the US as well.
Growing up Radical? project is delighted to welcome Kathlyn to the team!