GRAD SPOTLIGHT: Shreyashi Halder
Degree: Ph.D. Learning, Design, and Technology
Hometown: Cumilla, Bangladesh
"Being a Bangladeshi in a country of diverse cultures, I learned to acknowledge, accept and celebrate differences. The cultural diversity teaches me to stay grounded, be empathic and stand against the unjust. My identity stimulates my interest in pursuing a Ph.D. degree in education to contribute to the betterment of society. Besides education, I always feel music enormously influences my life to focus, motivates me to create new ideas, and see things through a broader lens."
Why did you choose UTSA?
When I decided to pursue the doctoral degree, I searched the institutions to do research incorporating educational technology, psychology, and social justice to contribute to education; I cannot think of any other than UTSA.
What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor? Why?
Critical Culture Perspective and Multi Behavioral Context Perspective are the courses that introduced concepts and theories I had never heard about, for instance, funds of knowledge and critical race theory. The takeaways from these courses inspire me to rethink and broaden my perspectives to understand social phenomena.
What is your fondest memory of your experience at UTSA?
I enjoyed the events at UTSA that helped me to take a break, meet with new people, and introduce to other cultures.
What are your plans for the future and/or your career?
I would like to do more research in education to serve the people in this sector and improve the system.
What has brought you inspiration during this time?
Hanging around with friends and trying out various cuisines were my favorite things to do to reduce my stress during this time.