Ph.D. in Educational Theory & Policy - Comparative & International Education, Pennsylvania State University (Pennsylvania, USA)
M.S. in Education Policy and Leadership, University of Oregon (Oregon, USA)
B.Sc. in Physics, Goa University (Goa, India)
Dr. Vayaliparampil teaches courses in classroom management, methods and assessment, and teaching practice in the School of Education. Her research interests lie in the intersection between education and peacebuilding. Her areas of methodological expertise are qualitative research and participatory action research methods such as photovoice. Dr. Vayaliparampil’s current research projects include studies examining the challenges in implementing student-centered curriculums in the United Arab Emirates, the impact of AI tools on critical thinking and writing skills, foreign service curriculum in the GCC region. Prior to joining the American University in Dubai, Dr. Vayaliparampil worked to advance education opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities as the Director, Office for Advancing Learning at the Asian University for Women. She also spent many years working in the United States with Sovereignty First assisting the development of a new model of practice in peacebuilding and with the Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy developing training programs in conflict sensitive journalism and international diplomacy. Dr. Vayaliparampil spent the early years of her career as a math and science teacher in India and the United Arab Emirates.
Dr. Vayaliparampil speaks four languages and thinks of herself as a global citizen having lived in India, UAE, USA, and Bangladesh. In her spare time, she may be found watching Sacha Baron Cohen, Christopher Hitchens, Vandana Shiva, and others. She also likes to keep herself abreast of current events and participate in community events. Dr. Vayaliparampil is passionate about advancing academic pathways for learners experiencing challenging circumstances and informally advises anyone knocking her door.