Evelyn Nkooyooyo

I am a PhD student and scholar of immigrant literacies and transnational education. I aim to collaboratively elevate the experiential knowledge and liberatory learning practices of immigrant and transnational students of color and communities across home, school, and community spaces through critical and community-based research methodologies. More specifically, my research explores the intersections of the literacies, languages, and identities of Black African immigrant and transnational students in community youth programs. My work seeks to inform culturally sustaining pedagogies and humanizing teaching practices that affirm the identities, languages and literacies, and lived experiences of Black immigrant and transnational students and communities.

Prior to starting the PhD, I worked as a research consultant for the health management consulting firm, Optum Serve Consulting (OSC) (formerly the Lewin Group), where I engaged in report writing, research and analysis, technical assistance (TA), and community outreach efforts on behalf of federal, state, and local clients. I began my consulting journey after graduating from Grinnell College with a BA in French and Political Science.

When I am not studying, I like to tend to my house plants (and look for more), visit museums, take long walks, practice hot yoga, play Sudoku, and attend/host game nights.

I am always happy to meet new people and dialogue about research interests/ideas, career pathways and experiences, or any other opportunities so please don't hesitate to reach out! (enkooyoo@umd.edu)