Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.
The College of Education and Human Development faculty in the PhD in Education program have chosen
Andrea Guiden
as the recipient of the
2021 Outstanding Dissertation Award
Q & A with Outstanding Dissertation Award recipient, Andrea Guiden:
What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the scholarly publications and professional presentations that I conducted during my time as a doctoral student at GMU.
What are your future plans, goals, and dreams?
The sky is the limit and anything is possible! For now, I plan to work fulltime as an educational historian– researching, thinking, writing, and speaking– challenging antiquated and inaccurate narratives about teachers and their work.
I also plan to travel, run, ride my bike, make art, and spend time baking yummy treats with my kid.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?
My favorite memory in CEHD is engaging in rich conversations during class. Sitting alongside smart, brave, and motivated classmates while being led by dynamic, creative, and envelope-pushing professors was a dream come true. I miss it!
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?
Once you become clear on the topic, theory, or research methodology that truly moves you, make every effort to connect with faculty members who share that passion. These faculty members may or may not be housed in CEHD. Be willing to explore all of GMU to find your mentor, coach, and intellectual tribe.
Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?
My success would not be possible without the support of my dissertation committee–Drs. Diana D’Amico Pawlewicz, Jenice View, Suzanne Smith, and Toya Frank. They are among the greatest scholars, teachers, and activists I know, and I am humbled to have worked with them.
The biggest shout-out goes to Mia and Sarai, who made the most significant sacrifices as I worked to make my dream come true. Their love sustains me.