Background

Ana Vasan is a PhD candidate in the Department of Comparative Human Development. Prior to pursuing a doctoral degree, she earned an undergraduate degree in cognitive studies and philosophy from Vanderbilt University and worked in youth development, community organizing and education administration. Through her research, Ana aims to understand the possibilities for coalition-building, healing, and transformative change in education systems in the US.

Research

Ana is interested in children’s experiences of trauma and the ways in which schools interact with and address students who have had traumatic experiences, especially as those interactions may intersect with the racial and gender identities of students and impact students’ relationships with the education system.