We are now accepting applications to the Visiting Scholars Program.

The program is open to scholars from other academic institutions or independent scholars wishing to take advantage of SoE faculty expertise and resources. The program is open to applicants from all disciplines with research projects that support the mission of the School of Education.

We welcome both U.S.-based and foreign scholars for up to one year renewable pending a new project and new sponsoring professor for no more than two years total. Visiting Scholars are expected to work with faculty on their research, present their research while in residence, and contribute to the intellectual development of the School of Education.

Visiting scholars may have the opportunity to teach or co-teach courses in the School of Education and will receive a Drexel University ID, library privileges, a Drexel email address and the opportunity to sit in on classes in the School of Education.

Scholars are expected to have their own funding to support their stay. A desk may be provided if one is available, but it is not guaranteed. Housing is not provided, but Drexel University’s Office of International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS) can provide information in that regard.

2022-2023 Visiting Scholars

Lin Chu, Ph.D., Independent Scholar
Drexel Host: Rebecca Clothey, PhD
Email: jyxycl@163.com

Dr. Lin Chu is an associate professor and master's supervisor in the Teachers` College of Beijing Union University. He has a doctor's degree in ethnic preschool education and a master's degree in comparative education, focusing on comparative preschool education research. Dr. Lin Chu paid close attention to the research on preschool curriculum in China and the United States. He has carried out research work in three kindergartens in Hartford, Connecticut, and a Reggio kindergarten in New Haven, Connecticut, and published an academic work on cultural elements in kindergarten curriculum in combination with the practice of kindergartens in Beijing, China. At the same time, Dr. Lin Chu has published more than 30 academic papers on comparative education. Dr. Lin Chu will be working with Dr. Rebecca at Drexel University, focusing on regional and national education research, especially the research on the social emotional development of preschool children in China and the United States.

Mollie A. Gambone, Ph.D., Independent Scholar
Drexel Host: Kristine Lewis Grant, PhD 
Email: molliegambone@gmail.com

Dr. Mollie A. Gambone earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Development from Drexel University School of Education with a specialization in urban education, workplace learning, qualitative research design, and Progressive school reform. She holds an M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State University with a concentration in culturally responsive curriculum design. Most recently, Dr. Gambone has been putting her research to practice as the Dean of Students at The Crefeld School, where she spearheaded an initiative in school culture change by adopting and implementing restorative practices. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Progressive Education Lab, which provides schools and educators with support in developing and increasing their capacity in Progressive pedagogy and leadership.

Dr. Gambone’s research interests include using qualitative research methods to examine the process that schools undergo as they shift toward a more restorative culture, how that work shapes the restorative relationships that school community members have with one another, and how that work influences school leaders and teachers to examine policies and curricula with an anti-racist, anti-bias lens.

Prior to pursuing her Ph.D, Dr. Gambone taught English language and literature at International Baccalaureate Schools in Turkey, Bangladesh, and Honduras. In addition to teaching, Dr. Gambone has also done work as a curriculum consultant, an educational researcher on the U.S. Department of Education Promise Neighborhood Grant in West Philadelphia, and an adjunct professor in Cabrini University’s School of Education. Dr. Gambone will be working with Dr. Kristine Lewis Grant at Drexel University.

How to Apply

Applicants can visit the School of Education's faculty page to explore the research interests and expertise of the faculty. If they identify a potential match, they should contact the faculty member and request support for their application. The faculty member will determine if there is a match with the applicant and his or her area of interest. A letter of support from this faculty member is a required part of the final application.

Final applications should include:

• 1-2 page description of the intended research project and how it will contribute to the mission of the School of Education at Drexel University
• Current curriculum vitae
• Two recent publications
• Two letters of recommendation
• One letter of support from the School of Education faculty member who will facilitate the applicant’s stay at Drexel University 
• A TOEFL score of 79

Applications and inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis.

Inquiries and final applications to the Visiting Scholars Program should be addressed to:

Jason Silverman, PhD
School of Education
Drexel University
3401 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Email: js657@drexel.edu