July 3, 2024

Since her time in the Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies program at Drexel, Tamara Galoyan has become a Learning and Curriculum Specialist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with the Lemelson-MIT Program. THer drive and intelligence have taken her far, but she also credits her academic and professional journey to her formative years at Drexel University. The support she received from professors and faculty as well as the coursework she underwent while pursuing her PhD laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Where are you employed?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Lemelson-MIT Program

In what ways did Drexel prepare you for the career you are in now?
While studying for my Ph.D. degree, I had amazing supervisors and mentors, Dr. Penny Hammrich and Dr. Kristen Betts, who always guided and inspired me to move forward. I was also able to collaborate with other researchers across disciplinary areas both within and outside Drexel.

What would you say are some of your favorite things in your current occupation?
I enjoy conducting research, designing curricula and professional development materials with a focus on Invention Education in STEM areas. It is exciting to see how our program helps learners across different grade levels be innovators and creative problem solvers for their communities.

What made you choose Drexel?
I chose Drexel because of the program that focused on learning technologies and STEM education. This was the area that I knew I wanted to pursue and learn more about.
While studying in the School of Education, I was able to take elective courses from other disciplinary areas, including Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Biostatistics, and Mixed Methods. I feel those courses provided a strong foundation for my future research.

How were the professors/mentors that you worked with during your time in the School of Education significant in aiding your transition from college to your career?
I had the most supportive and caring mentors during my Ph.D. journey. Dr. Penny Hammrich, Dr. Kristen Betts, and Dr. Banu Onaral are my role models and have played an important part in shaping my professional identity. I will be eternally grateful to them and my other professors, including Dr. Brian Smith, Dr. Rajashi Ghosh, Dr. Trish Shewokis, and Dr. Kurtulus Izzetoglu, for all their support and encouragement.

What would you say has been your greatest achievement since entering the working world? How did the School of Education prepare you for this?
I think some of my past achievements include completing my postdoctoral training with Dr. Nancy Songer at the University of Utah, working as an adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University, a Research Faculty at Drexel University, an Education Researcher at Cornell University. In all those multiple roles, including my current role at MIT, I have been able to pursue my interests in STEM education, online and blended learning, educational neuroscience, and learning technologies, as well as apply my knowledge and skills to various research projects, teaching and mentoring, program evaluation, and professional development.

What advice do you have for others who are just starting their educational journey in your field?
Never stop pursuing your dreams and believing in yourself, no matter how hard it gets. You will always find inspirational mentors who will guide you throughout your journey.

Tamara Galoyan, PhD in Educational Leadership and Learning Technologies 
Learning and Curriculum Specialist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)