Robai Werunga

Robai Werunga is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education, joining as part of a global hiring initiative in 2018. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, following earlier degrees in Religious Studies/Swahili (Kenya) and a master’s in Special Education (North Carolina). Her research focuses on cultural factors influencing the identification of learning disabilities, especially among culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students, and equitable educational practices. She advocates for early interventions, culturally responsive teacher training, and systemic reforms to address disparities in special education.

Her educational journey includes teaching in public schools and recognizing gaps in policy influence, leading her to pursue a doctoral degree. Key interests include the intersection of culture and behavioral labeling (e.g., eye contact norms), writing instruction inequities for English learners, and diversifying the special education workforce. She critiques superficial cultural responsiveness training, advocating for its integration across all teacher education programs.

Research trends in her articles highlight themes like racial disparities in school discipline, parental involvement in special education, and interventions for students with emotional/behavioral disorders. She emphasizes addressing underdiagnosis/overdiagnosis issues in CLD communities and systemic inequities exacerbated by crises like the pandemic.

No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned. Her work on policy and practice includes systemic advocacy for inclusive education but lacks detailed grant or advising data. She is affiliated with initiatives promoting cultural responsiveness and equity within the School of Education’s framework.