معرفی
Melissa Riley Bradford is a Senior Professional Lecturer and Doctoral Program Coordinator at DePaul University’s College of Education, Department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum. With a PhD in Curriculum Studies from DePaul (2018) and prior degrees from Northwestern University, she teaches courses in educational leadership, research methods, curriculum studies, and value-creating education. Her work bridges academic instruction with practical leadership and founder experience at Tallgrass Sudbury School (2008).
Education:
- PhD, Curriculum Studies, DePaul University
- MS, Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University
- BA, Philosophy, Northwestern University
Research Interests: Bradford’s scholarship focuses on transformative educational frameworks, including Democratic Education, Self-Directed Education, and Ikeda/Soka Studies. Her work emphasizes Qualitative Research Methodologies, Value-Creating Leadership, and the integration of Buddhist compassion into virtual learning environments.
Publication Trends: Her recent articles explore intersections of curriculum theory with humanistic values, such as joy and hope in leadership, Buddhist compassion in virtual spaces, and resistance to neoliberalism through Soka and EcoJustice pedagogies. These works reflect her commitment to critical inquiry and innovative methodologies.
Scientific Awards:
- DePaul University Quality of Instruction Council Excellence in Teaching Award (2024)
- Faculty Recognition Award, DePaul Latinx Graduating Class (2022)
- Ikeda Center Education Fellowship Recipient (2015)
Advising & Institutional Impact: As a DePaul PhD graduate, she mentors doctoral students in educational leadership while coordinating the university’s Doctoral Program. She founded Tallgrass Sudbury School in 2008 and currently serves as its board president, aligning her practice with democratic and self-directed learning principles.
