Rowhea Elmesky

Rowhea Elmesky is the Interim Chair and Associate Professor of Education in the Department of Education at Washington University. She is affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Program in Urban Studies, the Center on Urban Research and Public Policy, the Institute for Public Health, and the Institute for School Partnership. Her work focuses on transforming urban educational contexts through collaborative research models that prioritize marginalized communities.

Elmesky’s research emphasizes restorative justice, systemic violence in education, and equitable science education. She has conducted longitudinal studies in urban schools, such as the University City School District, where her partnership reduced disciplinary infractions by 41% through restorative practices. Her work bridges theory and practice, advocating for culturally responsive pedagogy and anti-carceral approaches.

Her recent publications (2023–2024) address antiblackness in school discipline, racialized educator discourse, and anti-carceral pedagogy. Earlier work includes co-editing Improving Urban Science Education (2005) and The Power of Resistance (2017), which examine global educational inequality and cultural capital.

• Awards: Choice Award (2006), William H. Danforth Confluence Award (2024)
• Grants/Partnerships: Collaborative projects with school districts, focusing on equity and restorative justice.
• Labs/Teams: Institute for School Partnership, University City High School collaboration.