My Research
My research agenda has focused on the development of curriculum that is consciously grounded in cultural epistemology, ontology, and axiology. I have specifically worked on curriculum that supports Indigenous language and culture revitalization and tribal well-being, sovereignty, and self-determination. However, my dissertation marks a divergence from curriculum, and explores factors affecting student retention in doctoral programs.
Publications
I was fortunate to meet Dr. Kathy Baily when she was touring community college ESL programs around the country. One of my professors, Jun Liu, wanted Kathy to hear about some of the work I was doing with students in Pima Community College's ESL program, and he arranged for Kathy to meet me. Kathy was preparing to edit a book on research focusing on ESL in community colleges, and she asked me to write a chapter for the book. I was thrilled to have my research published. The following is a citation of my first published work:
Galda, D. (2009). "My Words is Big Problem": The life and learning experiences of three elderly Eastern European refugees studying ESL at a community college. In K. M. Bailey & M. G. Santos, (Eds.). (2009). Research on English as a second language in U.S. community colleges: People, programs and potential. (pp. 122-141). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Dissertation
My dissertation proposal has now passed the human subjects process at the University of Arizona. The process is designed to ensure that ethical research standards are maintained throughout my research project. The project is an inquiry into factors affecting the retention and completion of Indigenous students in doctoral programs in universities in western U.S.
My research agenda has focused on the development of curriculum that is consciously grounded in cultural epistemology, ontology, and axiology. I have specifically worked on curriculum that supports Indigenous language and culture revitalization and tribal well-being, sovereignty, and self-determination. However, my dissertation marks a divergence from curriculum, and explores factors affecting student retention in doctoral programs.
Publications
I was fortunate to meet Dr. Kathy Baily when she was touring community college ESL programs around the country. One of my professors, Jun Liu, wanted Kathy to hear about some of the work I was doing with students in Pima Community College's ESL program, and he arranged for Kathy to meet me. Kathy was preparing to edit a book on research focusing on ESL in community colleges, and she asked me to write a chapter for the book. I was thrilled to have my research published. The following is a citation of my first published work:
Galda, D. (2009). "My Words is Big Problem": The life and learning experiences of three elderly Eastern European refugees studying ESL at a community college. In K. M. Bailey & M. G. Santos, (Eds.). (2009). Research on English as a second language in U.S. community colleges: People, programs and potential. (pp. 122-141). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Dissertation
My dissertation proposal has now passed the human subjects process at the University of Arizona. The process is designed to ensure that ethical research standards are maintained throughout my research project. The project is an inquiry into factors affecting the retention and completion of Indigenous students in doctoral programs in universities in western U.S.