Debalina Maitra, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Teacher Leadership, Kennesaw State University
PORTFOLIO
Research
My research agenda centers on equity, and identity, with a particular focus on how institutional structures shape the experiences of educators and students in K-12 and higher education. I examine how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can support teaching, learning, and research capacity-building for new scholars and educators. Through qualitative and mixed methodologies, I aim to generate research-informed practices that promote inclusive and meaningful learning environments.
Research Areas
Equity & Identity
Investigating how institutional structures, power dynamics, and cultural contexts shape the educational experiences and professional identities of historically marginalized groups in sociotechnical systems.
AI in Education
Exploring ethical and inclusive methodologies for AI integration to support mentoring, knowledge-building, and personalized instructional design.
Professional Development of Educators
Focusing on the development of pedagogical innovation and leadership agency among k-12 educators and leaders within complex institutional frameworks .
Publications (Notable)
2025
Greene, M. L., Coley, B. C., & Maitra, D. (2025). Academic Makerspaces in Context: An Exploratory Study of the Experiences of Black Men. Studies in Engineering Education, 6(1).
2024
Kim, M., Maitra, D., Hailu, M. F., & Coley, B. (2024). “Never met them in person, but we help each other”: Black women’s experiences in online undergraduate engineering programs. Online Learning Journal, 28(3), 398–424. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v28i3.3936
2024
Coley, B., Kellam, N., Maitra, D., & Boklage, A. (2024). Narrative Smoothing in the Wild: A Pack Based Approach to Co-Constructing Narratives for Analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 23. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069241230416
2025
Gong, J., & Maitra, D. (2025, June), WIP: Leveraging AI for Literature Reviews: A Guide for New Researchers Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 10.18260/1-2--57429
2025
Wilkins-Yel, K. G., Coley, B., Bekki, J., Rhodes, D., Ahandani, M. D., Maitra, D., Gutiérrez, J. D., & Campbell, M. (2025). Toward dismantling anti-Blackness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through photovoice: Examining how Black womxn in STEM protected their mental health and wellness through resistance. Qualitative Psychology, 12(2), 162–185. https://doi.org/10.1037/qup0000313
2024
Brisbane, J. M., London, J., Perry, L., Coley, B., Thomas, K., Greene, M., & Maitra, D. (2024). The Added Value of Black Engineering Students’ Participation in Identity-based Organizations: A Systematic Literature Review. Studies in Engineering Education, 5(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.21061/see.79
2023
Maitra,D., Tekula-McGee, R & McGee, S. (2023). Investigating the Equity Imperative in High School Computer Science Curriculum among Hispanic Students. Journal of Latinos and Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/15348431.2023.2279588
2023
Maitra, D., Coley, B., & Greene, C. (2023). Community values: Exploring what undergraduate engineering students value in their community college experience. In D. A. Smith, C. M. Cain, & J. N. Friedel (Eds.), Free college: Budgets, mission, & the future. New Directions for Community Colleges, 203, pp. 155–163. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1002/cc.20594
2023
Coley, B., Maitra, D., & McClain, T. (2023). Recommendations toward an antiracist engineering: Informing an institutional agenda to enhance Black engineering student experiences. Policy Futures in Education, 0(0) (online published). https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231184754
2022
Maitra, D. and Coley, B. (2022). Marginalized engineering students' narrative construction through photo elicitation", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 448-463. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-10-2021-0110
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to education is rooted in the belief that learning is a collaborative process of discovery and transformation. I prioritize creating inclusive digital and physical spaces where identity is explored, and inclusion is at the forefront of every discussion. By integrating research-driven methodologies with practical leadership skills, I empower students to become critical thinkers and agents of change in their communities.
Current & Past Courses
- TLED 9830- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Teacher Leaders (Spring 2026)
- EDL 9330- Comparative International Education. (Spring 2026)
- TLED 8101- Critical Analysis of Policy (Fall 2025)
- TLED 9200- Mentoring, Coaching and Facilitating (Fall 2025)
- EDL 7215 - Leading Data-Informed Curriculum and Assessment Practice – two sections for EDL (Fall 2025)
- TLED 7215- Leading Data-Informed Curriculum and Assessment Practice – two sections for EDL and TLED students (Summer 2025)
- TLED 7215- Leading Data-Informed Curriculum and Assessment Practice (two sections)-Spring 2025
- TLED 8200—Mentoring, Coaching and Facilitating-Fall 2024
- EDL 7615- COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS FOR SCHOOL LEADERS-Fall 2024
- RDED 4200/5200- Course Name: Literacy for English Language Learners -Summer 2024
- RDED 5270-Reading in the content area-Spring 2024
- RDED 5110 – Course Name: Teaching/Diagnosis of Reading & Lab -Spring 2024
- RDED 4200/5200-Course Name: Literacy for English Language Learners -Spring 2024
- EDUC 3200, Language Acquisition and Linguistics for Teachers -Winter interim class-2023
- RDED 5270 Reading in the content area Alternative Licensure Program – Fall 2023.
- RDED 4160/5160, Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the Bilingual Classroom-Fall 2023
- ENGagED REU Summer 2022-2023 Workshop: Introduction to Research Methods in Engineering Education for Undergraduates, Summer 2022 and 2023 at Arizona State University (Instructor).
- EGR 671: Application of Qualitative Methods for Engineering Education Research (Spring 2021) at Arizona State University (Instructor).
Consulting
I help educators, researchers, and institutions seeking support in leadership development, research design, and teaching innovation. My work includes guidance on program evaluation , strategic planning and curriculum development , pedagogical innovation, faculty mentoring and the responsible use of AI in their academic work. I also assist freshly minted graduates with coaching to find academic positions. My approach is practical, evidence-informed solutions tailored to their goals and context. I am also available for keynotes, invited talks, and professional workshops. I partner with universities, research organizations, and educational institutions to provide insights.
STRATEGY • LEADERSHIP • EQUITY • AI • RESEARCH • INNOVATION •