UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #240

What is your current research focus? My current research, mentored by Dr. Wajeeha Hazoor Bajwa, explores access and equity in public versus private education across the U.S. and the Global South. We’re focusing on how financial barriers—like tuition and transportation—limit opportunities for low-income, rural, and marginalized students.

While private schools often offer better academic outcomes, they’re usually out of reach for disadvantaged communities. Using the Web of Science database, I reviewed over 7,000 articles to understand how these barriers impact school access. Our findings show that wealthier families have more options, while low-income students are often left with under-resourced public schools. What’s stood out most to me is how something like transportation can significantly affect a student’s educational opportunities. This research pushes for policy solutions to make quality education more accessible and equitable for all.