Prof. David J. Malan: Using AI as a Personal Tutor

In the Summer of 2023 and Fall of 2023, Prof. Malan and his team actively tested an AI-powered chatbot, implemented as a virtual rubber duck (aka. rubber-duck debugging), developed specifically for CS50. The CS50 Duck (aka. CS50.ai) was first deployed to approximately 70 summer students, then to 1,000 students online, and finally to approximately 500 on-campus students. Prof. Malan discussed the development of CS50.ai, detailing the challenges faced, solutions proposed, and results achieved, all toward realizing a long-held aspiration: a 1:1 teacher-to-student ratio.

It was a very successful HA Ed event; we had 140 registrations, including 25 former students of DR. Malan who now live in the Seattle area.

We also simulcasted the event to Singapore and Mexico-based HA Ed members. We also had participants join from Beijing, China.

The following is a recording of the event.

HAEd Guest Blog Series by Evelisa Genova: A conversation on pain, mindset, and the possibilities of positive change with Dr. Martina Ziegenbein

Sometimes, life brings you people who inspire you at just the right points in your life. Sharing the TedX stage with Martina has been one of the greatest blessings that I only continue to learn from with time. Our conversation proves this further, and I am so delighted to share it with you. In the face of adversity and unexpected life changes, Dr. Martina Ziegenbein, a clinical rheumatologist and fibromyalgia coach, shared with me her journey from losing her job to opening her own private practice. Not only is her story a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of a positive mindset, but she also offers insights for anyone navigating the uncertain waters of personal and professional transformation. And deep reassurance - that our thoughts can transform our outcomes.

You have to listen to Martina’s kindness, authenticity, and enthusiasm. The podcast links can be found here: Apple Podcast or Spotify. Please feel free to share this with anyone who needs to hear it!

At the very least, I had to share these Top 3 Insights from Dr. Martina Ziegenbein:

The Courage to Embrace New Beginnings:

• Dr. Ziegenbein's venture into establishing her own practice was not a straightforward path. Initially reluctant due to the discomfort of starting anew, she was thrust into entrepreneurship by circumstances. Her story teaches us that embracing change, despite its challenges, can lead to fulfilling new opportunities and growth beyond our comfort zones.

• Suggested Practice: Start a "Possibility Journal." Every day, jot down one new idea or opportunity you'd like to explore, no matter how big or small. This exercise encourages an open-minded approach to new beginnings, making the unfamiliar less daunting and more exciting.

The Power of Mindset in Overcoming Challenges:

• Throughout her journey, Dr. Ziegenbein highlights the critical role of mindset in facing and overcoming challenges. By shifting her belief system and embracing her capabilities, she demonstrates that our thoughts and attitudes significantly influence our actions and outcomes. Her experience underscores the idea that with determination and a positive outlook, we can navigate the complexities of life and career transitions successfully.

• Suggested Practice: Implement a daily affirmation or meditation practice focused on strength and adaptability. Spend a few minutes each morning affirming your ability to handle whatever comes your way. This practice helps cultivate a resilient mindset, empowering you to face challenges with confidence.

The Significance of Art and Connection:

• Dr. Ziegenbein shares a profound connection with art, viewing it as a bridge to the divine and a source of healing and expression. Her narrative reminds us of the therapeutic power of art in our lives and practices, emphasizing its role in fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and others. This insight speaks to the importance of integrating our passions and interests into our work, enriching both our professional endeavors and personal well-being.

• Suggested Practice: Notice each week the artful details in light - this could be noticing the beauty of created things, to actively engaging with art, through creation or appreciation. This could be attending a gallery, painting, writing, or even gardening. Artistic expression connects us to our inner selves and the broader human experience, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

Dr. Martina Ziegenbein's journey is so inspiring for anyone facing change or hardship. Her insights teach me the value of embracing new beginnings with courage, the transformative power of a positive mindset, and the profound impact of integrating our passions into our lives. “Anyone, who has the will, is capable of change” is truly the antidote for any cynicism - and a light of hope for anyone in their darkest hour.

Learn More about Dr. Martina Ziegenbein:

How The Brain Has Power Over Our Pain | Martina Ziegenbein | TEDxMountRubidoux

https://www.martinaziegenbeinmdcoaching.com/

Global Networking Night 2024

Thank you to all HAEd leadership who helped co-host Global Networking Night in March, and thank you to all who attended. By all accounts it was a great success with many fruitful connections and conversations across the planet. You can see photos that we received below, and for photos from all GNN events, go here.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

HAEd Alumni and students meet up at CIES 2024 conference in Miami

Harvard Alumni for Education members meet with members and students at the 2024 Comparative International Education Society (CIES) 2024 Annual conference in Miami in mid-March. Harvard was well represented this year by our dynamic PhDs, professors, and master’s students! We meet up at Black Market. Dozens of us got to share our work and research. After years of COVID, everyone was so thrilled to meet in person.

This year’s CIES program was entitled, “The Power of Protest.” The power of protest in education is based on the public action. Novel research and programming that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion was at its core. Harvard alumni, faculty, and students presented on an array of issues, including literacy and numeracy education in Uganda; civil society partnerships to stop sexual abuse in schools in Liberia; and higher education in Georgia. Getting to share, learn, and laugh together was an incredible experience! We hope to see many more members next year!

“What Comes Next: Reimagine Your Impact” Recap

On October 5th, Harvard Alumni in Education was thrilled to host a virtual event: “What Comes Next: Reimagine Your Impact.” In this TEDX-style event, we were joined by five education experts sharing how they reimagined their professional roles and tapped into their passion amid and after COVID. 

Our speakers shared personal stories with some similar themes throughout. We heard about how identity was central to folks’ work, such as Cornelius Lee seeking to elevate Queer and Black winemakers and Peter Walblay seeking a new professional identity after leaving the classroom. We heard about values alignment—Alexis Stern talked about leaving school leadership to pursue leadership coaching after realizing it was much more aligned with her values. Dr. Sabeen Sheikh shared about a holistic view of wellness and seeking it while pursuing her doctoral degree as well as sharing it with students she served. Dr. Jennifer DeNeal spoke about pursuing purpose and the importance of finding community in her work. 

We were thrilled to highlight five experts with varying perspectives who joined us for this rich conversation. Thank you to Mary Grech and Ashley Smallwood for organizing and hosting. We hope to see you at our next event!

Learn more about our speakers here:

Cornelius Lee

Peter Walblay

Alexis Stern

Dr. Jennifer DeNeal

Dr. Sabeen Sheikh 

You can watch the replay on YouTube below.

HAEd Singapore Event Recap

We had a great turnout for the first-ever joint meeting of the Harvard Alumni for Education Singapore and Seattle Chapters. Over 30 people registered, many overcoming both the Singapore heat and the scheduled Formula 1 race nearby to attend the event. Many thanks to Matt Ong and Titus Yong of HA Ed Singapore! for hosting the event!

Carlos Obando

Founder and Managing Member

Carlos@MITelco360.com

Call for Applications for Latin America Regional Engagement Coordinators

H.A.Ed. is seeking volunteers located in Latin America to apply for the position of Engagement Coordinator in the Latin America Region.

We are excited to open the Latin American Region and are in search of alumni to fill the roll of Engagement Coordinator. Engagement Coordinators are the core of H.A.Ed.’s work organizing events and connecting members. We encourage you to apply at the following links:

Spanish: https://forms.gle/75AWDJfq56H17z8UA

English: https://forms.gle/aEJsWKnaH85gSWN26

Thank you for joining the conversation and we look forward to reviewing your application to become a volunteer with our H.A.Ed. LatAm Region.

Harvard Alumni for Education (H.A.Ed.) Appoints Patricia Vázquez, Gustavo Rojas, and Erik Ramírez as Regional Directors for Latino America

Boston, July 16, 2023 – Harvard Alumni for Education (H.A.Ed.), a Harvard University Shared Interest Group dedicated to creating a strong, connected, and collaborative community of Harvard University alumni in the field of education, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patricia Vázquez, Gustavo Rojas, and Erik Ramírez as Directors for Latino America. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in furthering the mission of H.A.Ed. in the region.

H.A.Ed. aims to provide a forum for alumni from all schools, disciplines, and professions to share field expertise, research, and ideas, as well as to encourage engagement, cross-sector partnerships, professional exchanges, and mentorship opportunities. This association empowers Harvard alumni to make a difference by bringing them together in both conversation and action.

Patricia Vázquez, (HUGSE ‘22) an accomplished educator and advocate for educational equity, shared her excitement about the new role, saying, "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the H.A.Ed. community in Latino America. Together, we can create meaningful connections and advance educational practices that have a lasting impact on our region."

Gustavo Rojas, (HUGSE ‘22) a passionate researcher in the field of education, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Being part of H.A.Ed. allows us to bridge the gap between research and practice. I am honored to join forces with fellow alumni to disseminate usable knowledge and drive positive change in education."

Erik Ramírez, (HUGSE ‘22) a dedicated entrepreneur and technology education leader, added, "I am honored to co-lead the H.A.Ed. initiatives in Latino America. By leveraging the strength of our Harvard alumni network, we can build transformative partnerships and empower educators to excel in their profession."

Matthew Williams, (HUGSE ‘13) President of Harvard Alumni for Education (H.A.Ed.) Shared Interest Group, emphasized the significance of this appointment, saying, "We are delighted to have Patricia, Gustavo, and Erik as our first Directors for Latino America. Their expertise, passion, and commitment will undoubtedly propel us forward in creating a thriving community of educational practitioners, researchers, and leaders."

Under the guidance of Patricia, Gustavo, and Erik, H.A.Ed. will continue to provide networking opportunities, career development support, intellectual enrichment, and cross-sector collaborations to Harvard alumni in the region. Their leadership will foster meaningful connections and initiatives that inspire positive change in education.

For more information about H.A.Ed. and its initiatives, please visit: http://www.harvardaed.org/

Announcing HAEd Guest Blog Series by Evelisa Genova

In my conversations with Evelisa Genova, HGSE ‘13, it is clear that she has a unique perspective and passion in the intersection between leadership, arts, and relationship building.

Evelisa’s career has been guided by a passion for creating better systems and conditions for human potential in diverse sectors. Since graduating from Harvard with a Masters in Education, she has over ten years of experience as a strategist in complicated and tense environments, such as government policy and negotiations, tech and Web3 startups, diplomacy, and non profits. She is also a painter, and through her experiences, art has come up in surprising ways with leaders across industries as a tool to build relationships, forge understanding, and unite people across differences.

Currently, Evelisa is the Equity and Inclusion lead for the technology company, Realdream, where she aligns the company’s projects, partnerhsips, and content with Equity and Inclusion standards. She is also the National Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion for the Souting Movement’s Canada Region. The Scouting movement worldwide has more than 31 million Scouts, youth, adults, boys, and girls in 216 countries and territories. She hosts a pod cast, Stories of Life and Love which has launched season four. Her blog series takes the wisdom and insights from those conversations to our readers interested in the learning journeys of adults and leaders, inclusion, and the arts.

Previously, Evelisa worked on a special project for equity and inclusion through the arts at the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles, paring an NFT WEb3 project with the Consulate. She has also built community peace programs with schools and families to advance alternative dispute resolution processes between communities, centered around art.

Evelisa describes her personal art as “creating empowerment dreamscapes to illuminate the sacred mystery of life, using oils, watercolours, and precious metals” You can see her art and learn more about this part of her work at www.evelisa.com and learn more about her speaking and workshops at EvelisaGenova.com

In the HAEd Blog series, Evelisa will highlight some of the amazing people and conversations she has had through her work that she feels HAEd Blog readers should know about.

Stay tuned for her first blog; Lessons from Fintech Entrepreneur Angel Rich (And the Unique Differentiator of Art)

Thank you to Evelisa Genova for her support of Harvard Alumni for Education SIG and it’s members.

-Matthew Williams, HAEd President

Alumni Spotlight: Xin Xiang

Degree/graduating year - B.A. 2014', Ph.D (in Education) 2020'

Location – Guangdong, China

Current Job – Assistant Professor in Comparative Education, Beijing
Normal University (Zhuhai campus); Visiting Assistant Professor,
Harvard Graduate School of Education

3 fun facts – I love singing in choirs; I have dined at every single dining hall and cafeteria on Harvard campus except for those in the
longwoods area (and Gutman cafe is the best); my current hairstyle is almost exactly the same as what I had as a teenager.

Why did you join HAEd? – Because I work in the field of education!

How did you get involved in education? – I gathered a group of friends and started a summer camp for migrant children in urban villages in
Guangzhou (the city that I grew up in) the summer after graduating from high school. It was an experience that opened our eyes to the deep inequalities that shaped our own trajectories and separated children from different backgrounds. Before I knew it, we are celebrating the 13th year of the project (Clover Youth, now a nonprofit organization with a small but professional full-time staff) and I am conducting research on and teaching about educational and social inequality for a career.

What is something that inspires you? – the smiles, laughs and mischief
of my 14-month-old daughter!

What is the most memorable experience you remember from your time at
Harvard? – I sometimes find it hard to believe that I have spent 12 years – well over a third of my life – at Harvard, first as an undergraduate student, then as a doctoral student and finally as a
postdoctoral fellow and faculty member. The most important memories that I am taking away from these experiences are the incredible people
that I met here. I draw a lot of inspiration from my beloved mentors (Meira Levinson, Howard Gardner, Bob Selman and Helen Haste) at HGSE
as well as my academic role-models Arthur Kleinman (psychiatrist and medical anthropologist) and Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot (sociologist and portraitist). Each of them played a huge role in deepening my understanding and expanding my imagination of how to live a moral life and build a meaningful career in this precarious world.

Alumni Spotlight: Jessi Hanson-DeFusco

We are so pleased to introduce you to Jessi Hanson-DeFusco. Previously, Jessi was a co-chair for our Africa region chapter, and will be on the HAEd board as Secretary starting in 2023!

Degree/graduating year: EdM International Education Policy 2007; PhD University of Pittsburgh 2020

Current location: Dallas, Texas

3 fun facts: 1) I am coming on as HAEd's Secretary, after being a co-chair for the Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter. 2) I lived 7 years in West Africa, and about 8 in Latin America. 3) My Liberian Bassa nickname is Quepoo-ma (given to me by my Liberian colleagues).

Why did you join HAEd? I wanted to connect with alumni working in education and policy in Africa. It is an amazing and supportive group!

How did you get involved in education? I was a secondary school English teacher. After Peace Corps in the Dominican, I saw the challenges that many students and teachers face in the global South. I went to HGSE to learn about policy and enter nonprofit education. Eventually, I found myself researching girls' education and health, predominently fighting against sex abuse in schools.

What is something that inspires you? Viktor Frankl's 'A Man's Search for Meaning'

What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your life? Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast'; 'In the Time of Cholera'; Paul Farmer's 'Mountains beyond Mountains'

What is the most memorable experience you remember from your time at Harvard? Sitting in my first class that was packed for my first lecture with Fernando Reimers, pinching myself that I was learning in person from such incredible academics

What advice would you give someone wanting to enter into the field of education? The best person you can be is your natural self. Students and teachers want to know the real you.

What are some of the things you're researching the most right now? Submitting publications on statutory rape in Liberia, which affects 35% of girls, educated or uneducated. 38% of adult assailants work or study in schools. Civil society organization engagement in schools however is a wonderful way to set up accountability measures to protect students and create a child-friendly environment.

HAEd Membership Team Open Positions - Fall 2022

We are currently recruiting for the following global and local positions. Please note that Harvard Alumni for Education is a volunteer organization and all positions are unpaid. To apply for one of these positions, please email leadership@harvardaed.org with the title of the position you are interested in, your CV, and a brief description of (1) why you want the position, (2) your prior relevant experience, (3) what you hope to accomplish in the position.

Director of Membership

The Director of Membership shall maintain a record of all HAEd members and will facilitate the process for new member recruitment. The Director of Membership supports organizational growth through solicitation and enrollment of new members, renewal of continuing members, and coordination of efforts to increase and maintain membership. This person also manages active, ongoing membership lists across all electronic platforms, for various purposes including but not limited to operational expansion initiatives, Harvard Alumni Association reporting requirements, etc. Approximate time commitment 2-3 hours per month.

Director of Regions

The Director of Regions (DOR) shall assist the Leadership Team in the recruiting and vetting of new Engagement Coordinator candidates; assist in the onboarding of Engagement Coordinators; and provide assistance to Engagement Coordinators as needed. The DOR will assist the Director of Membership in tracking membership growth across HAEd Regional Chapters, and propose strategies for growing existing Chapters’ membership base. Approximate time commitment 5-8 hours per month.

Engagement Coordinators (ALL LOCATIONS/MULTIPLE OPENINGS)

Engagement coordinators will support HAEd in connecting with members in their local regions as well as within the global HAEd community. Responsibilities include:

• Attending GNN and engaging with local HAEd members through an informal meetup before or after the event

• Organizing/co-organizing at least one other event during the calendar year, either online or in person

• Participating in the Slack community, especially for their local regions

• Joining quarterly virtual meetings with the HAEd leadership team

Approximate time commitment 3-5 hours per month.

HAEd Membership Team Open Positions - Spring 2022

We are currently recruiting for the following global and local positions. Please note that Harvard Alumni for Education is a volunteer organization and all positions are unpaid. To apply for one of these positions, please email leadership@harvardaed.org with the title of the position you are interested in, your CV, and a brief description of (1) why you want the position, (2) your prior relevant experience, (3) what you hope to accomplish in the position.

Director of Membership

The Director of Membership shall maintain a record of all HAEd members and will facilitate the process for new member recruitment. The Director of Membership supports organizational growth through solicitation and enrollment of new members, renewal of continuing members, and coordination of efforts to increase and maintain membership. This person also manages active, ongoing membership lists across all electronic platforms, for various purposes including but not limited to operational expansion initiatives, Harvard Alumni Association reporting requirements, etc. Approximate time commitment 2-3 hours per month.

Director of Chapters

The Director of Chapters (DOC) shall assist the Leadership Team in the recruiting and vetting of new Chapter co-President candidates; assist in the onboarding of new Chapter co-Presidents; and provide assistance to Chapter co-Presidents as needed. The DOC will assist the Director of Membership in tracking membership growth across HAEd Chapters, and propose strategies for growing existing Chapters’ membership base. Approximate time commitment 5-8 hours per month.

Co-Chair, NYC, LA, India

As a co-chair of an HAEd Regional Chapter, you would oversee communications with, recruitment of, and support for HAEd members in India. Co-chairs oversee the organization of a minimum of 4 annual events in their geographies. We also encourage recording at least one podcast episode for the SIG and posting at least one blog post per event on the HAEd blog. One of the events would include staffing a table at the biannual Global Networking Nights (January 2020).  Additional events could include a panel and/or streaming an Askwith Forum. We encourage Chapter co-chairs to work closely with the Clubs in their geographies, in order to co-sponsor/co-brand events in order to increase visibility and awareness of the HAEd brand. Please note that due to the state of the pandemic all events are being held online. Approximate time commitment 3-5 hours per month.

Podcast Producer/Co-host

The Podcast Producer oversees the administrative, creative and technical aspects of recording and editing the HAEd  podcast episodes. It is a role that will work closely with the Director of  Communications to:

• Shape the narrative structure of each episode and overall storytelling direction for the series

• Ensure the podcast is in consistent alignment with the HAEd podcast guidelines

• Produce a full transcript for every episode

• Secure at least one guest per month for interviewing

• Record at least one episode per month

• Adequately prepare guests for the most optimal quality of recording, especially for remote recordings

• Fully edit every episode to be ready for release 

• Properly archive each finalised episode with accompanying transcript

• Approximate time commitment 5-8 hours per month.

Upcoming NYC Chapter Event

Registers for the December event hosted by NYC Chapter, "Turning an Ocean Liner":
https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odeGopjovEtIbfSoN2wXHP8biJyTLYCUI