Doctoral student
University of Nevada, Reno
Hello, my name is Kaashifah, and I am a 4th-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno. I came to the United States from India as a first-generation, middle-class female student, driven by the American Dream. My research focuses on understanding and addressing opportunity gaps faced by students of color especially international students, particularly those on F1 and J1 visas. I utilize quantitative analysis, including interviews, surveys, and SPSS data analysis, to shed light on these issues and propose solutions.
As an international student myself, I’ve experienced many of the challenges that come with studying abroad—everything from microaggressions to the difficulty of finding a sense of belonging in a new culture. This personal journey motivates my advocacy work. I’m passionate about improving the academic and social environments for international and marginalized students through my research, activism, and collaboration with student groups. My goal is to not only contribute to scholarly knowledge but to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the students I serve.