Innovative Research Award

Arpith Isaac is an educational researcher, doctoral scholar, instructor, and comparative education specialist affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His academic work focuses on comparative and international education, youth experiences, educational equity, gender socialization, school belonging, student well-being, and educational experiences in marginalized communities across multiple national contexts. His scholarship combines qualitative, ethnographic, and interdisciplinary approaches to investigate educational participation, identity formation, and social transformation among adolescents and young adults.[1]

Abstract

Arpith Isaac’s academic profile reflects sustained engagement with comparative education, educational policy, youth development, and social inclusion. His research addresses issues of school belonging, alienation, well-being, gender representations, masculinity, and educational experiences among marginalized youth across India, Colombia, and Malawi. Through qualitative and ethnographic methodologies, his scholarship contributes to understanding how educational systems, social environments, and cultural narratives shape young people’s experiences and outcomes.[1] [2]

Keywords

• Alienation
• Colombia
• India
• Malawi
• School Climate
• Sense of Belonging
• Student Wellbeing
• Adolescence
• Violent Contexts
• Normalization of Violence
• Community Studies

Introduction

The field of educational research increasingly emphasizes the lived experiences of students within diverse social, cultural, and institutional settings. Arpith Isaac’s work aligns with this tradition by examining how educational structures interact with identity, belonging, social inequality, and youth development. His research spans local and international contexts while maintaining a focus on educational justice, inclusion, and student voice.[1]

Research Profile

Isaac is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies with a concentration in Comparative and International Education and Global Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He previously earned an M.A. in Education from Azim Premji University and a B.A. (Honours) in History from the University of Delhi. His academic preparation integrates historical inquiry, educational policy analysis, and comparative educational research.[1]

His professional experience includes university teaching, curriculum delivery, educational research, international comparative projects, and community engagement initiatives. He has served as a Teaching Assistant, Principal Instructor, Research Consultant, and education fellow, developing expertise in both classroom practice and scholarly investigation.[1]

Research Contributions

• Conducted ethnographic and comparative research examining marginalized youths’ educational experiences across India, Malawi, and Colombia.
• Investigated relationships among student well-being, school belonging, and alienation within secondary education contexts.
• Developed visual-cued ethnographic approaches using films to explore gender representations and masculinity among adolescents.
• Examined normalization of violence among adolescents and its implications for education, socialization, and community development.
• Contributed to interdisciplinary educational research involving qualitative data collection, community mapping, interviews, observations, and focus group methodologies.

Publications

Arpith Isaac’s publications examine student well-being, belonging, and alienation across Colombia, India, and Malawi, while also analyzing the normalization of violence among adolescents, contributing evidence to educational equity, youth development, and school climate research.[2] [3]

1. Luschei, T.F., Issac, A.T., Chudgar, A., Kendall, N., Chirkina, T., Choi, S.Y., Gidra, A., Chavarría, Y., Chimwaza, T.M., et al. Student well-being, sense of belonging, and alienation among secondary school students in Colombia, India, and Malawi. International Journal of Educational Development.
2. Issac, A.T., & Madan, A. Normalisation of Violence among Adolescents. The National Life Skills, Value Education & School Wellness Program.

Research Impact

Arpith Isaac’s scholarly activities demonstrate engagement with significant contemporary educational issues including belonging, inclusion, youth well-being, gender socialization, and educational access. His participation in international comparative research projects contributes evidence relevant to policymakers, educators, researchers, and development practitioners interested in improving educational experiences among vulnerable populations.[1]

His conference presentations at major academic gatherings, including the Annual South Asia Conference and the American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting, further indicate active dissemination of research findings within scholarly communities.[1]

Award Suitability

The profile of Arpith Isaac demonstrates characteristics commonly associated with academic recognition in educational research. These include sustained scholarly engagement, international research collaboration, peer-reviewed publication activity, innovative methodological approaches, teaching contributions, conference dissemination, and competitive scholarship support. Recognition through awards such as the Herb Kliebard Scholarship and research travel grants further reflects institutional acknowledgment of his academic potential and research contributions.[1]

Conclusion

Arpith Isaac’s academic trajectory illustrates a commitment to advancing understanding of educational experiences across diverse cultural and social contexts. His work on student well-being, belonging, gender representation, violence, and comparative education contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions concerning educational equity and youth development. The combination of research, teaching, and international collaboration supports consideration of his profile within the context of academic and educational recognition initiatives.[1] [2]

External Links

• Scopus Author Profile
• Award Website

References

1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Arpith Isaac, Author ID 60714568400. Scopus Author Profile. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60714568400
   
2. Luschei, T. F., Issac, A. T., Chudgar, A., Kendall, N., Chirkina, T., Choi, S. Y., Gidra, A., Chavarría, Y., Chimwaza, T. M., et al. (2026). Student well-being, sense of belonging, and alienation among secondary school students in Colombia, India, and Malawi. International Journal of Educational Development. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2026.103628
   
3. Issac, A. T., & Madan, A. (2019). Normalisation of Violence among Adolescents. The National Life Skills, Value Education & School Wellness Program. https://expressionsindia.org/images/journals/chapters/2019/aug19/6.pdf