Born in Wisconsin and raised with a minority religion within the Iranian diaspora, my perspective has always been shaped by the intersection of cultures. This background—coupled with a lifelong dream of living abroad—sparked a deep curiosity about the global experience. After navigating the world as both an undergraduate exchange student (twice!) and an international degree-seeking student, my transition into the professional realm of international higher education was a natural evolution.

I am driven by the conviction that education, in its broadest sense, is the most sacred bridge between people and places.

My path to this doctorate was sparked by the work of my colleagues at Purdue University, whose dedication first inspired me to pursue this milestone. What began as a personal quest in 2012—hours of solitary desk research at the West Lafayette Public Library—transformed into a global journey of purpose. This path led me to research seminars in Milan in 2015 and culminated in my formal admission to the Centre for Internationalisation of Education (now the Centre for Transformative Education) at the University of Groningen – Campus Fryslân in 2017. This journey has proven to be as unexpected as it has been transformative.

The PhD graduation at Campus Fryslân is a prestigious ceremony rooted in centuries of academic tradition at the University of Groningen. The process begins months in advance when an independent reading committee evaluates the doctoral thesis; once they “pass” the manuscript as defensible, a public ceremony is scheduled. On the big day, the candidate is accompanied by two “paranymphs” (ceremonial assistants) and led into the hall by a mace-bearing Beadle (Pedel), followed by a “Corona” of professors in traditional formal gowns.

For exactly 45 minutes, the candidate engages in a disciplined Q&A session with the committee, defending their research until the Beadle strikes their staff and announces “Hora Est” (It is time), signaling the immediate end of the defense. After a brief private deliberation, the committee returns to officially confer the doctorate, presenting the diploma along with a personal speech known as a laudatio to celebrate the new doctor’s achievement.

You are invited to witness the culmination of this journey in person in Leeuwarden on June 11, 2026, or to join the conversation digitally by registering below.

If you wish to mark the occasion, a written sentiment for my guestbook would be greatly appreciated. A digital guestbook will be available in June as well a physical guestbook in both Leeuwarden & Malmö.