Publication profile

Academic Background

Holds both a Doctor of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education and a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration, demonstrating a robust and comprehensive academic foundation.

Professional Experience

Currently an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Extensive teaching and administrative experience at various reputable institutions, indicating significant contributions to the field of education.

Awards and Recognitions

Recipient of the Emerging Scholar Award from the American Educational Research Association and the Dr. Vernon Polite Research on Black Males Award, highlighting his impactful research.

Publications

Bryan, N., DeJohnette, M., Johnson, P. (2024). “They can play, but…: Investigating teachers’ use of exclusionary discipline practices as anti-Black misandric restrictions of Black boyhood play in early childhood classrooms.” Learning, Culture and Social Interaction, 47, 100840. 🏫
Cook, D.A., Bryan, N. (2024). “Introduction: Critical Race Theory, Classroom Practice, and Building a Just Future.” Critical Race Theory and Classroom Practice, pp. 1–10. 📚
Cook, D.A., Bryan, N. (2024). “Critical Race Theory and Classroom Practice.” Critical Race Theory and Classroom Practice, pp. 1–150. 📖
Cook, D.A., Bryan, N. (2024). “Conclusion: From Bad Faith to Good Faith: An Altar Call to Teach Truth.” Critical Race Theory and Classroom Practice, pp. 138–144. 📘
Jamieson, P., Rapos, E.J., Bryan, N. (2023). “Work in Progress: Let’s Play – Improving Our Teaching by Reversing Roles and Being a Learner with Board Games.” ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Conference Proceedings. 🎲
Bryan, N. (2023). “Toward What Justice and Justice for Whom? A BlackCrit Meditation on and against Miami University’s Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry’s Threshold Concepts.” Equity and Excellence in Education. 📓
- Citations: 2
McMillian, R., Bryan, N. (2023). “Living within it all: Black Critical Theory, Imprisoned Black Radical Tradition, and the art of BlackCrit Portraiture to center voices from sites of incarceration.” International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education. 🎨
- Citations: 1
Bryan, N., McMillian, R., LaMar, K. (2022). “Prison abolition literacies as Pro-Black pedagogy in early childhood education.” Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 22(3), pp. 383–407. 🔏
- Citations: 3
Bryan, N. (2021). “To Me, He Teaches Like the Child Learns: Black Maternal Caregivers on the Pedagogies and Schooling Practices of a Black Male Kindergarten Teacher.” Urban Review, 53(3), pp. 491–515. 🧸
- Citations: 2
Bryan, N. (2021). “Remembering Tamir Rice and Other Black Boy Victims: Imagining Black PlayCrit Literacies Inside and Outside Urban Literacy Education.” Urban Education, 56(5), pp. 744–771. 🎮
- Citations: 27

Conferences and Presentations

Regularly presents at prestigious conferences, further establishing his influence and recognition in the academic community.

Professional Certifications

Holds long-standing certifications in teaching and school administration, underscoring his practical and theoretical expertise.

Given his extensive and impactful research, numerous publications, and recognition by esteemed organizations, Dr. Nathaniel Bryan exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher, making him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Ms. Zama Mthombeni | Higher Education Award | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Zama Mthombeni , Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa

🌟 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a dynamic scholar with a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research intersects academia and societal issues, focusing on themes like education, culture, and socio-economic development. With a robust publication record in prestigious journals and active involvement in peer review processes, she is shaping discourse on African identity, language policies, and the impact of technology. Dr. Mthombeni’s accolades include scholarships and awards for her leadership and academic excellence. Her diverse skill set encompasses qualitative and quantitative research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She’s committed to driving positive change and promoting inclusivity in academia. 📚🌍

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

🎓 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a highly qualified scholar, holding a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has a solid educational background, including a Master’s in Commerce focusing on Local Economic Development and a Master’s in Social Sciences specializing in Public Policy. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and another in Political Science and Psychology, both from the University of KwaZulu Natal, her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to understanding societal complexities. Dr. Mthombeni’s diverse academic qualifications equip her with a multifaceted understanding of developmental issues, contributing significantly to her impactful research endeavors. 📚🌱

Awards:

🏆 Dr. Zama Mthombeni has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic journey. Notable accolades include the Ubuntu Team Award from the Human Sciences Research Council in 2022, underscoring her collaborative spirit. She also received the National Research Fund Scholarship for her Ph.D. studies in 2020, showcasing her dedication to research excellence. Additionally, Dr. Mthombeni’s leadership and community engagement were acknowledged with the Rick Turner Scholarship in 2017. Her academic prowess earned her the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2015 and the HCI Foundation Bursary in 2011, highlighting her commitment to educational achievement and societal impact. 🎓🌟

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

🔍 Dr. Zama Mthombeni brings her expertise to MANCOSA as an External Research Supervisor since January 2024. In this role, she guides postgraduate, honors, and master’s students through their research journey, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines. Dr. Mthombeni fosters a supportive environment, assisting students in topic selection, research planning, and report structuring. She prioritizes ethical standards, encourages publication of research findings, and facilitates access to funding opportunities. Through her mentorship, she cultivates research competence and contributes to the academic development of aspiring scholars, enriching the research landscape with innovative insights. 🎓✨

Work Experience :

📊 Dr. Zama Mthombeni served as a Research and Communications Officer at Sakhumnotho Development Services from January to December 2014. In this role, she spearheaded research projects like Asixoxe youth dialogues and talent shows, ensuring timely execution and adherence to budgets. Leading a research team, she managed day-to-day operations, addressed project issues, and reported progress to management and stakeholders. Dr. Mthombeni excelled in communication, acting as a liaison between the NGO and the Office of the Premier. She also handled administrative tasks efficiently, contributing to the organization’s objectives. Despite her contract’s termination, she left a lasting impact through her dedication and professionalism. 🌟📝

Research Focus:

🔬 Dr. Zama Mthombeni’s research focus lies predominantly in the realm of educational policy and social dynamics within South African higher education. Through her work, she delves into issues such as language policy implementation, the impact of fee-free education, and the challenges faced by non-traditional students. Her investigations also extend to broader societal issues, including xenophobia and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Mthombeni’s commitment to understanding and addressing these complex issues is evident in her diverse publication record and conference presentations. Through her research endeavors, she strives to contribute to the advancement of inclusive and equitable education systems in South Africa and beyond. 📚✨