Student voices: Setrag Hovsepian

Setrag Hovsepian is an international student at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, pursuing his degree in Educational Policy and Evaluation (PhD, 25). He was recently invited to present on the topic of improving education for a more equitable world.at the Comparative and International Education Society in Washington D.C. Hovsepian is among a select group of students selected as a “CIES 2023 Inspirer.”

Q: Share a bit about your international background?

A: I identify as Armenian and I was born in Damascus, Syria. This is an area where complex geopolitics have led to persistent conflict over identity and culture. My family had to move, but we were fortunate compared to others who lost everything. I was able to attain my higher education at the American University of Armenia and I started out my career in teaching and translation. I am trilingual in English, Armenian and Arabic. I also speak Spanish and some French.

Q: What brought you to MLFTC?

A: I chose ASU and MLFTC because it is well-known, and for the faculty who are doing exciting work in international education topics through MLFTC’s Office of Global Engagement. The doctoral program gives international students many opportunities to work on education-related topics that are critical to transforming local communities and the wider world.  

Q: What is your primary research interest?

A: One of the areas that has been both a personal and academic focus of mine has been the experiences of refugees and displaced people in the context of educational accessibility. I believe that no matter our circumstances, no matter where we are, education is something that every person has a right to pursue. A question that emerges is how to maintain access to education, and how that intersects with cultural identity. That is one area that I am looking to explore further through my thesis. 

Q: What kind of research have you been involved with at MLFTC? 

A: I’ve been involved in many different, faculty-led projects that have a global focus and connect with my research and personal interests. I have contributed to a project MLFTC is working on with Morocco’s Ministry of Education on teacher preparation and education workforce design. Through that opportunity, which is led by my advisors Nicole Thompson and Wendy Oakes, in addition to Alexander Kurz and Tanya Pinkerton, I helped organize a conference in Morocco. I also  contributed to a program headed by MLFTC Professor Eugene Judson that explores how to connect refugee families with education opportunities for their children, with an emphasis on STEM pathways. I have appreciated the chance to work with Iveta Solova, professor and associate dean of Global Engagement at MLFTC, on grant-funded projects that explore the intersection of education and sustainability issues, such as Turn it Around. 

Q: How have you adjusted to life as an international student?

A: As an international and doctoral student, I have found MLFTC and the wider ASU community to offer many resources that are contributing to my academic, professional and personal development. I have gotten involved with ASU international student organizations and have access to events around the campuses that allow me to strengthen my interdisciplinary connections. This has been a wonderful way to connect and share perspectives among peers.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?

A: By exploring research opportunities through MLFTC, I have been able to build a solid portfolio and career trajectory to pursue my goal of supporting communities that have been forced to live and learn outside of their areas of origin. It has also given me a chance to gain perspectives on education from this part of the world in the U.S. This has been a golden opportunity for me. When I am asked if I will go back, I am not sure what to say. I do know for sure that this degree will prepare me for whatever choices I make  and wherever I go. 

• Learn more about Hovsepian’s research interests and experiences at MLFTC in this video interview with  Setrag Hovsepian
• Learn more about Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College’s Doctoral Degrees

Student voices at MLFTC is an ongoing series featuring students at ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.