Dedicated to Diversity

Elyse Hambacher named 2019 Diverse Emerging Scholar

Monday, January 28, 2019

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education has announced its 2019 Emerging Scholars — “an interdisciplinary group of minority scholars who represent the very best of the U.S. academy” — and UNH’s Elyse Hambacher is among them.

Since 2002, the magazine has recognized scholars for their research and teaching. The editorial staff chose this year’s Emerging Scholars from hundreds of candidates recommended by department chairs and others in their field as educators who “distinguished themselves in their various academic disciplines and are actively working to make our society more equitable and just.”

An assistant professor of education, Hambacher’s work includes teaching five courses, conducting research and mentoring students. Recently, she collaborated on Book->Art, a project aimed at integrating social justice themes into education for young learners. “I work with strong students, and they are what makes this work fun,” Hambacher says, adding, “I’m deeply honored to have received this award and thankful to the many mentors who have guided me along the way.”

The Diverse feature quotes UNH provost Wayne E. Jones Jr., who describes Hambacher’s perspective: “in order to change the current white-dominant system, transformations must begin in the classroom.” Jones also discusses the importance of educators who “seek out voices that have been excluded from mainstream teaching and scholarship, moving these voices from the margins to the center.”

Hambacher explains she explores the social context of teaching and learning, including "how teachers use and resist punitive disciplinary practices and policies, creating communities of success and resilience for youth who do not demonstrate traditional definitions of success.”

Her work also focuses on using “justice-oriented perspectives to improve equity in elementary education and in the preparation of pre-service and in-service educators.”

“Recognizing our outstanding UNH faculty in venues like Diverse: Issues in Higher Education reminds us of the rich scholarship from which we all benefit,” says Monica Chiu, UNH’s interim associate vice president for community, equity and diversity. “Professor Hambacher’s research areas in critical pedagogy, culturally responsive classroom management and student achievement fall squarely in one of four UNH strategic priorities announced just last week by President Dean: student success and well-being. We look forward to professor Hambacher’s exciting and timely contributions to our students, colleagues and the wider community.”