LH Martin Institute to host 2012 Endeavour Award recipient from Washington DC
4 June 2012
Dr Lorelle Espinosa, Senior Analyst in Social and Economic Policy at Abt Associates in Washington DC, has received a 2012 Endeavour Executive Award to pursue professional collaboration in Australia. She will be co-hosted by the LH Martin Institute at the University of Melbourne and the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education at the University of South Australia from October to November.
Lorelle will work with Australian leaders and policymakers as they seek to increase access and success in higher education–with an emphasis on degree production in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)–through effective leadership and cross-sector partnerships. She seeks to understand Australian policymaking and the influence of governmental and non-governmental organisations on making higher education more inclusive while strengthening the pipeline of students seeking careers in STEM fields.
Education policy reform that facilitates an increase in the proportion of the population with higher education degrees is a national priority for both the United States and Australia. However, a key challenge for both countries is one of equity, access and the completion of a greater number of non-traditional students to graduation. These issues are even more pervasive in the STEM disciplines, despite their importance to economic stability and innovation.
Lorelle has an MA and PhD in Education with a specialisation in Higher Education and Organisational Change from the University of California Los Angeles. She has experience in undergraduate education administration at the University of California Davis, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lorelle’s experience, primary research, and contributions to the U.S. dialogue on STEM higher education have made her a recognised young leader in her field.
Lorelle will commence at the LH Martin Institute on October 3, 2012.
The Australia Endeavour Awards are the Australian Government’s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing study, research or professional development opportunities between Australia and the world. Applications open annually April 1st and close June 30th. Visit www.australiaawards.gov.au for more information about the application process and to read stories from past Endeavour Award Holders.
