Lydia Mallah

Lydia K. Mallah is a doctoral candidate in Teaching and Learning, specializing in Special Education, at Florida International University (FIU), where she expects to earn her Ph.D. in May 2027. She is a special education teacher educator, researcher, and nonprofit leader whose work focuses on strengthening teacher preparation, advancing inclusive education, and expanding educational opportunities for students with disabilities. At FIU, Lydia has co-taught undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation courses, supervised teacher candidates, and supported three federally funded special education personnel-preparation projects totaling approximately $3.7 million. She also serves as a doctoral intern with the DREAM Center, a national technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Educations Office of Special Education Programs, where she contributes to research, state data reports, and resources supporting special education personnel development. Her research examines teachers preparation, perceptions, and implementation of inclusive education, with particular attention to students with disabilities in under-resourced educational settings. Her scholarly work includes research on inclusive education in Africa and the use of mixed-reality simulation in special education teacher preparation. She has presented at national and international education conferences and has contributed to peer-reviewed and practitioner publications. Lydia serves as Student Vice President of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at FIU and as a member of its National Council of Students. Her academic achievements have been recognized through several honors, including FIUs Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for Graduate Students, a Doctoral Evidence Acquisition Fellowship, and a Dissertation Year Fellowship. Beyond academia, Lydia is the founder and executive director of RIEHAD-Liberia, a nonprofit organization advancing education, health, and economic empowerment in underserved Liberian communities. Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than 1,500 individuals and supported professional development for over 160 teachers across 16 schools. Across her academic, professional, and community work, Lydia is committed to using education, research, and service to create meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities, particularly those historically underserved or excluded from quality education.