Emily Dobrich is an educational researcher whose interdisciplinary scholarship focuses on embodied learning, diaspora and transnational studies, social justice, and decolonizing methodologies. She earned her Ph.D. in Adult Education and Community Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, where her doctoral research explored how embodied pedagogical practices support intercultural community-building amongst migrant and diasporic communities. A key contribution through this research was to encourage creation and implementation of more diverse, engaging and culturally respectful community-oriented learning opportunities for migrant women. This research, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), has received multiple awards including the SIG Best Presentation Award Alternative Education in 2024 from the British Educational Research Association (BERA).
In conjunction with her doctoral degree, Emily completed collaborative specializations in comparative and international education, women and gender studies, diaspora and transnational studies at the University of Toronto. These qualifications reflect her commitment to critical, intersectional, and international scholarship. She is actively engaged in several scholarly associations within Canada and internationally, including her role as the Ontario Regional Representative on the board of the Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education (CASAE) through which she contributes to the advancement of adult education research and practice across the country.
Driven by curiosity, creativity and an openness to learning, Emily’s approach to research, teaching and community-building is rooted in creating meaningful change through collaboration, respect for diverse knowledge systems, and a dedication to collective well-being.