Short biography
Dr. Vanessa R. Sperduti is an educator, researcher, and passionate advocate for community in both local and global contexts. With over 15 years of experience across various K-12 and higher education settings, both domestically and internationally, she brings a contextualized knowledge and perspective to her work. Currently based at The George Washington University (Mentor: Dr. Laura Engel), Dr. Sperduti collaborates with principal investigator Dr. Miri Yemini at the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology on the ERC-funded STUDACT project. Her research investigates how young people engage with critical issues such as climate change, human rights, body positivity, body neutrality, and the #MeToo movement. At the core of Dr. Sperduti’s work is a commitment to amplifying community voices and weaving together their narratives to foster authentic, community-driven change.
Dr. Sperduti earned her PhD in Education from Western University (London, Canada) (Co-Supervisors: Drs. Marianne A. Larsen and Paul Tarc), specializing in host community perspectives in experiential learning programs within a historically marginalized, predominantly Black community. This research informed her current interests and educational approach to better understanding community concerns, educational opportunities, and the changing urban landscape in traditionally underserved areas undergoing significant demographic and economic transitions. During her doctoral studies, she was nominated for an excellence in teaching award by students in the Faculty of Education, recognizing her dedication to educational excellence.
Dr. Sperduti’s positionality is deeply informed by her practical engagement with a wide array of collaborators. As the Assistant Director of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) at the University of Pittsburgh, she explores global educational issues alongside over 3,500 members, including educators, NGOs, non-profits, practitioners, and students from various backgrounds. She also maintains her role as a public elementary school teacher in Ontario, providing hands-on experience in varied classroom environments. This broad engagement enables her to bridge theoretical concepts with real-world applications, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives that shape her research. She firmly believes in the reciprocal relationship between research and practice, utilizing insights from different contexts to foster inclusive, engaging, and effective educational settings for learners of all backgrounds.
Dr. Sperduti’s extensive professional background includes an internship with the United Nations in Protocol, where she gained valuable experience in international relations and communication. Since 2021, she has served as the Communications Manager for the Johansen Larsen Foundation, overseeing its communications strategy to enhance visibility for supported programs and promote initiatives that uplift Indigenous peoples and One Health approaches. Her diverse work is characterized by a commitment to community engagement, amplifying youth voices, and bridging the gap between local and global perspectives in education. Dr. Sperduti welcomes opportunities to connect and collaborate.
Participating in projects: Youth activism (STUDACT)
Hobby: cooking for friends, playing soccer (football), exploring new places, thrift shopping
