Graduate Division welcomes new International Peer Advisor Dee Dee Hong

HER STORY

Dee Dee Hong (she/her) is a doctoral student at the Gevirtz School of Education. Before starting the Ph.D. in Education program at UCSB, Dee Dee worked as a Student Services Specialist in the International Education Center of Santa Monica College, and as a Conduct Coordinator for the Housing Department at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. She also has experience working as an English teacher in South Korea, and as a Peace Corps volunteer in the education sector in Indonesia.

Dee Dee received a BA in Political Science from UC San Diego and a MA in Higher Education Administration and Policy from Northwestern University.

HER PASSIONS

Dee Dee's research interest is in how multiple, sometimes invisible aspects of students' lives and identities - such as their immigration status, economic conditions, and sexuality - interact with their engagement in and attitudes toward education. She is passionate about the intersection between culture and education, and how the education system can better foster healthy learning environments that support students' holistic growth. Currently, she is working on a project that examines how education systems disseminate information about translation and interpretation services for parents.

FUN FACTS

Dee Dee loves to try new things! Whether it's obtaining a paragliding pilot's license (now expired) or eating steamed bees (10/10 do not recommend), she is always up for new challenges. Dee Dee's regular hobbies include collecting The Little Prince books in different languages (one from each country traveled!) and learning to play the ukulele (specialization: off-key renditions of 90's K-Pop songs).

HER ROLE AS A PEER

As an International Graduate Peer, Dee Dee will work with the Graduate Division, OISS and the Division of Student Affairs to develop and implement programs and resources of interest to UCSB's international graduate student community. Dee Dee will also be organizing workshops, presentations, articles, and providing one-on-one meetings for faculty, students, and staff on the best practices for international student success.

You can reach Dee Dee at: damhee@ucsb.edu