Learning from diverse perspectives

Kaleb Germinaro

Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development M.S.Ed., 2018

Before Penn GSE: Undergraduate student

After Penn GSE: Ph.D. student, Learning Sciences & Human Development, University of Washington

There were classes that really sparked my interest and, in those moments, I had a sort of euphoric feeling where I said, “This is what I need to do."

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a graduate degree in Human Development at Penn GSE?
A: When looking at the various degrees in the Graduate School of Education, I found the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development program to be the best combination of practice and cutting-edge ways of thinking. A lot of my preliminary thoughts before coming into the program were confirmed once I got here. I knew I would be challenged in the ways I think and approach problems, and I knew the faculty would be experts in their field and would be able to provide adequate guidance to help me reach my goals. Also, the members of the faculty, although they are all experts and well-known in their fields, are very down-to-earth and eager to help.

Q: What was the single most important thing you learned in the ISHD program?
A: I believe the most important thing I learned was there isn’t ever going to be one answer for a larger problem, there’s never going to be a quick fix, and there are often going to be different answers to the same question based on context and the people you’re working with. Being challenged to think contextually and always questioning and checking my own bias and positionality on an issue helped me develop a sense of awareness, allowing me to take a step back to analyze, and then to really dive deep into my interests.

Q: How did your experience in the ISHD program inform your career path?
A: There were a couple classes that really sparked my interest and, in those moments, I had a sort of euphoric feeling where I said, “This is what I need to do.’’ Expressing these interests to faculty helped further my professional goals, leading me to apply to a Ph.D. program. Seeing the faculty and the work they’re able to do, along with they change they’re able to create, is definitely a big part of the reason I chose to pursue academia. Also, the diverse faculty provides endless perspectives and interpretations of work along with high quality insight, which isn’t available at the majority of institutions.