Spotlight on Ayesha Bundy
We are excited to welcome Ayesha Bundy as a first-year doctoral student in PRIME! Ayesha’s journey has been shaped by rich experiences across diverse cultures, a strong commitment to community service, and a deep passion for education. She brings a unique perspective to the program, and we are thrilled to have her with us.
Ayesha grew up in India, where her maternal grandparents played a huge role in raising her. She lived with them for most of her childhood, and they were a central part of her life. “I will forever be grateful for their selfless gesture of taking care of two toddlers in their 60s when they could have lived out their retirement years,” she says, reflecting on how this experience shaped her. Growing up in an intergenerational household helped Ayesha understand the importance of family, empathy, and community. It also taught her how everyone brings something unique to the table, whether it is their skills or perspectives.
A photo with her mom appears at left, with a photo at Mirror Palace on the right.
Her life journey took her from Delhi NCR (National Capital Region), where she primarily lived with her grandparents, to Mumbai and other parts of northern India. In 2014, Ayesha made a big move to the United States to pursue graduate studies. Moving from Delhi’s busy, hot streets to the quiet, icy terrain of Maine was a huge adjustment, but Ayesha embraced the change. From navigating icy roads to learning about Fahrenheit versus Celsius, she quickly adapted to her new life in Maine despite the huge contrast from her life back home in India. At the University of Maine, Ayesha navigated through different teaching roles, moving from teaching assistant to graduate student instructor and adjunct faculty, and eventually, she was a full-time lecturer before deciding to pursue her doctorate.
Ayesha’s love for learning extends far beyond her formal studies. While in India, she spent a lot of time volunteering, helping with everything from blood donation drives to cleaning rivers, supporting victims of human trafficking, and teaching children of migrant workers. One of her proudest accomplishments occurred during her undergraduate years when she started an evening school for children who were frequently displaced and unable to attend regular school. She was able to build a team of volunteers who helped teach math, languages, and life skills to these children, and the school continued running after she graduated.
In terms of academics, Ayesha’s background is impressive. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics from India and then went on to get a second master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Maine. In addition, Ayesha is a certified Montessori facilitator for young children, which reflects her dedication to early childhood education.
Ayesha’s research interests are deeply influenced by her diverse experiences and background. Initially, her focus was on understanding the relationship between students and mathematics, especially looking at how different teaching practices and classroom environments affect student outcomes. Through her time as a teacher and student, she noticed that active learning techniques often favored some students while leaving others behind. This sparked her interest in rethinking how evidence-based teaching practices are applied in the classroom.
More recently, Ayesha has become interested in exploring trauma-informed approaches to education and research. She is passionate about investigating how trauma, both visible and hidden, affects the research process and how we can create spaces for healing within academic work. Her unique perspective is sure to bring valuable insights to the greater mathematics education community.
When asked about her future, Ayesha stated, “I genuinely am not sure. I am excited about the future and what it brings! One day/week/year at a time,” she added. Even though she is not entirely sure where her career will take her, one thing is clear: Ayesha is deeply committed to making a difference, whether that is in the classroom, through her research, or by helping others.
Ayesha’s journey has also been shaped by the incredible support of her husband, who moved across the country to help her transition into her PhD program. She calls him her “rock” and “partner-in-everything.” Together, they enjoy trying out new things, from café hopping to attending Broadway shows. It is clear Ayesha’s personal life reflects the same sense of community and connection she values in her professional life. A photo from their wedding in India appears below.
In her free time, Ayesha enjoys baking (and admits she is also a stress-baker), reading books, painting, trying out new cuisines and restaurants, and traveling.
As Ayesha starts this new chapter in her academic career, we are so excited that she was able to join the PRIME unit. Her background, dedication to education, and passion for helping others make her a perfect fit for our program. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to grow and make a positive impact in the world of education.
Welcome, Ayesha! We cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish here at PRIME!
