Meet Benjamin C. Kennedy 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I grew up in Calvert County, Maryland before heading to The University of Vermont where I received my BS in Early Childhood Special Education and my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. I was exceptionally involved during my time as a student in Vermont - director operations for the University Program Board, as a student employee at the LGBTQA Center, a Resident Advisor, and an Orientation Leader. I then held a variety of professional positions before pursuing my PhD. I've been a teacher, a professional literacy consultant, the director of the largest trans conference in New England, and the learning coordinator for the university's Center for Academic Success. I continue to serve as a consultant and national facilitator for Welcoming Schools, a youth mentor at San Diego Pride, and a Board member for Advocates for Trans Equality and Alliance for Trans Youth Rights. Outside of academic endeavors and social justice volunteer positions, my wife and I are passionate volunteers in animal rescue and have fostered over 200 animals; at the San Diego Humane Society we foster neonatal kittens and rehab orphaned wildlife including California ground squirrels. I chose to pursue my PhD because I am passionate about education equity and hope that my work can help other transgender students around the world.

What are you studying/researching?

My research centers queer and trans equity in education curriculum, policy, and practice. My qualifying exam utilized queer theory, trans epistemology, and ecological systems theory to examine scholarship on how LGBTQ+ children and families are included and supported in early childhood education settings in 12 countries. A review of international literature revealed three major themes: the agency and advocacy of LGBTQ+ families in early childhood; educators’ beliefs, practices, and training; and embracing and normalizing LGBTQ+ themes with young children. My current dissertation investigates the extent to which K-12 education policies across two international education systems promote inclusion for transgender students. Through a comparative case study design, the research focuses on the development, interpretation, and implementation of these policies drawing on critical policy analysis, queer theory, and ecological systems theory. I have had the great privilege of working with many faculty in Education Studies. At UC San Diego's Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment, and Teaching Excellence (CREATE) I primarily conducted research on the #USvsHate project as well as the national "Conflict Campaign." At the Education, Development, Learning, and Brain (EDLAB) Institute I have been part of the EdNeuro project, focusing on research practice partnerships. I've recently joined the UC San Diego Center for Teaching and Learning as a graduate teaching consultant where I'll have the opportunity to engage in research related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Tell us about your campus involvement at UC San Diego

I have been part of the UCSD Title IX Student Advisory Board, Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Work Group, Gender Inclusive Restroom Campus Coordination, Assembly Bill 367 Menstrual Equity Working Group, and Student Mental Health Advisory Committee. I have had informal mentoring relationships with many undergraduate students after first connecting as their TA and remaining connected. My wife and I live off campus with our many resident and foster animals. Our favorite things to do in San Diego are to support the San Diego Wave, see concerts around the city, try new restaurants, and enjoy the beautiful weather any way we can.

Why UC San Diego?

My advisor Dr. Amanda Datnow, the strength of the Education Studies program, and the location. My wife and I are both from the east coast and eager to try something new!

Have you received any awards or fellowships?

Competitive Edge Fellowship Scholar, Kroner Dean's Fellowship, Hunt-Simes Institute in Sexuality Studies Fellowship at the University of Sydney.