Washington Center Visiting Scholar Wajeehah Aayesha Featured in Times Higher Education | Inside Higher Ed

The Washington Center had the pleasure of welcoming Wajeehah Aayesha as our international visiting scholar during Winter 2024, and her time with us left a meaningful imprint on our community. A lecturer in curriculum design at the University of Melbourne, Wajeehah brought both intellectual rigor and a spirit of generosity to every interaction.

Her visit centered on her emerging research on kindness in higher education, a topic that resonated deeply with faculty and staff navigating today’s complex academic landscape. Through two collaborative workshops, a series of faculty interviews, guest sessions in classes, and several presentations, she invited our community to rethink how compassion can shape learning environments, professional relationships, and institutional culture.

Among Wajeehah’s recent creative endeavors is Academic Tears, an interactive, research‑based game that immerses players in the lived experiences of early career academics. The project has already captured international attention, with features in Times Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. The game blends humor, honesty, and evidence‑based insights to illuminate the challenges and joys of beginning an academic career, offering a fresh tool for professional development and reflection.

We’re inspired by Wajeehah’s commitment to human‑centered educational practice. We invite you to explore Academic Tears and join us in celebrating innovative approaches that help strengthen and sustain our academic communities.