Onima Vadakke Thodiyil is a first year PhD student in the Educational Research Measurement Evaluation Program at UNC Charlotte. She started her carrier as an Agricultural Extension Professional and worked as a Research Officer at the Centre for Research on Innovation and Science Policy (CRISP) where she conducted research and analysis on a breadth of agricultural development issues. She organized and implemented several training programs aimed at strengthening the capacity of extension professionals in carrying out agricultural development research and extension activities. She brings her multi-disciplinary skills and knowledge to all the work she does and believes be it in the educational or any other social science field, there are numerous standardized methodologies and practices that need timely review and refinement. She aims to work towards developing educational policies that advocate for an inclusive and equitable education system with equal opportunities, and equality in access to higher education, regardless of gender or socio-cultural background.