Phoebe Quaynor

Professional Bio

Phoebe Quaynor completed her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Penn State in 2024, focusing on multilingualism and coloniality in Ghanaian schools. Her dissertation examined linguistic identity and agency within post-colonial
educational contexts. Through diverse methods, she investigates how historical and ongoing power structures, cultural narratives, and linguistic practices intersect to shape educational access, opportunities, and outcomes. This exploration of hidden dynamics informs the development of literacies and pedagogies that empower individuals to examine their own experiences, challenge existing inequalities, and actively shape their educational futures.

Phoebe Quaynor earned dual master's degrees in Divinity and Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary. Before arriving at Penn State, she worked for over a decade as a healthcare professional. At Penn State, she has mentored underrepresented students and contributed to the African Studies Global Virtual Forum. Her recent publications include a journal article on African children's literature and a book chapter on language-in-education policy in Ghana (forthcoming).