Tom Nachtigal

Tom Nachtigal is a PhD candidate in Education (Global and Comparative Education) at Stanford. Her research focuses on the cultural and political mechanisms of institutional changes in central governments, determining whether these changes are fleeting moments of policy cycles or reflecting deeper systemic transformation. Her dissertation focuses on the mechanisms of diffusion, institutionalization, and politicization of a new field in U.S. education policy, social-emotional learning. Trained as an international lawyer, Tom has worked at both the national and international arenas on issues of human rights and international law. She holds an Ed.M. from Harvard University, an LL.M. from Columbia University, and an LL.B./B.A. in law and international relations.