Sitting atop the Oxford Castle mound, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary gift of being in Oxford among scholars from around the world. To be welcomed as a researcher into a community filled with such innovative, curious, and brilliant minds is both humbling and deeply inspiring. Throughout the Oxford Symposia 2026, I have been gathering wisdom nuggets,

forming new connections, and considering how research can move beyond presentation rooms to serve educators, students, schools, and communities. In this video, I invited three remarkable fellow scholars to share one reflection they are taking away from their time in Oxford:

Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor at Marymount University and a member of our Oxford Symposia 2026 Research Team (https://marymount.edu/)

Dr. Joy Roberts, Co-Founder of Friendzy and a member of our Oxford Symposia 2026 Research Team (https://friendzy.co/)

Dr. Alvera “Ali” McMillan, representing Louisiana State University and presenting research on the intersection of literacy and nature place-based learning as a transformative pedagogical approach to K-12 education

Their reflections remind us that research is not only about what we discover. It is also about the relationships we form, the questions we carry forward, and how we use what we learn in service to others. What do we take home from experiences such as these? New knowledge, certainly, but also new relationships, renewed purpose, and a deeper responsibility to use what we learn in service to others.

When we train our eyes to see the good, amazing things happen.

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

This conversation is available anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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