Nurul Izzah binti Abdullah

I am a DPhil student in Education at the University of Oxford, supervised by Dr Jenny Wynne and Professor Liam Gearon. My research explores how Malaysian teachers approach sensitive or uncomfortable topics in the classroom, particularly in the context of sexuality education. I am interested in how cultural, religious, and institutional values shape teacher agency and pedagogical decision-making, especially in contexts where direct discussion may be socially or politically constrained.

I completed my Master’s in Education at University College London (UCL), where I focused on the intersection of education, culture, and policy. My broader research interests include curriculum reform, teacher wellbeing, and educational equity in Southeast Asia. Prior to my postgraduate studies, I was actively involved in student advocacy and academic writing, experiences which continue to shape my commitment to socially engaged research.

Outside of academia, I enjoy creative writing, community engagement, and documenting everyday moments as a way to reflect on the lived experiences that inform my research. I am also drawn to exploring different fields and perspectives, as I find it meaningful to understand the many ways people experience and make sense of the world.