Gulzhan Oralova

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I believe the arts are a vital tool for empowerment and resilience in a current changing and vulnerable world. Driven by a mission to expand the accessibility of art education, I attended to FSU’s College of Fine Arts for its rigorous research culture. I am committed to utilizing my PhD studies at FSU to become a member of this academic community, leveraging my experience to mentor art educators and advance the transformative power of the arts.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research addresses the critical need for creative thinking within high-stakes, test-centric STEM curricula. By advocating for the transition from STEM to STEAM, my work positions the Arts as a vital catalyst for communication, emotional regulation, and socio-emotional literacy—essential competencies in an increasingly technology and AI-driven landscape. I aim to examine the pedagogical praxis of K-12 art educators, identifying the systemic barriers they face when implementing STEAM frameworks. By analyzing these challenges and documenting best practices, my research will provide data-driven insights to inform educational policy. Ultimately, my goal is to investigate perspectives of art education as one of the foundational pillars of 21st-century problem-solving.

Career aspirations

I am dedicated to empowering K-12 art teachers with the tools and research needed to foster creative thinking through STEAM integration. After my studies at FSU, I will return to my faculty position in my home country to spearhead initiatives that enhance both the theory and praxis of art education. I plan to build a professional network for educators to share best practices and to develop collaborative programs between schools and the creative industries.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

My advice for prospective students is to seek a program that aligns seamlessly with your research objectives and personal values. While the graduate journey is undoubtedly rigorous, it is a transformative experience that offers access to a vibrant community of scholars and an environment for intellectual growth that led to expanding the professional horizons.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am especially proud of being selected to present my research and craftsmanship at two premier art education events: the NAEA 2026 Convention in Chicago and the National Arts Integration & STEAM Conference 2025 in Baltimore. Delivering hands-on workshops on traditional Central Asian felting allowed me to introduce U.S. art educators to the rich educational potential of nomadic culture. It was deeply meaningful to bridge these two worlds and see how ancient traditions can inspire modern STEAM curricula.