Utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methods and social theory, my research is aimed at understanding and mitigating inequalities in higher education access, student experiences and outcomes in (inter)national contexts of higher education. My works examine the role of various forms of capital, institutional differences, and educational practices in college access and student successat all levels of postsecondary education. 

Select publications and presentations:

Azizova, Z.T., & Mendez, J. P. (2021). Finding meaning in the models and frameworks for Latinx college students: At the intersection of student agency and context. In, Bonner et al., Square pegs and round holes: Alternative Student Development frameworks and models for higher education and student affairs (pp. 129-144). Stylus, LLC.

Mendez, J. P., Johnson, J. D., Azizova, Z. T., Clark, M. H., & Krsmanovic, M. (2020, November). Widening the pathway to a degree: The impact of first-year seminar courses at an emerging HSI. The Journal of the First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 32(2).

Azizova, Z.T., & Mendez, J. P. (2019). Understanding Promise: Impact of state support on Latino high school student habitus. Journal of Latinos and Education. DOI: 10.1080/15348431.2019.1590203

Azizova, Z. T., & Felder, P. P. (2017). Understanding racial/ethnic meaning-making: Narrative representation of STE[A]M doctoral student experiences. Studies in Graduate and Postdoctoral Education 8(2), 144-168.

Azizova, Z. T. (2017). Review of “Closing the opportunity gap: Identity-conscious strategies for retention and student success.” (Ed.) By Vijay Pendakur. The Review of Higher Education, 40(4), 623 - 627.

Azizova, Z. T. (2016). Complexity of academic socialization of historically underrepresented students: De-privileging distinction between macro- and micro-theoretical approaches. Journal Committed to Social Change on Race and Ethnicity, 2(2), 1- 39.

Azizova, Z. T. (2015). Ed.D. Socialization Contexts: Origins, evolving purpose, demographic trends, and institutional practices. In, V. Stead (Series Ed.), Higher education theory, policy, and praxis: Vol. 5. The Education Doctorate (Ed.D.): Issues of Access, Diversity, Social Justice, and Community Leadership. New York, NY: Peter Lang.

Azizova, Z. T., Clark, M.H., Krsmanovic, M., Johnson, J., & Mendez, J.P. (November 2018). “Impact of a first-year seminar on retention and academic achievement of students of color in a large urban Hispanic-Serving institution.” Research paper to be presented at the annual conference of the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Tampa, Florida. 

Azizova, Z T., Mendez, J. P., & Suspitsyna,T. (April 2018). “Challenging inclusion in higher education: University presidential statements responding to White House travel ban” Research paper presented at the annual conference Division J American Educational Research Association, New York. 

Azizova, Z. T., Mendez, J.P., Khojasteh, J., & Felder, P. (2016) “In pursuit of law degrees: Anticipatory socialization of racial/ethnic students in pre-law majors at HBU and PWI.” Research paper presented at the annual conference meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education, Columbus, Ohio.

Azizova, Z. T. & Mendez, J.P. (2016, October).  “Cultivating college access and success:  Role of research partnership among high school students and officials, undergraduate students, and university researchers.” Scholarly paper presented at the annual conference of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference, Omaha, Nebraska.

Azizova, Z. (2015, April). “Power as currency: Critical analysis in a postmodern narrative representation of racial/ethnic doctoral students’ meaning-making in STE[A]M programs.” Research paper presented at the annual conference of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Chicago, Illinois.

Robert B. & Maxine Kamm Distinguished Graduate Endowed Fellowship at Oklahoma State University, 2012 – 2013 

Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award for School of Educational Studies at Oklahoma State University, 2010

Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State and administered by IREX (International Research & Exchange Board), 2005-2007

Ph.D., Educational Leadership and Policy Studies/ Emphasis in Higher Education at Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, 2014                                           

M.S., Higher Education Administration/ Emphasis in International Postsecondary Education at Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, 2007

B.A., Department of Roman – German Philology/ Emphasis in English Philology at Uzbek State University of World Languages - Tashkent, 2003                                            

Editorial Board Member (January 1, 2018 – 2021)

Journal of College Student Development, International Features (JCSD)

Editorial Board Member (January 1, 2017 – 2020)

Journal Committed to Social Change on Race and Ethnicity (JCSCORE)