Aishat O. Aina

Development researcher specializing in education systems, SDG monitoring, and participatory governance. Experienced in mixed-methods research, large-scale data analysis (N=1,000), and managing high-volume analytical outputs with precision and methodological rigor.

• Conducted and analyzed a nationally distributed survey of 1,000 Romanian residents, generating empirical insights to support the development of Romania’s proposed university-based extension system.
• Presented 4 research papers and posters at international conferences across the United States, Romania, and Scotland, contributing to scholarly conversations on agricultural extension, rural sociology, and participatory development.
• Supported the implementation and evaluation of international extension pilot projects through mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, and participatory evaluation strategies.
• Won the Saeeda Peermahomed Global Student Engagement Award in recognition of outstanding leadership, student engagement, and global impact initiatives.
• Served as Vice President of the University of Georgia Graduate Students Association, leading student engagement and wellness initiatives that supported a graduate student population of 9,000+ students.
• Secured over $10,000 in competitive scholarships, travel grants, and academic awards, including the Fulbright Program scholarship and multiple graduate research travel awards.
• Developed strategic communication plans and media outreach campaigns that increased institutional visibility and strengthened stakeholder relationships for an international school in Nigeria.
• Facilitated culturally responsive Yoruba language instruction at the University of Georgia, enhancing cross-cultural learning and student engagement through interactive teaching approaches.
• Contributed to the coordination of cross-cultural academic and professional exchanges between Romanian scholars and U.S.-based faculty and institutions, supporting international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Designed and delivered innovative classroom instruction for diverse student populations across multiple educational institutions, integrating technology and personalized feedback to improve student learning outcomes.
  

• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program: Social & Behavioral Research- International
• Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program Social & Behavioral Research- Internet
• Storytelling Training for Learning and Development Leaders
• LinkedIn Learning- Critical Thinking for More Effective
  Communication
• LinkedIn Learning- Active Listening: The Secret to Effective
  Communication

Global Student Engagement Award: 2026 Saeeda Peermahomed Recipient $1500

2024-2025, UGA ALEC 3MT competition winner $500

College of Agricultural and Environmental Science International Travel Award $2,000

ALEC Departmental Travel Award $500

Paliwal Club of 1000 Stem Scholars $1000

Office of Global Engagement and the Halle Foundation (Graduate) $5,000

2022-2023, Fulbright Scholarship, University of Georgia, awarded by the Institute of International Education, New York.

• Volunteer, Northeast Georgia Food Bank, 2025-09, 2025-10
• Social Media Manager, Romana Extension Development Program, 2024, 2025
• Female Sport Committee Head, ICICE Alnoor Academy, 2021, 2022
• Examination Committee Member, Voyage International School, 2017, 2019
• General Secretary, Education Community Development Service, NYSC, 2016, 2017
• Moremi Hall Chairperson, 2014, 2015
• OAU Female representative, Task Rehabilitation Force, 2014-06
• OAU Nigerian University Games Local Organizing Committee Member, 2014-03
• President, Ijebu Students' Association, 2013, 2014
• Vice President, Ijebu Students' Association, 2012, 2013

• Aina, A., Borron, A., Walker, B., Hawkins, G., & Lu, P. (2026). Building a National Model of Extension in Romania- A Community Diagnostic Assessment. Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY. (Oral)
• Aina, A., Borron, A., Walker, B., Hawkins, G., & Lu, P. (2026). Building a National Model of Extension in Romania: A Participatory Pilot Project Development. Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY. (Poster)
• Borron, A., Aina, A., Abati, E., Walker, B., McMaken, V., & Carpenter, K. (2025). Romanian Agricultural Production & Progress: Reconciling Tradition with Innovation. Association of International Agricultural and Extension Education. Inverness, Scotland. (Oral)
• Borron, A. & Aina, A. (2025). The Purpose of the County/Community-Level Questionnaires and the Development of the Interdisciplinary Team. Romanian Extension Co-Creation Conference. Bucharest, Romania. (Oral)

• National MANRRS Conference and Career Expo Dallas, Texas, April 2026
• 2026 Southern Rural Sociological Association (SRSA) Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky Feb 2026
• Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture, Bucharest, USAMV, Bucharest, Romania June 2025
• Romanian Extension Co-Creation Conference USAMV, Bucharest, Romania June 2025
• Association of International Agriculture and Extension Education (AIAEE) Conference, Inverness, Scotland, UK April 2025
• MANRRS National Conference and Career Expo, Tenessee, April 2025
• African Languages Teachers Association Conference, University of Florida, US April 2023
• Fulbright FLTA Mid-year conference, Washington, D.C., US November 2022
• Southeastern African Languages Forum (SEALF) Conference, University of North Carolina, US April 2022