M. Danish (Dany) Shakeel is Professor and the director of the E. G. West Centre for Education Policy at The University of Buckingham, UK. Professor Shakeel mainly works on quantitative research on K-12 U. S. education policy, but he studies social sciences more broadly. His recent research has been in the areas of systematic review and meta-analysis, public opinion and the politics of education, social capital, non-cognitive and character traits, religious education and philosophies, school choice, and intelligence. He is also a research fellow at the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University, USA. Invitations to present findings of his research have come from Harvard University, Cambridge University, Oxford University, and other institutions of repute.
His research has been presented at numerous scholarly conferences such as the American Political Science Association, Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Association for Education Finance and Policy, International School Choice and Reform Conference, and other gatherings of scholars. His research articles have appeared in Educational Psychology Review, School Effectiveness and School Improvement, Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, Journal of School Choice, Education Next, and other high quality, peer-reviewed publications as well as major university working paper venues. Research findings and their public policy impacts have been noted by major news outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, and Forbes, and have become the subject of extensive discussion in social media. His research has also influenced major philanthropic decisions and policy discourse.
Podcast and Media
- The Washington Times: Study finds private religious schools produce more engaged citizens than public schools.
- The Education Exchange: Why Are Students Making More Progress in Math than in Reading?
- USA Today: You’re not imagining it: Kids today really are smarter than we were. Test scores prove it.
- The Washington Post: Do you think our schools are worse than ever? You’re wrong.
Information for prospective doctoral students
Prospective doctoral students should prepare a structured abstract that clearly identifies the topic and importance of the proposed research. The abstract should also identify the empirical method and data source for the proposed research, and clearly point out the policy implications. Prospective students should also prepare a list of 10 books/articles on education policy or related topics that have influenced their thinking. The structured abstract, list of books/articles, and a curriculum vitae should be attached in an email with the subject “Inquiry for doctoral dissertation.” The CV should highlight the familiarity of the student with quantitative econometric methods and related software.
Students should be prepared to submit a three-page research proposal with a three-year timeline if the initial email invokes interest from Professor Shakeel.
If the research proposal is clearly articulated, a video interview can be conducted to initiate the steps for formal admission into PhD program at The University of Buckingham.
Note: It is possible to do a PhD in less than three years if the research work exhibits exceptional progress.
The student may work on thesis remotely if they can maintain good progress on their research duties.
Students should arrange their own funds for their proposed research.
General information regarding research degrees and PhD fees at The University of Buckingham can be found in the Research Degrees Handbook and in the Professional Doctorate in Education fees section.
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