M. Gail Hickey

Immigrant and Refugee experiences and perspectives
Independent Oral Historian
I am a trained Oral Historian and Professor Emerita of Education who studies the experiences and perspectives of contemporary immigrants and refugees in an effort to better inform educators and community members who work with specific populations. My work is shared with teachers, school principals, medical personnel, first responders and other community members through presentations, and with a wider audience via publications and conferences. A special emphasis on gendered migration experiences and perspectives permeates and informs my research.Results of my oral history research have been presented internationally at such venues as La Sorbonne (Paris), Charles University (Prague), University of Wales (Bangor), and Kings College (London). My oral history research on contemporary migrants has been published in over 80 book chapters, journal articles, and/or conference presentations. Additionally, as a former teacher and teacher educator, I have authored 15 book chapters and/or conference presentations on using oral history in K-12 classrooms. My oral history research on migrants has been supported by research fellowships at the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race in America (University of Colorado), the Immigration History Research Center (University of Minnesota), the Center for Womens Studies (University of Minnesota), the Center for the Study of History and Memory (Indiana University), The Center for Advanced Study (Indiana University), and the University of North Carolina-Asheville. I have served as Principal Researcher or Co-Researcher on five grant-funded migrant oral history projects, on the Steering Committee of various bicentennial oral history projects, on the Executive Board of Directors for the Burmese American Society, and as Oral History Consultant with the Veterans History Project. Please contact me at drhickey@ymail.com.

Experience

Professional training as an Oral Historian (Norwich University, VT), 1994Doctorate in EducationI was a classroom teacher (6 years), Professor (30+ years), conducted Staff Development Workshops, proposed and gave Conference Presentations (30+ years), and am extensively published in the fields of K-12 Education and Oral History.

Services

Profession Development for educators, social workers, medical personnel, first responders,Curriculum Development,Writing for Publication

Languages

Regions Available for Work

Other Regions: In-person services within driving distance of my home in Fort Wayne|| Indiana (Indiana|| parts of Ohio or Michigan); Online services (in English) all locations

Specialty

I study the experiences and perspectives of contemporary US migrants (immigrants and refugees) in an effort to memorialize their stories and, through analysis, to better inform those who work with them. As a teacher, teacher educator, and trained oral historian, my mission is to improve the educational experiences of migrant students and their parents' experiences with US schooling. Migrant students in both K-12 and higher education settings encounter challenges and demonstrate specialized needs in the US educational environment. Teachers, school leaders, higher education administrators and professors have not had training that facilitates their abilities to adequately assist migrant students. In addition, community members such as physicians, nurses, social workers, police and other first responders appreciate learning about the special needs and/or challenges of specific migrant populations with whom they work.

Purpose of Contact

  • I am available to answer questions, or provide mentorship to other oral historians
  • I am available for hire - as an oral historian, consultant, presenter, educator, or related services
  • I am available to collaborate - on research, community projects, artistic endeavors, or other joint undertakings with peers
Contact M. Gail Hickey
Scroll to Top