Dr. Jenna Mittelmeier

Biography

Jenna Mittelmeier is a Senior Lecturer in International Education at the Manchester Institute of Education, serving as the lead co-convenor of the Higher Education Research Group. Her research primarily focuses on the internationalization of higher education, particularly the treatment of international students across various structures including universities, host societies, and immigration policies. She critically examines the pervasive deficit narratives surrounding international students, drawing attention to issues of power, privilege, and ethics in international higher education. As a co-founder and lead organizer of Research International Students (RIS), she aims to challenge existing research practices and promote ethical scholarly approaches. Jenna's academic background spans interdisciplinary studies within sociology and human geography, enhancing her understanding of internationalization in educational contexts. She supervises PhD researchers on topics related to the internationalization of higher education and encourages scholarly projects that reject deficit narratives. Jenna leads the MA International Education program and is involved in staff development initiatives focusing on intercultural teaching contexts. Her dedication to supporting PhD researchers reflects her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Research Interests