Dr. Mendenhall currently works with the International Rescue Committee as the Project Director for an innovative partnership with the University of Nairobi to develop the first-ever Master of Education program for Education in Emergencies.

Previously, Mary served as the Network Coordinator for the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE), first based at UNESCO in Paris and later at UNICEF in New York, from 2005-2007. During this time, she coordinated global advocacy activities on behalf of the network; managed the INEE Steering Group; facilitated the promotion and distribution of relevant resources to members and partners; and oversaw the work of INEE’s Task Teams.

Mary completed her Doctor of Education in International Educational Development, with a specialization in International Humanitarian Issues, in May 2008 from Teachers College, Columbia University

Mendenhall’s research interests include examining the quality, relevance and sustainability of education programs provided by international organizations for displaced students in conflict-affected states in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, she is interested in understanding which aspects of educational programs are sustained; what types of knowledge and skills are most relevant and transferrable for refugee students; and what challenges global, national and local actors confront in the process of achieving quality, relevant and sustainable education in crisis-affected settings.