Oriana Leach

Dr. Oriana Leach is a contributing faculty member in Walden University’s Doctor of Education program. She has more than 15 years of experience as an educator, researcher, and evaluator across K–12 schools, higher education, and nonprofit organizations.

Dr. Leach earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Psychology from North Carolina State University, where her research examined the academic and social experiences of gifted Black female adolescents in predominantly White schools. She also holds a Master of Science in Education from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Her professional background includes serving as Assistant Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Advancement with DukeEngage and Program Director of Academic Year Programs at Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. She has also held research roles with North Carolina State University, Zearn, and Curriculum Associates, where she contributed to large-scale and nationally recognized studies of educational practice and program effectiveness.

Her scholarship focuses on educational equity, culturally responsive teaching, and identity development among underrepresented youth. She has published and presented nationally and internationally on topics related to educational equity, student identity, and innovative methodologies in research and evaluation. At Walden, Dr. Leach is committed to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that empower adult learners to achieve academic and professional success.