Honor Society® member
Deborah Ariyo
- African Francophone Literature and Cultural Studies
- Class of 2028
- Tuscaloosa, AL
Member since March 2026
About
Interdisciplinary researcher advancing critical understanding of African women's experiences across Africa and North America, while developing practical interventions for these communities.
Education
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The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
PhD, African Francophone Literature and Cultural Studies
2024 – Present
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The University of Alabama
MA, French Linguistics
2022 – 2024
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Lagos State University
Bachelor of Arts, French
2012 – 2016
Honors and awards
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Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Graduate Student Award 2025 African Studies Association (ASA)
Prestigious recognition for outstanding scholarship in African Francophone Studies. A $3000 award for research contribution to African literary and cultural studies.
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The New Directions in the Humanitites Emerging Scholar Award
Award for outstanding early career scholars and graduate student
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George Mills Harper Fund Graduate Student Award
Recognition for exceptional scholarly research presented at the 96th Annual Conference, demonstrating a significant contribution to modern language and literature studies
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University of Alabama Honors Day Award, 2024/2025
Best Master of Arts (MA) Comprehensive Exam Performance" Distinguished academic achievement recognizing exceptional performance in comprehensive examinations.
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Solani International Student Scholarship
Winner of the Arts and Humanities Category - $5,000 Merit-based award recognizing outstanding academic achievement; selected as one of top 2 international students from a competitive applicant pool
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Undergraduate Student Award
Lagos State University, Nigeria - Graduated in the top 3% of class, Bachelor of Arts in French
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Kwara State Scholar Indigenes Award
Kwara State Government Education Board, Nigeria - ₦50,000 merit scholarship recognizing outstanding academic achievement; awarded to high-performing students with demonstrated excellence (minimum CGPA 3.50/5.0).
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National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) Conference Scholarship
A three-day leadership conference for college and graduate students organized by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Selected for demonstrated leadership in advancing women's equity.
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International Center for Language Resources (ICLR) Scholarships
Full scholarship award for language resource development and certification programs, demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and linguistic aptitude.
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The Northeast Modern Language Association (NeMLA) Graduate Student Caucus Award
A very competitive conference award for graduate students
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Tenure-track faculty position in French/Francophone Studies, African Studies, or Gender Studies at a research university.
- Graduate school interests
Gender Studies
Migration Studies
Women's Mental Health- Outside the classroom
Volunteering, Cooking, Mentoring, Travelling, and Interior Decorations.
Experience
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French Instructor of Record
The University of Alabama—Teach beginner French language courses to undergraduate students (101/102). Assess and grade students' performance through projects and assignments.
Jul 2022 – Present
Volunteering
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I volunteer as a language tutor at the English as a Second Language Center where I help give English lessons to immigrant women.
Calvary Baptist Church ESL Center
Jan 2026 – Present
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Volunteered for the Carl Elliot Society on behalf of the University of Alabama Graduate Student Association for Capstone Tour, Presentation Study Abroad and Trivia.
Carl Elliot Society
Oct 2025
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As the Organizing Secretary at The African Student Association (ASA), University of Alabama chapter, I organize cultural events, community outreaches, and coordinate at least one symposium per semester featuring speakers from African or international discourse.
The African Student Association (ASA), Univeristy of Alabama chapter
Apr 2025 – Apr 2026
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As an E-mentor/Online Community High schooler Mentor, I guide and support high school students, especially those from under-sourced schools, to improve their social-emotional development and provide college/career advice. I help mentees identify challenges and brainstorm solutions to enable them to achieve academic success and prepare them for future careers.
iCouldBe
Oct 2023 – Present
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As a Gift of Life Campus Ambassador, I lead a team of volunteers in organizing blood drives to increase donor registry to cure blood cancer and coordinated educational workshops reaching over 1000 students.
Gift of Life
Jun 2023 – Jun 2024
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As a Graduate School Ambassador, I represented the graduate school at recruitment events both physically and virtually, reaching over 2500 prospective students, especially African students. Collaborated with a team of ambassadors in planning and executing recruitment initiatives.
The University of Alabama
Apr 2023 – Apr 2025
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As an SSA Advocacy Group Anti-FGM Field/Campaign Officer, I co-lead campaigns in Nigeria against female genital mutilation across the rural communities and mobilize sensitization outreaches to high school and university girls.
SSA Advocacy Group
Jan 2022 – Present
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- French (France) Fluent
Additional information
Organizations
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The American Association of University Women
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Women in French (WIF)
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Golden key international honour society
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NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
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New Directions in the Humanities Research Network
