Laila.

Laila Samad

MPhil Researcher | Education Policy & Gender-Disaggregated Data Specialist

Overview

Laila is a sharp, integrity-driven education researcher with an MPhil from LUMS. She has demonstrated high-value impact in data synthesis for the FCDO and MHRC, and shows a deep understanding of structural challenges in Pakistan's ECE sector. Her profile is now enriched with specific outcomes and high-level endorsements.

Islamabad, Pakistan

Experience

Jun 2026 – Present

WORK

Research Assistant - Gender-Disaggregated Education Data Study

DARE-RC / FCDO

Pakistan

Research Assistant | DARE-RC / FCDO - Gender-Disaggregated Education Data Study

•Conducting stakeholder interviews with education sector officials, practitioners, and policymakers to explore the availability and use of gender-disaggregated education data in Pakistan.

•Transcribing and organising interview data, maintaining structured records for qualitative analysis.

•Uploading and managing data using research coordination platforms, ensuring accuracy and consistency across the dataset.

•Participating in team meetings, contributing to research planning, and supporting progress reporting for this FCDO-funded DARE-RC study.

Qualitative analysisResearch coordination platforms

Feb 2026 – Mar 2026

WORK

Data & Research Support

MHRC - Chitral Education Project

Chitral, Pakistan

Data & Research Support | MHRC - Chitral Education Project

•Collected and synthesized data on geography, finances, and provincial plans from ESED and P&D Commission (KP) reports to build the evidence base for education initiatives in Chitral.

•Developed Excel summaries for the Project Director to streamline the proposal development process.

Key Achievements

→Synthesized complex geography and financial data from ESED and P&D Commission reports into Excel summaries for proposal development.

→Received direct commendation from the Director of MHRC LUMS for the quality and depth of the evidence base produced for the Chitral Education Project.

ExcelESED reportsP&D Commission reports

Dec 2025 – Dec 2025

PART_TIME

Teaching Assistant

LUMS Learning Institute (LLI)

Lahore, Pakistan

Teaching Assistant | LUMS Learning Institute (LLI)

•Supported course delivery and student facilitation at LUMS.

•Managed and organised academic references using Mendeley for course-related research materials.

Mendeley

Jul 2025 – Aug 2025

INTERNSHIP

Communications Intern

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Army

Pakistan

Communications Intern | Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Army

•Observed strategic media and communications operations at a national government institution.

•Attended structured sessions on the Constitution, UN Human Rights framework, and public policy.

Jun 2025 – Jul 2025

INTERNSHIP

Programme Intern

The Hope Uplift Foundation

Programme Intern | The Hope Uplift Foundation

•Co-led a fundraising drive raising PKR 100,000+ in donations through community outreach across a team of six.

•Supported charity shop operations serving underprivileged community members.

•Received structured orientation across education, healthcare, and community engagement departments.

Key Achievements

→Co-led a fundraising drive raising PKR 100,000+ in donations through community outreach across a team of six.

2023 – Feb 2024

WORK

Communications & Administration Officer

A.Q. Khan School

Communications & Administration Officer | A.Q. Khan School

•Managed admissions communications and parent liaison for prospective and current families.

•Contributed to planning and coordination of school events including Parents Day and Sports Day.

•Provided classroom cover and examination invigilation support.

Project Portfolio

ACADEMIC

Present

BYOAD & Student Engagement (MPhil Thesis)

Co-Researcher

Conducted the first empirical mixed-methods study of BYOAD implementation in Pakistan - Grades 6 and 7. Methods: instrument design, classroom observation, teacher interviews, student focus groups, and survey analysis. Findings presented at a formal academic panel defense at LUMS.

Mixed-methodsInstrument designClassroom observationSurvey analysis

PERSONAL

Present

Formative Assessment Framework - ECE Project Proposal

Project Member

Proposed a formative assessment framework and teacher training plan for early childhood education to address the challenges of multi-age classrooms (ages 2-7) lacking a standardized curriculum and facing high teacher turnover (bi-annual rotations).

Formative assessment frameworkTeacher training

Education

Aug 2024 – Jul 2026

MPhil

LUMS - Lahore University of Management SciencesSpecialization in Education, Leadership and Management

Thesis: BYOAD & Student Engagement

Impact & Recognition

Professional Certifications

Pakistan Montessori Council

Senior Montessori Teachers Training Course

School of Education, LUMS

Innovative Technology Approaches: Managing Classroom

Pakistan Air Force Finishing School

Communication Skills, Management & Childcare Psychology

Skills & Interests

Research Design

TECHNICAL

Data Collection

TECHNICAL

Microsoft Word

TOOL

Stakeholder Interviews

TECHNICAL

Report writing

TECHNICAL

Transcription

TECHNICAL

Policy Analysis

TECHNICAL

Document Analysis

TECHNICAL

Microsoft Excel

TOOL

Microsoft PowerPoint

TOOL

Qualitative data coding

TECHNICAL

Mixed-methods research

TECHNICAL

Mendeley

TOOL

Canva

TOOL

Programme Coordination

TECHNICAL

Evidence Translation

TECHNICAL

CapCut

TOOL

Areas of Expertise

Community Outreach

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