Kuvaeva gained hands-on experience conducting research in the Global Research Department at IB Global Centre, Washington DC. As a graduate research assistant at the University of Maryland, she worked for the ADVANCE Program for Inclusive Excellence, a campus-wide initiative that supports the retention and advancement of women faculty in STEM. Her graduate work deepened her interest in higher education policies and practices and shaped her career trajectory as a researcher focusing on issues affecting faculty careers. She holds an M.A. in education leadership and policy studies as a Fulbright Program participant and a Ph.D. in international education policy from the University of Maryland.