Aysem received her Ph.D. in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota, where her research focused primarily on the experiences of immigrant and refugee families. Her dissertation explored the newly emerging concept of the “transnational” family, and examined how sustained geographic distance impacts families separated across national borders.

Aysem continues to be active in researching immigrant issues. She has an interdisciplinary background, which includes an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a B.S. in Psychology.