About Meridian

Meridian Institute for Arts & Inquiry was created to support students, teachers, and schools at the intersection of studio learning, international education, and college pathways.

Founder History and Philosophy

Dr. Lorne Brandt is Founder & Executive Director of Meridian Institute for Arts & Inquiry. Meridian is grounded in pragmatic, Deweyan ideas of education as lived experience. The studio is a laboratory for testing ideas, revising work, documenting growth, and communicating meaning.

Dr. Brandt earned his doctorate in Global Educational Leadership. His dissertation examined the motivations and experiences of Chinese students pursuing U.S. higher education, informing Meridian’s advocacy for international students and families navigating unfamiliar admissions systems.

Leadership Team

Experienced. Connected. Committed.

Dr. Lorne Brandt

Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Lorne Brandt is Founder & Executive Director of Meridian Institute for Arts & Inquiry. He is an international educator, arts leader, and assessment specialist with more than twenty-five years of experience across American and international school contexts. He earned his doctorate in Global Educational Leadership, with research focused on Chinese students pursuing U.S. higher education.

Global Educational LeadershipNational Board Certified TeacherIB / AP ExperienceInternational School Leadership

Dr. Mei Lin

Director of College Admissions

Admissions counselor specializing in international student pathways, best-fit college lists, personal narratives, essays, and strategic family guidance.

Holistic AdmissionsEssay StrategyStudent Advocacy

James Whitaker

Director of Arts Consulting

British arts educator and curriculum strategist supporting schools with program architecture, teacher development, curriculum design, and arts excellence.

Curriculum DesignTeacher DevelopmentProgram Architecture