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Ivaylo Ivanov TomovView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Medical Linguistics
• English for Specific Purposes
• Language Pedagogy
• +3 more

Senior Lecturer Ivaylo Ivanov Tomov serves at the Medical University of Sofia's Department of Language Education and Sports (DEOS) since 2009, specializing in medical and biological English terminology instruction for full-time students. As Head of the Foreign Languages Sector, he oversees curriculum development and chairs language improvement committees for university lecturers. His educational background includes a Master's in English Philology from Cyril and Methodius University of Technology, with a second major in Bulgarian Language and History. His research focuses on medical linguistics and language pedagogy, particularly in developing specialized English curricula for medical disciplines and Bulgarian language instruction for international students. Tomov actively participates in doctoral examination committees, entrance exam verification for foreign candidates, and organizes preparatory courses ranging from beginner to advanced medical English. He previously conducted TOEFL/IELTS training and business English courses for international companies (2007-2009), and held administrative roles including Commercial Director for a Bulgarian-Nigerian joint venture (1994-2003) and representative for UK construction recruitment (2004-2007). As Chairman of the Commission for lecturer language improvement courses, he coordinates professional development programs while maintaining editorial contributions to business education publications. His work bridges medical education and linguistic training, facilitating international student integration and academic collaboration with institutions across Belgium, France, Greece, and the UK.

Chris JacksonView profile

Professor

• User Experience Design
• Motion Graphics
• Visual Storytelling
• +3 more

Chris Jackson serves as Senior Associate Dean and Professor in the College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he bridges academic leadership with active design practice. Formerly a new media designer at Eastman Kodak Company, he maintains strong industry connections while directing college operations from office BOO-2537. His educational credentials include: BFA from Alfred University MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology Research focuses on user experience design, motion graphics, and interactive design for children, with emphasis on visual storytelling applications. His work explores how motion design principles enhance digital communication, resulting in award-winning projects featured in The Strong National Museum of Play's American Comic Book Heroes exhibit. Current investigations examine 3D integration in broadcast design and educational applications for emerging technologies. Publication trends reveal sustained expertise in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D workflows, evolving from foundational techniques (2010-2014) toward advanced 3D integration and scientific visualization (2015-2019). His scholarly output consistently targets practical applications for designers, with recent work connecting motion graphics to science communication through projects like Images from Science 3. Professional recognition includes over 25 national and international awards for online communication, though specific honors aren't documented in source materials. As an educator, Jackson has shaped design curriculum through UCDA conferences and developed influential textbooks adopted globally. His grant activity centers on collaborative projects like the Images from Science exhibition with Johns Hopkins University, demonstrating cross-institutional research partnerships. Current advisory roles focus on graduate program development and faculty mentorship within the College of Art and Design. He leads the Images from Science initiative examining art-science intersections and maintains active industry partnerships through Adobe MAX conference engagements, where he regularly conducts masterclasses on motion graphics techniques.

Vera OgrizovićView profile

Professor

• Guitar Performance
• Music Education
• Classical Guitar
• +2 more

Vera Ogrizović serves as Professor of Guitar at the Poly-instrumental Department of the Faculty of Music, University of Belgrade, where she has taught continuously since 1989 after completing her secondary training with Prof. Nadežda Kondić in Belgrade and earning bachelor's and MA degrees under Rafael Andia at Paris's École Normale de Musique de Paris. Her educational background forms the foundation for her expertise in guitar performance and pedagogy, with scholarly focus spanning historical research, technical methodology, and contemporary repertoire development. She has significantly advanced guitar education through systematic approaches to literature and teaching methodologies. Her publications demonstrate consistent thematic focus on guitar pedagogy and Serbian musical heritage, evolving from foundational educational materials for beginners toward comprehensive historical analysis and contemporary performance documentation. Key honors include: Laureate of the International Guitar Competition in Carpentras, France (1986) Great Silver Plaque of the Art University in Belgrade for teaching excellence Professor Ogrizović has mentored generations of performers and educators across Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro, establishing guitar programs at Skopje and Cetinje Music Academies (1995-2006) while conducting masterclasses throughout Europe on technical refinement and interpretive approaches. She maintains active performance collaborations with Belgrade's Symphonic and Philharmonic orchestras, New Music Ensemble, Camerata Serbica, and string orchestras 'Dušan Skovran' and 'Saint George', frequently partnering with flutist Ljubiša Jovanović, guitarist Dušan Bogdanović, and lutenist Edin Karamazov.

Berkan SariaydinView profile

Lecturer

• Classical Reception Studies
• Latin Literature
• Didactics of Ancient Languages
• +5 more

Dr. Berkan Sariaydin serves as Lecturer in the Department of Didactics of Ancient Languages within LMU Munich's Faculty of Languages and Literatures, while concurrently holding a Studienrat position at Wilhelmsgymnasium Munich. His dual academic-school roles focus on bridging classical philology with contemporary pedagogy through innovative multimedia approaches. His educational trajectory includes: MA-level studies in Latin, German and Philosophy at LMU Munich (2012-2018) First State Teaching Examination (2018) Doctoral degree from LMU Munich (2018-2024) Second State Teaching Examination (2024) Research centers on classical reception studies with emphasis on intermedial transformations of antiquity. His work analyzes how ancient narratives (particularly Virgil and Ovid) manifest in modern media like graphic novels and fantasy literature, while developing practical didactic frameworks for language instruction. Current projects explore mythological narratives as tools for addressing contemporary social challenges through the ERC-funded 'Modern Argonauts' initiative. His publication record shows consistent output since 2016, with increasing focus on methodological innovation in classical reception studies. Recent works demonstrate growing integration of multimedia analysis and pedagogical application, particularly in teacher training contexts. Award highlights include: Bavarian State Ministry award for exceptional teacher training (2024) German National Academic Foundation doctoral scholarship (2019) LMU's MZL Prize for academic excellence (2019) Germany Scholarship for undergraduate studies (2015) Grant involvement centers on the ERC Proof of Concept project 'The Modern Argonauts' at Warsaw University, where he develops multicultural educational programs using classical mythology. His teaching methodology emphasizes active student engagement with ancient texts through contemporary media adaptations. He actively contributes to academic discourse through LMU's 'Rejuvenated Antiquity' research seminar and international conferences, focusing on practical applications of classical studies in modern educational settings.

• American Sign Language
• Deaf Education
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +2 more

Svenna Pedersen serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University (SDSU), where she teaches American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture courses. She concurrently instructs at Gallaudet University, Mesa Community College, Grossmont College, and Southwestern College, demonstrating extensive commitment to ASL education across multiple academic institutions. Her educational background includes: MA in Deaf Studies (emphasis: ASL Teaching), Gallaudet University, 2007 BA in Communication Studies, Gallaudet University, 2005 Online DEFT Teaching Credential, Southwestern College, 2018 ASL Proficiency Interview Score 4+, 2016 California Subject Examination for Teachers (ASL), 2014 Professor Pedersen's research bridges ASL linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and Deaf cultural studies. Her investigations into limb apraxia, sign span metrics, and neurological impacts on sign language production reveal the complex interplay between motor control and linguistic processing in visual languages. This work establishes critical baselines for understanding Deaf cognition and language disorders. Her publication record shows consistent conference presentations at major neuroscience and linguistics venues over the past decade, with pronounced focus on ASL production errors and neurological correlates. Collaborations with the Salk Institute highlight her integration of laboratory neuroscience with real-world Deaf community applications. Her professional recognitions include: Online DEFT Teaching Credential (Southwestern College, 2018) ASL Proficiency Interview Score 4+ (2016) California Subject Examination for Teachers (ASL, 2014) As an educator, Professor Pedersen oversees SDSU's ASL proficiency assessment program and teaches ASL from beginner to advanced levels. Her pedagogical approach integrates research findings with cultural immersion, drawing from 15+ years of experience teaching Deaf children and families. She emphasizes identity development alongside language acquisition, reflecting her commitment to holistic Deaf education. Though not leading a formal research laboratory, Professor Pedersen actively shapes the field through professional service on the San Diego ASLTA board and contributions to educational resources like Visual Language and Visual Learning's storybook apps. Her work consistently centers Deaf community perspectives in academic settings.

Hildy SchillingView profile

Professor

• Music Performance
• Orchestra Conducting
• Community Music Education
• +2 more

Dr. Hildy Schilling is a Professor in the Music Department at Fitchburg State University's School of Humanities, where she conducts the Fitchburg State University Community Orchestra. With over two decades of teaching experience since joining as an adjunct instructor in 1999 and transitioning to tenure-track in 2006, she has established herself as a dedicated educator committed to inclusive musical development for students of all skill levels. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's and Master's in violin/viola performance and psychology from Southern Methodist University, followed by a PhD in cognitive psychology from UMass Amherst. This unique interdisciplinary foundation informs her approach to music education and community engagement. Dr. Schilling specializes in community music programs, leading the University Community Orchestra which welcomes participants ranging from beginners to professionals. The orchestra performs diverse repertoire spanning classical, folk, jazz, and rock genres, reflecting her commitment to accessible and varied musical experiences. Her research interests bridge cognitive psychology and music performance, focusing on: Stress reduction through ensemble participation Community building in musical settings Cross-disciplinary applications of performance psychology Dr. Schilling actively promotes student involvement in ensembles as vital components of holistic education, emphasizing their role in developing social connections and emotional well-being. She maintains an open-door policy for prospective ensemble members, encouraging observation of rehearsals before commitment.

Barış TOPTAŞView profile

Professor

• Music Education
• Piano Education
• Turkish Folk Music
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Barış TOPTAŞ is a Professor at Adıyaman University State Conservatory, Department of Musicology, where he has served since 2013, initially as Assistant Professor (2013-2018), then Associate Professor (2018-2023), and currently as Professor (since 2023). Previously, he worked at İnönü University from 2005-2013 in various teaching roles within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Faculty of Education. He has held significant administrative positions including Department Head (2016-2020), Conservatory Director (2014-2020), and Erasmus Coordinator (2013-2019). Bachelor's Degree (1999-2003): Music Teacher Training Program, Department of Fine Arts Education, Faculty of Education, İnönü University Master's Degree (2006-2008): Music Education, Institute of Social Sciences, Cumhuriyet University Doctorate (2008-2012): Music Education, Department of Fine Arts Education, Institute of Educational Sciences, İnönü University Prof. TOPTAŞ specializes in piano education with a particular focus on Turkish folk music applications. His research interests include systematic use of folk songs in piano education, Turkish music etudes, music composition, and voice education. He has developed specialized piano methodology books focusing on Turkish makam structures and folk music arrangements, making significant contributions to Turkish music pedagogy. His recent publications (2022) demonstrate a strong focus on analyzing piano pedagogy materials, particularly examining technical exercises in examination books from institutions like the London College of Music. He has conducted extensive research on Turkish music applications in piano education, systematic use of folk songs, and analysis of piano etude books by composers like Czerny. His work bridges traditional Turkish music with Western piano pedagogy approaches. Prof. TOPTAŞ has successfully supervised 11 Master's theses on diverse topics including Turkish opera, folk song arrangements, voice education, and music teaching methods. He has led multiple research projects funded by higher education institutions, focusing on music education infrastructure development, digital piano acquisition, and cultural music studies in Adıyaman region. He directs the Music Research and Sound Recording Studio infrastructure project at Adıyaman University State Conservatory and has been involved in animation-supported cultural transmission applications. His work extends to developing music education materials specifically designed for children and beginners, with numerous published method books that incorporate Turkish musical elements.

• Sports Science
• Physical Education
• Football Training Methodology
• +2 more

Assoc. Prof. Asen Borisov Atanasov serves in the Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Education at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo's Faculty of Education. Holding a PhD in Sports Science (awarded 2015 with dissertation on futsal's impact on student physical capacity), he maintains an active research profile through the university's ORCID system (0000-0003-2779-9548). His research focuses on football training methodology, motor skill development, and physical education optimization for students. Key interests include youth athletic performance metrics, training program effectiveness, and sports pedagogy innovations. Current publications (2023-2025) analyze circular training methods, student football development trends, and futsal awareness among university students. Recent publications demonstrate consistent thematic focus on football performance analysis across age groups, with methodological emphasis on experimental training approaches and performance metrics. His work frequently examines physical capacity assessment in student populations through longitudinal and comparative studies. As project member in "Наука и спорт" (2025) and previous initiatives (2022-2023), he contributes to integrating scientific research into university athletic training through performance analysis, psychological assessment, and recovery optimization. These projects actively involve doctoral candidates and students in data collection and analysis. His academic leadership includes developing physical education curricula and training methodologies for university settings, particularly documented in his 2018 monograph "Оптимизиране на учебния процес по футбол в условията на висшите училища" and 2021 teaching manual for business academy students.

• Sports Science
• Physical Education
• Climbing Methodology
• +5 more

Milen Stefanov Vidinovski is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Education within the Faculty of Education at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo. His academic work focuses on sports science, physical education methodologies, and climbing research. He holds a PhD and actively contributes to university projects aimed at integrating scientific research into sports training programs. His research interests span sports science innovation, climbing methodologies, youth athlete development, sports equipment evolution, therapeutic applications of climbing, and digitalization in sports education. Vidinovski has led multiple university projects including: "Наука и спорт" (2025): Integrating scientific research into university sports training Support programs for young researchers in physical education (2020-2023) European research initiatives in sports science and kinesiotherapy (2018-2019) Vidinovski's publications primarily explore climbing methodologies, sports training optimization, and physical education pedagogy. His recent work examines digital transformation in sports selection processes, therapeutic applications of climbing, and evolutionary trends in sports equipment. Earlier research focused on youth athlete development, injury prevention, and technical skill acquisition in climbing. As project leader, he has secured funding for initiatives promoting scientific research in physical education through national and European funds. His projects emphasize knowledge transfer, young researcher development, and practical implementation of scientific innovations in sports education.

• Physical Education
• Swimming Sports
• Swimming Pedagogy
• +2 more

Parashkeva Aleksandrova Koeva is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theory and Methods of Physical Education within the Faculty of Education at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo. She holds a PhD with a dissertation focused on perspectives for developing swimming within Bulgaria's educational system. Her research specializes in swimming pedagogy, with emphasis on: Methodologies for teaching swimming techniques (especially crawl stroke) Anxiety reduction in beginner swimmers Curriculum development for primary and secondary physical education Comparative analysis of international swimming pedagogy approaches Algorithmic learning systems for skill acquisition Koeva has published research spanning 2013-2021 examining swimming instruction challenges, educational policy implementation, and regional infrastructure analysis in Northwestern Bulgaria. Her work consistently addresses practical teaching methodologies within physical education frameworks. She actively participates in departmental research projects focused on: Creating supportive environments for scientific publication (2023) Mentoring young researchers in physical education (2022) Stimulating innovation potential in sports science research (2020)

• Business Language Education
• German Language
• Russian Language
• +2 more

Galina Yanygina serves as a Lecturer at Pompeu Fabra University's School of International Business (ESCI-UPF), where she delivers specialized language instruction within the Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Marketing program. Her role focuses on equipping business students with critical linguistic competencies for global professional environments. Her teaching expertise centers on business-oriented language acquisition, with dedicated courses in German and Russian specifically tailored for international commerce. Through structured curricula spanning beginner to advanced levels, she develops students' abilities in formal business communication, cross-cultural negotiation, and multilingual documentation handling across German, Russian, Catalan, and Spanish linguistic frameworks. As a core teaching faculty member, she implements practical methodologies emphasizing real-world business scenario application, with courses designed to build both oral proficiency and written documentation skills essential for multinational corporate operations.

Mieko SperbeckView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Second Language Acquisition
• Linguistics
• Japanese Language Pedagogy
• +4 more

Mieko Sperbeck serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. She has held this position since August 2013 and simultaneously teaches at Adelphi University's Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures since August 2010, demonstrating her commitment to language education across multiple institutions. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Linguistics from The Graduate Center, City University of New York (2010) M.Phil. in Linguistics from The Graduate Center, City University of New York (2007) B.A. in Asian Studies and Religion from Temple University, Philadelphia Dr. Sperbeck's research trajectory shows a clear evolution from foundational phonological studies to cutting-edge pedagogical applications. Her early work focused on cross-linguistic speech perception and production, particularly examining how Japanese learners of English acquire and process English consonant clusters, as evidenced by her 2011 publication. Her dissertation investigated "The acquisition of consonant clusters by Japanese learners of English," establishing her expertise in second language acquisition with a Japanese language focus. In recent years, her research has pivoted toward innovative language pedagogy, with a pronounced emphasis on technology integration. Her 2023-2025 publications reveal a strong interest in generative AI applications for language education, open educational resources like the "We Authors" project for second language writing, and task-based virtual exchange programs. She has published extensively on how AI narratives, CANVA collaboration, and the PACE model can transform language teaching practices, demonstrating her leadership in adapting to emerging educational technologies. Her notable achievements include: Research Foundation CUNY Travel Grant (2024) CUNY Adjunct Professional Development Grant (2023) Institute for Language Education in Transcultural Context Grant (2016-2017) The Sue Rosenberg Zalk Student Travel and Research Grant (awarded multiple years) As an educator, Dr. Sperbeck teaches Elementary and Intermediate Japanese levels (1-4) and Descriptive and Historical Linguistics. She serves on the project planning committee for the Boston X New York Study Group for Japanese Teachers (BNYSG), a professional learning community promoting inclusivity among Japanese language instructors. Her active participation in professional organizations including AATJ, ACTFL, NECTJ, and NYSAFLT underscores her commitment to advancing language education. Her current work focuses on text-based language instruction for late second language learners and exploring how generative AI can enhance language teaching practices to support diverse learners.

Hwa Cheon LeeView profile

Lecturer

• Korean culture
• Korean literature
• Language Education
• +1 more

Hwa Cheon Lee serves as a Lecturer in the Korean Department at Boğaziçi University, Türkiye, teaching Korean language courses continuously since 2010 while pursuing doctoral studies. Their work bridges academic instruction with practical cultural transmission to Turkish learners. Educational background includes: Ph.D. (expected 2025) in Korean Language and Literature, Erciyes University, Türkiye M.A. in Education Engineering, Sookmyung Woman’s University, South Korea (2014) B.A. in Economics, Boğaziçi University, Türkiye (1999) Lee's research centers on Korean culture and literature, manifested through pedagogical innovations that make Korean accessible to Turkish speakers. The integration of cultural context within language instruction forms the cornerstone of their approach, enabling students to grasp both linguistic structures and societal nuances. Publications reveal a consistent focus on practical language acquisition tools, with multiple editions of Korece Öğreniyorum 1&2 evolving to meet learner needs, alongside the proverb compilation Kore Atasözleri which bridges linguistic study with cultural wisdom. These works collectively emphasize structured progression from basic grammar to cultural literacy. As an educator, Lee has facilitated significant student outcomes through the Global Korea Scholarship Program (GKS), with nearly annual selections of students for advanced study in South Korea since 2012. This success stems from tailored instructional methods that prepare learners for immersion experiences and academic pursuits.

• Slavic Linguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• Bulgarian Language Teaching
• +3 more

Elena Krejčová serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Slavic Studies at Masaryk University's Faculty of Arts in Brno, Czech Republic. She holds a Ph.D. and successfully completed her habilitation procedure between April 4, 2018 and June 1, 2019, resulting in her appointment as associate professor specializing in Linguistics of specific languages (Slavic languages). Her institutional affiliations include membership on the Industry Council for Linguistics, Comparative Literature, and Slavic Languages, plus service on the Program Boards for South Slavic and Balkan Studies (bachelor's degree) and Slavic Studies (master's degree) programs. Her habilitation thesis examined 'Issues of second language acquisition - theory and practice (based on teaching Bulgarian as a foreign language in a Slavic context)', demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach to language pedagogy. Dr. Krejčová's research centers on Slavic linguistic structures with particular focus on Bulgarian language acquisition within Slavic contexts. Her scholarly profile combines theoretical linguistics with practical language teaching applications, especially regarding South Slavic languages and diachronic language evolution. Slavic Linguistics Second Language Acquisition Bulgarian Language Teaching Comparative Slavic Studies South Slavic Languages Old Church Slavonic As an academic supervisor, she guides bachelor's and master's thesis projects while participating in doctoral committees. Her teaching portfolio spans Bulgarian language instruction from beginner to advanced levels, Old Church Slavonic, translation studies, and specialized seminars on Slavic languages from historical perspectives. She maintains active scholarly engagement through domestic and international publications, conference presentations, and research on Slavic linguistic phenomena.

• Spanish Language Teaching
• Applied Linguistics
• Translation Studies
• +3 more

Milada Malá serves as a Lecturer at the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures within the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. Her academic position focuses on Spanish language instruction and teacher preparation across multiple degree programs including Spanish Language and Literature bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as teacher training programs for secondary education. Her research interests center on Spanish language pedagogy, with specialization in didactic methodologies, linguistic phenomena relevant to language teaching, translation practices, and assessment techniques. Dr. Malá teaches a comprehensive curriculum spanning beginner to advanced Spanish language courses, specialized didactics seminars, translation workshops, and supervises graduate theses in Spanish studies. She maintains regular consultation hours during academic semesters, with scheduled appointments for Autumn 2025 on Wednesdays from 14:00-15:00 available in person or online by prior email agreement. Her office is located in building G/G.109a at Gorkého 57/7 in Brno.