Emma Trentman is an Associate Professor of Arabic at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and Director of the Language Learning Center. Her research focuses on Applied Linguistics, particularly on language learning during study abroad programs, virtual exchange, and the impact of language ideologies on multilingual approaches. Research Interests: Multilingualism, Language Ideologies, Study Abroad Programs, Intercultural Communication, Arabic Language Education, and Curriculum Development. Key Publications: Co-editor of Language Learning in Study Abroad: The Multilingual Turn (2021), with works featured in The Modern Language Journal , Foreign Language Annals , and Critical Multilingualism Studies . Teaching: Offers Arabic language courses and the Languages Capstone class, integrating critical perspectives into language pedagogy. Editorial Work: Co-editor for Critical Multilingualism Studies Journal , advocating for plurilingual practices in education. Publications: Explores topics such as translanguaging, sociolinguistic competence, and decolonizing language learning frameworks across diverse contexts (Egypt, Tanzania, China). Advocacy: Engages in critical discussions on equity, identity, and sociocultural dimensions in language education.
Jennifer Leeman is a Professor at George Mason University , focusing on the sociopolitics of language, with emphasis on multilingualism, Spanish in the US, and heritage language education. Her interdisciplinary work bridges critical applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, Latinx studies, and linguistic anthropology. BA in Spanish, University of Pennsylvania MA in Hispanic Civilization, New York University in Madrid MAT in TESOL & Bilingual Education, Georgetown University PhD in Hispanic Linguistics, Georgetown University Her research examines: Language ideologies and racialization processes in censuses Antiracist pedagogical frameworks for Spanish teaching Multilingual policy analysis across education and governance Critical service-learning in heritage language contexts Recent publications analyze census categorization, language and immigration policies, and critical pedagogy implementation. She received a 2024-25 Fulbright Senior Scholar award for research at the University of Murcia, Spain, and a 2023-24 Residential fellowship at Mason's Center for Humanities Research. Key scientific contributions include: Pioneering the online graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (2021) Leadership roles in AAAL, MLA, and Instituto Cervantes’ advisory committees Editorial board memberships across journals like Language Policy and Hispania Her 15 most recent articles (2018-2025) reveal trends in: Language-race-national identity intersections Census-driven ethnoracial classifications Antiracist pedagogy in language classrooms Heritage speaker identity dynamics Monolingual policy critiques Transnational demographic analysis Contact: jleeman@gmu.edu | Office: Horizon Hall 5132
Alison J. Mackey is Professor and Chair of the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University, College of Arts and Sciences. She is a leading scholar in second language acquisition (SLA), with a focus on interaction, feedback, research methodology, and language learning across the lifespan. Her research interests include second language acquisition , task-based language teaching , research methodology , interaction and corrective feedback , and language learning in children and adults . She has published extensively in top-tier journals and book series, shaping methodological standards in the field. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in methodological rigor , interactionist approaches , and practical applications of SLA research. Themes include data elicitation , stimulated recall , task design , and pragmatic development , spanning both theoretical and classroom-based inquiry. Mildenberg Prize (2012) for The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition American Association for Applied Linguistics Distinguished Scholarship and Service Award International Association of Task-based Language Learning and Teaching Distinguished Achievement Award CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title (2012) Alison Mackey has advised numerous scholars through co-authorship and editorial leadership. She is Editor-in-Chief of Cambridge University Press Annual Review of Applied Linguistics and Editor of the Routledge Second Language Research series, guiding the publication of cutting-edge research. While specific grants are not listed, her editorial work and high citation count (>35,000) reflect significant research impact and funding support. She leads and contributes to major research initiatives such as the IRIS Repository , promoting open-access research instruments in SLA. Her work fosters collaboration across institutions and supports methodological transparency and replication in the field.
Lucia Binotti is a Professor of Spanish and Digital Humanities at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), with dual affiliations in the Department of Romance Studies and interdisciplinary Digital Humanities initiatives. She serves as Graduate Advisor for Hispanic Linguistics and Director of the Honors Study Abroad Program in Rome. Her work bridges traditional philology with cutting-edge digital scholarship, emphasizing immersive learning experiences through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. Binotti holds a Ph.D. from UC Santa Barbara (1990), an MA (1985), and a BA (1984) in Romance Philology from the Università degli Studi di Pisa. Her research focuses on linguistic identity, cultural heritage preservation, and innovative educational platforms like Amirabilia—the world’s first experiential learning platform. Notable projects include nXimena (healthcare training for Latinx abuse survivors) and Entiendelo (a linguistic/cultural navigation app for Latinx communities). Her scholarly interests span Early Modern Spanish literature, digital humanities applications, and the intersection of technology with social justice. She has directed grants totaling over $500K for projects involving AR/VR integration in education, including collaborations with the UNC Health Science Library and NCSU’s DELTA initiative. Recent awards include the John K. Walsh Award (2010) and Digital Innovation Fellow status (2014). Grants & Leadership: CFE-Lenovo Technology Grants (2018–2019) for AR/VR expansion iLRN 2020 International Co-Chair XR Faculty Learning Community Leader (UNC) Teaching: Courses span from introductory Hispanic literature to advanced topics like medieval intellectual history and digital humanities methodologies. Binotti’s work emphasizes ‘place, presence, and perspective’ in Cyber-Humanities education, particularly addressing marginalized communities through technology-driven solutions.
Timothy Ashe is an Assistant Professor of Spanish & Linguistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He holds a PhD in Spanish Linguistics from Arizona State University and has extensive experience in language education, corporate language analysis, and cross-cultural communication. His work focuses on second language acquisition, technology-enhanced language learning, and intercultural competence. Education: BA: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Spanish and Political Science) MA: DePaul University (Spanish and World Language Teaching) MA: DePaul University (English as a Second Language & Bilingual/Bicultural Education) PhD: Arizona State University (Spanish Linguistics) Research Interests: Timothy's research explores pragmatics, language for specific purposes (e.g., business, law, medicine), and the use of technology (e.g., mobile apps, social media) in language learning. He emphasizes culturally responsive frameworks to enhance proficiency and has collaborated internationally with governments and institutions. Teaching & Engagement: He teaches courses in Spanish linguistics, business Spanish, and study-abroad programs, having led student groups to Spain and Mexico for over a decade. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, he also serves as a certified interpreter/translator in Spanish. Professional Background: Before academia, Ashe worked in corporate language analysis and as a high school language instructor. His interdisciplinary approach bridges practical language use with academic research, particularly in immersive and digital learning environments.
Michael O'Dea is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of York, United Kingdom. He has held previous academic positions at York St John University, Beijing University of Technology, University of Hull, and Waikato Institute of Technology, bringing extensive international experience in computer science education. He is actively engaged in pedagogical scholarship and leadership in higher education innovation. Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science, University of York Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, York St John University Lecturer in Software Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, China Lecturer in Computer Science, University of Hull Lecturer in Information Technology, Waikato Institute of Technology, NZ Dr. O'Dea earned his Ed.D. in Computer Based Learning from the University of Leeds. His research centers on the integration of artificial intelligence into educational practices, with a strong emphasis on AI literacy, the effectiveness of generative AI in teaching and learning, and the evolving landscape of technology acceptance in higher education. He investigates how AI tools can enhance student learning, faculty development, and institutional policy. His recent publications span topics such as AI literacy assessment, the future of online and blended learning, the application of machine learning in earthquake prediction, and international study abroad effectiveness. These works reflect a broad interdisciplinary approach, combining computer science, educational theory, and policy analysis. His scholarship is increasingly focused on the transformative potential of generative AI in academic settings, as evidenced by his leadership in special journal issues and funded research projects. Dr. O'Dea holds significant editorial responsibilities as Associate Editor and Lead Guest Editor for the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice and as Guest Editor for a special issue in Education Sciences on generative-AI-enhanced learning. He is also an Invited External Academic Affiliate at the King's Institute for Artificial Intelligence, King's College London. Associate Editor - Special Issues, Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice Lead Guest Editor, Special Issue on Technology Acceptance Models, JUTLP (2024) Guest Editor, Special Issue on Generative-AI-Enhanced Learning, Education Sciences Principal Investigator, QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project on Graduate Attributes in the Era of GenAI (2025) He has delivered numerous invited talks and workshops at institutions such as the University of York, Queen Mary University of London, and international conferences including the Academy of Management and the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education. His work bridges research, practice, and policy in higher education, with a strong commitment to inclusive and innovative teaching methodologies.
Mizuki Mazzotta is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Russian and East Asian Languages and Cultures at Emory University, where she also serves as Japanese Language Coordinator. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University (2018) and M.A. degrees in Linguistics (McGill University) and Applied Linguistics (University of South Florida). Her research focuses on instructed second language acquisition, particularly the role of affect and sociocultural theory in L2 learning. She has extensive experience teaching Japanese language courses and mentoring students at Emory and previous institutions like Georgia State University. Education: Ph.D., Applied Linguistics, Georgia State University (2018) M.A., Linguistics, McGill University (2005) M.A., Applied Linguistics, University of South Florida (1997) B.A., English Literature, Soka University (1995) Research Interests: Instructed Second Language Acquisition Corrective Feedback in L2 Writing Sociocultural Theory in Language Education Learner Affect and Motivation Technology-Enhanced Language Learning Cultural Awareness in Language Instruction Awards & Grants: Recipient of multiple grants including the KAKENHI Grant (Japan), Mellon Humanities Pathways Grant, and Emory College Pedagogy Mini-Grant. Member of honor societies: Phi Beta Delta and Golden Key International. Service & Leadership: Executive Committee Member, Emory College Language Center Organizer of Japanese Program Guest Speaker Talks and Cultural Events Reviewer for Language Teaching Research and other academic journals Interviewer for the Japan Exchange Teaching Program Teaching & Mentorship: Instructor of Japanese language courses at Emory and Georgia State University Developer of study abroad programs in Japan and internship collaborations Mentor for Japanese interns and temporary faculty
Crista Johnson is an Instructor of Spanish in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Delaware. She teaches elementary and intermediate Spanish courses (SPAN105, 106, 107, 200, and 201) across multiple semesters and holds key administrative roles as the Department Placement Advisor and SPAN105 Course Coordinator. She also directs the Costa Rica study abroad program in Heredia on an occasional basis. Education Master of Arts, University of Delaware Research and Professional Interests Ms. Johnson specializes in Spanish language pedagogy with emphasis on introductory-level instruction (SPAN105), curriculum development, and student placement methodologies. Her work integrates immersive study abroad experiences in Costa Rica to enhance cultural competency and language acquisition. She focuses on creating structured pathways for students to achieve proficiency through classroom instruction and exemption exam administration. Scientific Awards No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Advising and Administrative Roles As Placement Advisor, she guides students through language course registration and administers SPAN107 exemption exams. In her capacity as SPAN105 Course Coordinator, she oversees curriculum standardization, instructional materials, and teaching assistants across 6-8 sections per semester. Her advising extends to study abroad program direction in Heredia, Costa Rica, facilitating immersive cultural experiences.
Isabel Kentengian is a Lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at The College of New Jersey, specializing in Spanish language education, heritage language pedagogy, and intercultural competence. Her work bridges applied linguistics, social justice, and professional language training. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (New York University, 2020), M.A. in Applied Linguistics (University of Illinois at Chicago, 1995), B.A. in Psychology (Bryn Mawr College, 1982), and a certificate in Hispanic Studies (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 1979). Her research focuses on critical pedagogy in Spanish language instruction, linguistic landscapes in the U.S., and Spanish for the professions, particularly in healthcare and business contexts. She has developed innovative curricula for Spanish for Medical Purposes and Spanish for the Professions certificates. Recent publications examine community-centered oral history projects, medical Spanish curriculum evaluation, and linguistic landscapes as pedagogical tools. Her work frequently addresses health equity, professional communication, and identity negotiation among heritage speakers. Professional Affiliations: American Association for Applied Linguistics, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, National Association for Bilingual Education, and Healing the Children New Jersey. Service Roles: Academic Diversity Officer for Intercultural Competency, Faculty Lead for International Student Success, and member of the HSS Anti-Racism Advocates Committee.
Andrew Pueschel is an Associate Professor of Marketing and Director of the Center for International Business, Education & Development (CIBED) at Ohio University's College of Business. He also serves as Director of Diversity and Internships at the Ralph and Luci Schey Sales Centre. His research focuses on pedagogy-to-practitioner themes, including professional sales, global business, leadership, and organizational behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Instructional Management (2015), an M.P.M.L. from Carnegie Mellon University (2011), and a B.A. in Business Ethics (2000). Key research interests include global mindset integration in curricula, grit and growth mindset development, and the impact of workplace culture on well-being. He has received multiple awards, including the 2021 Mid-American Conference Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success and 2021 Excellence in Teaching from the College of Business. Education: Ph.D., Leadership and Instructional Management, Robert Morris University (2015) M.P.M.L., Heinz School, Carnegie Mellon University (2011) B.A., Business Ethics and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University (2000) His publications span journals like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Journal of Organizational Behavior , with a focus on crisis management, diversity, and leadership development. He actively presents at conferences such as the Academy of Management and the International Special Events Society. Awards: 2021 Mid-American Conference Outstanding Faculty Award 2021 Excellence in Teaching (College of Business) 2020 Rising Star Faculty (College of Business) Dr. Pueschel leads initiatives in global business education and has pioneered strategies for cross-functional leadership development. He is a frequent presenter on topics like energy management in leadership and positivity in business communication.
Dr. Kim Potowski is a Professor of Spanish Linguistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), specializing in heritage language development, Spanish in the U.S., language and identity, and dual immersion education. She directs UIC's Spanish Heritage Language Program and the summer study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her research emphasizes sociolinguistic aspects of Spanish in the U.S., including dialect contact, language maintenance/shift, and bilingual education advocacy. She earned her PhD in Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her notable honors include a 2016 CUNY Advanced Research Collaborative Fellowship, a 2013-2014 UIC Institute for the Humanities Fellowship, and a 2011-2012 Fulbright Research Fellowship in Oaxaca. She has authored/edited over 12 books, including El español de los Estados Unidos and Heritage Language Teaching: Research and Practice . Her TEDx talk No Child Left Monolingual advocates for multilingual education equity. She has held editorial roles at Spanish in Context and Heritage Language Journal , and her work bridges sociolinguistic research with pedagogical practice in bilingual settings.
David Hedgecoth is a Professor of Music Education and Associate Director/Chair of Undergraduate Studies at The Ohio State University's School of Music. He holds a PhD from OSU and teaches courses in brass pedagogy, instrumental methods, and qualitative research. His administrative roles include curriculum committee work and advising for Phi Mu Alpha and Collegiate NAfME. He directs the Brazilian Experience education abroad program and mentors in the Sophomore Transformational Experience Program (STEP). Education: BME and MA from Florida State University (Tallahassee), PhD in Music Education from The Ohio State University. Research focuses on charter school music programs, educational policy, teacher education, and international music education. Key interests include curriculum design in alternative schools, social impact of music education, and LGBT inclusivity. Over 20 peer-reviewed and editor-reviewed publications address topics like self-guided rehearsals, post-recession curriculum recovery, and advocacy in music education journals. Awards include National Board Certification, Fulbright Scholarship, and Teacher of the Year. Serves on boards for Chamber Music Columbus, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and OSU's Center for Latin American Studies advisory board. Coordinates the IMMERSE sensory concert series with WOSU Public Radio. Advising includes directing education abroad programs and mentoring graduate students. Grants and partnerships involve collaborative projects with schools, orchestras, and international institutions. Maintains active roles in both classroom innovation and large-scale educational policy analysis. Labs/Teams: Brazilian Experience Abroad Program leadership, IMMERSE sensory concert coordination, and collaborative work with WOSU Public Radio.
Meltem ACAR GÜVENDİR is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at Trakya University's Faculty of Education. She holds a PhD in Measurement and Evaluation in Education from Ankara University (2013) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on large-scale educational assessment, including analyses of PISA, TIMSS, and OBBS datasets using hierarchical linear modeling. She specializes in value-added assessment, meta-analyses of study abroad impacts, and psychometric evaluation of educational policies. Academic roles include serving as Head of the Measurement and Evaluation Commission (since 2018) and Deputy Head of the Department of Educational Sciences (2016–2018). She co-edits the International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education and has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her work explores student achievement predictors, test anxiety measurement, and international student integration. Key projects include a TÜBİTAK-funded study on scale development processes and participation in the EU-funded CA19103 initiative addressing LGBTI+ inequalities. She has supervised numerous research projects and delivered keynotes on educational measurement methodologies.
Luca Barra is Full Professor of Television and Digital Media at the Department of Arts, University of Bologna. His research focuses on media studies, particularly television history and contemporary evolution, transnational circulation of content, serialization, and comic/humorous genres. He has coordinated the Master's Degree in Information, Cultures and Media Organization since 2021 and serves as editor-in-chief of VIEW. Journal of European TV History and Culture. University of Bologna, Department of Arts Research areas: Television History, Transnational Media, Digital Transformation, Italian TV Production Barra's work examines the international mediation of ready-made TV formats, Italian streaming partnerships, and the cultural implications of digital television. His recent articles analyze dystopian narratives, sitcom reception in Italy, and the redefinition of celebrity during the pandemic. He contributes to academic discourse through editorial roles in journals like SERIES and Comunicazioni Sociali. His publications include monographs on Italian television programming, sitcoms, and co-edited volumes exploring European premium TV fiction and digital media frameworks. Barra has led research projects such as ATLas and F-ACTOR, and collaborates with international institutions including Brown University and NECS.
Dr. Allen Clark is an Associate Professor of Modern Languages at the University of Mississippi , where he serves as Co-Director of the Arabic Language Flagship Program. With over two decades of experience in Arabic language education, he specializes in Modern Standard Arabic pedagogy and dialect instruction (Syrian, Egyptian). His teaching spans foundational to advanced levels, including courses in media, translation, and conflict studies. Education : Ph.D. in Education (Foreign/Second Language Education) from The Ohio State University (2009) Research Focus : Arabic language acquisition, textbook development, intercultural communication, and translation theory Key Grants : $1.3M Flagship Program renewal (2024-2028), $1,940 International Collaboration Grant (2024), and multiple Summer Research Grants His publications include the widely used Ahlan wa Sahlan textbook series, focusing on phonetics, grammar, and dialect acquisition. Clark has received prestigious awards including the Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award (2025) and Humanities Teacher of the Year (2022-2023) . He has established immersive study-abroad programs in Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt while mentoring students in advanced language skills and translation. Recent articles and chapters explore experiential learning simulations, pedagogical reforms, and ontological challenges in cross-cultural translation. His work emphasizes eliminating artificial barriers in language instruction and fostering global competence through collaborative frameworks. Scientific Awards : Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher of the Year (2025) Humanities Teacher of the Year (2022-2023) Phi Kappa Phi Outstanding Graduate Student Award (2006-2007) Ohio State Graduate Associate Teaching Award (2006-2007)
