Danielle Schoon

Dr. Danielle Schoon is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology at The Ohio State University and a COIL Fellow in the Office of International Affairs. She previously served as a Lecturer from 2015 to 2024, teaching across departments including Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (NESA), Dance, Political Science, and FRIT.

Education:

• PhD in Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Arizona
• MA in Dance Studies, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Her research focuses on migration, performance, and identity politics in contemporary Turkey, particularly exploring minority and migrant youth in Istanbul through ethnography. She emphasizes intercultural development and global competence, addressing themes like East/West relations and DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion). Her work includes designing virtual exchange programs and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

Awards and Grants:

• Outstanding Lecturer Award, Department of Sociology, 2021
• Grants from the Drake Institute, Office of International Affairs (OIA), and other Ohio State entities for course design, professional development, and research

Teaching and Initiatives:

Dr. Schoon advocates for active learning and universal design. She designed the virtual exchange course TURK3797DL: Virtual Education Abroad in Istanbul, partnering with Kadir Has University. This course incorporates the Global Competence Certificate framework to develop intercultural skills through collaborative projects addressing global challenges.

Key Projects:

• Co-organized the 2021 virtual symposium Bringing the Border to Columbus, funded by the Global Arts + Humanities Discovery Theme
• Developed COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) programs to bridge cultural divides via digital platforms