Maria Villalobos-Buehner

María Fernanda Villalobos-Buehner is a Full Professor of Spanish, ESL, Bilingual, and World Language Education at Rider University, where she also serves as Chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University and has extensive experience in foreign language pedagogy, second language acquisition, and technology integration in education.

Her research focuses on language learning motivation, study abroad programs, and the role of cultural competence in language education. Notable awards include the Mazzotti Women’s Leadership Award (2017) and multiple research fellowships from Rider University.

Dr. Villalobos-Buehner has led numerous workshops and conferences on inclusive teaching, intercultural dialogue, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She has supervised student teachers and directed language programs, including Rider University’s Language Lab (2014–2017). Her work emphasizes integrating technology to enhance language learning and fostering global citizenship through education.

Her publications span journals like Language Learning in Higher Education and Journal of Language, Identity, and Education, focusing on themes such as L2 motivational self-systems and telecollaboration partnerships.