Parallel Sessions 1, Track 1

Dr. Taeko Namura, GSU

Dr. Taeko Namura is a lecturer of Japanese in the Department of World Languages and Cultures (College of Arts and Science) at Georgia State university. She has incorporated various virtual exchange projects into her courses by collaborating with Kansai University and Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan. Her current project with Osaka Metropolitan University focuses on collaborative writing, which aims to foster students’ intercultural learning and critical literacy awareness. 

Dr. David Yenerall, GSU

Dr. David Yenerall is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physical Science, and Faculty Associate for International Initiatives of Perimeter College at Georgia State University. He is the Program Director for the Life in the Universe, South America study abroad program and engages students in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) with partners in Chile, Honduras and Australia.

Dr. Claudette Spencer, Assistant Professor at Georgia State University - Perimeter

Dr. Claudette Spencer brings 30 years of nursing experience, including 13 years dedicated to teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.  Her recent involvement in virtual exchange initiatives has enriched the educational experience for her nursing students. She has collaborated with Hong Kong University and is currently engaged in a virtual exchange activity with Dai Nam University.  Passionate about developing the next generation of nurses, she actively promotes global education and fosters cultural awareness within the field.

Dr. Yali Zhao, Head of GSU International Virtual Exchange Programs

Dr. Yali Zhao is the Head of GSU International Virtual Exchange Programs at the Office of International Initiatives and an Associate Professor of Social Studies in the College of Education and Human Development at Georgia State University (GSU). Dr. Zhao has 21 years of teaching, research, and service experience in global education at GSU. She has integrated virtual exchange into her courses for over a decade.  For the past six years, Dr. Zhao has been mentoring faculty in virtual exchange and leading GSU’s virtual exchange initiatives. 

Dr. Chizuko Wallestad, Partnering with Dr. Namura

Dr. Chizuko Wallestad, specializes in foreign and second language education. She is the founder and program leader of Virtual Language Tables (VLT), where university students in Japan and U.S. institutions enjoy language and cultural exchange online, through COIL Division – Center for Global Education of Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan.

Prof Carol A. Oliver PhD, MSciCom, SFHEA

University of New South Wales

Carol Oliver is a Professor of Astrobiology and Science Communication and award-winning educator with the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. She is a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and an international expert in immersive virtual field trips in higher education teaching and learning. 

Dr. Tran Quang Huy, Dean of Nursing Faculty, Dai Nam University (DNU)

Dr. Tran Quang Huy, the first Vietnamese PhD in Nursing, trained at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Dai Nam University.

With 43 years of experience in healthcare and key positions such as Vice President of the Vietnam Nursing Association, Dr. Huy has led numerous research projects, published international papers, and received the title of " Distinguished Physician." Dr. Huy has recently participated in a virtual exchange program with Georgia State University - Perimeter on the topic of Filial Piety and mental health in Vietnam and US cultures. The project provides valuable insights for both lecturers and students from DNU, laying the foundation for stronger and closer collaboration between the two institutions.