My objective is to become a leader in the field of Global Education. My goal is to transform the lives of as many people as possible by giving them the means and showing them how to master cultural complexity, and by supporting implementation of global perspectives in businesses, educational organizations and transnational projects. I have been teaching at the university level and training organizations in multiple sectors for the past 11+ years on how to successfully navigate significant cultural difference. Under my administrative leadership the Center has secured $4.5+ million in grant funds, in addition to tens of thousands in donations, and contributions from co-sponsors for the aforementioned events.
I value impact, change and adaptation, and believe in investing in performance and outcomes evaluation. For example, I design, conduct pre-and post activities, and lead the Middle East Studies Center's annual study tour to Turkey for teachers. Prior to the trip I recruit and vet participants, and conduct in-depth evaluation afterward. I leverage funds and other resources to stretch the value of every dollar and maximize impact by working effectively with other units within the OSU university community and beyond, engaging with students, faculty and university colleagues to achieve the mission of MESC.
I know global education. I can connect with diverse audiences and help them the gain the confidence they need to learn about the Middle East and gain a global perspective. In December of 2013 I passed my candidacy exam for a PhD in Global Education. Fulfilling my leadership role in MESC, I nurture enduring relationships with like-minded organizations in the U.S. and the Middle East (West Asia/Turkey/North Africa). While living in Jeddah, I studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo and at the Bourguiba Institute of Language in Tunis. While living in Bangkok, I interned at the UN Environmental Program.
