Highlighted Speakers
Dr. Kathy Gibbs
Dr. Kathy Gibbs’s research focuses on two broad areas; differentiated instruction as a teaching pedagogy suitable for all students and the schooling and university experiences of males and females with ADHD. Her teaching career spans 35 years in school systems, where she has taught across a range of disciplines and held several high-profile positions. She is employed at Griffith University within the School of Education and Professional Studies (EPS) in an array of courses across the Bachelor of Education, Master of Secondary Teaching, and Graduate Certificate in Special Needs Education.
Dr. Linda Plantin
Dr. Linda Plantin Ewe is an Assistant Professor and teacher educator at Kristianstad University, Sweden, specializing in special needs teacher education. Her research primarily focuses on students with neurodevelopmental disorders, with a specific emphasis on the dynamics of the teacher-student relationship and its impact on student learning. Dr. Ewe’s scholarly work aims to enhance pedagogical practices that foster inclusive and relationally sustainable learning environments in higher education and beyond. Her publications provide critical insights into the interpersonal relationships that shape students’ educational experiences and long-term learning outcomes.
Past Speakers
Professor Geoff Baker
Professor Geoff Baker is University Academic Director at the University of Bolton in Greater Manchester, UK. Professor Baker has published widely in the fields of education and history respectively and has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship for his work on teacher professional development. In addition to his career as an academic, Professor Baker spent nearly a decade as a Headteacher of secondary schools in challenging circumstances and was appointed as a National Leader of Education in recognition of the impact of his leadership.
Dr. Reinette Gouws-Meyer
Dr. Reinette Gouws-Meyer is an esteemed senior lecturer in the Crop Science Department at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Stellenbosch, two education qualifications from the University of Haaga Helia in Finland, and a master’s degree in education (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria. Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Dr. Gouws-Meyer is an active voice in the broader scientific community. She has been featured in radio and television interviews, where she shares her insights on crop protection and education and has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences.
Dr. Erika Jordaan
Dr. Erika Jordaan, lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology at Tshwane University of Technology. She is a Microbiologist, and worked in the meat industry before becoming an academic, nearly 35 years ago! She is an enthusiastic about her chosen career, she loves Microbiology, and she tries to instill that passion in her students. She completed qualifications in education (MEd, University of Pretoria) and vocational teaching practices (Haaga-Helia University of Basic Science, Finland). She completed her doctorate in Biotechnology focusing on microalgae. She is grateful to be a life-long learner since she is constantly discovering new things!
Dr. Lucy Caton
Dr. Lucy Caton is the Lead for the Centre of AI in Education at The University of Bolton. She chairs the annual cross-sector symposium, uniting diverse educator and student perspectives on integrating generative AI into classrooms. Dr. Caton is co-authoring the forthcoming title ‘AI-Powered Pedagogy and Curriculum Design: Practical Insights for Educators.’ published by Routledge, featuring case studies from educators experimenting with AI technologies to inform pedagogy. She is also due to publish ‘Navigating the Ethical Horizon: Accountability, Transparency, and Governance in AI-driven Postgraduate Research’ (Springer Publishers) and leading current generative AI funding bids in partnership with the Great School Trust and King Fisher Academy Trust. Dr. Caton’s interests focus on the use of generative AI to support neuro diverse students, accessibility and opportunity for all. She is also passionate about building awareness and training for teachers and support staff in the use of effective use of generative AI to support administrational duties and research beyond the classroom.
Dr. Wong Pui Man Molly
Dr. Wong Pui Man Molly obtained her PhD at the University of Cambridge. Dr. Wong is a Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is experienced in teaching biochemistry, physiology, and medical ethics, and previously received an Outstanding Teaching Award in 2012. She is dedicated to the teaching profession and has devoted time to teaching a wide range of courses in School of Biomedical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine. Her research interests currently lie in anatomy, physiology and bioethics education.
Asst. Prof. Duygu Umutlu
Asst. Prof. Duygu Umutlu is an assistant professor at the Department of Computer Education and Educational Technology at Bogazici University, Turkey. As a Fulbright scholar, she received her Ph.D. in the Learning, Design, and Technology program at the University of Georgia, USA. She received her M.A. degree in Educational Technology program, at Bogazici University, Turkey. She has been involved in several international and national research projects and presented her research at international conferences so far. Her current research interests are innovative teacher education, technology integration for meaningful learning, adaptive digital scaffolding, and computer science education.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Ak
Assist. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Ak is a faculty member at Boğaziçi University, Turkey. He holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Management Information Systems from Boğaziçi University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Informatics from Istanbul University. He gives educational technology courses within the Faculty of Education and the Educational Technology (MA) programs. His research interests include online learning and digital game-based learning.
Previously, he served as Distance Education Coordinator at Istanbul Aydın University, and an active contributor to the Center for Teaching and Learning. Currently, he is involved in projects at the Center for Educational Technology Research and manages independent academic projects. Dr. Ak is dedicated to enhancing the quality of learning experiences across various environments, with a particular focus on game-based and online learning research.
Dr. María Luisa Ballinas Aquino
Dr. María Luisa Ballinas Aquino is a doctor in urban and environmental studies from El Colegio de México, a Master of Science in Natural Resources and Rural Development from El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, a Pharmaceutical Chemistry Biologist from the Universidad Veracruzana, Graduate in Religious Sciences from the Universidad La Salle.
With 30 years of experience in teaching, in musical areas, human, social and natural sciences. She is currently a Subject Professor of the Environmental Engineering educational program at the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas. She is on a postdoctoral stay at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Department of Society and Culture. Her main research is on environmental discourses. In the educational field, she has developed topics such as solid waste management in the school environment and science education in preschool. She currently has a special interest in social retribution in postgraduate programs.
María Luisa belongs to the National System of Researchers in Mexico.
Ms. Yu Shen
Ms. Yu Shen is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English Linguistics at the University of Málaga in Spain, the Department of English Philology, French, and German. Her research interests include Business English teaching, professional development of higher education instructors, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) teaching.
Ms. Kathryn Elizabeth Cridland
Ms. Kathryn Elizabeth Cridland is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Bolton, UK. She has a background in languages and English language teaching, and she has taught in language schools, colleges, and universities. She teaches the PGCE, BA, and MA programmes at the university, and she also coordinates and delivers classroom practice CPD across the institution. Her research area is multilingual education, and she is currently working towards a Doctorate in Education focusing on linguistic inclusion in higher education in the UK. She is a passionate and committed teacher and thoroughly enjoys being in the classroom and supporting new teachers as they develop their skills.
Mr. Craig Lomas
Mr. Craig Lomas is a dedicated educator, with 18 years of experience in the education sector, specialising in secondary education and leadership. Beginning his career as a secondary geography teacher, he progressed into leadership roles, serving as a Head of Faculty and Senior Assistant Headteacher. Throughout this time, he gained invaluable insights into both the challenges and opportunities presented by various leadership styles within the education system. His current role is a Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Bolton, teaching across multiple programmes, including the PGCE Secondary and BA in Education. His passion for teacher training and development is evident in his commitment to mentoring the next generation of educators. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he is a second-year doctoral student. His research is focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in teacher professional development, exploring how AI can be harnessed to enhance educational practices and improve outcomes for both teachers and students.
Dr. Shalaka Shah
Assistant Professor of Psychology at FLAME University Pune.
Topic: Socio-emotional learning and developing 21st century competencies for learners.
Dr. Shalaka Shah is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at FLAME University Pune. She is associated with Steinbeis School of International Business & Entrepreneurship (SIBE), Germany for Competence Development and Business Excellence Research. Dr. Shah has an experience of psychological testing and counseling for over a decade. Work-life management has been her key area or work and she delivers lectures, conducts workshops on the same along with self-enhancement through competence development. Some of her renowned beneficiaries include SIBE Germany, Central Bank of India, Insurance Institute of India, SGS India Pvt. Ltd., Samvit School of Infrastructure and Business, Pune.
Dr. Shah has earned a doctorate in Pedagogy & Psychology for the topic of work-life balance and career success and has a double master’s degree in psychology of Excellence from Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich Germany and in Counseling Psychology from SNDT University Pune. She is a licensed KODE® & SCA® competence trainer approved by Steinbeis University, Berlin. The competence license is accepted internationally. Dr. Shah’s primary research interests lie in work-life interface, competence development in organizations, leadership, whereas migration studies and pedagogical methods are her secondary research interests.
Dr. Soumya Jose
Dr. Soumya Jose is an assistant Professor of English and Head of the School of Humanities and Management, National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh,India. Dr. Jose joined NIT Andhra Pradesh in July 2018, and prior to that she had a stint at VIT University Vellore for five years. During her tenure at VIT, Dr.Jose has won research awards for four consecutive years at VIT University. Dr.Jose’s areas of interest include African-American Theatre, First Nations Theatre, Diaspora Studies, and English Language Teaching.
Dr. Emeka Amalu
Dr Emeka Amalu is a Chartered Engineer, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Teesside University, United Kingdom. Dr Amalu holds a BEng, MEng and PhD Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and a PGC in Higher Education. He is a member of IMechE, IET and FHEA, UK with over 15-years of teaching experience in the Higher Education. His key research areas are electronics packaging, sustainable energy technologies, and system’s modelling.
Dr. Muhammad Shafi
Dr. Muhammad Shafi is presently Assoc. professor and HoD @ NIT Calicut in School of Management Studies, He has completed his Doctoral Studies (Ph.D.) in Management from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh in 2008. He has started his career as Lecturer in NIT in 2009 and having 12 years of experience in academia, administration and research. He has many papers in his credit, guided three Ph.D and many projects and two doctoral students pursuing Ph.D. under him. He has also conducted more than a dozen workshops for academicians and administrative personals during his 15 years of service in NITC. His works are majorly published in the following journals: PLOS-ONE, International Journal of Data Mining, Cogeant Management Journal, Intentional Journal of Modeling and Management (IJDMMM), Network Science Journal, Cambridge University Press, Quality Management Journal, Journal of King Saud University- Computer and Information Sciences and Data (MDPI). He has presented papers in various indexed international conferences during his one and a half decade of experience in academia.
Dr. Talari Reshma
Dr. Talari Reshma is an esteemed Assistant Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at the National Institute of Technology Andhra Pradesh, distinguished for her pioneering work in GIS-based hydrological modeling and watershed management. Dr. Reshma’s administrative roles encompass Associate Dean of Student Welfare, and Women’s Protection Cell member at NIT Andhra Pradesh. Her academic journey includes a Master of Technology and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal where her research area focuses on soft computing techniques, remote sensing, and GIS. Dr. Reshma’s scholarly pursuits have culminated in a plethora of remarkable research publications in various reputable journals. In addition to her impactful journal publications, Dr. Reshma has been an active participant and presenter at several prestigious international conferences.
Dr. Nora A. Hussin
Dr. Nora A. Hussin is an Associate Director and Senior Lecturer at the Center for Language Education, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Her research interests are situated in exploring connections between leadership, GenAI and language education, particularly in driving innovative approaches to foster future-oriented learning environments in higher education.
Dr. Zoi Antonopoulou
Dr. Zoi Antonopoulou graduated with a scholarship from the English Department of the University of Athens and went on for an MA in English Studies at Queen Mary, University of London. She then completed a second undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology and a PhD in Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences. She teaches Business and Tourism terminology at the University of Piraeus. Her academic interests focus on English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, adult education and intercultural education.
Dr. Oluwasola B. Sasere
Dr. Oluwasola B. Sasere is Post Doctoral Fellow at North West University, South Africa. He holds a PhD in Education Management and Leadership.
His research Focuses are School Leaders’ Emotional Capacity, School Leadership and Micro- Politics, School Effectiveness, and Teacher Professional Development. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented papers at conferences.
Mr. O’Bai Conteh
Mr. O’Bai Conteh is a PhD Researcher in the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University, United Kingdom. O’bai is currently researching the topic, ‘Gender and other inequalities in secondary education in post-conflict Sierra Leone: exploring the experiences and outcomes of girls in schools’. He is interested in promoting gender equality in education, especially secondary education.
Ms. Andrea Petrus
Ms. Andrea Petrus graduated in Advertising and Public Relations and holds a masters in International Cooperation and Cultural Management. Her professional background involves the coordination of interdisciplinary projects related to Roma culture heritage, including events and art exhibitions. She currently works as Project Manager at IN2 coordinating EU-funded projects related to sustainability and education.
Mr. Avraam Sachpatzidis
Mr. Avraam Sachpatzidis is an active ICT Professor in Greece. He has experience in Adult Education more than 17 years.
He holds a Master of Education Degree in “Gender Studies and Information Technology” from the University of the Aegean and a second Master of Science Degree in “e-business and Digital Marketing” from the University of Western Macedonia.
His PhD thesis at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is in progress with the title ” Audio Visual Creation and Cultural Communication with the Use of New Technologies in Education”
He has published articles in Greek and international journals, presented papers in international conferences and he is a former Badminton Europe Umpire.
His research interests are Education, Adult Education, Technical Education, New Technologies in Education, Visual Literacy, e-commerce, e-business, and Digital Marketing. He is at the moment the Director of Second Chance School in Naousa, Greece.
Dr. Ayman Massouti
Assistant Professor of Education Studies at the department of Education, College of Arts & Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates
Topic: Inclusive Leadership in Schools.
Dr. Ayman Massouti is an Assistant Professor of Education Studies at the department of Education and the Program Coordinator for the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program. He teaches courses in both the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and the Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching program. He possesses skills in qualitative research administration and management, public speaking, student engagement, and inclusive teaching.
Dr. Ayman research interests include teacher education, inclusive education policy, and leadership practices. He is a friendly individual who possesses capacity to inspire and engage people in his social circles such as educational settings and beyond. He practices an inclusive mindset and seeks to create with his learners and the people he works with an environment where all people feel valued, welcomed, and supported. Dr. Ayman believes that inclusive educators must be aware of their crucial agency in bringing about change in the life of all learners and as such, educators need to present the highest level of ethical and professional standards åin teaching and learning. Dr. Ayman’s top accomplishments to date include working on research projects with renowned scholars in the field of curriculum studies and policy makers in Canada. He is a Fellow of Higher Education Academy in the UK.
Before joining ADU, Dr. Ayman taught in the teacher education program at Western University in Canada and served as a Research Assistant for various education research projects conducted by Western University and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association that pertain to leadership in schools, learning online during COVID-19, language assessment practices in hiring practices, and educational program development and evaluation in K-12 settings.
Dr. Jan Green
Associate Researcher, School of Business, University of Gibraltar
Topic: Enhancing the trajectory of student dissertations: a single case design
Dr Jan Green is currently an Associate Researcher within the School of Business at the University of Gibraltar. Her main role for the University is research supervision for post-graduate MBA and MA Leadership students when undertaking capstone projects. Additionally, she was module leader for Strategic Decision Making, Leadership & Change Management and International Business. In previous roles she has won Lecturer of the Year awards linked to her teaching and supervisory practice expertise which is endorsed by students and their subsequent success. She is passionate about executive education.
In addition, Dr Green is a freelance member of the doctoral supervision team at the University of Central Lancashire and teaches aspects of research methods to international cohorts of students.
She has successfully completed Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to implement strategic change and has delivered her research findings at a number of academic conferences including the British Academy of Management. Retaining practitioner interests, she has also been invited to speak at the Chartered Management Institute, International Women’s Day and the Gibraltar Federation of Small Businesses. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Dr Green’s research interests are based on the concept of success, identifying and proposing solutions to problems in both the business and higher education arenas. She is a director of a successful renewable energy organization.
When teaching, her work is both energetic, interactive and professional which is based on theory into practice techniques and effectively encourages individual students to gain individual insights into the relevance and value of academic models. She utilises instructional conversations during supervision sessions prior to ensuring students identify personal tasks and goals that should be undertaken in order to maintain sufficient progress prior to a timely completion and submission, which complies with the module specification and demonstrates her ability to effectively utilise applied research.
Dr. Shalaka Sharad Shah
Dr. Shalaka Sharad Shah, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology, is a Master of Counselling Psychology and Psychology of Excellence in Business & Education. She is a licensed KODE® & SCA® competence trainer approved by Steinbeis University, Berlin. Her primary research interests lie in work-life interface, competence development in organizations, leadership, whereas socio-emotional learning, migration studies and pedagogical methods are her secondary research interests.
Dr. Shivakumar Jolad
Dr. Shivakumar Jolad works as Associate Professor of Public Policy at FLAME University, Pune, India. His primary interest are in social policies focused on Education, Health, and Human Development. His recent work includes assessing the impact of COVID-19 on unorganized sector workers, food security and psychological distress of migrant workers, and tracing the migration and urbanization history of metropolitan cities in India. Jolad has a Ph.D. in Physics and a doctoral minor in Demography from Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA. Prior to joining FLAME, he taught at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, India.
Dr. JoAnna Roberto
Dr. JoAnna Roberto, director of education, Grand Erie District School Board. She has a B.A., an M.S.Ed. and Ph.D. Leadership and Policy. She worked for the Ministry of Education, District School Board Niagara as a teacher; vice-principal; principal; and superintendent. JoAnna is responsible for strategic direction, board improvement and governance.
Ms. Carmen Lau
Ms. Carmen Lau has a Master’s Degree in Translation. She is a researcher at The Chinese University of Hong Kong with research interests in teaching innovations, blended learning, artificial intelligence, and school leadership. She has been actively engaged in designing and implementing innovative pedagogy and technology in various educational settings.
Assoc. Prof. Gina Aurora Necula
Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, Romani
Keynote Speaker
Topic: Remote and Online Skills Readjusted to the Onsite Teaching and Learning Activity – Changing Perspectives of Students and Teachers
Professor Zeynep Kızıltepe (PhD)
We can Boğaziçi University, Faculty of Education. Department of Educational Sciences.
Keynote Speaker
Topic: Understanding student motivation in face-to-face and online learning environments.
Dr. Melissa Comer
Tennessee Technological University, College of Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Keynote Speaker
Topic: Teaching, Learning, & Education: Lessons Learned-Some the Hard Way.
Dr. Ayman Massouti
Dr. Ayman Massouti is an Assistant Professor of Education Studies at Abu Dhabi University. He holds a PhD in Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. His research interests include teacher education for inclusion, education policy analysis, and inclusive leadership in schools and higher education.
Dr. Slaviša Radović
Dr. Slaviša Radović is an educational researcher in Adaptive Personalized Learning Environments (APLE II) project within D²L² research cluster at Fern University in Hagen, Germany. His interest encompasses different aspects of newly emerging technologies used in education, and the role of instructional design in supporting students reflection and self regulation during learning.
Prof. Elizabeth Mavhunga
Prof. Elizabeth Mavhunga is a rated researcher in science education at Wits University, South Africa. Her research explores teacher professional knowledge for teaching science using Digital Topic Specific Pedagogical Content knowledge (d-TSPCK). She is well published. For her research, she has been awarded two prestigious regional and national research awards.
Dr Hilda Freimuth
Dr Hilda Freimuth is an Assistant Teaching Professor on tenure-track in the English Language Learning and Teaching Department at Thompson Rivers University. She holds a B.A. in German, B.Ed., TESL Certificate, M.A. (TESOL), M.Ed. (TESL), and a Ph.D. in Education. She has taught English in many parts of the world.
Prof. Dr. Pedro Teixeira Pereira
Prof. Dr. Pedro Teixeira Pereira is an invited assistant Professor at the University of Porto. Experienced in teacher training at higher education level, tutoring young teachers through their pedagogical practice and masters’ dissertations. He was awarded a doctorate in Comparative History, Political and Social (A. U. Barcelona) and teaches Middle/Secondary History.
Ms. May Willyana
Ms. May Willyana is a master’s student at King’s College London, majoring in Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages. She is interested in English Language Teaching methodology,
especially blended learning. Recently, she was awarded a scholarship from the Indonesia
Endowment Fund for Education for her study at King’s.
Dr. Melissa Comer
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr. Alexandra Juster
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr. Viorelia Lungu
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr.Georgiana Ciobotaru
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Assoc. Prof. Gina Aurora Necula
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr. Andrei NASTAS
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Prof. Dr. Jana Luprichová
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr. Ľudmila Hurajová
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Prof.Dr Mirjana Lenček
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Dr. Zeynep Kiziltepe
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Mr. Ralph Bruzzese
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Mrs. Emiliana Pereira
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Mr. Pedro Miguel de Freitas Azevedo
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Ms. Cretu Liliana
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Also, she is a Ph.D. student at Tiraspol State University.
Mr. Sultan Samah A Alenezi
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Mrs. Lamya Alfadhel
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Ms. Gabriela Chmelíková
HIGHLIGHTED SPEAKER
Mr. Orges Cico