U21 Educational Innovation Symposium – Speaker, Panelist and Facilitator Biographies

Dr. Simon Buckingham Shum

Dr. Buckingham Shum is a Professor of Learning Informatics at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he also serves as Director of the Connected Intelligence Centre. Working in close partnership with faculties using human-centred design methods, his team pilots, evaluates and scales data-driven web apps to provide personalised feedback, used to date by more than 35,000 UTS students.

For more information about Dr. Buckingham Shum: https://simon.buckinghamshum.net/

Read Dr. Buckingham Shum’s U21 blog post relating to his keynote here.

Prof. Joaquín Guerra Achem (Vice-Rector, Educational Innovation and Academic Policy), Tecnológico de Monterrey

Joaquin is responsible for the implementation of innovational education initiatives in the teaching-learning process, educational technology in the teaching-learning process, and the support of educational innovation initiatives from faculty and schools. In addition, Joaquin is responsible for institutional academic policy, institutional effectiveness, and institutional external accreditation processes. Joaquin also oversees with the schools the design of the new educational models for graduate education.    

Abigail (Abby) Samuels

Abigail (Abby) was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrated to Canada with her family as a toddler. Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, Abby attributes her love of community and cultural diversity to her adolescence. Entering her fourth year of Life Sciences with a double minor in Psychology and Social Policy, Social Problems and the Law, Abby has enjoyed a variety of MSU services and clubs, earning her the nickname of “Miss Marauder” from loved ones. 

Abby is excited to continue the work of her predecessors as campus life returns to its former glory, as well as continuing an emphasis accessibility and equity such that McMaster students can enjoy their university experience to the fullest extent. Abby’s priorities for this year include the student housing crisis, improving transit, sustainability, and student wellness. Additionally, she is a firm believer in intersectional and culturally relevant operating policies, where leadership practices and advocacy points consider systemic barriers and inequalities. Abby is eager to work with identity-based services to amplify their voices and experiences for the benefit of all students.  

In her free time, Abby does professional photography and owns an Afrocentric beaded jewelry company. Through the influence of those closest to her, Abby has a growing interest in art and anthropology. She welcomes any suggestions of art exhibits or museums to visit. 

Jovan Popovic

Jovan, the President and CEO of the McMaster Students Union, is a fifth-year commerce student at McMaster University. Through his four years of university, Jovan spent much of his time writing for the McMaster Silhouette and hosting a radio show on 93.3 CFMU, while also holding the title of Co-President of the McMaster Sports Community. Outside of university affairs, Jovan took on entrepreneurship in the sports industry, while also working as an intern at True Gravity Baseball, a full-service agency in Toronto. Jovan spent six years as a member of Minister Filomena Tassi’s federal youth council.  

At McMaster, Jovan’s agenda includes the fostering of more community and belonging. His overarching goal as MSU president is to continue the post-pandemic recovery of campus life and enhance student engagement and the student experience on campus. 

Jim Lowe, Assistant Vice Provost, University of Connecticut; Chair of U21 Employability Group 

Prior to his current appointment as Assistant Vice-Provost for the Center for Career Development at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Dr. Lowe served as Assistant Dean at UConn’s School of Business. Before joining UConn, he held a variety of senior executive positions in the corporate sector. Lowe is a National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Board Member and serves as the U21 Employability chair. He also served on the NACE University Engagement Committee and was recently the chair of the EACE Pre-Conference Committee. Dr. Lowe earned his degree from Fairfield University, is a Certified Career Management Professional, and is certified in multiple assessment methodologies. 

Dr. Lehana Thabane

Dr. Lehana Thabane is a Vice President of Research at St Joseph’s Healthcare—Hamilton; Scientific Director of the Research Institute at St Joseph’s Healthcare; Professor of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster University. His international reputation has led him to be honored by many professional societies: He is an Elected Member of the International Statistical Institute, Fellow of the American Statistical Association, Fellow of the Society for Clinical Trials, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and Honorary Foreign Associate Member of the Academy of Science of South Africa. He is the President of the Society for Clinical Trials for 2022-2023. He is the recipient of the 2020 Anne & Neil McArthur Annual Research Award, and the 2022 Award for Impact of Applied and Collaborative Work from the Statistical Society of Canada. 

Dr. Thabane is the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Pilot and Feasibility Studies; and he is a member of the editorial board for many journals including Trials, and Clinical Trials. He has co-authored over 1000 peer-reviewed manuscripts leading to significant contributions and transformation of science, healthcare, and delivery of care in many clinical areas. Having mentored over 200 graduate students and junior faculty, Dr. Thabane has won several teaching and mentorship awards for his commitment to building capacity in health research and nurturing the next generation of researchers.  

Dr. Adrianne Lickers Xavier

Adrianne Lickers Xavier is an Assistant Professor in the Indigenous Studies and Anthropology Departments at McMaster University. Adrianne’s research and community work has focused on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Security as well as Community wellbeing. Her work in socio-cultural anthropology includes working with undergraduates to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous research and Adrianne’s pedagogical focus is student centred. Adrianne leads her classrooms by example; we are all learning and growing together. 

Will Hopwood, former student, University of Nottingham and U21 Global Student participant

Will is a former University of Nottingham student who undertook a number of U21 Global Student programmes in 2020/21 and went on to lead the student community groups that arose out of these programme. Will’s involvement in programmes with international peers inspired him to pursue a masters in Philosophy of Education at UCL’s Institute of Education and to seek a career in Higher Education. He currently works at the University of Nottingham and hopes to contribute towards increased accessibility for neurodiverse people getting into university. 

Dr. David Farrar, President, McMaster University

David Farrar joined McMaster in 2017 as Provost before assuming the role of President and Vice-Chancellor in 2019. 

A professor of chemistry, Dr. Farrar has served in senior leadership roles at some of Canada’s top research-intensive universities including as Provost and Interim President at the University of British Columbia, and as Vice-Provost, Students at the University of Toronto, where he was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry for twenty-six years. 

Since arriving at McMaster, Dr. Farrar has led a campus-wide strategic planning process and championed several important university priorities including Canada’s Global Nexus for Pandemics and Biological Threats, the reimagining of the university’s approach to virtual learning and the development of a wide range of initiatives that support and advance equity, diversity and inclusion at McMaster. 

Prof. Jenny Dixon, Provost, Universitas 21

Professor Jenny Dixon is Provost of Universitas 21. The Provost is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the network, working closely with Presidents/Vice-Chancellors and Senior Leaders. The overall mission of the network is to strengthen internationalisation and collaboration, sharing expertise and mutual understanding across diverse regions, cultures and traditions. Jenny leads the U21 Secretariat to deliver a distinctive portfolio of programmes which focuses on global education, learning and research collaboration. She is based in New Zealand and works with the Secretariat in Birmingham both remotely and in person for some parts of the year.

Dr. Susan Tighe, Provost, McMaster University

Dr. Susan Tighe, PhD, PEng, FCAE, FCSCE, FEIC, C.Dir., is Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and professor of civil engineering at McMaster University. She was appointed in July 2020. As Provost, Dr. Tighe has fostered collaboration and championed partnerships across McMaster, including oversight of the successful Black Cohort hiring; the launch of the Indigenous Studies Department; the recruitment and retention of top faculty; and successful decanal and senior academic leadership appointments.

Recognizing that innovations in teaching and learning are the foundation of university excellence, Dr. Tighe has also supported the development of McMaster’s first Teaching and Learning Strategy and digital learning strategic framework to enhance pedagogy, reduce barriers to education and prepare students for the future of work. Dr. Tighe continues to supervise graduate students at McMaster and has supervised more than 100 MASc, PhD and post-doctoral students.

Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh, Vice-Provost (International), McMaster University

Dr. Bonny Ibhawoh is the Vice-Provost (International Affairs) of McMaster University. He is Professor and the Senator William McMaster Chair in Global Human Rights at McMaster University. He currently serves as the Chair of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development in the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva. He is the founding Director of the McMaster Centre for Human Rights and Restorative Justice. With over 30 years of experience as human rights educator, policymaker, and practitioner, he has taught in Universities in Africa, Europe, the United States and Canada. He coordinates the Confronting Atrocity Project, a transnational study of post-conflict truth and reconciliation processes. He is also the Project Director of Participedia, a global research network on public participation and democratic innovations. Dr. Ibhawoh serves on the boards of several international human rights and development organizations. He was previously the Board Chair of Empowerment Squared. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. 

Dr. Kimberley Dej, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), McMaster University

With McMaster since 2004, Dr. Dej holds a PhD in biology from Johns Hopkins University. She’s a renowned educator and has won numerous awards. Dr. Dej has taught in the Life Science program and courses in Genetics, Cell Biology, Research Methods, Community Engagement, and the McMaster Discovery Program. She leads the Intersession Learning Initiative and is involved with the McMaster Children and Youth University. She’s engaged in pedagogical research focusing on interdisciplinary programming, community-engaged teaching and learning and in interdisciplinary curriculum development, reflexive learning practices, and peer-mentorship opportunities for undergraduate students with emphasis on equity and belonging in all curricula. 

Prof. Ann Kristin (Anki) Wallengren, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education & Culture, Lund University

Professor Wallengren is Pro Vice-Chancellor for education and culture at Lund University. In this work, she focuses primarily on pedagogical developments and the integration of art and culture in education.

Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith

Moira Fischbacher-Smith is Professor of Public Management and Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching) at the University of Glasgow. She leads the University’s strategy and policy development for learning and teaching, has responsibility for teaching quality, and works with colleagues across the University to support student and staff development in relation to teaching and learning. Moira was on the Project Board that developed the James McCune Smith Learning Hub on the University’s main campus and leads the work on refurbishing teaching spaces on campus.

Professor Wang Ying, Principal of the College of International Education, Fudan University

Prof. Wang Ying formerly served for 14 years as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Fudan University. In this position, she has led the effort to oversee undergraduate programs, coordinate instructional affairs, and promote academic success for all undergraduate students. Along with enhancing the core curriculum and growing opportunities for undergraduate research and international experiences, Prof. Wang has been at the forefront of advancing institute-wide initiatives in teaching and learning, and encouraging pedagogical innovation projects that improve classroom experiences for students.

Professor Wei Lin, Director of Academic Affairs Division, Fudan University

Dr. Yu Chen, Associate Director in the Sub-Center of Faculty Development in International Cultural Exchange School, Fudan University

Dr. Yu Chen works under the guidance of the university’s faculty development center to carry out relevant training for faculty professional development, provide consultation for instructors’ teaching design in the specific majors, and provide services for instructors’ teaching innovations and reforms.

Dr. Kui Su, Dean of International Students Office, Fudan University

Dr. Kui Su is the Dean of International Students Office, Fudan University, China. She obtained her PhD in Art at Wuhan University of Technology. From 2007 to 2009, she was a visiting scholar at Monash University, Australia. She won the Second Prize of National Teaching Achievements in high education, China.

Dr. Su is interested in applying design thinking methodology to facilitate innovation, particularly in the area of hospitality and working space. Currently, her interest extends to Nano Art and Design.

Dr. Florian Knothe, Museum Director, Hong Kong University

Dr. Florian Knothe is the Director of the University Museum and Art Gallery (UMAG) at the University of Hong Kong, and the founding director of the university’s Museum Studies program.  A scholar of European and cross-cultural art of the early modern period, he worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Corning Museum of Glass prior to moving to Asia in 2013.

Florian studied conservation and art history and is particularly interested in object-based teaching. He has focused classes, museum exhibitions and public programs on art materials and techniques and envisions applying this teaching methodology across the U21 network.

Professor Pauline Chiu, Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning), Hong Kong University

Pauline obtained her BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in chemistry from the University of Toronto, Canada. After postdoctoral work at Columbia University, NY, she joined the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and became Professor in organic chemistry in 2011. She is presently an Associate Editor of Organic Letters of the American Chemical Society, and a Member of the Board of Editors of Organic Syntheses.  Currently, she is the Associate Vice-President (Teaching & Learning) at HKU overseeing the Bachelor of Arts and Science programmes, and working with the Vice-President to further effective university teaching practices and improve the student learning experience.

Mrs. Anneleen Cosemans, Director, Teaching and Learning, KU Leuven

Amongst other responsibilities, one of Anneleen’s main occupations in the last five years was the setup of a university-wide network, KU Leuven Learning Lab, focused on educational innovation. Instead of being a single unit or teaching and learning center, KU Leuven Learning Lab is a network tied together by a shared concern for strong education. It unites educational expertise within faculties and services and is a university-wide, locally embedded contact point for all staff members who want to optimise their teaching practices.

Ms. Karin Annebäck, Mediation and Public Engagement Coordinator, Lund University

Karin Annebäck is Mediation and public engagement coordinator at Skissernas Museum – Museum of Artistic Process and Public Art at Lund University. Among other things, she works to make the museum’s art collections accessible as a resource for education and research, not least through object-based learning methods.

Miss Isabelle Nilsson, U21 Officer and International Coordinator, Lund University

Isabelle Nilsson works as an International Coordinator for Lund University where her role relates to student engagement, student communication, internationalisation at home, virtual exchange, and inclusive internationalisation. Besides being the U21 Officer at Lund University she is also involved in other international projects such as the European Universities Initiative EUGLOH.

Dr. Martin Blom, Vice Dean, Lund University

Dr. Martin Blom is Vice Dean at Lund University School of Economics and Management with special responsibility for education and international affairs. He is also an Associate Professor in Strategic Management at the same school.

Dr. Amira El Masri, Director, Office of International Affairs, McMaster University

Dr. El Masri is the Director of the Office of International Affairs which coordinates, facilitates, and communicates international engagement initiatives and activities at McMaster University.

Dr. Lori Goff, Director, MacPherson Institute, McMaster University

Ms. Yueh Siang Chang, Associate Director (Faculty and Communities Engagement), National University of Singapore

Siang is Associate Director of Faculty and Communities Engagement, as well as a Curator at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Museum. She also holds an adjunct appointment as lecturer at the NUS College.

Yuen Jien Soo, Director, NUS CDTL, National University of Singapore

Yuen Jien is the Director of Center of Development for Teaching (CDTL) and Learning at National University of Singapore (NUS). CDTL focuses on staff development in teaching and learning and plays an advisory role in education policy/initiative at NUS.

Ms. Mary Warneka, Associate Director (Learning Experience), University of Maryland, College Park

With over 24 years experience in education, nonprofit and federal agencies, Mary’s design philosophy centers on a constructivist, learner-centered approach, while maintaining a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In her role as Associate Director of Learning Experience in the Teaching Center, she leads a team of instructional designers and faculty coaches to provide innovative, scalable, and equitable learning services. Her expertise extends from in-person, blended and HyFlex to online learning at the University of Maryland.

B.A. International Studies, University of Dayton, 1996
M.A. Conflict Resolution Education, American University, 1999
Ed.D. Instructional Technology, Towson University, expected 2025

Ms. Amber Bartlett, Education and Student Experience Manager, Universitas 21

Amber is responsible for the delivery of U21’s Student Experience and Education strategy including delivery of U21 Global Student activities. She has oversight of all U21 Student Experience and Education Groups and works closely with the Educational Innovation and Student Experience Chairs to ensure delivery against U21 objectives. Amber joined the network in June 2020 having completed the University of Birmingham’s 2-year Graduate Management Training Scheme and previously having worked at the University of Bristol, from which she is an alumnus, in Student Experience and International roles.

Ms. Lei Zhang, Research Assistant, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Ms. Lei Zhang has been working in the Office of Strategic Planning at SJTU since 2012. Her current job duties include higher education research and institutional analysis, Academic Committee services, data governance, etc. Her current research interests focus on the comparative study of innovative universities and the ongoing transformation of world-leading universities. In the U21 family, she is a member of the Data Sharing Supporting Strategy Collaborative Group and the Learning Analytics Group.

Mrs. Yang Song, Director of Data Statistics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Professor Fernando Purcell, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Universidad Católica de Chile

Fernando Purcell is Vice President of Academic Affairs at UC Chile. He is in charge of supervising a broad scope of academic matters with the help of a team comprised of faculty and professionals. Curriculum development, teaching innovation, inclusion and diversity are some of the aspects he runs from his office at the University.

Ms. Aine Galvin, Director, UCD Teaching and Learning, University College Dublin

Aine Galvin is Director of UCD Teaching and Learning. The mission of this central support function is to foster a culture of continuous enhancement of teaching and learning – supporting staff to deliver inclusive, innovative and research-informed teaching that leads to engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students.  In her capacity as Director, she leads a team of faculty and professional staff engaged in delivering professional development to those who teach, educational innovation initiatives, awards and grants schemes, and scholarship of teaching and learning. She also contributes to the development of policies and practices that enhance the UCD learning environment.

Professor Michael Grove, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education Policy and Academic Standards), University of Birmingham

The Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education Policy and Academic Standards provides strategic leadership in higher education policy, and in ensuring excellent education standards across the University of Birmingham’s diverse student community and broad curriculum portfolio. They focus on the University’s response to and engagement with higher education policy and regulation, and have a specific remit for student access and participation, education standards and awarding gaps, lifelong learning, and graduate outcomes. They also support the development of new internal education policy guidelines for assessment and feedback, and measures of teaching excellence and learning gain.

Professor Jonathan Green, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Birmingham

Professor Jonathan Green leads on quality assurance, programme approval, annual programme review as well as apprenticeship provision and also programme development and education at the Dubai campus.

Ms. Sarah King, Assistant Director, Teaching and Learning Development, University of Birmingham

Sarah leads the Academic Development team within the Higher Education Futures institute at the University of Birmingham. Her team is responsible for supporting the enhancement of teaching and supporting learning practice within the University. Sarah is Co-Chair of the U21 Senior Academic Developers group and sits on the EI Steering Group.

Dr. Sarah Croucher, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, University of Connecticut

Sarah Croucher is the accreditation liaison officer for the University of Connecticut, responsible for ensuring the institution meets the standards of our regional accreditor. She is also a member of the core leadership team for Life Transformative Education initiative, where we work toward ensuring all undergraduate education supports students in developing identity, agency, and purpose. She also engaged in work to improve the use of student success data in the Office of the Provost.

Dr. Peter Diplock, Associate Vice Provost, University of Connecticut

Peter provides unit-wide leadership for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at UConn, and is responsible for areas of academic innovation and elevating student learning outcomes across UConn’s five campuses. He provides thought leadership for the University’s online initiatives and new academic program development, teaching and learning initiatives including equity-minded and inclusive teaching, summer and winter programs, Pre-College and Early College Experience programs, Academic Program Assessment, and Continuing and Professional Education. Born in Toronto, he is particularly excited that U21 is being hosted by McMaster University!

Dr. Jack Aitken, Director of Academic Services, University of Glasgow

Dr. Jack Aitken is Director of Academic Services at the University of Glasgow.  He has responsibility for teams supporting academic and student learning development, academic policy, collaborations, learning & teaching strategy delivery and those managing processes for student records, exams, graduation, financial support immigration compliance and microcredential provision.

Professor Maureen Bain, Dean L&T, College of MVLS, University of Glasgow

Professor Maureen Bain is the Dean for Learning and Teaching in the  College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Maureen has over 30 years experience of working in the UK higher education sector and is currently co-leading the Universities Learning and Teaching Strategy Transforming Curricula Workstream.

Associate Professor Jacqueline Batchelor, Vice Dean, Teaching and Learning, University of Johannesburg

Jacqueline Batchelor is the Vice Dean of Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg. She is an Associate Professor in Digital Learning with research interests in teacher education, learning design, and learning analytics.

Dr. Marcio A. Oliveira, Assistant Vice President & Clinical Professor, University of Maryland

Professor Chi Baik, Professor in Higher Education, University of Melbourne

Professor in Higher Education and Deputy Director of the Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education where she leads a program of research exploring factors influencing the educational experiences and outcomes of students from diverse backgrounds in higher education. Chi also coordinates the CSHE’s suite of professional development programs in teaching and learning for academic staff.

Professor Gregor Kennedy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Melbourne

Dr. Cecelia Goria, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham

Cecilia Goria is Associate Professor in the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies. She holds the role of Digital Learning Director for the Faculty of Arts and the role of Director of the Language Centre. She has years of experience in digital teaching and learning especially in the areas of distance and online education. Cecilia has extensive experience in staff professional development through teacher training and support programmes. Her research interests are in the areas of design, principles and practice of open and active learning, participatory pedagogies in online, blended and hybrid teaching, and authentic assessment in higher education.

Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), University of Sydney

Professor Joanne Wright is responsible for the University’s strategy around teaching, learning and students’ educational experience. She oversees institution-wide development of better support for student learning and the student experience, including our approach to student support, curriculum renewal, new thinking in pedagogy, learning and teaching analytics, face-to-face, online and blended learning, and quality assurance.

Dr. Thomas Hidber, Head of Educational Development, University of Zurich

Thomas Hidber joined UZH in 2007 as Head of Academic Programme Development. Since August 2022 he has headed the then newly created Educational Development Department. He is also a Senior Policy Advisor to the Vice President Education and Student Affairs.

Professor Junko Hamanaka, Director of the Center for Higher Education and Institutional Research, Waseda University

Junko Hamanaka is a professor in the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University in Japan. She majored in sociology of Education at the University of Tokyo and got her Ph.D. (Education) in 2007. She is also an Associate Director of Center for Higher Education Studies (CHES) at Waseda University, and a board member of the Japan Society for Educational Sociology (JSES) and the Japanese Associate of Higher Education Research (JAHER). Her current research interest is to clarify the learning behavior of Japanese university students.

Professor Aya Yoshida, Director of the Center for Higher Education and Institutional Research, Waseda University

Aya Yoshida is a Professor in the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences, Waseda University in Japan. Her field of research is Sociology of Education. She earned her Ph.D. in Education at the University of Tokyo. Now she works as a Director of the Center for Higher Education and Institutional Research at the Center for Higher Education Studies at Waseda University. Aside from those contributions she also serves as a member of the Science Council of Japan, a Councilor of the National Institute for Educational Policy Research, a member of National University Corporation Evaluation Committee, etc.

Professor Yusuke Morita, Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology, Waseda University

Yusuke Morita is a professor in the Faculty of Human Sciences at Waseda University in Japan. He majored in Educational Technology at Tokyo Institute of Technology, and got his Ph.D. (EduTech) in 1999. He is also a Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT), and Vice Project Director of the Waseda DX project, MOOCs project at Waseda University. Yusuke was a visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2014-2015. He is an executive board member and an editorial board member of the Japan Society of Educational Technology (JSET), and an executive board member of the Japan Society of Science Education (JSSE).