Faculty Research and Teaching Scholarship

Title: Team Cohesion Revisited: A Quantitative Synthesis of Antecedents and Correlates – Conference Presentation

Applicant: Vias Nicolaides

This proposal is for attending a major international conference to present the manuscript “Team Cohesion Revisited: A Quantitative Synthesis of Antecedents and Correlates.” This project provides a rigorous meta-analysis of team cohesion, clarifying its key antecedents, correlates, and boundary conditions. The findings have the potential to advance theory, inform future research, and guide practical approaches to team design. The research will be presented at the 2026 Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana (April 29 – May 2, 2026) and/or the 2026 Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention in Barcelona, Spain (May 28 – 30, 2026). These activities will provide opportunities to disseminate research to a broad scholarly audience, engage in critical feedback and scholarly exchange, and cultivate collaborative partnerships with peers and potential collaborators from around the world. Participation in these conferences will enhance the applicant’s academic profile, foster new research collaborations and publications, and strengthen professional networks that showcase Mason Korea’s research presence on an international stage. Participation in these leading international conferences will strengthen teaching and academic contributions at Mason Korea by providing exposure to cutting-edge research, innovative pedagogical practices, and diverse scholarly perspectives, particularly enhancing such as Organizational Behavior and Consumer Behavior.

 

Title: New Directions in Human Rights History – Panel Presentation

Applicant: Felix A. Jiménez Botta

This proposal supports attendance at the American Historical Association’s 2026 General Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. At the conference, I will participate in a penal titled “New Directions in Human Rights History,” bringing together scholars with recent and forthcoming books on human rights politics, social movements, and memory studies in Europe and Latin America. The panel will explore how grassroots advocacy movements operating transnationally complicate and expand existing human rights historiography beyond elite-centered narratives. In addition to the panel discussion, I will promote my recently published book through a book-signing event in partnership with Cambridge University Press and reconnect with scholars met at previous meetings to establish research collaborations for an upcoming project, “Human Rights after 1989.” Attendance at the conference also includes engagement with sessions that emphasize the latest historiographical and pedagogical approaches, such as teaching environmental history (AHA Session 86, Teaching History in the Anthropocene), teaching imperial history (AHA Session 80, The Problem of Teaching Imperial History: Lessons from Different Empires), and embedding podcasts in the classroom (AHA Session 108: They Don’t Read—Can They Listen? Using Podcasts in the History Classroom).

 

Title: From Crisis to Resilience: How Reframing the Civil Society Concept Can Help Ease the Impact of Rising Authoritarianism

Applicant: Malkhaz Saldadze

In the context of systemic value transformations in contemporary post-Soviet societies, the evolution of social and cultural phenomena is driven by significant ongoing shifts within broader social, economic, and political systems. These systems fluctuate between extremes of openness or closedness to societal diversity, and between state-centered control and varying degrees of institutional fragmentation. The emergence of new forms of civil public activity within globalized cultural networks that influence and shape local contexts has altered how societal structures define civility and the public engagement. This research aims to understand the development of civil society in post-Soviet contexts, specifically in Georgia, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, within a broader global landscape that increasingly challenges the once-dominant liberal framework for interpreting state-society relationships. This methodology draws on a critical analysis of theoretical approaches that frame contemporary discussions of civil society in post-Soviet settings, coupled with a socio-philosophical reflection on the current stage of civil society development amid growing tensions surrounding the traditional understanding and role of democracy worldwide. The scientific novelty of the study is grounded in three key contributions: the use the axiological approach to conceptualize current civil society phenomena; a comparative analysis between a universalistic model of historical development and a contextual model that emphasizes the integration of civil society forms into distinct local political, social, and historical frameworks; and a critical engagement with the paradox of globalization as manifested in the erosion of faith in democracy and global civil society, juxtaposing local experiences of mobilization and resilience against rising authoritarian pressures.

 

Title: Book Chapter - Mothering in a Strange Land: Travel and Uncertainty Management

Applicant: Lynnette G. Leonard

This project explores the challenges that arise when the uncertainty I once managed as an expatriate expanded to include the added responsibilities of parenthood and health-related events while my family and I lived in three different countries, Bulgaria, the United States, and South Korea, without access to traditional social support networks and relying heavily on Facebook groups to navigate multiple layers of uncertainty. Uncertainty Management Theory (Brashers, 2001; Brashers, Goldsmith, & Hsieh, 2002; Brashers, Neidig, Russell, Cardillo, Haas, Dobbs, Garland, McCartney, & Nemeth, 2003) provides the conceptual framework for understanding this experience, as it emphasizes how individuals assign meaning to uncertainty without inherently judging it as positive or negative. In this context, uncertainty in illness is defined by Mishel (1990) as “the inability to determine the meaning of illness-related events,” occurring when individuals cannot assign definite values to situations or accurately predict outcomes due to a lack of sufficient cues. Both positive and negative evaluations of uncertainty shape how individuals choose to maintain or reduce it. This project also considers how cultural values and biases in medicine and Western societies, which frequently prioritize certainty, coherence, and order, interact with situations in which uncertainty may be preferred or adaptive for the individual. Culture values and bias in medicine and western culture that generally favor certainty, coherence, and order is considered and extended to include times when uncertainty is preferred by the patient. This theory allows for growth and incorporating lessons learned from one situation into the inference process of future situation. Brashers further extends this theory by grounding the decisions within communication processes.

 

Title: Presenting at DiscourseNet Winter School #9 – Transformative Discourse Studies. Social and Political Struggle in a Polarized World

Applicant: Rod Rothwell

This project supports an opportunity to attend and present at DiscourseNet Winter School 9 at Valencia University in Spain, an intensive training program that brings together current Master’s and PhD students for a focused deep dive into Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), a central methodological framework of my doctoral research. At the Winter School, my research paper will be reviewed by scholars who also employ CDA, and I will contribute by engaging with and critiquing the work of others in the program. This opportunity is highly relevant to my current research, professional development, and Mason Korea’s development. My doctoral research investigates how Freirean pedagogy and sustainability education within business studies can foster critical transformation in Neoliberal Universities. Advanced skills in CDA are essential for unpacking institutional texts such as learning objectives, promotion guidelines, syllabi, and textbooks, to identify the underlying ideological throughlines that connect them. The Winter School offers an intensive environment in which this methodology is taught, critiqued, and applied within a community of CDA focused scholars. It also connects participants with senior discourse researchers, creating opportunities for mentorship, research collaboration, and future publication pathways. These networks and experience will strengthen both my scholarly trajectory and Mason Korea’s visibility in critical pedagogy and discourse studies.

 

Title: Estimating the Impact of PM2.5 on solar Power with Machine Learning: Evidence from South Korea

Applicant: Moon Joon Kim

Air pollution remains a major obstacle to the effectiveness of renewable energy systems. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)—microscopic particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers—scatters and absorbs sunlight, reducing the solar radiation that reaches photovoltaic (PV) panels and lowering electricity output (Li et al., 2017; Bergin et al., 2017). This process, often referred to as aerosol dimming, directly undermines the reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar energy production. South Korea provides an important case study: although the country is rapidly expanding solar capacity under its Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, it continues to experience severe air pollution, with PM2.5 levels far exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline (WHO, 2021; IEA, 2023). This combination of high pollution and ambitious renewable energy goals creates a pressing need to understand how air quality constrains solar power performance. While existing research confirms that particulate pollution reduces solar irradiance, most studies rely on conventional linear models that may not capture the complex and nonlinear relationships among pollution, weather conditions, and solar output (Son et al., 2020; Bessa et al., 2021). As a result, these models often underestimate the true magnitude of the effect. This project, “Estimating the Impact of PM2.5 on Solar Power with Machine Learning: Evidence from South Korea,” applies Double/Debiased Machine Learning (DDML) (Chernozhukov et al., 2018) to estimate the causal impact of PM2.5 on solar generation while accounting for high-dimensional environmental factors. Preliminary findings (Kim & Moon, 2025) indicate that a 10% increase in PM2.5 leads to roughly a 4.4% reduction in solar generation—an effect size nearly ten times greater than conventional estimates. By integrating environmental economics with advanced machine learning, this study offers a novel and policy-relevant framework for understanding the intersection of air pollution and renewable energy performance. The findings will inform cleaner air and energy policies and support Mason Korea’s mission of innovation, social impact, and global engagement.

 

Title: “Narrating War: Nationalist Historiography and the Yongsan War Memorial. (Tentative)_paper presentation

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh

This proposal is for a support to attend the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Conference, which will be held in Vancouver from March 12 to March 15. My research paper, “Narrating War: Nationalist Historiography and the Yongsan War Memorial,” has been selected for presentation as part of the panel titled “Guns and Butter: The Legacies of Militarism in South Korean Society and Culture.” The panel focuses on how militarism in South Korea has manifested across diverse domains, including urban space, media, and memorial culture. My presentation examines the Yongsan War Memorial analyzing how it reflects and reproduces a historiography centered on nationalist militarism. Specifically, I argue that the memorial constructs a historical narrative the interprets disparate conflicts across different periods within a unifying framework of South Korea’s self-defense. Through am analysis of the museum’s spatial layout, symbolic imagery, and textual representations, I demonstrate how it appropriates longstanding nationalist tropes, such as glorification of armed resistance and the portrayal of Korea as a perennial victim of external aggressions, and how the museum fused them with a Cold War framework that casts the Korean War as the culmination of a historical continuum of struggle. In doing so, it selectively highlights the heroic narratives of military valor and patriotic unity while downplaying or omitting more complex and contentious aspects of modern Korean history, such as civilian suffering, authoritarian violence, and postwar U.S.-ROK military entanglement. Engaging with theories of public memory and historiographical practice, this paper situates the Yongsan War Memorial within broader processes of nation-building in postcolonial and post-authoritarian South Korea. By doing so, it contributes to ongoing scholarly discussions about the role of museums in shaping historical meaning and the ways in which such institutions mediate between state narratives and collective memory.

 

Title: Korean Memories Project Research/Oral History Association (OHA) Conference

Applicant: Alice Wrigglesworth

This proposal is for a support for presenting research from the Korean Memories Project at the Oral History Association Conference, to be held in October 2026 in Portland, Oregon. Depending on the conference call for papers, I plan to present either our Korean Oral History Interview Toolkit or our recent analysis of AI translation tool efficacy and accuracy in Korean-to-English oral history transcription. The Korean Memories Project is a collaborative research initiative conducted with Mason Korea faculty, Dr. Lynnette Leonard and Dr. Hyunjin Deborah Kwak. During the project’s pilot phase, we developed a standardized Korean Oral History Interview Toolkit and successfully completed 50 interviews with Korean citizens aged 80 and above, documenting firsthand experiences of transformative periods in Korean history. Building on this foundation, our current research focuses on the systematic evaluation of AI translation tools for oral history work. Specifically, our team is testing GPT-4.5, Papago, and Gemini to assess their performance in translating Korean oral history interviews into English, with particular attention to accuracy, contextual nuance, and cultural specificity. This research addresses a critical methodological challenge in cross-cultural oral history scholarship and carries significant implications for multilingual historical documentation projects. By assessing the strengths and limitations of emerging AI tools, we aim to contribute practical guidelines for scholars conducting oral history research across linguistic boundaries.

 

Title: Presenting a Paper at the Sixth International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Optimization (NAO-VI 2026)

Applicant: Auwal Bala Abubakar

This proposal seeks support to attend the Sixth International Conference on Numerical Analysis and Optimization (NAO-VI 2026), to be held at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Muscat, Oman. NAO-VI 2026 is a triannual international forum that brings together researchers and academics in numerical analysis and optimization. I have been invited to present the research paper titled “Derivative-free projection CG-based algorithm with restart strategy for solving convex constrained nonlinear monotone equations and its application to logistic regression.” Optimization plays a central role in mathematical modeling, data science, and engineering, particularly for problems involving large-scale, nonlinear, or nondifferentiable structures. Many real-world systems, from machine learning models to industrial design and resource allocation, can be formulated as convex-constrained nonlinear monotone equations. Efficiently solving such equations remains a significant challenge due to the computational cost and potential instability of derivative-based algorithms. This paper addresses these challenges by developing a derivative-free projection conjugate gradient (CG)-based algorithm with a restart strategy. The proposed method enhances computational robustness, reduces iteration complexity, and ensures convergence when traditional gradient-based methods are infeasible. Its application to logistic regression demonstrates practical validation in a machine learning context, where derivative-free approaches are especially valuable for high-dimensional or noisy data.

 

Title: Reimagining the Republic: Early American Women Writers and National Monuments (book) and Mapping More (Than) Monuments (website) 

Applicant: Melissa Lingle-Martin

This ongoing project complements both book and digital humanities initiatives and addresses the questions: “How do the textual interventions of early American women writers expand our understanding of commemorative culture in early-and nineteenth-century America and today?” Contemporary debates about monuments and commemorative practices, often fraught and sometimes violent, underscore the relevance of this inquiry, as societies wrestle with the meaning, preservation, and contestation of sites of memory and propaganda. The project analyzes the written interventions of several eighteenth-and nineteenth-century American women writers within the commemorative culture and public art of their times. Specifically, it analyzes how Phillis Wheatley Peters, Catharine Maria Sedgwick, Harriet Anne Jacobs, Lydia Maria Child, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and their contemporaries employ ekphrasis (verbal representation of visual representation), iconoclasm, and irony to challenge dominant modes of seeing, remembering, and structuring society. By foregrounding these textual strategies, the project deepens our understanding of early American women’s writing and its engagement with public life, highlighting the pedagogical and interpretive functions of intermedial texts. Moreover, it situates these historical interventions in dialogue with contemporary discussions about monuments and commemoration, offering insights that are both historically grounded and urgently relevant today.

 

Title: Participation for International Conference in China Summer of 2026 (Organized by the Society of Korea and China Humanities (한중인문학회)

Applicant: Yingji Jin

The core presentation at the conference will focus on a Comparative Analysis of Chinese and Korean Translations of Ocean Vuong’s Night Sky With Exit Wounds, building on my long-term research in Sino-Korean literary translation. The translation of English and American literature into Chinese and Korean involves rich linguistic and cultural nuances. Scholars often debate translation “quality,” drawing on theoretical frameworks such as Nida’s “functional equivalence,” the Chinese classical principles of “信、达、雅 (Faithfulness, Expressiveness, Elegance),” and Venuti’s “domestication/foreignization” provide frameworks to evaluate how translators balance linguistic fidelity and cultural resonance. This research is particularly valuable because poetry and lyrical prose often reveal significant differences in translation, highlighting subtle choices that shape meaning across languages. The conference will provide an opportunity to engage with leading Sino-Korean translation scholars, refine my comparative approach, and address gaps in current research on how cultural backgrounds influence translator decisions for contemporary English literature. Additionally, the insights gained can inform pedagogical strategies, helping me guide students toward more elegant and nuanced expression in translation. The presentation and subsequent research will focus on three dimensions: 1) linguistic dimension, examining how Chinese and Korean translators handle key elements of the original English text to maintain textual integrity, 2) cultural dimension, exploring how domestication and foreignization strategies affect the cultural resonance of the translations for target-language readers, 3) AI translation reference, comparing human translations with AI-generated versions of selected excerpts to evaluate whether AI tools can effectively capture the novel’s emotional depth and cultural subtleties. 

 

Title: Modeling Fluid Neighborhood Boundaries: Integrating Green Infrastructure and Environmental Justice on the N-Minute City

Applicant: Dakota McCarty

Urban neighborhoods have traditionally been defined by administrative boundaries, yet residents experience their neighborhoods through lived patterns of movement, access to services, and connections to green spaces. As cities worldwide adopt concepts such as the 15-minute city (Moreno et al., 2021; Pozoukidou & Chatziyiannaki, 2021), fundamental questions arise: How can neighborhood boundaries be defined to reflect actual human experience, and how can these definitions promote environmental sustainability and equitable access to nature? This research addresses critical gaps in urban planning by developing methods to model "fluid neighborhood boundaries", dynamic spatial definitions that integrate accessibility to both urban services and green infrastructure. This approach is particularly urgent given rapid changes in mobility patterns, demographic shifts such as aging populations (Weng et al., 2019), and the climate imperative to design sustainable, nature-integrated neighborhoods. Building on my recently awarded B15M grant, which examines the N-minute city across South Korea and Northern Europe, this project focuses on computational methods to define neighborhood boundaries that prioritize environmental sustainability. The significance of this work spans three domains: 1) theoretical contribution: by integrating N-minute city frameworks with green infrastructure networks, urban ecology principles, and environmental justice concepts, the project reimagines neighborhoods as fluid zones shapes by access to both services and nature, 2) methodological innovation: combining agent-based modeling (Crooks & Heppenstall, 2012; Torrens, 2012) with environmental metrics allows simulation of how residents experience service accessibility and green space access differently based on age, mobility, and socioeconomic status, 3) policy relevance, planners require tools that integrate environmental performance with accessibility analysis to guide equitable and sustainable urban development. This project thus advances both the conceptual and practical understanding of neighborhoods, providing actionable insights for sustainable, inclusive urban planning.

 

Title: Visualizing Connections: The Role of AI Generated Concept Mapping in Developing Critical Source Integration Skills in Research Writing

Applicant: Junghwa Kim

Integrating information from multiple sources is a core challenge in First Year Composition courses, especially for multilingual (L2) writers. Research writing requires not only summarizing content but also synthesizing various academic sources to construct original, cohesive arguments. Many students, however, struggle to identify conceptual relationships among sources, often producing fragmented writing or relying too heavily on single-source summaries (Hirvela, 2017). Concept mapping, a visual technique for representing relationships among ideas, has shown promise in promoting deeper understanding, critical thinking, and organizational clarity in writing (Novak & Cañas, 2008). Previous studies suggest that concept mapping enhances comprehension and retention across disciplines (Nesbit & Adesope, 2006) and supports improved planning, organization, and critical reflection in writing (Plotnick, 1997). However, most studies focus on prewriting organization or idea generation rather than on source synthesis. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of AI generated concept mapping on multilingual students’ literacy development, particularly in connecting and synthesizing multiple research sources in academic writing. The study also explores students’ perceptions of AI generated concept mapping as a cognitive and organizational tool during the writing process. This research contributes to composition studies and multilingual writing pedagogy in three ways. First, it provides empirical evidence on how visual learning strategies can enhance the cognitive processes involved in research writing. Second, it offers practical guidance for teaching source-based writing, particularly in the FYC courses and L2 contexts. Finally, it informs effective curriculum design for research writing courses and suggests strategies to help students apply concept mapping to strengthen synthesis and critical thinking skills.

 

Title: Audit Partner Ownership and the Stickiness of Audit Fees and Hours

Applicant: Jenny Lee and Eun Hye Jo

Accounting firms with a partnership structure use profit-sharing schemes to encourage optimal partner behavior. However, much remains unknown about how profit-sharing influences partners’ engagement decisions (Francis, 2011). While recent studies have examined the relationship between profit-sharing and audit quality using proprietary data (Lennox, 2020), less is known about how the partnership structure affects specific decisions made by the audit partner. In this study, we investigate the effect of partner ownership on the asymmetry of audit fees and hours. Auditors often require time to fully recognize changes in audit requirements that result from updated client attributes. Even when auditors are aware of these changes, resource constraints within audit firms may limit their ability to promptly adjust auditor hours, particularly for upward adjustments. As a result, adjustments to audit fees and hours may be incomplete or slow, especially for downward adjustments. The literature on audit fees (De Villers et al., 2014) shows that actual audit fees adjust slowly in response to changes in client characteristics, with downward adjustments occurring more gradually than upward adjustments. Chang et al. (2019) finds that this asymmetry in audit fee adjustment becomes more pronounced when audit market competition weakens, attributing these findings to the increased bargaining power of auditors relative to clients. We extend this line of research by proposing that partner ownership may influence the stickiness of audit fees and hours. We predict that partner ownership can affect adjustments in two opposing ways. On one hand, partner ownership may increase audit fees and hour stickiness. Partners with large ownership stakes are more invested in the audit firm’s reputation and client satisfaction. On the other hand, partners with large ownership stakes may decrease audit fees and reduce the stickiness of audit hours. This possibility stems from profit incentives. Partners with higher ownership have a direct financial interest in the profitability of client engagements. Therefore, when a client’s size or complexity decreases, these partners are more motivated to reduce audit effort and fees accordingly, as maintaining fees without justification is unsustainable.

 

Title: Summer Research to Complete the Qualitative Data Analyses for Two Studies and Writing of the First Drafts of Two Article Manuscripts

Applicant: Deborah Kwak

This proposal outlines the plan to complete qualitative data analyses for two studies and to draft the first manuscripts for both. The first study, titled “Student Experiences in Home and Branch Campuses,” has completed data collection, with 16 semi-structured interviews transcribed and preliminary analyses conducted. The second study, titled “Gendered Beliefs and Gendered Complications among South Korean Emerging Adults,” will also undergo full qualitative analysis, leading to the development of a corresponding manuscript. During Summer 2026, my primary objective is to complete the full qualitative analyses for both studies using Atlas.ti, a widely used software for qualitative data analysis in the social sciences. The software will be used first to organize and code the interview data, and then identify dominant patterns and significant themes which will conclude the analysis stage. Study 1 aims to understand the experiences of students who have experienced both the George Mason home campus in Fairfax and the international branch campuses in Korea. The research questions guiding this study are: 1) In what ways does the branch campus contribute to or limit student success and opportunities? 2) In what ways does the home campus contribute to or limit student success and opportunities? Study 2 investigates how South Korean emerging adults understand and experience the changing gender climate in South Korea. This study examines two sources of qualitative data to develop a comprehensive understanding of how gender relations are being navigated among this population.

 

Title: Advancing a Prototype “Peace Game” to International ADR Communities

Applicant: Roland Wilson

This proposal is for a support to attend the International Conference on Arbitration and Mediation (ICAM) conference 2026 to present the Peace Game Prototype to an international audience of mediation, conflict resolution, and ADR experts and practitioners. Participation in this conference is essential to obtain structured feedback on pedagogy, cultural adaptivity, and potential adoption pathways for both education and professional training programs. The insights gained will inform refinements and enable scale-up to broader classrooms and professional programs, and potentially lead to additional funding. Equally important, presenting at ICAM 2026 will showcase George Mason University's growing presence and impact in Korea, as well as the scholarship and practice of the Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program. ICAM - 2026 is a prestigious annual event that provides an international platform for academicians, researchers, engineers, industrial participants, and budding students worldwide to share their research findings with global experts. The conference fosters the exchange of ideas and experiences, promotes the establishment of research or professional collaborations, and supports the creatin of international linkages that can benefit participants’ future careers. Its overall aim is to contribute to the global knowledge base in contemporary scientific and applied fields relevant to arbitration, mediation, and conflict resolution. The Peace Game concept originated from a Trilateral Youth Leadership Workshop series organized by the Conflict Analysis and Resolution Program, the Carter School, and the U.S. State Department/US Embassy in 2025. The workshop involved students from Korea, Japan, and the United States. It was found that in today’s world, where conflicts are increasing at all levels of society, and students, especially in Asia, have the highest suicide rates, there is a need to transform how students deal with conflicts and other social issues.

 

Title: Develop Video Learning Games (Serious Games) that Build Mathematical Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge and Skill in Undergraduate Learners.

Applicant: Kimberlie Fair

The purpose of this research project is to develop video learning games (serious games) that help undergraduate students build both conceptual understanding and procedural skills in mathematics. This project began in response to the long-standing challenges in mathematics education in the United States. When the project started ten years ago, statistics painted a concerning picture: 60% of incoming undergraduate freshmen were identified as needing remedial (Logue et al., 2016), less than half completed their remediation courses (Bashford & Slater, 2008), and those who did not complete these courses were projected to lose $2.8 million in lifetime earnings, with institutions collectively bearing $7 billion in annual remediation costs (Carnevale et al., 2011; Bettinger & Long, 2012). In the field of mathematics education, there is a history of creating software designed to help students engage with complex mathematical concepts that they might otherwise avoid. The software is particularly known for presenting multiple representations of concepts related to change. However, my focus is on leveraging the affordances of technology to create learning environments that encourage students to explore mathematical ideas they may consider beyond their reach. Technology has the potential to expand students’ prior knowledge by representing both familiar and new concepts in ways that are closely connected and by sequencing concepts with increasing complexity. This creates an exciting opportunity to use technology-based environments to help students develop a more connected and robust understanding of mathematics.

 

Title: In-Studio Animation Workshop

Applicant: John David McGrew

This professional development application is for a 7-week summer in-studio animation workshop at Inspira Animation Studio in Valencia, Spain, where participants will produce a series of animated shots under the guidance of professional animators and artists. This workshop will enhance content development for the computer game design courses at Mason Korea, expand my professional network in the animation industry, and provide ongoing development of my animation skills. Participation in this workshop also offers the opportunity to create additional peer-reviewed animated content for my demo reels, an essential asset for grants and positions on animation projects. Building on my past contribution, such as designing shirts, logos, murals, trophies, and animations, I plan to continue serving the Mason Korea community by producing art with the improved skills gained through this workshop. Furthermore, this experience will allow me to update and refine animation projects for GAME 231 – Three-Dimensional Art I, GAME 398 – Three-Dimensional Art II, GAME 399 – Advanced Topics: Game Cinematics, and GAME 399 – Advanced Topics: Stop Motion Animation.

 

Title: Upgrading CSI 500 with RAG and Deep Learning

Applicant: Sohyun Park

This opportunity supports faculty development in the rapidly evolving field of AI and aims to enhance CSI 500 – Computational Science Tools for the Fall 2026 semester. In an era of continuous AI advancement, new techniques emerge at a rapid pace. As a CDS faculty member, it is a core responsibility to stay current with these developments and incorporate them into teaching. The proposed activities include: (1) completing two online, practitioner-led courses on (a) Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) with Large Language Models (LLMs) and (b) deep learning-based image processing, and (2) developing two new modules (half-course-equivalent) to be integrated into CSI 500 during the summer break. These efforts are expected to yield significant outcomes. CSI 500 is a undergraduate-level Mason Korea graduates. To keep the course vibrant and aligned with both academic and industry practices, I will introduce state-of-the-art modules on RAG with LLMs and deep learning for image processing. Students have expressed strong interest in advanced language and image processing skills, which go beyond conventional tabular-data methods. My plan is to first upskill through targeted online courses during Winter–Spring 2026 (estimated 180 hours), then develop two robust modules over Summer 2026 (estimated two weeks of full-time effort). Both module development and teaching will utilize cloud resources and LLM subscriptions, which will subsequently be made available to students for hands-on learning. This project will directly strengthen my scholarly and instructional capacity in fast-moving AI domains, ensuring that CSI 500 remains a cutting-edge course.

 

Title: Attendance at the 12th International Conference on Education, Research, and Innovation (ICEDU 2026)

Applicant: Rod Rothwell

The ICEDU 2026 conference will be held at the Bali Sunset Road Convention Center, Indonesia, under the theme “Transforming Education for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.” My objectives for attending are threefold: (1) expand the expertise in education research and innovative pedagogy with a focus on sustainable teaching practice, including the classroom application, limitations, and future direction of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (2) create opportunities for student engagement by collaborating with conference organizers to establish pathways for Mason Korea students of all majors to present at future academic forums across Asia, and (3) share experiences with Mason Korea faculty by presenting my own findings on sustainability education in diverse contexts. Many speakers and delegates at ICEDU 2026 are engaged in initiatives similar to the Honeybee Initiative at Mason Korea (HBI@MK), one of my teaching roles, which integrates sustainability, sustainable business practices, and sustainability experiences into business curriculum. The conference offers theory-to-practice sessions addressing major challenges in sustainability education, helping educators understand how the UN SDGs can be applied in their teaching. Additionally, attendance will allow me to build essential professional networks with members of the organizing committee and representatives from the International Institute of Knowledge Management.

 

Title: Bridging Program Coordination and Research between Mason Korea and Main Campus

Applicant: Imen Hassairi

This project involves a one-week academic visit to George Mason University’s Fairfax campus to strengthen collaboration between the Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) programs at Mason Korea and Fairfax. During the visit, I will meet with faculty and administrators to review and align the CDS curriculum, discuss program needs, and explore ways to enhance student learning outcomes across campuses. A key focus of the visit will be to discuss the skills and competencies that the search committee should prioritize when recruiting new faculty, particularly in relation to the development of new or extended core courses planned for Fall 2026. Additionally, I will meet with Professor Maria Emelianenko and Dr. Harbir Antil to present my recent research at the Department of Mathematical Sciences seminar, providing opportunities for scholarly exchange and potential research collaboration. Overall, this visit aims to advance my professional development and strengthen my role as Program Coordinator for the College of Science (COS) by enabling me to contribute more effectively to curriculum planning, faculty onboarding, and the long-term development of the CDS program at GMU Korea.

 

Title: Tuition and Attendance Support for DBA Degree

Applicant: Antonio Covello

This proposal requests for support for pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration from Luiss Business School in Rome, with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership and Management. The program follows a hybrid format, combining in-person classes in Europe each semester with synchronous and asynchronous online coursework. The in-person sessions are scheduled for April 8-11, 2026, and October 7-10, 2026 in Amsterdam. Earning this doctoral degree will enhance the reputation of Mason Korea and strengthen my ability to support Costello College at Mason Korea. In Spring 2026, I am scheduled to teach at least one BUS 103 class, and as EAP Program Coordinator, I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained from this program will directly benefit Mason Korea. Beyond internal contributions, this degree will also support several executive education programs run in partnership with the Office of External Affairs, including programs for KEPCO, Incheon Elementary School Teachers, and the Korea Coast Guard Police English Program. Overall, this program will enhance both my professional development and Mason Korea’s capacity to deliver high-quality education and training programs.

 

Title: Preparation for Opening a New Course for 2027: CHIN 328 – Asian American Women Writers

Applicant: Yingji Jin

This proposal seeks support for the development and launch a new CHIN 328 course for 2027. In response to evolving educational trends and changing student needs, curriculum reform has become an essential priority in academic program development. Proactive curriculum expansion is particularly important to ensure the long-term growth of the Mason Korea Chinese Program and to address the diverse academic interests of students. My academic background focuses on comparatives studies of Chinese and Korean translations of American novels, which provides a strong foundation for certain components of CHIN 328. However, this course represents a meaningful expansion beyond my previous research and teaching experience, requiring substantial time and effort to develop comprehensively. The goal is to complete all necessary preparation in time for a 2027 launch, contingent upon successful progress. This study centers on three interrelated perspectives: cultural, gender, and linguistic. First, it will examine the role of translators as cultural mediators who interpret and convey the nuanced meanings embedded in literary language. Second, because CHIN 328 focuses specifically on on Asian American women writers, it offers a focused framework for engaging with gender theory and exploring gendered themes in depth. Finally, as many works by Asian American women writers have been translated into both Chinese and Korean, the course will analyze selected experts from these dual translations to identify and analyze linguistic differences across languages and cultural contexts.

 

Title: CHIN 101 Course Redesign

Applicant: ChangGyo Ryu

This project proposes a comprehensive redesign of CHIN 101, the foundational Chinese language course offered at Mason Korea. The primary goal of the redesign is to ensure full curricular alignment with the Fairfax campus while enhancing student engagement and reducing cognitive overload. The planned activities include: (1) developing a complete set of PowerPoint lecture materials to synchronize course content and pacing with the Fairfax campus and to improve instructional clarity, (2) creating vocabulary flashcards to support interactive classroom activities and communicative practice, and (3) designing AI-supported learning resources to enhance learning efficiency, personalization, and student motivation. A dedicated two-week period during the summer will be allocated exclusively to course design and material development, ensuring that all components are fully prepared for pilot implementation in Fall 2026. The redesign of CHIN 101 is particularly important as student mobility between Mason Korea and the main campus continues to increase. Currently, differences in pacing and instructional design create challenges for students transitioning between campuses. By aligning the curriculum, this project will promote academic consistency, equity and instructional quality across both locations.

 

Title: Attendance at the 45th Thailand TESOL International Conference

Applicant: William James Davis

This project seeks support to attend the 45th Thailand TESOL International Conference, held on January 30 – 31, 2026, in Bangkok. The conference brings together English language educators, researchers, and practitioners to exchange innovative ideas and best practices in English Language Teaching. Key themes include bilingual and multilingual education, CLIL/EMI, global English, digital innovation, AI in education, and intercultural communication. Participation in this conference will support both my professional growth and Mason Korea’s broader academic mission. Beginning in 2027, I aim to actively present and represent George Mason University Korea at international academic forums. Attending Thailand TESOL will provide an opportunity to observe experienced international speakers, refine personal presentation techniques for future international conferences. The conference’s focus on CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) is particularly relevant to George Mason University Korea, where MK Way courses operate in an English-medium academic environment. In this context, students are simultaneously developing academic content knowledge and language proficiency. As MK Way faculty, it is essential that I employ strong pedagogical strategies that effectively balance content delivery with explicit language support. Insights gained from this conference will directly inform my instructional practices and enhance the quality of teaching at Mason Korea.

 

Title: Attendance at the ATINER Symposium and Comparative Visits to International Branch Campuses in Southern Europe

Applicant: Claude Andre Drolet

This proposal seeks professional development funding to attend the ATINER “Higher Education in a Global World” Symposium in Athens, Greece (July 6-10, 2026) and to conduct site visits to selected international Branch Campuses (IBCs) in the region. These include SUNY Empire State College, Athens, City Unity College, Athens, and the University of Sheffield International Faculty, City College, Thessaloniki. These institutions have been selected for their relevance to my ongoing research and teaching interests in governance models for international Branch Campuses. The proposed field visits will include informal meetings with administrators and faculty to gain firsthand insight into governance structures, faculty roles, shared decision-making processes, and host-country regulatory conditions. Observing how governance and institutional oversight are operationalized in different national contexts will broaden my comparative perspective and deepen my research on faculty participation and administrative transparency at IBCs. The knowledge and insights gained from these activities will directly contribute to the Mason Korea community. I will organize a faculty development seminar to share key findings from these comparative cases, fostering discussion on governance practices and institutional effectiveness within transnational higher education contexts.

 

Title: Present at the Renaissance Society of America (RSA) and Publication of Articles

Applicant: Hyunyoung Cho

This proposal seeks support to attend the annual conference of the Renaissance Society of America (RSA), to be held in San Francisco, USA, from February 19 – 21, as well as funding assistance for the publication of articles in scholarly journals in Korea. The RSA is the premier academic association in my field, encompassing numerous affiliated organizations and representing a broad range of disciplines within Renaissance studies. Participation in the RSA conference will directly enhance my teaching of ENGH 201, the Mason Core Literature course. The conference provides valuable opportunities to engage with leading scholars and educators, particularly in discussions about cultivating global literacy in the age of AI. These conversations will inform my pedagogical approaches to teaching complex Renaissance texts, especially in multilingual classroom contexts. In addition, the conference will serve as a platform to present and discuss the curriculum at Mason Korea, including the assignments and learning activities I have developed to support multilingual writers in engaging with challenging literary works. Feedback from experienced scholars and teachers will contribute meaningfully to refining both my research and instructional practices. From a professional development perspective, attending RSA will further support my service roles as a member of the Executive Committee of the Andrew Marvell Society and the Steering Committee of the International Milton Symposium. Active participation in these scholarly communities strengthens my academic profile and enhances institutional visibility, while contributing to ongoing leadership in the field.

 

Title: Course redesign [KORE 305: Business Korea]

Applicant: Jaerin Ahn

This proposal aims to redesign KORE 305: Business Korean for the Fall 2026 semester, transforming it into a more practical and career-focused course that better equips students with the linguistic proficiency, cultural knowledge, and professional competencies needed to succeed in Korean-speaking workplaces. The first step in the redesign process will be the adoption of a new, up-to-date textbook, Task-based business Korean for professionals, which reflects current practices in Korean business culture and professional communication. By incorporating contemporary, task-based materials, the course will more effectively address the realities of today’s workplace and provide students with learning experiences directly aligned with their future career paths. Emphasizing authentic tasks, such as workplace communication scenarios, negotiation strategies, and professional correspondence, will ensure that students develop functional language skills applicable to real-world contexts. A central component of this project is collaboration with the Mason Korea Career Development Center to strengthen the connection between language instruction and career preparation. Through this collaboration, we will design and implement practical, career-oriented programming, including resume-building and cover letter writing workshops, as well as mock interview sessions conducted in Korean. These activities will allow students to apply their language skills in realistic professional settings while gaining confidence in navigating Korean workplace expectations. By integrating language learning with structured career development support, the redesigned KORE 305 course will provide students with immediately communication skills and a deeper understanding of Korean professional culture. Ultimately, this initiative will enhance student preparedness for internships, employment opportunities, and long-term career success in Korean-speaking environments.

 

Title: Securing and Modernizing GAME 331: Updated Instructional Modules for Cross-Campus Implementation

Applicant: John P. Doran

This project focuses on updating and modernizing instructional materials for GAME 331, a core upper-level course in the Computer Game Design program. In September 2025, Unity issued a security advisory affecting applications built with Unity 2017.1 and later; fixed versions and a patching tool were released. Modernizing the GAME 331 materials ensures that students work with patched editor versions and follow secure practices when creating Windows builds. At the same time, the project brings the course in line with Unity 6.x conventions, including editor UI changes, build pipeline updates, and URP/HDRP improvements, replacing legacy 2018 content. Updated video tutorials will be created in alignment with institutional digital learning goals, strengthening cross-campus collaboration between Mason Korea and the Fairfax campus and supporting consistent, high-quality instruction. All instructional modules will be developed using Unity 6.2 or higher, ensuring compatibility with the current Long-Term Support (LTS) cycle. The project will produce a comprehensive library of ten updated Unity tutorial modules covering all GAME 331 lab topics. These modules will replace outdated 2018 materials, giving students access to secure, industry-standard tools. The videos will be integrated into the Mason Korea Canvas site and shared with the Fairfax campus to promote curricular alignment and support shared learning outcomes.

 

Title: Interconnected Activities that Will Significantly Enhance Instructional Capabilities and Professional Competencies.

Applicant: Kent Zimmerman

This proposal focuses on a series of interconnected activities designed to enhance my instructional capabilities and professional competencies. The first component involves summer course development to design three modular 1-credit courses that provide practical training in AI. These courses are structured to allow students to take one, two, or all three modules, offering flexibility and enabling them to focus on topics most relevant to their interests. This modular design ensures efficient use of instructional time while maximizing student engagement and learning outcomes. The second component involves completing Lawline CLE coursework, which supports ongoing professional development and ensures that I can integrate current cases and regulatory updates into my courses. Both the CLE coursework and the mandatory professional responsibility course contribute to maintaining professional licensure and establishing credibility as a legal instructor. Additionally, these activities are directly aligned with AACSB accreditation requirements, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards in legal and business education. Together, these activities will strengthen my ability to deliver current, practical, and professionally relevant instruction, while maintaining the highest standards of professional and academic excellence.

 

Title: Impact Assessment of the Learning Assistants Program on Mason Korea Students and Faculty

Applicant: James Brian Colchao

The goal of this research is to analyze the data that has been collected through surveys from Learning Assistants and Faculty mentors as well as the UNIV 391 assignment submissions. The Learning Assistants Program at Mason Korea was launched in Spring of 2022. The goal of the program was to provide exceptional students with professional and academic development and mentorship by pairing them with faculty willing to act as mentors. To assess the impact of the program surveys were developed and approved by the GMU IRB board to ascertain and measure the impact of the program on student development, retention and academic success and faculty development and job satisfaction. The research data will be quantitatively and qualitatively accessed and analyzed using the R and Python programming languages. The survey results were collected using the GMU Qualtrics software. At this time there will be approximately 250 surveys that will be analyzed alongside approximately 125 students that have enrolled in the UNIV 391 seminar. The proposed outcome of the project will be the following: 1) Improvements to the Learning Assistants Program protocols, 2) Improvements to the UNIV 391 seminar, 3) Presentation at the 2025 International Learning Assistant Conference (ILAC) and 4) Published in appropriate publications such as the International College Learning Center Association and other publications which will be assessed from networking at the 2025 ILAC conference.

 

Title: Enhancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing through Environmental Economics

Applicant: Moon Joon Kim

This research aims to bridge the gap between ESG investing and environmental economics by comprehensively examining the role of environmental economics in enhancing ESG ratings and investment decision-making. In the past decade, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has risen to prominence among investors and policymakers. However, ESG investing faces challenges such as inconsistencies in ESG ratings across different providers for the same companies and instance of highly rated firms engaging in environmentally damaging practices. Environmental economics offers a valuable framework for strengthening ESG practices. Environmental e can enable the development of standardized methodologies for measuring environmental risks and externalities. This research aims to illuminate the value of incorporating environmental economics insights into ESG investment decision-making. Ultimately, this integration can significantly enhance the effectiveness of ESG investing, promoting sustainable investment practices and driving positive environmental and social outcomes. The expected outcomes are 1) the findings of this research will be showcased through presentations at relevant domestic and international academic conferences, with the main target for presentation being the Third JEEM Conference in Environmental and Resource Economics and target publication in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management or Ecological Economics.

 

Title: Translation and annotation of Wang Guowei’s “Research on World’s Hobbies [Rénjiān shìhào zhī yánjiū]

Applicant: ChangGyo Ryu

This research focuses on translating and annotating an essay “Research on World’s Hobbies [Rénjiān shìhào zhī yánjiū]” (1907) by a renowned modern Chinese scholar Wang Guowei (1877 - 1927), which presents a thought-provoking analysis of various hobbies people enjoy, grounded in Schopenhauer and Nietzsche’s philosophy and Schiller’s aesthetic theories. The significance of this research can be highlighted in several key areas: Philosophical Insights into Modern Life and Relevance to Contemporary Society. By providing an annotated Korean translation, this research will make an important scholarly contribution, offering a new interpretation of human tastes and hobbies through the interplay of Schopenhauerism, Nietzschean and Schillerian ideas. It will help deepen the understanding of how these philosophical frameworks can be applied to everyday human experiences, making it relevant not only for scholars but for a broader audience interested in philosophy, culture, and modern life. As an expected outcome, it will be published in one of the excellent academic journals, The Journal of Chinese Language, Literature and Translation, which is listed in the KCI (Korean Citation Index) recognized by NRF (National Research Foundation of Korea).

 

Title: Can teachers teach unification and peace in South Korean schools? A Conflict analysis and resolution-centric look on teachers’ neutrality in teaching about unification and peace

Applicant: Soonjung Kwon

This research is proposed to enhance the understanding of peace in the Korean peninsula through the view of conflict analysis and resolution specified in teaching about unification and peace. The irony between the issue of political neutrality in South Korean education and how teachers experience teaching about unification and peace is a crucial aspect of this research. Encouraging education for unification and peace in South Korea can make people expand the views and discourses on conflict, violence and peace both locally and globally. In South Korea, unification and peace are unavoidable issues, and it has been politically controversial. In this sense, one of the most critical issues to be addressed is teaching unification and peace in South Korean schools. In reality, unification education is not considered necessary for achieving high excellence in students’ academic careers, and this is still a challenge for many educators who think unification education is crucial for building peace in the Korean peninsula. Consequently, teachers face conflicts in their classrooms because of the irony between their duty to be politically neutral and teaching about politically biased unification education. Hence, this research aims to explore how teachers experience this conflict and how educational policies and teachers' training on unification and peace should be changed regarding the issue of political neutrality. To do so, this research will conduct qualitative methodology, including focus group interviews and document analysis. As the expected outcomes, there are the presentation at “International Peace Research Association (IPRA)” Conference and the publishment in an academic journal (SCI).

 

Title: High Resolution Spatial Mapping of Air Quality in Songdo: A GMM-CFD Approach

Applicant: Dakota McCarty

This project aims to create a high-resolution air quality map for Songdo, focusing on key pollutants such as particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). The approach involves deploying a network of low-cost air quality sensors across the city and combining the collected data with advanced computer models, specifically Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. These models will simulate how wind patterns and pollution spread through the city, considering not only weather conditions but also the way the city's physical layout—such as building structures and green spaces—affects pollution dispersion. The resulting map will provide valuable insights for city planners and policymakers, enabling them to design urban spaces that reduce pollution, enhance green areas, and ultimately minimize residents’ exposure to harmful air pollutants. The outcomes of this research will include both the development of a methodology for high-resolution air pollution mapping at the local level and insights into how local meteorological dynamics, such as wind patterns, are shaped by the built and natural environment. This deeper understanding of how these dynamics influence particulate matter distribution can inform future policy recommendations aimed at improving air quality through urban design and planning strategies. The findings of this research, along with the methodology, are aimed to be presented at the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) annual congress as well as in the Korea Planning Association’s (KPA) annual conference.

 

Title: Paper Presentation: Conference in Edinburg, UK_The Other Trend: Berkeley Scholars and Different Ways of Presenting Korean History, the 1940s-1960s

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh

The research paper’s title is “The Other Trend: Berkeley Scholars and Different Ways of Presenting Korean History, the 1940s-1960s.” The presentation will focus on scholars studying Korean history at UC Berkeley from the 1940s to the 1960s and their contribution to the production of knowledge of Korea. Previous works on establishing Korean Studies in the U.S. focused on the scholars centered in Harvard University. The research on Korean history started much earlier at UC Berkeley during the mid-1940s, however, it has not been properly examined, mostly because they were not part of the mainstream Harvard line. This research will argue that the UC Berkeley scholars had a different approach to Korean history from the Harvard scholars, who approached Korean history as part of supporting the modernization theory. Instead, UC Berkeley scholars emphasized the necessity of studying Korean history to understand China-Korea relations fully by analyzing sources from the Korean side.

 

Title: Desiring Darkness: Re-imagining Asian Aesthetic Beyond Whiteness

Applicant: Seonah Kim

This project explores how Western and inter-Asian beauty standards and body ideals influence Korean women’s consumption and practice of artificial tanning. The goal of this project is to challenge the stereotypical views on Korean women and their autonomy over their bodies, as well as to deconstruct discriminatory perceptions of Blackness and darkness within beauty discourses in South Korea. The practice of skin-darkening beauty among Korean women carries symbolic and cultural weight as it disrupts the dominant discourse of light-skin preference and ideal body types historically established in South Korea and other Asian countries. Skin-lightening has been a dominant and central focus of scholarly discussions regarding Asian beauty and Asian femininity, which often reinscribes stereotypical views of Asian women. In this context, this project investigates how Korean women’s artificially tanned skin functions as a cultural signifier determined by the multiple structural and historical contexts of South Korea, including neoliberalism, colorism, inter-Asian hierarchy, and Korean American diaspora. It also examines how these layered cultural meanings challenge the historically entrenched body-based hierarchies, particularly those associated with race and gender, both within and beyond South Korea. With the Mason Korea Faculty Research Grant, I aim to (1) conduct archival research on the histories of skin-darkening beauty and beauty pageant in South Korea, (2) expand existing media data on discourses surrounding K-pop celebrities with tanned skin and complete a draft of Chapter One of the currently working book, (3) develop a book proposal, and (4) present part of Chapter Four at the Society for Cinema and Media Studies Conference, which will be held in Chicago in April 2025.

 

Title: Does the communication between auditors and audit committee affect stock price delays?

Applicant: Jenny Lee

Using unique data on such communication in South Korea, this study investigates how the communication between auditors and audit committees (ACs) affects stock price delays, defined as the speed at which relevant new information is included in stock prices. This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because communication between auditors and ACs reduces stock price delays. Additionally, I explore whether face-to-face communication and communication discussing internal control weaknesses or key audit matters improve the effectiveness of communication in reducing stock price delays. Since 2018, Korean-listed firms have been required to disclose not only the frequency but also the communication date, participants, type, and content of major discussions. This unique setting provides an opportunity to investigate the effects of communication in capital markets, which has rarely been addressed in prior research. Following results are expected with this research: (1) AFAANZ (The Accounting & Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand) Annual Meeting 2025, (2) AAA (American Accounting Association) Annual Meeting 2025, (3) Journal submissions in 2026: intend to submit these papers to an ABDC A* or A* journal for publication. Given the importance of monitoring mechanisms in improving communication between auditors and audit committees, this study should interest regulators, auditors, and corporate governance. The ideas of the current projects can be extended to future research agendas on the pricing puzzles that are under debate in the accounting and finance literature, which could result in a subsequent project.

 

Title: “A restart derivative-free algorithm for solving pseudomonotone operator equations with application in logistic regression” 

Applicant: Auwal Bala Abubakar

This proposal is to apply for a support to attend and present the research paper at the 25th International conference on Computational and Mathematical Methods in Science and Engineering at Spain. In the past decades, new problems, areas of application, and techniques appearing in modern dynamical processes in physics, chemistry, engineering and economics have come to light. In seeking better and better results from simulations, the computational mathematician or scientist needs not only capacity to carry out simulations, but also innovative ideas and foundational analysis for algorithms. Computational mathematics, science and engineering are rapidly growing multidisciplinary areas with connections to business, economics, engineering, mathematics and computer science through academia as well as industry. In the midst of these successful conferences there remains a niche for unifying, cross-cutting, interdisciplinary gatherings, where specialists can have exposure to diverse fields, a chance to meet new people in or near their individual areas of research and participate in special sessions different from their own field. In addition, it is expected that an article will be published in a special issue of the conference.

 

Title: Royal Statistical Society (RSS) Conference 2025 Trip

Applicant: Ajiboye Babalola

The purpose of this proposal is to seek funding to support the attendance at the Royal Statistical Society conference for 2025. The conference will provide valuable opportunities; especially to join the Royal Statistics Society (RSS), connect with researchers in the field, learn about cutting edge statistics and data methodologies, forge a research collaboration in the field of research and engage in other opportunities that will enhance the teaching and academic development at Mason Korea. Attending the RSS conference will benefit the professional development firstly as an instructor by actively engaging in this event by following the trends of what the new developments are in Statistics and the practice available in the industry especially in terms of methodologies and their pedagogical approaches. In addition, as part of the proposed activity, this funding takes care of membership in the professional association of the Royal Statistical Society which offers a variety of benefits for individuals interested in statistics, data analysis, and related fields. Conclusively, joining the Royal Statistical Society, members can advance their careers, contribute to the statistical community, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field of statistics.

 

Title: Participation in a Conference as an Organizing Committee Member and Invited Speaker

Applicant: Chul Kim

The purpose of this proposal is to seek funding to participate in the International Conference on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (ICMLAI-2025) at Amsterdam, Netherland, as an Organizing Committee Member and an Invited Speaker. This conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and result results on all aspects of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The paper, titled, "Enhancing Digital Handwriting Verification by Integrating Multiple Modalities," offers a thorough review of the latest advancements in the field, with a focus on AI-driven applications like digital handwriting recognition and verification. It is poised to serve as a critical reference for researchers and professionals working in AI and related fields.

 

Title: Participation in the 29th Annual World Convention of the Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN)

Applicant: Borislava Manojlovic

This faculty development proposal seeks a fund for attending the 29th Annual World Convention of the Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN) at the Columbia University, New York to present the research paper titled “Education for Peace in Southeastern Europe: A Comparative Analysis”. This research examines how educational initiatives contribute to peacebuilding in post-conflict Southeastern European societies. The conference, one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to the study of ethnicity, nationalism, and identity, provides an ideal platform to share the findings with an international community of scholars and practitioners. Participation in the ASN convention offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field of nationalism, conflict resolution, and peace education. The conference will foster connections with researchers working on similar topics, paving the way for potential collaborations that could further enhance the depth and reach of the work. Moreover, the interdisciplinary approach of the convention will explore the intersections of education, politics, and ethnic identity. This opportunity will not only enhance the scholarly reputation but will also deepen the understanding of how education can act as a tool for reconciliation and conflict resolution. In conclusion, the materials produced from the participation in the ASN convention will significantly enrich Mason Korea courses and provide students with new tools and perspectives to analyze the complex relationship between education and peace.

 

Title: Archival Research and Conference Presentation

Applicant: Carey McCormack

The purpose of this proposal is to conduct preliminary archival research in Manila, Philippines and Santa Barbara, California during the summer of 2025 and to present the findings at the 26th New Zealand Asian Studies Society (NZASIA) Biennial International Conference in December 2025. After the publication of the first nomograph in 2024, the next project is tracking commodity plant exchanges between California and Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. The goal of this research is to track the transmission of indigenous plant knowledge along with the biological research (commodity crops) across the ocean. Many American commodity crops (corns, chili peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco) traveled to Asia along with silver (obtained by using indigenous people in South America as a slave labor) on yearly manila galleon voyages. The key question of the research is “when did indigenous knowledge travel to the Philippines and when was this knowledge assimilated into Asian culinary traditions, thereby erasing the indigenous roots of agricultural knowledge.” Archival research at the Santa Barbra Mission Archive-Library will be conducted to explore mission records regarding indigenous cultivation practices the friars depended on. In addition to this archival research, visiting the National Archives of the Philippines in Manila is needed for many records on agricultural production, particularly corn and tobacco. The meeting with Asian Center at the University of the Philippines is needed to develop a collaboration on this project with scholars at the center. Also, I want to interview local farmers regarding traditional agricultural methods and plant knowledge. The expected outcome is to submit a proposal to present a paper at the 26th NZASIA Biennial International Conference in December 2025 which brings international scholars focused on Asian Studies together. The conference focus for this year is “Comprehending the Past, Confronting the Future,” and my focus on the transmission and erasure of indigenous knowledge fits well with the theme in connection to the new UN treaty to protect and empower indigenous communities along with sustainable and ecological development.

 

Title: Korean Memories Project

Applicant: Deborah Kwak

The Korean Memories Project (KMP) is an innovative initiative aimed at documenting and preserving the experiences of South Koreans aged 80 and above. This generation has lived through transformative historical events, including the Japanese Colonial Period (1910-45), the Korean War (1950-53), and South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation into a global powerhouse. The KMP works to bridge the generational gap within Korea while making these valuable narratives accessible to a global audience through English translation. The project enriches the global perception of Korea’s unique historical and cultural fabric while creating a lasting digital archive of personal histories. The KMP’s principal investigators are: Dr. Alice Wrigglesworth (English), Dr. Lynnette G. Leonard (Communication), Dr. Eunmee Lee (English for Academic Purposes), and Dr. H. Deborah Kwak (Sociology). For the research, the transcription and translation processes of the 50 preliminary interviews. Thirty-one interviews were transcribed using ClovaNote and 16 were translated (from Korean to English) using ChatGPT. These transcriptions and translations were subsequently checked by an undergraduate Research Assistant (RA) against the original interviews for their accuracy. An undergraduate RA will transcribe nineteen interviews and translate 31 transcriptions using available AI programs. PI’s guidance and supervision of the RA’s work in the transcription and translation processes will be necessary. The PI will also spend two weeks in the summer to analyze the translated interview data and draft a journal article manuscript for publication. This approach facilitates widespread community involvement and enables the capture of diverse stories from individuals throughout Korea and its diaspora. The project focuses on collecting and securely archiving personal narratives, which are then translated into English to ensure international accessibility and educational use in preserving traditional Korean culture and history. The interview questionnaire is designed to elicit comprehensive personal narratives spanning major periods of Korean history. Once the 50 preliminary interviews are transcribed and translated, we will analyze the data and examine the following research questions in two journal article manuscripts, which we aim to submit for publication in Fall 2025. Additionally, we will present at the following conference in Summer 2025: Using Technology to Document Culture. 23rd International Oral History Association (IOHA) Conference, Krakow, Poland.

 

Title: Paper Presentation of Multilingual Academic Writing Research at ISFC 50, Glasgow, UK: (Exploring Ideational Meaning: A Transitivity Analysis of Multilingual First-Year Academic Writing in a Transnational Context)

Applicant: Eunhee Seo

The purpose of this proposal is for the presentation of my research, “Exploring Ideational Meaning: A Transitivity Analysis of Multilingual First-Year Academic Writing in a Transnational Context,” which addresses the critical need for linguistically based teaching approaches, particularly in increasingly multilingual, cross-border educational context. This research is also engaged with my article titled “Lexicogrammar as a Meaning-Making Resource: A Systemic Functional Approach to Second Language (L2) Writing in Cross-Boarder Education” in the Korean Journal of Applied Linguistics which contains the findings on how multilingual students organize information in their academic writing, identifying areas of weaknesses and proposing pedagogical strategies to address them. Presenting at ISFC 50 is a vital opportunity to contribute to and learn from the world-renowned scholars in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL). This opportunity provides a timely space to share my research findings and gain insights into the latest developments in SFL, including the analysis of diverse textual modalities such as written, spoken, and visual models. Additionally, participating in this conference will enhance the research profile of Mason Korea internationally, particularly as SFL-based approaches remain underrepresented in the Korean context due to their complexity and limited scholarly engagement.

 

Title: War-Experienced CEOs and Employment Stickiness

Applicant: Eunhye Jo

The principle aim of this project is to explore the relationship between war-experienced CEO and asymmetric labor adjustment decisions. Previous literature argues that CEOs’ characteristics, such as demographic characteristics, personality, ability, background, ideology, and experience, affect corporate policies. Furthermore, CEO’s childhood exposure to traumatic events is reflected in their corporate policies. Extending this research stream, I explore how exposure to traumatic event in early-life affects CEO’s decision-making with regard to employment adjustment decisions, one of the important corporate decisions. In particular, I use the Korean War as a traumatic event to examine the decision-making of CEOs who were exposed to war in early-life. The Korean War provides an opportunity to study the long-run effects of early-life experience of traumatic events on individual’s decision-making. First, the Korean War broke out exogenously, which alleviates the endogeneity problem. Second, the majority of the population witnessed the war. Finally, exposure to the Korean War is associated the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I predict that CEO’s war experience is associated with sticky adjustment in labor resource in two opposing ways. On the one hand, CEOs with war experience may weaken labor resource stickiness compared to CEOs without war experience. On the other hand, CEOs with war experience may exhibit stronger labor resource stickiness compared to CEOs without war experience. I would expect that CEOs with war experience exhibit greater stickiness in labor resources compared to CEOs without war experience. The hypothesis in a null form: The degree of employment stickiness for firms with war-experienced CEOs is not different from firms without war-experienced CEOs. To investigate the relationship between war-experienced CEO and employment stickiness, I estimate the following multivariate regression.

△lnEMPt=β0+β1△lnSalest+β2△lnSalest*DEC+β3△lnSalest*WarCEOt+β4△lnSalest*ATINTt                +β5△lnSalest*GDPGRt+β6△lnSalest*DECt*WarCEOt+β7△lnSalest*DECt*ATINTt                +β8△lnSalest*DECt*GDPGRt+β9△lnSalest*SUC_DECt+ Year FE+ Industry FE + ε

Furthermore, the sample consists of all firm-years listed in the Korean listed firms from 2002 to 2023. Firms’ accounting data and CEO’s date of birth information from the TS-2000 database are prepared for this research. As outcomes of this research, the findings will be showcased through presentations at relevant international academic conferences, with the main target for presentation being the AFAA
NZ (Accounting & Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand) Annual Meeting 2025. The research paper will be submitted in high-impact, peer-reviewed journal such as Journal of Business Research.

 

Title: Paper Presentation – Reshoring in South Korea

Applicant: Jihye Lim

This project seeks support for presenting a research paper at the International Political Science Association (IPSA) World Congress 2025, especially “Nationalism, Perceptions, and Public Engagement/Policy: Understanding Political and Economic Dynamics in East Asia” panel session. This paper discusses the shifting dynamics of South Korea’s reshoring policy and its boarder implications for the country’s economic security to provide a contribution to the academic dialogue on political and economic trends in East Asia. In response to vulnerabilities arising from interdependence, developed countries have increasingly promoted reshoring policies to enhance economic security since the 2010s. The collapse of global supply chain during and after the pandemic, coupled with ongoing wars, promoted multinational corporations to consider returning to their home countries. Since 2012, the South Korean government has implemented various measures, including subsidies and tax incentives, to encourage companies to reshore. However, despite the expectations of success inherent in the government-led economic strategy as a developmental state, these initiatives have proven ineffective in attracting Korean businesses back. This research paper examines the challenges and limitations of South Korea’s reshoring policy and discusses their implications for the country’s economic security. To explain the failure of reshoring, I focus on the shifting dynamics of the government-business relationship as it moves away from the developmental state model. The findings will provide lessons to evaluate and redefine the economic security for South Korea in the evolving global and domestic circumstances. The primary outcome is the presentation of the paper at the IPSA World Congress. This conference will be an opportunity to create a network with worldwide scholars and practitioners and to receive feedback. This feedback will be used to refine the paper and prepare it for peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the research and findings may be integrated into future courses I teach including International Relations Theory (GOVT 322) and International Political Economy (GOVT 343) or academic seminars related to political economy, economic security, or East Asian studies. The experience can also be used to develop a new course at Mason Korea, such as Economic Development of South Korea (GLOA 396) or East Asian Political Economy (GOVT 433).

 

Title: A Study of Multilingual Students’ Use of ChatGPT Feedback to Synthesize Academic Sources in the First-Year Composition

Applicant: Jungwha Kim

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape pedagogical strategies and influence discussions around academic integrity in composition courses, it is essential to examine how multilingual students in First-Year Composition (FYC) engage with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT in research-based writing tasks. This study explores multilingual students’ perceptions of AI-generated feedback and its role in the process of synthesizing academic sources which is a key component of academic writing development while using a qualitative research design, the study analyzes data from semi-structured interviews, writing samples, and student reflections and I will present the research findings at two conferences, the International Conference, Symposium of Second Language Writing in Taiwan and 8th Foreign Language Education and Technology (FLEAT 8) Conference. The presentations are part of my ongoing research and publication efforts on graduate and undergraduate students’ academic writing development in research contexts. Based on this research project and another ongoing research regarding graduate-level multilingual students’ literacy development analysis, I will publish academic journals on English Teaching, Response to Writing, and Korean Journal of Applied Linguistics.

 

Title: Attendance to the 6th International Association for Reconciliation Studies and Research Presentation

Applicant: Malkhaz Saldadze

The International Association for Reconciliation Studies (IARS) is one of the most influential professional associations in the field of peace and conflict studies. It unites experts from five continents of the world and serves as a genuine global initiative to unite activists, academics, and politicians from all segments of society regardless of ethnicity, nationality, region, race, or gender and to support the advancement of peace and reconciliation. This year, the association will hold a conference in Seoul which gives me an excellent opportunity to represent Mason Korea at this event. At the conference, I will present a memory politics in post-Soviet Russia and its neighbors, the “Correction” of Historical Memories: How Does Revisionism Ensure Survival of Russian Imperial Power in Russia and Its Neighborhood?. As a result of my participation in the IARS 6th annual conference in Seoul, South Korea, I will gain insights into developments and trends in peace and conflict studies worldwide. I will socialize with colleagues from various US and non-US academic institutions, significantly enhancing my professional development. I will be able to deliver to the scholar community my ongoing research and reflections on memory as an instrument in international politics and a source to build resilience in a newly democratized world.

 

Title: Reimagining the Republic: Early American Women Writers and National Monuments

Applicant: Melissa Lingle-Martin

The ongoing book project “Reimagining the Republic: Early American Women Writers and National Monuments” is dealing with these two key questions: What do the words written out monuments suggest about the monuments described and the communities those monuments represent? Moreover, what do verbal presentations of visual representations, which scholars of literature and culture call “ekphrasis,” suggest about representation at large and how communities visualize themselves and their ideals? The project has two main strands: putting the women’s written works in the context of early American Commemorative culture and revealing how these texts educate readers’ critical vision. Furthermore, this study not only contributes to scholarship on these writers and the long nineteenth century, but also expands our understanding of early American women’s writing, its engagement with public life, and the pedagogical functions of intermedial texts. The main goal of this project is to contribute to interdisciplinary conversations about monuments and commemoration today. To support this research, participation a special symposium on Harper and the 2025 Conference of the Society for the Study of American Women Writers will be helpful. While presenting my related research, I can create a network with other scholars and communicate for the feedback which can be an asset to develop my research. As a result of this active research project, outcomes can be used to design some courses to enrich the Mason Korea offerings such as an interdisciplinary course exploring global commemorative cultures and the connections between commemoration and conflict resolution.  

 

Title: Conference Attendance at The Society of Korea and China Humanities (한중인문학회) for Research Presentation and Redesign of the course CHIN 300

Applicant: Yingji Jin

This proposal outlines the participation for my research presentation in a conference in China in the summer of 2025 hosted by The Society of Korea and China Humanities (한중인문학회) and Guangxi Normal University. Exploring English or American literature through their Chinese and Korean translations is a compelling undertaking. Often, translations are met with varying critiques: scholars may praise their quality or highlight areas for improvement, raising questions about what constitutes a “good” translation. The pursuit of enhancing translation quality emphasizes the importance of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, as translation is a skill that develops over time. Translation theory mainly focuses on the concept of “dynamic equivalence,” suggesting that the experience of reading a translation should approximate that of reading the original. Ideally, British or American readers should experience a similar understanding through meaningful translations in Korean and Chinese. The purpose of the project is to investigate how the translators' choices impact the reader's perception and understanding. For instance, Zauner’s book title translates differently—H 마트에서 울다 (Crying in H Mart) in Korean and 妈妈走后 (After Mama Left) in Chinese. These divergent translations prompt critical analysis of the translators' choices and their impact on readers' emotional and cultural resonance. There are statements of theory which can support the research: Nida’s theory of functional equivalence, the classical Chinese principles of "信，达，雅" (Faithfulness, Expressiveness, and Elegance) encapsulate key virtues of translation, guiding translators in balancing accuracy with readability and stylistic fidelity and Lawrence Venuti’s concepts of “domestication” and “foreignization.” Based on this activity the submission of the completed research manuscript for publication in a KCI-indexed journal by the end of 2025, which will allow to share findings with wider academic audience and contribute to scholarly discourses surrounding translation, literature, and cultural studies in both Korean and Chinese contexts. Another goal is to redesign Mason Korea CHIN 300: Reading Skills Development to align with the new Mason Core designation of “Global Contexts” by replacing the outdated textbook with contemporary texts.

 

Title: Proposal for Strategic Meetings with College of Science Department Chairs, Program Coordinators, and Faculty

Applicant: James Brian Colchao

The faculty development proposal seeks funding for building a network with many Fairfax administrative, faculty and course changes that need to be addressed the number and volume of time. Over the past year the departments that are part of the College of Science at Mason Fairfax and Mason Korea have undergone several changes in faculty and administration. As the Mason Korea Program Coordinator for the College of Science, one of the tasks is to ensure a strong connection between faculty at the main campus with our faculty here in Korea. The main point of these meetings is discussing how to develop and provide professional development activities for Mason Korea faculty. Therefore, the plan is to meet with department chairs and faculty in Fairfax to discuss what resources are available to them and ensuring that, in addition to developing new and personalized resources, that the resources in Fairfax also be available to faculty here in Mason Korea and that they are aware of them and how to access them. The proposed outcome of the aforementioned meeting is to re-establish the strong connection between the Fairfax and MK CDS programs as well as to assess the logistics of the programs at the main campus and ascertain any existing professional development resources that can be made available to Mason Korea faculty.

Title: Effects of Economic Policy Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk on Corporate ESG 

Applicant: Yaman Erzurumlu 

This research aims to investigate the impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) and Geopolitical Risk (GPR) on corporate Environmental Social Governance (ESG) performance in OECD countries from 2007 to 2022. With a focus on understanding how these macroeconomic factors influence corporate behavior regarding environmental, social, and governance issues, the study seeks to fill a gap in existing literature by examining the relationship between these factors and ESG performance. By employing panel data analysis and fixed effects regression models, the study also explores the moderating effect of market competition on this relationship. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to understanding the risk-mitigating role of ESG practices and offering insights for policymakers, investors, and corporate executives in integrating ESG considerations into their risk management strategies. Through collaboration with researchers from KAIST SK and Bradford University UK, the study aims to produce two scholarly-reviewed journal articles and present findings at relevant conferences by April 30th, 2024.

 

Title: Student experiences and student success at the U.S. home campus and IBC in Korea

Applicant: H. Deborah Kwak

The proposal aims to address the gap in scholarly research regarding student experiences in international branch campuses (IBCs) by focusing on GMUK. While existing literature has extensively covered institutional experiences and challenges in establishing IBCs, little attention has been given to student perspectives. Through grounded theory methodology and semi-structured interviews with both Korean and international students who have experienced both the Fairfax home campus and the Korea IBC, the study seeks to answer research questions focusing on differences in teaching environments, career opportunities, campus life, and social interactions between the two campuses, as well as how these factors contribute to student success and pose challenges. By conducting in-depth interviews, the study aims to generate insights into the nuanced experiences of students in different educational settings, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of the student experience in IBCs.

 

Title: Audit Partner Effort and Misvaluation of Fair-Value Estimates

Applicant: Jenny Lee

The proposed study aims to investigate the impact of audit partner effort on the accuracy of fair-value measurements, particularly focusing on complex areas such as Level 3 fair value assets and liabilities. Given the significance of fair-value measurement in auditing and the frequent deficiencies in this area identified by regulatory bodies, the study seeks to address whether the involvement of more experienced auditors, such as partners, enhances the quality of fair-value assessments compared to less experienced auditors. While audit effort generally enhances audit quality, the effect varies based on auditor characteristics. This study hypothesizes that partner audit effort negatively correlates with fair-value misvaluation, with stronger associations for firms with longer audit tenure and industry-specialist audit firms. By examining samples of Korean Stock Exchange-listed companies from 2018 to 2022, the research employs multivariate regression models to analyze the relationship between audit effort and fair-value misvaluation, controlling for various firm and auditor characteristics. The findings will contribute to understanding the role of audit partners in enhancing fair-value accounting quality.

 

Title: Understanding Advanced Mathematics with AI Applications

Applicant: Chul Kim

The proposal narrative underscores the growing significance of AI and its integration into various fields, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of AI algorithms grounded in advanced mathematics. With AI poised to become common knowledge akin to cryptography, the proposed book aims to bridge the gap between AI researchers, application experts, and users by providing a comprehensive overview of the mathematics, statistics, and probability essential to AI algorithms. Leveraging the PI's expertise in publishing textbooks, particularly in cryptography and admissions systems, the resulting book, "Understanding Advanced Mathematics for AI Applications," is poised to become an essential reference for AI researchers and professionals, offering insights into the mathematical underpinnings crucial for effective AI implementation and development.

 

Title: What economic security entails and how it should be conceptualized and operationalized in contemporary contexts

Applicant: Soyoung Kwon and Jihye Lim

This research aims to conduct a preliminary investigation into the fundamental concepts, historical context, and pertinent policies shaping our understanding of economic security. Recently, economic security underwent a significant transformation when intense economic competition became intertwined with national security concerns. Given the confusion and evolving dynamics surrounding economic security, it becomes important to examine and reassess our understanding of this concept scholarly and practically. This project mainly employs a qualitative method, conducting interviews with both policymakers and entrepreneurs in order to explore the perceptions regarding economic security and to propose a re-conceptualization of economic security that integrates insights from interdisciplinary research and stakeholder perspectives. This collaborative work of Dr. Kwon and Dr. Lim leverages the expertise of a security specialist and an IPE expert to deliver comprehensive academic and policy insights on the concept of economic security. The outcomes will enrich both academic discourse and policy lab that can produce actionable policy recommendations.

 

Title: Building flexibility in the use of the equal sign in undergraduate preservice

Applicant: Kimberlie Fair

The proposed study focuses on building flexibility in the use of the equal sign in undergraduate preservice teachers. This study is significant because there is a learning space where the needs of undergraduate prospective preservice teachers and elementary students are simultaneously addressed which can be a future elementary educators receive their undergraduate preservice training. Access to resources that strengthen the mathematics knowledge of undergraduate pre-service teachers has the potential power to drive the development of the unique pedagogical skills they will need to effectively guide their own students. Mathematics knowledge is commonly divided into two types: Procedural knowledge and conceptual knowledge. Procedural knowledge is knowledge of the syntax and algorithms for step-by-step actions used in solving math problems. Conceptual knowledge is an understanding of the relationships and applications of processes performed. Procedural flexibility is the ability to choose between multiple strategies to solve problems. This study will add to the existing knowledge of the impact of procedural practice on conceptual knowledge and procedural flexibility in undergraduate pre-service teachers. This study will provide insight into methods that may strengthen procedural flexibility in undergraduate pre-service teachers. This is a qualitative study that employed clinical interview with a think-aloud protocol and semi-structured techniques to explore the research questions.

 

Title: Air Pollution and Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation: Evidence from South

Applicant: Moon Joon Kim

This research aims to investigate how air pollution affects solar power generation. It is currently in the revise and resubmit (R&R) stage, reflecting its potential to make a substantial impact in the field. This research has been showcased at various academic conferences and has published in the Energy Economics. One of the factors affecting solar power generation is air pollution and it influences solar power through two primary mechanisms: scattering and absorption of solar radiation. Despite some previous studies on the impact of air pollution on solar power generation, there is still a lack of consensus in the literature, particularly for South Korea. Studies on other Asia countries (China, India and Malaysia) may not necessarily be applicable to the South Korean context due to differences in geography, climate, and industrialization levels. Furthermore, previous studies in South Korea have been limited in scope and methodology, which focused on only two regions and did not address potential endogeneity issues. To provide unbiased estimates of the impact of air pollution on solar power generation in South Korea, this study employs a comprehensive dataset encompassing hourly nationwide data for solar power production, air pollution, and meteorological conditions over the period from 2006 to 2013. The study utilizes three primary datasets: hourly power generation data by source from the Korea Power Exchange (KPX), meteorological data from the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), and air quality data from the Korea Environment Corporation (KECO). The potential endogeneity of air pollution poses a risk of biased estimates. To manage endogeneity and autocorrelation issues in the time-series data effectively, this study employs the Newey-West instrumental variable regression model.

 

Title: Short Form Animated Narratives for Social Media

Applicant: John McGrew

The proposed project is mainly dealing with creating shorter form content that fits the technical requirements for most social media platforms and is tailored to the usage habits of many social media consumers. These shorter animations will allow for more compressed narratives and more intricate animated performances, and the shorter runtimes will also help keep the project within the grant timeline and scope. The goal of this project is to produce two to three animated videos that tell a short story in under 30 seconds. Student assistants and storytellers will be hired to help with production and provide more diverse voices for narrative and character development. The project will also aim at combining traditional and digital animation techniques through the development and use of 3D printed replacement parts in stop motion animation. Upon completion, the short animations will be published to several social media platforms, and a behind-the-scenes short film will be created to document the making of the videos. The completed animations will be posted to the social media accounts, including the applicant’s personal Instagram account that has around 2,000 followers and a Facebook Stop-Motion group with over 42,000 members. The final report will include the initial engagement analytics for the posts. The completed behind-the-scenes documentary short film with also be submitted to international film festivals for potential selection, nomination, and awards.

 

Title: Price distortions and hoarding: theory and experiments

Applicant: Edgar Castro Mendez

This proposal aims to complete an ongoing research project on the effects of price distortion on consumer’s hoarding behaviors. When price controls or market rigidities are in place, markets typically experience long waiting times and other challenges. Consumers are compelled to compete outside of traditional market mechanisms, and hoarding frequently becomes a widespread response. In this paper, we explore the mechanism that induced hoarding of water in Bogota in the 1990s. The model focuses on the uncertainty introduced by rationing, which occurs when demand exceeds supply at the imposed price limits. We underscore the critical role of price mechanisms in enhancing market efficiency. Our study primarily examines hoarding as a rational response to price distortions and discusses how it can alleviate some of the inefficiencies these distortions generate. Through this research, we aim to collect the data collection which will be made available upon the publication the paper, adhering to the standard practices of the field. Based on the results of the data collection, we complete and submit the final research paper for publication to a scholarly journal in the field of economics.

Title: Faculty Development Award Proposal

Applicant: Hyunyoung Cho

The proposal outlines two main activities: participation in the Renaissance Society of America (RSA) conference and the redesign of a course to meet the new Mason Core designation of "Global Contexts." The applicant will present at the RSA conference, discussing teaching techniques for John Milton's Paradise Lost and sharing experiences from Mason Korea. The conference will enhance teaching methods and provide professional development opportunities, including valuable feedback on instructional approaches from seasoned Milton scholars/teachers. Additionally, the applicant plans to revamp the course ENGH 362: Global Voices to align with the new Mason Core designation, requiring substantial changes in readings, course materials, and learning outcomes. The applicant is requesting a summer stipend to support the extensive redesign effort to ensure the course meets the updated educational standards effectively.

 

Title: English for Academic Purposes Instructor and Program Coordinator for the Advanced Business English Program

Applicant: Antonio Covello

The faculty development proposal seeks funding to attend The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) International Conference on Education (IICE), known for its multidisciplinary nature and diverse attendees from academia, corporate sectors, and governments, particularly from East Asia and the United States. The applicant's interest stems from their recent role as Program Coordinator for the Advanced Business English Program (ABEP) at Mason Korea, and their desire to enhance skills in executive education, curriculum design, and management. The conference offers a platform to learn about curriculum development, networking opportunities with academia and industry professionals, and insights into the future direction of educational programs like ABEP. The applicant aims to leverage these skills not only for enhancing ABEP but also for potential future roles, including department coordinator in the EAP department, ultimately contributing to Mason Korea's reputation as a leader in executive education in business English.

 

Title: Professional Memberships and Conference Attendance

Applicant: Alice Wrigglesworth

The faculty development proposal seeks funding for professional memberships and attendance at the 2024 Conference on College Composition and Communication. The applicant, an instructor and English Program Coordinator, aims to enhance their engagement in the field of Composition by participating in this prominent event. With memberships in organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Association for Writing Across the Curriculum (AWAC), the applicant highlights the importance of ongoing professional involvement. The CCCC, known as the preeminent conference in Composition, offers an opportunity for networking, advancing disciplinary knowledge, and overall professional development. The applicant's previous experience at similar conferences underscores the value they anticipate from attending the CCCC in April 2024, aligning with the conference theme of "Writing Abundance: Celebrating 75 Years of Conversations about Rhetoric, Composition, Technical Communication, and Literacy."

 

Title: Course development, New Course and Personal development

Applicant: Kent Zimmerman

The focus will be on developing a new course aimed at enhancing logical and critical thinking skills, potentially replacing or modifying the existing PHIL 173 to better suit the needs and interests of students at Mason Korea. This initiative stems from recognizing a strong need for such a course, as evidenced by personal experiences and discussions with fellow faculty. The outcome sought is the creation of a course that equips students with essential skills for academic and professional success. Similarly, during the 2024 summer break, efforts will be directed towards bringing back BULE 402 to Mason Korea, offering upper-level concentration coursework beneficial for MGMT and ACCT students. This endeavor involves building course content from scratch to align with the needs of students and accreditation requirements, enhancing Mason Korea's offerings and marketing points. Additionally, maintaining a professional license to practice law, including attending a required in-person professionalism course in Virginia, is crucial for maintaining AACSB accreditation teaching qualification, ensuring continued expertise and credibility in the field.

 

Title: Requesting Assistance in Paying for Graduate Certificate of Education Research (GCER) at the Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University.  

Applicant: Rod Rothwell 

The proposal seeks financial support for two units in the GCER program at Deakin University, focusing on research papers to be completed in Trimesters 1 and 2 of 2024. The applicant aims to investigate the relationship between business studies and student readiness for the workplace, with a focus on enhancing Mason Core business courses to align with career needs in 2030. Key inquiries include facilitating student sharing of workplace experiences, mentoring between senior and junior students, and providing feedback to GMU School of Business regarding curriculum evolution. The deliverables include a summary of the research distributed to MK faculty and staff, discussions with faculty and GMU School of Business, and membership in the Deakin Alumni network.

 

Title: Developing Modern Korean History/ Korean History Before 1876 

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh 

The Faculty Development proposal seeks support from FRDA Award to develop two Korean history courses, Modern Korean History, and Korean History Before 1876, to be offered in the spring and fall semesters of 2024, respectively. The courses aim to meet the high demand from students across campuses for Korean history education. The applicant plans to dedicate full-time effort over two weeks to develop each course, focusing on creating hybrid courses with lecture videos and experiential learning through field trips to historical sites. The outcomes include the creation of two new courses that provide basic knowledge of Korean history and incorporate global perspectives, benefiting both international and Korean students. This initiative aligns with the faculty's ongoing efforts to develop courses tailored to Mason Korea's educational needs, particularly in integrating experiential learning into the curriculum.

 

Title: Faculty Development: 2024 Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) Annual Convention 

Applicant: Jason Kifer

The proposal seeks support from FRAD Award for attendance at the 2024 CCCC Annual Convention in Spokane, Washington, USA. Highlighting the significance of the conference as a premier platform for writing instructors, the applicant emphasizes the value of networking and staying updated on current scholarship and teaching practices in the field of writing and composition. Particularly interested in sessions addressing the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language model (LLM) AIs in university writing contexts, the applicant sees potential benefits for their courses at Mason Korea (MK) and the MK community. Through face-to-face interactions with other educators and insights into best practices regarding AI, the applicant aims to contribute to the improvement of teaching methodologies and address the unique educational challenges presented by AI. The FRAD Award would also cover expenses related to language-related teaching through membership to the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the parent organization of CCCC.

 

Title: Developing instructional material for several different courses in Math 

Applicant: Imen Hassairi Ep Krichen

The proposed project entails a two-week visit to the main campus in Fairfax, aiming to enhance teaching skills and develop closer collaboration with colleagues in the math department. The visit includes attending teaching and learning seminars, observing classes, and redesigning courses such as MATH105 and MATH108 on software platforms like ALEKS and Pearson. The goals include improving teaching methods, developing active learning activities, and aligning student outcomes with those at the main campus, ultimately aiming to make math classes more efficient and relevant for students at Mason Korea. This visit is expected to benefit the professor's professional growth, provide enhanced learning opportunities for students, and strengthen connections between the two campuses.

 

Title: Faculty Professional Development Activities: Trip to the Carter School at Arlington, and Fairfax Virginia 

Applicant: Dr. Roland B. Wilson's

The proposal outlines plan to travel to the Carter School in Arlington and Fairfax, Virginia, aiming to discuss the opening of Graduate and Graduate Certificate Programs, as well as the Undergraduate Program, including retention strategies and potential curriculum changes. The trip seeks to enhance visibility and understanding of the Mason Korea Carter School program among faculty in Arlington and Fairfax, fostering support and student retention efforts. Goals include finalizing program details, collaborating on curriculum development, improving the program's web representation, briefing faculty on Mason Korea's programs, exploring research collaboration, and brainstorming student recruitment strategies. Meetings with the Dean and other key stakeholders aim to ensure alignment with the Carter School's objectives and provide guidance for program enhancement.

 

Title: Course building

Applicant: Eunice Kim

The proposal entails the development of lesson contents and build the Blackboard course site for the courses, ENGH101: Composition and ENGH 100: Composition for Multilingual Writers. This course utilizes a template which includes required readings, a base schedule with suggested in-class topics, and pre-set high-stake assignment prompts, however, it allows significant instructor freedom to create class-specific content and low-stakes assignments to enhance student development throughout the course. It will be helpful to review the materials provided by the main campus and developing course content that effectively builds on the resources provided in the template. The focus of this project is to introduce innovative instructional methods that promote greater collaboration among students and foster active engagement in all class activities. This approach aims to foster not only Mason Korea students’ creativity, collaboration, but the seamless transfer of the skills from ENGH 100 to their future academic pursuits.

 

Title: World History Association Conference

Applicant: Carey McCormack

The purpose of this proposal is to attend the World History Association annual conference located in San Francisco, CA from June 27 through June 29, 2024. The conference convenes historians from around the world who present their most current research in the field and provides teaching panels highlighting new world/global history pedagogical practices. The speakers of this annual conference will “explore the dynamic flows of ideas, people, politics, and more that shape our interconnected world.” With the perspective of the treasurer of the Southeast World History Association and the representative of the regional affiliate at the conference, sending representatives to the annual conference hosted by the main association is highly recommended. The intention is to network with the Pacific rim affiliate and propose an annual meeting in Korea which can be an opportunity to connect Mason Korea and IGC with a large and prestigious conference. To sum up, attending this largest annual world history conference provides the benefits of 1) conducting professional service as a regional affiliate of the association and networking with new and advanced scholars in the academic field, 2) meeting with editors regarding personal current book proposal and discussing essay collections with other scholars and 3) the teaching panels and workshops will provide new ideas and pedagogical practices to utilize in Fall 2024 and propose Korea as an option for the following years.

 

Title: BITS Conference, Thailand

Applicant: Miriam Ahmed

The proposal seeks funding of an attendance, travel, and accommodation for the Brand Identity and Typography Symposium (BITS), which is the southeast Asia’s first, largest and most noteworthy typography conference about the study of the design of type and text. As a design education who covers typography as a fundamental element of visual communication in all of courses taught, who enjoys a research focus on typography, and who will be teaching AVT 215 Typography in Fall 2024. The academic and industry material presented at BITS is unique to global type frameworks as presenters cover Asian scripts that are normally underrepresented or entirely missing from other major global type conferences. As an educator of multi-cultural, multi-lingual students, there is a limitation to covering the inclusive materials that are published on the internet, which tend to be years old and outdated. Aside from inclusive materials, conference networking has potentially impactful outcomes for the MK AVT 215 students in the fall. During the course, the invited speakers from other conferences provided guest lectures. Having a conference speaker come in to assist them went a long way to reassure the students that their research was valid and valuable, and it also naturally gave them the opportunity to speak directly with him about his research and ongoing projects. Experiencing a different typographic culture would expand the understanding and expertise in the field of typography. This would help to teach the subject inclusively, to prepare and be able to serve multi-cultural students, and be well-positioned to serve the MK students at MK and when they come to Fairfax. Due to the insights from this conference opportunity, the lesson will become more effective; the education more engaging; the class outcomes stronger, more thoughtful and useful in students’ portfolios and career trajectories.

Title: Building Procedural Flexibility and Conceptual Knowledge in Undergraduate Pre-Service Elementary Teachers

Applicant: Kimberlie Fair

The research focuses on enhancing procedural flexibility and conceptual understanding, particularly regarding the equal sign, among undergraduate preservice teachers. By utilizing clinical interviews and think-aloud protocols, the study seeks to explore how preservice teachers approach novel equation types and how their understanding evolves. Anticipated outcomes include successful IRB approval, completion of data collection, and initiation of data analysis within the project period, with subsequent completion of dissertation defense and publication by Spring 2024. Beyond this, the study lays the groundwork for further research in serious games development and instructional design to address educational needs across different subjects and populations. Potential dissemination of findings through publications and presentations in various research communities is anticipated, including serious games, mathematics education, and instructional design and technologies.

 

Title: Advancing the Affective Profiles in Emotion Aware Recommender Systems while Addressing User Data Privacy through the Concept of Emotion ID

Applicant: John Leung

The proposal aims to advance emotion-aware recommender systems by introducing Emotion ID and addressing privacy concerns. Leveraging GPT-trained systems, it proposes a method to identify emotions in text descriptions efficiently. Emotion ID assigns unique identifiers to objects and users, enhancing personalized recommendations. It emphasizes user control over emotional data through a Separation of Responsibility framework. The research strategy involves data collection, emotion identification, profile construction, system prototyping, and evaluation. The scholarly preparation includes a skilled research team, previous experience, technical expertise, collaborative networks, and commitment to professional development. Anticipated outcomes include publications, conference presentations, industry collaborations, open-source software development, evaluation metrics, user studies, and contributions to ethical guidelines. 

 

Title: Does auditor-audit committee communication mitigate stock price crash risk

Applicant: Jenny Lee 

The proposal aims to investigate the impact of auditor-audit committee communication on stock market crash risk in Korean listed firms. The study hypothesize that effective communication reduces the likelihood of managers withholding negative news, thus decreasing crash risk. Utilizing a unique dataset of Korean companies from 2014 to 2020, it employs multiple regression analysis and crash risk measures derived from firm-specific weekly stock returns. Future plans involve extending the dataset to 2021-2023 and hand-collecting additional communication data from annual reports. Two papers related to this topic have been accepted at AFAANZ 2023, including one on fair value measurements and another on auditor-audit committee communication, are intended for submission to high-ranked journals and conferences. The proposal highlights its potential interest to regulators, auditors, and audit committee members amid evolving regulatory agendas.

 

Title: Unintended Consequences of Health Care Reform in South Korea: Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity in Time Design

Applicant: Moon Joon Kim

This research addresses the concerning trend of high outpatient health care utilization in South Korea, fueled by the abolishment of the copayment program in 2007. The study examines the impact of this policy change on the nation's health care system, aiming to identify its causal effects and propose evidence-based solutions. Utilizing regression discontinuity in time (RDiT) analysis on national hospitalization data from 2002 to 2015, the study assesses changes in outpatient visits before and after the policy transition. The researcher holds PhD in Economics and with extensive experience in academia and research, employs rigorous methods to provide robust and unbiased estimates of the policy's effects. The research outcomes, including presentation at academic conferences and submission to a prestigious journal like Health Research Policy and Systems underscores the significance and quality of the study, which ultimately seeks to contribute to enhancing South Korea's health care policies and practices.

 

Title: Developing EDA (Explorative Data Analysis) Methods For Residential Mobility Data

Applicants: Sohyun Park, Brian Colchao (Computational Data Sciences) 

The research proposal aims to develop Explorative Data Analysis (EDA) methods to analyze residential mobility patterns and evaluate the impact of recent changes such as climate, pandemic, and urbanization pressures. Currently, there is a lack of systematic methods for exploring residential mobility at the individual level and most studies rely on small-scale survey data or county-level migration data. This project will use Complex Residential Mobility data to discover new patterns and compare the residential mobility of different groups in a city. 
The project consists of two sub-projects, visualization and trajectory cluster analysis, led by Dr. Park and Prof. Colchao respectively. The visualization sub-project aims to develop a polar diagram for visualizing residential mobility and a flow-based segregation index for inter-city comparisons. The trajectory cluster analysis sub-project aims to use deep learning techniques for clustering residential mobility trajectories. 
 
 

Title: Carving Out Korean Space Within the U.S. Academia: Korean Students’ Contribution To The American Knowledge Of Korea, The 1950s-1960s

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh 

This proposal is to complete a paper focusing on Korean students who immigrated to the US during the mid-1950s and became first-generation scholars of Korean Studies in the US in the 1960s. The researcher will examine their dissertations, books, and articles written during the 1960s and 1970s to assess their contribution to US academia and explore the ramifications of their contribution to the scholarship of first-generation scholars of Korean Studies in the US. 
To carry out the research, the researcher will analyze dissertations, books, and scholarly articles written by Korean students who studied abroad during the mid-1950s, including scholars such as Chong Sun Kim, Hugh Kang, Doo Soo Suh, and others. She will trace the key themes in their research and analyze how they integrated these themes into the modernization theory of the 1960s in US academia.   

  

Title: Translation and Annotation of Master Hanshan’s “Answer to Zheng kunyan [Da Zhengkunyan Zhongcheng]” 

Applicant: ChangGyo Ryu 

The proposed research project aims to translate and annotate Master Hanshan's "Answer to Zheng kunyan [Da Zhengkunyan Zhongcheng]", a Dharma talk written by the famous scholarly monk of the Ming Dynasty in China. The purpose of the research is to improve the accuracy of the translation and to share the important information contained in this concise and easy Dharma talk about the essence of the human mind taught in Zen Buddhism. This project will yield a paper to be submitted for publication. 

 

Title: Transitivity Analysis of Academic Writing Proficiency in a Transnational Education 

Context: Exploration of Ideational Meanings from First-Year Pathway Students’ Expository Essays 

Applicant: Eunhee Seo 

The proposed research examines the linguistic features of academic writing produced by students taking the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 110 composition course at George Mason University Korea. The study focuses on students’ utilization of ideational metafunctions of language as a way to identify evidence of writing development and areas of need in the transitivity patterns of lexico-grammar resources. The researcher plans to collect 17 students’ final papers from the EAP 110 course, which will be graded based on the rubric and then placed into three levels of writing performance and proficiency. The study will employ a textual analysis focusing on the utilization of transitivity manifested in student essays across different writing proficiency levels. The research aims to provide insight into more linguistically-focused instructional approaches for second language (L2) writing and explore the benefits of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) based pedagogic training for EAP composition instructors. The results of this analysis will be summarized in a manuscript to be submitted for publication. 

  

Title: SoTL Project in a Mason Korea Classroom: Social Interactions and Experiential Learning that Facilitate Student Learning 

Applicant: Hyunjin Deborah Kwak 

The research focuses on the relationship between social interactions in a classroom and student learning. Due to the geographical characteristic of GMUK situated in Songdo, it provides a unique cultural space for students with varying levels of cultural awareness and experience. The researcher aims to understand the conditions for learning and is specifically interested in the social interactions that students have within their groups that support or hinder learning. The study will be conducted in the Sociology 355 course, and the researcher will use an undergraduate research assistant Ms. Kieun Kwon who will observe the class and take ethnographic notes of the students' behavior. The researcher will also conduct 20 semi-structured interviews of students to get their perspective on the social interactions they have in the classroom. The ethnographic data and the interview responses will be analyzed to understand the social conditions and interactions that promote or impede learning. The researcher aims to contribute to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) by publishing the findings of this study. 
 

Title: Elements Short Film

Applicant: John David McGrew 

The project aims to produce a 2–3-minutes animated short film blends both digital and traditional animation techniques. The film will also use 3D printing technology for creating rapid prototyped replacement faces for the characters in the film. The researcher, who is a creative scholar and animated filmmaker with experience in various short films and commercial projects, will produce this project in stages. It will begin with the preproduction aspects such as script writing, storyboarding, concept art and animatic. The production of the film will take place next, including the research and development of 3D printed replacement faces, primary photography and animation, and post-production. The film will be submitted to film festivals around the world in 2024 and 2025, and the researcher will write a project report and an article documenting the findings and experience.  

Title: ENGH 302: Advanced Composition course for the Fall 2023

Applicant: Melissa Bruce

For the Fall 2023 semester, the instructor will be teaching three sections of ENGH 302: Advanced Composition at Mason Korea. Although it will be using a Fairfax-created template, it must review it thoroughly and incorporate it effectively into its lessons. This involves developing additional materials such as PowerPoint presentations, discussion activities, writing prompts, and worksheets to enhance student learning. Additionally, it will need to create a new Blackboard course site from scratch, ensuring all content is organized and finalized well in advance. Its goal is to optimize student learning by promoting collaboration, active participation, and critical thinking through creative teaching methods. By tailoring the course to meet the needs of Mason Korea students, it aims to facilitate the transfer of skills from ENGH 302 to their future academic endeavors.

 

Title: Introduction to Extended Reality Special Topics Course

Applicant: James Broderick

The course will cover augmented and virtual reality, focusing on theoretical knowledge and research with optional implementation. It seeks to make the content accessible to students from non-technical backgrounds. The acquisition plan includes Meta Quest 2 headsets for affordability and accessibility. The course development will span two weeks in summer, with continuous refinement during the Fall semester based on student feedback. The initiative aims to fill a gap in the curriculum, potentially leading to unique student projects and government training partnerships. It positions Mason Korea as a pioneer in extended reality education, offering opportunities for student/faculty projects and campus events. Lastly, access to virtual reality equipment will facilitate research and collaborative projects, further enhancing the campus's academic profile and student engagement.

 

Title: Faculty Professional Development Proposal: Artificial Intelligence Conference Trip

Applicant: John Leung

The proposal seeks funding to support attendance at Meta’s Open-Source LLaMA AI conference, aiming to enhance teaching abilities in AI-related courses at Mason Kora. Participating in this conference will provide invaluable opportunities to stay updated with AI advancements, learn innovative teaching methodologies, and network with leading experts. Anticipated outcomes include incorporating practical AI examples into lectures, implementing hands-on projects, simplifying complex concepts for students, and promoting responsible AI practices. The benefits extend to the Mason Korea community through contributions to curriculum development, faculty training, and student education. Materials produced will include a conference report, updated teaching materials, educational resources, and proposals for new courses. Additionally, membership in an AI professional association will facilitate networking, professional development, conference attendance, and access to resources, ultimately enhancing teaching practices and benefiting the MK community.

 

Title: Redesigning ENGH 100 for Linguistic Justice/Exploration of AI in Composition Courses

Applicant: Jason Kifer

The proposal focuses on integrating Artificially Intelligent (AI) Composition Tools ethically and responsibly into composition courses. Specifically, it aims to redesign the ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers course, emphasizing linguistic awareness and justice for Patriot Pathway Program (PPP) students. The proposal includes a two-week period in July 2023 for course redesign, with ongoing refinement over the summer. Additionally, it involves learning about large-language generative AI models like ChatGPT to develop materials for ENGH 100, ENGH 101, and ENGH 302 courses, promoting ethical and responsible use of AI in written coursework. This activity aims to enhance the instructor's ability to cater to PPP students' needs and incorporate AI into composition teaching, fostering linguistic and technological awareness. It anticipates producing a redesigned ENGH 100 course and materials such as presentations, videos, and handouts on ethical AI usage, adaptable for various instructional contexts at Mason Korea.

 

Title: International Milton Symposium (IMS)

Applicant: Hyun Young Cho

This proposal seeks funding to attend the International Milton Symposium (IMS) in July, a vital gathering for Milton scholars worldwide. Presenting a paper at IMS is pivotal for both my teaching and professional growth. In teaching ENGH 201, Paradise Lost is central to my course design, involving group dramatization projects and a Marathon Reading event. Continuing exposure to current discussions in Milton Studies enhances my effectiveness as an instructor and invigorates class discussions. Additionally, this conference offers a crucial opportunity to reconnect with colleagues after COVID disruptions and finalize my nomination as the Korean representative for the Standing Committee of IMS. Attending IMS will foster my scholarly development and contribute to the academic profile of Mason Korea.

 

Title: Southeast World History Association Conference 2023

Applicant: Carey McCormack

This proposal outlines the intention to attend the Southeast World History Association annual conference in Charleston, South Carolina, in October 2023. As the association's treasurer and conference organizer, the focus is on chairing panels, hosting workshops, and overseeing logistical aspects of the event. Additionally, the conference presents an opportunity for professional networking, particularly with esteemed scholars like John McNeill, whose expertise in world environmental history is of personal interest. The aim is to gather insights for future teaching methods, especially regarding global environmental issues, to enhance student learning outcomes. The conference's thematic focus on water in world history aligns with the individual's research on Indian Ocean trade networks and botanical exchange. Moreover, hosting a teaching workshop aims to promote active learning and diversity in historical education, addressing challenges faced by rural universities. This initiative also supports diversity, inclusion, and equity goals in alignment with institutional directives. Overall, participation in the conference promises both professional and pedagogical benefits, contributing to ongoing development and enhancing the quality of global history education at Mason Korea.

 

Title: Korean Course and Contrastive Materials Development

Applicant: Theresa Bloodworth

This proposal aims to enroll in the Incheon National University Korean Language Institute (INUKLI) during the summer of 2023 to acquire a foundational understanding of Korean language. The knowledge gained will be utilized to customize the MK Way Core 4 course and teaching materials at George Mason University (GMU). Due to scheduling conflicts between MK Way and Korean language courses at GMU, enrollment in INUKLI for a 10-week, 200-hour Korean language program is planned. By enrolling in the INUKLI program and achieving an A1 level of Korean proficiency, the researcher aims to utilize contrastive grammar techniques to help MK Way students overcome language-specific challenges and improve their English language skills.  Understanding students' native language is crucial in grammar, writing, and speaking instruction, enabling teachers to prepare more effective syllabus and utilize contrastive grammar to highlight language differences. Teachers at GMU Korea have a unique opportunity to provide tailored education and develop materials to address the diverse English proficiency levels among MK Way students.

 

Title: GAME 331 Update

Applicant: John P. Doran 

The proposal focuses on the development of Unity tutorial videos for the GAME331 class, aiming to enhance students' Unity Engine skills and introduce them to various game design issues. The videos will comprehensively cover the latest features of Unity, offering students exposure to current technology, coding style, and documentation standard. Each video will correspond to one of the 10 lab assignments, providing step-by-step guidance for creating Window build from completed Unity projects. Leveraging instructional design principles and Unity best practices, the project seeks to ensure effectiveness and engagement throughout the learning process. The primary investigator, who possesses extensive experience and holds certification as a Unity Certified Instructor and Educator Ambassador. In addition, collaboration with Prof. Dietrich suggests potential broader impact and use of the content beyond the immediate class. By disseminating these videos with other educators aims to elevate the quality of instruction within the Computer Game Design program at George Mason University Korea. Overall, the project aims to equip students with comprehensive tutorials accessible via the course website, benefiting both current and future students, as well as educators in the GAME331 program at George Mason University Korea and Fairfax.

 

Title: “Promoter of Social Justice or Colonizer of the Mind”

Applicant: Alice Wrigglesworth

The researcher is applying for partial funding to attend and co-present at the 2023 TESOL International Convention and English Language Expo in Portland, OR, USA. The conference is relevant to the researcher’s experiences as an English language educator and focuses on advancing the field of language instruction. The researcher is co-presenting on a topic called "Promoter of Social Justice or Colonizer of the Mind," which outlines a process for holding important discussions on social justice issues while avoiding the potential for abuse. 

This applicant received additional funds for professional association membership dues and conference registration and workshop fees connected to their field of instruction.  

  

Title:  Development of two courses Survey of Korean History and Korean Society and Culture

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh 

The researcher is applying for the Mason Korea Faculty Research and Development Award to develop two new courses for the academic year 2023-2024: "Survey of Korean History" and "KORE 300 Korean Culture and Society." The two courses will cover the basics of Korean history that examines Korean history from ancient to modern and focus on current social and cultural issues in Korea with co-curricular activities, respectively.  

 

Title: Attendance at Andrew Marvell Society Executive Committee Meeting

Applicant: Hyunyoung Cho 

This faculty member was recently elected as a member of the Executive Committee of Andrew Marvell and was awarded a summer grant for the development of their paper to present at the  Andrew Marvell Society’s gathering as part of South Central Renaissance Conference in University of California - Berkeley. Attendance at the conference is required for the elected position. In addition, participation in the conversations at the conference will support course design and pedagogical development.