Faculty Research and Teaching Scholarship

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: Participation in the International Studies Association Conference on March 2-5 in Chicago, IL, USA

Applicant: Malkhaz Saldadze

The faculty development proposal seeks funding to attend the International Studies Association (ISA) Conference which is one of the most significant events in Social and Political Sciences in the United States. The ISA unites 6,500 members all over the world under seven geographic regional units who are engaged in 29 thematic sections and four caucuses. Attending the conference is an opportunity to participate in this grand event, to gain insights into ongoing discussions in my field, to learn from colleagues from the US and various parts of the world, and to present my own observations about society, politics, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. In addition, this conference gives me an opportunity to present own research on democratization and its problems in Georgia. The expected results are getting a better understanding of trends in not only the peace and conflict studies but also the general social sciences. The analysis will focus not only on forms and sources of political mobilization that fuel democratic incentives and strife in Georgian society but also on understanding memory and particular places inlaid with collective memories and bearing symbolic power in the political process in Georgia. It would be a great chance to gain insights into developments and trends in social sciences worldwide. Building a network with colleagues from various US and non-US academic institutions will significantly enhance personal professional development.

 

Title: To support enhancing new courses for the fall semester of 2025_KORE 321 Korean Proficiency

Applicant: Sang Mee Oh

This proposal is for faculty development to support enhancing new courses for the fall semester of 2025. With the current two sections of the KORE 321: Korean Proficiency through Drama, two Korean TV series, Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), and Kill Me, Heal Me (2016) are used to teach students Korean, however, Kill Me, Heal Me should be replaced with a more recent TV series and new course materials must be developed. KORE 321 became popular course because the course channels students’ interest and passion for Korean drama into the motivation for learning Korea. Therefore, the dramas used in the course must be trendy and evoke their interest. Currently explored Korean TV series for the course should not have dialects, violent scenes, or too vulgar language but includes easy expressions useful for daily conversation and, hopefully, has a good message, and current candidate is Lovely Runner (2024). Since creating KORE 321 course, I gained new perspectives on developing courses that are needed at Mason Korea as I observed students’ reactions to the courses. Updating the course materials will help me become a better faculty member who takes a keen interest in students' educational needs and requests. Creating new course materials will help me learn more about how to integrate creative and experimental features into the course.

 

Title: Developing Korea Serious Game Institute (KSGI) Operational Efficiency and Building Collaborative Relationships with Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI)

Applicant: Dae Hong Kim

As the Associate Director of the Korea Serious Game Institute (KSGI), the primary role is to establish KSGI as a key player in the development and innovation of serious games within Korea and internationally. Serious games have become a powerful tool across various industries, from education to healthcare, as they leverage game mechanics to solve real-world problems, enhance learning, and promote behavioral change. To ensure that KSGI remains competitive and aligned with global best practices, it is crucial to draw upon the experience and expertise of institutions with established reputations in this field. This proposal seeks funding for visiting George Mason University to get an insight from the Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), which is KSGI’s parent organization. VSGI has garnered global recognition for its pioneering work in applied research and development of serious games. By visiting VSGI, the opportunity to learn about its operational strategies, project management techniques, and methods for fostering successful partnerships with both academic and corporate entities will be provided. Additionally, KSGI aims to expand its focus into healthcare-related serious games. To support this objective, exploring possible collaborations with other institutions with GMU, such as the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research, is needed. The anticipated outcomes of this visit include 1) a comprehensive plan for improving the operational structure of KSGI, 2) new collaboration opportunities with VSGI and potential other institutions, 3) the establishment of a network of contacts and partners at GMU and 4) enhanced capacity for KSGI to manage student projects.

 

Title: International Oral History Association (IOHA) Conference Attendance

Applicant: Alice Wrigglesworth

The faculty development proposal seeks funding to attend the 23rd International Oral History Association (IOHA) Conference in Krakow, Poland. The IOHA Conference is the pre-eminent conference in oral history, offering a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge methodologies, ethical considerations, and best practices in oral history research. This conference aligns closely with ongoing work on the Korean Memories Project. The project aims to create a standardized toolkit for conducting and filming interviews, which can be used for historical preservation and cultural documentation purposes. Furthermore, attending the IOHA Conference will provide valuable networking opportunities with oral history professionals and members of the International Oral History Association which could lead to future collaborations and resources that would benefit the Korean Memories Project and potentially open new avenues for research at Mason Korea. This professional development opportunity aligns with the current research interests and activities, promising significant benefits for both personal growth as a researcher and the institution's research profile.

 

Title: Scholarly Association, Course redesign, Conference attendance

Applicant: Hyunyoung Cho

This faculty development proposal is for the dues of Scholars of English Studies in Korea (SESK), which is a prime scholarly association in English study field in Korea, composed of renowned English scholars in Korea. As serving on the editorial board for one of its two official journals and a host in its bi-annual conference, SESK is a meaningful organization not only for teaching but also for personal professional development. To be effective in the lectures and class discussions about the readings, the instructor’s thinking needs to be constantly sharpened and challenged through continued engagements with peer scholars and with the current discussions in the field. Furthermore, ENGH 362: Global Voices is a “Global Understanding” Mason Core course. While some students take the course as an elective, an increasing number of Global Affairs students take the course because it counts towards the “Media, Communication, and Culture” concentration. As part of Mason Core revision, the university is in the process of replacing the “Global Understanding” category with the “Global Context” category. Therefore, the redesign will involve revamping the course readings and creating many new course materials.

 

Title: Professional Animation Training Course

Applicant: John McGrew

This professional development proposal seeks a fund for the tuition fee for a 12-week professional online animation course with Aardman Academy. Animation is an art form that requires both constant polishing of fundamental skills and ongoing mastery of new technological advances. As an animator, developing skills and keeping abreast of innovations in the field are important to teach students relevant animation-related content. This course will expand the professional network which produces feature films, television shows and video games. In addition, this course will improve animation-related content in GAME 104: 2D Design for Games, GAME 231: Three-Dimensional Game Art I, GAME 398: Three-Dimensional Art II and GAME 399: Stop Motion Animation courses. These courses use project-based learning and will benefit from the additional insight and skills acquired through the Aardman Academy course. While participating in the course, I will gain insight from course projects, the instructors’ feedback, and fellow students’ work that can be implemented into courses at Mason Korea. The course will also help to update a personal animation demo reel with a more polished set of animated shots that have been peer-reviewed by professional animators. As submitting the reel for funding opportunities and animation project positions, a stronger demo reel can increase the chances of successful applications.

 

Title: The International Conference on Educational Policy Studies, Organization and Leadership (ICEPSOL-25)

Applicant: Claude Drolet

This faculty development proposal is a request for supporting funds for attending the International Conference on Educational Policy Studies, Organization and Leadership (ICEPSOL-25), which aims to bring together researchers, scientists, academicians, policymakers and industry experts to learn about the latest advancements and developments in the field of Educational Leadership. This conference offers networking opportunities in-person, therefore, sharing experiences and learning from experts in respective fields from around the world and especially in the area will strengthen professionalism. At Mason Korea, working as a faculty chair and chairing hiring committees has inspired me to develop professionalism about education policy, organization and leadership. This conference will be the chance to expand experiences, challenge the thinking, and grow both professionally and personally. As well, the location of this conference is interesting since there are American branch campuses which can be a connection of professors, deans and related stakeholders.

 

Title: Conference Attendance - International Academic Forum (IAFOR) International Conference on Education, or the IICE

Applicant: Tony Covello

This faculty development proposal is a request for funds for attending the International Academic Forum (IAFOR) International Conference on Education, or the IICE. While focusing on education, it is a multidisciplinary conference that attracts various stakeholders in education from academia, business and government. Attending IICE will be valuable experience for three reasons: to expand the duties of the Faculty Affairs Committee, to learn how to improve teaching skills and to develop the EAP department. In addition, by attending the conference Mason Korea can try to access the internal resources by connecting programs like the FRDA to giving lectures and seminars through the Faculty Affairs Committee (FAC) for professional development. Another detail about this conference is its potential for networking which can improve the FAC at this conference by connecting with people to share ideas, learn at the meta-level how to organize the FAC and expand our duties, and at a lower level learn skills to pass on to other faculty by jumpstarting a series of sharing seminars. Furthermore, as a conference on education, it specifically affects me as an EAP faculty member. Teaching EAP is unique compared to other departments as we are tasked with improving our students’ linguistic abilities, studentship skills, cultural awareness and expectations. The personal interest in micro-teaching skills and further topics to be covered in the conference, Teaching Pedagogy, Curriculum Development, Assessment Theories, International Education, Applied Linguistics, Language Development, and Nurturing Creativity, are irreplaceable opportunities.

 

Title: Fairfax Visit, January 21, 2025 – January 23, 2025

Applicant: Heung Gweon Sin

This faculty development proposal is for supporting a visit to the Fairfax campus. As a faculty member in the School of Business at Mason Korea, this visit represents an invaluable opportunity to engage more deeply with the academic community, resources, and research initiatives at the Fairfax campus, which will enhance both my research and teaching and allow for potential collaborations with colleagues across the university. During the Fairfax campus visit in January 2025, I am planning to meet ISOM faculties teaching BUS 210 & 310, OSCM 303, MIS 303, and MIS 310 to see how they manage their classes and to discuss how to improve teaching quality. One of the most significant benefits of the Fairfax campus visit is the opportunity to enhance my teaching by engaging with the pedagogical strategies and resources used by my colleagues on the Fairfax campus. This will be an opportunity to deliver a more innovative and enriching educational experience for the students and the courses. Beyond the personal academic and professional benefits, this visit will allow me to build stronger institutional bridges between the Mason Korea and the Fairfax campus. Strengthening ties between faculty at both locations is essential for enhancing cross-campus collaboration, improving resource sharing, and fostering a greater sense of unity within the university system.

 

Title: Integrating Grammar-focused Guided Discovery Readings into Specific Academic Essay Types (Process, Comparison, Cause-Effect, and Argumentative Essays) and Creating Cohesive Course Materials Based on Them

Applicant: Bill Davis

One of the key goals of the MK Way program is to equip students with the ability to write clear, well-organized academic essays that follow standard conventions, demonstrate coherence, and utilize B1+ level grammar to express ideas effectively. The MK Way program teaches four types of academic essays – process, comparison, cause-effect, and argument – alongside grammar instruction. However, these elements are taught separately, with minimal integration. Therefore, instructors must create integrated materials independently, further increasing their workload and reducing the time available for providing individualized feedback on in-class work and assignments. This opportunity can support the development of four integrated, context-rich essay models, accompanying guided discovery grammar activities tailored to Mason Korea students and other supporting materials. Four original, high-interest essay models (Process, Comparison, Cause-Effect, Argument), tailored to Mason Korea students, four guided discovery grammar activity sets, a teacher’s guide with instructional notes and suggestions for differentiation, supplementary resources to support lesson delivery and a Canvas course template integrating all materials will be produced. The expected outcomes include: improved student engagement and comprehension, increased student ability in writing specific essay types, more effective grammar instruction, and enhanced critical thinking and learner autonomy through guided discovery and the application of grammar and writing elements in student-produced work.

 

Title: Attendance in International Conference on Educational Policies and Systems (ICEPAS) in Zurich, Switzerland

Applicant: Claude Drolet

International Conference on Educational Policies and Systems (ICEPAS) offers in-person networking with local and other international campuses which can be an asset to Mason Korea campus expansion. In addition, the conference aligns with personal academic and career interest. While working as Faculty Chair and a member of the Labor Management Council, it can help to improve leadership skills and connect with experts on higher education policy around the world. Sharing experiences and learning from experts in respective fields from around the world will strengthen the professionalism, both for my PhD dissertation and my interest about policies around and governance of Branch Campuses. This is a well-established conference and it is a multidisciplinary event that attracts stakeholders in education from academia, policy makers, as well as government. Further, Switzerland is host to a number of branch campuses, with US schools represented by Webster University and BHMS. The on-site visit to Webster University’s Geneva campus can directly aligns with the focus on my project on governance strictures in international branch campuses (IBCs). This will include meeting and interviewing leadership at schools like the Director General for Webster University Geneva Campus. The expected result from this opportunity is a personal development as a leader and policy expert, both in a position that I have recently and potentially for future roles as the Mason Korea campus expands.

 

Title: Course Re-design of SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology

Applicant: Deborah Kwak

As Mason Korea student population has grown, SOCI 101: Introduction to Sociology need to be re-designed. Since 2021, it was designed to be a discussion-based course in a small, liberal arts school setting with 12:1 faculty to student ratio. The class has grown to a class of 35 in Spring 2025, in Fall 2024, 27 students were enrolled in the course and 41 students were enrolled in Spring 2024. While the number of students enrolled varies by semester, it is clear that SOCI 101 cannot be taught as an active discussion-based class of 12. By re-designing the course, the followings are the specific changes that Mason Korea students will benefit from. First, changes in class activities and assignments: I aim to examine the American Sociological Association’s TRAILS Digital Teaching Library to look for class activities and assignments that will be effective in a class of 30 to 40. Second, changes in the teaching strategies I use in SOCI 101 as well as the academic support I provide as instructor. I aim to read the teaching scholarship on supporting bilingual students because there are now more students in SOCI 101 that are academically challenged due to their language ability. I want to incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies that will help the students in my course. Finally, new and updated readings: I aim to search for and incorporate several new Sociology readings and studies into the course material so that students have access to more recent conversations and debates about the main topics covered in SOCI 101.

 

Title: Conference Participation at the 18th EASIAM Conference

Applicant: Imen Hassairi

The industry-university research is essential as highlighting the potential for academic contributions to real-world applications. The 18th conference on industrial and applied mathematics organized by EASIAM in Manila provides a compelling example of how engaging with industrial and applied mathematics can directly address industry-related challenges. Attending this conference and interacting with professionals both academia and industry will allow to explore how mathematical concepts and methodologies can be applied to real-world problems, particularly in Songdo and the broader Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, valuable insights into emerging trends, innovative applications, and potential interdisciplinary collaborations are expected. This opportunity will be mutually beneficial in several ways. First, it will bring fresh perspectives and inspiration to my role at MK, allowing me to enrich my teaching by incorporating real-world applications and industry-relevant case studies. Second, it will contribute to my long-term professional development by expanding the expertise and research scope. Lastly, it will benefit my institution by opening doors for future research collaborations, fostering stronger ties with industry, and potentially influencing curriculum development to better prepare students for evolving job markets. This is important given that the plenary and invited speakers at the conference come from highly ranked universities in Asia. Attending various sessions, engaging in discussions, and learning about the latest advancements will offer fresh perspectives that could shape the direction of the future research.

 

Title: Conference Attendance at the 15th International Conference on Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI – 2025) 
Applicant: Rod Rothwell

The 15th International Conference on Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI – 2025) is held at Kansai University (Umeda Campus) Osaka, Japan. The conference is a multidisciplinary event focusing on innovative approaches in education, research, and social sciences. The objectives for attending this conference include: expanding the expertise in education research and innovative pedagogy in the areas of sustainable development and use of AI in the classroom, share my experiences with Mason Korea faculty through workshops and OneDrive folder and then share to the IGC community through the 2026 IGC Showcase, delivering a paper on innovation in my own teaching practice in 2026 at the same conference, building professional networks to enhance collaborative opportunities. There are several expected outcomes. First, it is an opportunity to exchange knowledge for personal development. The core theme of the conference is emerging technology in education, providing valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in teaching and learning. Second, it offers a research-informed, application-focused perspective on the evolving role of AI in education which practically impacts on teaching and research. Third, to ensure the conference insights are meaningfully integrated into faculty training, I will work with the FAC to design and learning opportunities for Mason faculty with workshops during Faculty Development Week and 1:1 mentoring. Finally, the resources can be shared and I expect a broader dissemination at IGC Showcase Spring 2026 and networking opportunities.

 

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.