International and Area Studies Commons^™

Mapping Themes, Aligning Strategies: Institutional Research Analytics With Bertopic And Genai, Danping Dong, Pin Pin Yeo

FORCE 2026

Libraries and research offices are increasingly tasked with making sense of unstructured institutional data, such as research publications and strategic documents. These insights help inform decision-making and leadership planning. This session shares how SMU Libraries leveraged BERTopic, an open-source topic modeling tool, together with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Claude, to extract meaningful insights from faculty publications and support institutional sensemaking.

In one use case, we applied BERTopic to university-authored publications to surface thematic groupings related to research about Asia. Generative AI tools were then used to summarize each cluster into human-readable narratives, enabling research landscape mapping, identification …

Hope Among Venezuelan Migrants In Colombia, Chadrick Tyler D. Bailey Jr

Undergraduate Research Conference

This paper looks at how hope shows up in the lives of Venezuelan migrants living in Colombia. Because of ongoing political and economic problems in Venezuela, many people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety and better opportunities. In Colombia, even though migrants may find more stability, they still face challenges like low wages, discrimination, and difficult living conditions. Despite all of this, hope continues to play an important role in how they move forward.

Rather than treating hope as just positive thinking, this paper shows how it is something people build through real-life experiences, culture, …

Strategic Knowledge: Innovation, Technological Sovereignty, And Geopolitical Competition, Chick Edmond

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

The Twenty-First Century's Shift in Advanced Technologies as Instruments of Economic Growth to central pillars of geopolitical competition States are increasingly using technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology and digital infrastructure not simply as commercial assets but as strategic resource bases to enhance their national security and global influence. This paper will examine how innovative systems have been incorporated into broader geopolitical competitions creating "strategic knowledge politic”. This paper dwells on International Political Economy (IPE), Security Studies and Innovation Theory literatures to analyze the changing concepts of technological sovereignty and their implications for the global order. The …

An Unlikely Ironic Intervention: Reimagining The Fourteenth Amendment Of The United States Of America, Jennifer Paola Hernandez

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

The project of interest is an intervention in the United States of America to reform racial and minority vote dilution, along with systemic entrenchment of power within gerrymandering, to undo the legacies of colonialism and racism within the states. Holding the government accountable to Constitutional and human rights is a patriotic act, even if many Americans don’t see it that way. Though often linked to the Global South, peacebuilding can also include institutional reform in non-war contexts. Peacebuilding processes are intended to improve society’s institutional structures for the betterment and sustainability of its constituents. I argue that the United States …

Peaceful Change Management: Cultivating Empathy And Curiosity To Foster Resilience And Trust In Healthcare, Erica W. Martin, Anne Kampa

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

The ongoing evolution of healthcare, driven by technological advancements, necessitates equipping leaders with human-centered approaches to change management. This proposal examines the current responses to change within healthcare environments, addressing the underlying mechanisms that contribute to success or breakdown and emphasizes the imperative need for adaptive strategies from change leaders.

A human-centered approach incorporating emotional intelligence, the ADKAR change management model, and peace-focused leadership, can mitigate potential conflicts and foster a trust-based work environment. This research explores the theoretical framework of positive peace, underscoring the pivotal role of leadership in enhancing relational dynamics and addressing communication barriers. By focusing on …

Peace Innovation And Healing: A Design Justice Framework To Support Change Processes, Strengthen Relationships, Foster Trust, And Build Community, Michelle Helman

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

Many organizations aiming to achieve peace and health equity outcomes often focus their design processes and innovation efforts externally without addressing how their organizational culture can unintentionally reproduce the very harms they are trying to address. The purpose of this qualitative design research study is to explore the role of a design justice framework in piloting a Peace Innovation Project aimed at facilitating an organizational culture change process. Specifically, the study focuses on better understanding how integrating a design justice approach could support research collaborators to center equity and justice as core components in building a culture of peace and …

Discourse Markers In Conflict Management: A Literature Review, Erica W. Martin, Krystle L. Hunter

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

Discourse Markers in Conflict Management: A Literature Review

Discourse markers, often seen as fillers in conversation, are important for managing interpersonal conflicts. This literature review aims to show how these markers influence conflict dynamics, with implications for promoting peace and strengthening community relationships. By combining research from linguistics, communication studies, and conflict resolution, the review looks at how discourse markers function during three phases of conflict: initiation, escalation, and de-escalation. The authors aim to improve both theoretical understanding and practical approaches to engaging constructively in conflicts, enhancing cohesion within global and local communities through better communication.

Using a qualitative synthesis …

Embodying Design Justice: A Peace Education Framework To Strengthen Relationships, Foster Trust And Build Community, Michelle Helman

Peace and Conflict Studies Journal Conference

BACKGROUND

Groups working toward creating peace and equity often focus on external innovation without addressing internal culture shifts necessary to navigate change and achieve their goals. Michelle’s doctoral research and practice address this challenge through a design research study and peace innovation project focused on organizational culture transformation through a design justice framework. Findings suggest that interweaving the framework with storytelling, arts, and embodiment practices are key to support people in navigating change processes to strengthen relationships, foster trust, and build community.

ABOUT

The workshop offers an applied learning experience for participants to explore the concepts of design and innovation …

Defining The European Union’S Top Public Health Priorities: What Can Be Gleaned From Its Multi-State Interdisciplinary Systems?, Mattie Frascella, Thierry Leger

Symposium of Student Scholars

Delineation of the European Union’s (EU) contemporary public health agenda is examined within the evolving architecture of a ‘European Health Union.’ Five interdependent domains are synthesized: climate and planetary health, digital transformation, resilient systems and workforce development, non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, and cross-sectoral and global leadership. Mutual reinforcement is essential for achieving equitable outcomes. The climate pillar reframes environmental disruption as a public health emergency, embedding adaptation, mitigation, and Planetary/One Health approaches across EU initiatives. The digital pillar examines the European Health Data Space and adjacent tools (telemedicine, e-prescribing, mobile health) as infrastructure for secure interoperability, research, and quality improvement. …

International Awards Ceremony, Center For International Education, International Student Engagement, Study Abroad & Global Engagement, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, International Student & Scholar Services, Embry-Riddle Language Institute

International Education Week

A signature celebration of international graduates and study‑abroad achievers, including honors and recognitions that mark global impact and community. The hour-long ceremony will be followed by a reception with light refreshments. All guests of our graduating students, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society members and inductees, and award nominees are welcome!

Coe Presents: Puerto Rico, College Of Engineering

International Education Week

A vibrant event celebrating Puerto Rican culture through snacks, music, and interactive experiences that capture the island’s energy.

Travel The World: Vr Experience, Ernie Central

International Education Week

An immersive virtual‑reality journey to iconic sites and everyday street scenes around the globe that lets participants “visit” new places and cultures in minutes.

World Tour: Campus Edition, Ernie Central, Cob Advising, Coa Advising, Veterans Services, Parent And Student Programs

International Education Week

Grab a passport from one of the locations below and travel to the 7 continents around campus to get your passport stamped! Map included inside passports to show locations. Turn in your completed passport to ERNIE Central for a chance to win an International Snack Box.

Passport Pickup Locations:

• SU 161 - ERNIE Central
• LB 170 - COE Advising
• Tomcat 250 - Parent and Student Programs
• Tomcat 260 - COA Advising
• NR3-174 - Veterans Affairs

Jeopardy: International Edition, Ernie Central

International Education Week

Test your knowledge of world geography, languages, global pop culture, and international firsts—perfect for friendly competition and bragging rights.

Db Vs. Pc Trivia Championship - Iew Edition, International Student Engagement, Prescott Sga, Erau Trivia Club

International Education Week

An inter‑campus trivia face‑off packed with international themes, team strategy, and the chase for medals, prizes, and ultimate bragging rights. Put your team together and compete to claim the GOAT Trophy for your home campus!

Global Sleep Secrets, Health Services

International Education Week

Travel the globe, no passport required! Learn how cultures around the world prioritize rest and relaxation, and pick up practical tips to improve your own sleep routine. Visit the Health Services table in Student Union on Thursday, November 20 to explore global sleep customs, grab a free sleep kit (while supplies last!), earn Bonus Bucks just for stopping by, recharge, relax, and rest--the world's way.

International Food Sampling, David O'Malley College Of Business

International Education Week

Let's come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our community through food!

World Tour: Campus Edition, Ernie Central, Cob Advising, Coa Advising, Veterans Services, Parent And Student Programs

International Education Week

Grab a passport from one of the locations below and travel to the 7 continents around campus to get your passport stamped! Map included inside passports to show locations. Turn in your completed passport to ERNIE Central for a chance to win an International Snack Box.

Passport Pickup Locations:

• SU 161 - ERNIE Central
• LB 170 - COE Advising
• Tomcat 250 - Parent and Student Programs
• Tomcat 260 - COA Advising
• NR3-174 - Veterans Affairs

Jeopardy: International Edition, Ernie Central

International Education Week

Test your knowledge of world geography, languages, global pop culture, and international firsts—perfect for friendly competition and bragging rights.

Travel The World: Vr Experience, Ernie Central

International Education Week

An immersive virtual‑reality journey to iconic sites and everyday street scenes around the globe that lets participants “visit” new places and cultures in minutes.

Coe Presents: Turkey, College Of Engineering

International Education Week

Discover Turkish culture with authentic flavors, engaging activities, and games that reflect its rich history and customs.

Portal To Prescott, Study Abroad & Global Engagement

International Education Week

A live, two‑way “window” that connects DB to the Prescott campus for spontaneous conversations, shared activities, and a feel for each other’s campus culture

Polyglot Palooza!, Embry-Riddle Language Institute (Erli)

International Education Week

A celebration of languages featuring bite‑size lessons, tongue‑twisters, calligraphy, and chances to try greetings from around the world.

Look for us during the Global Footprint Fair!

Global Footprint Fair, Study Abroad & Global Engagement

International Education Week

A showcase of globally focused programs, student orgs, research, and exchanges—meet the people behind international opportunities and see how to get involved.

Portal To Daytona Beach, Study Abroad & Global Engagement

International Education Week

A real‑time portal to DB for organic conversations, shared activities, and IEW moments that bridge campuses.

Global Footprint Fair, Study Abroad & Global Engagement

International Education Week

Meet faculty leading Summer 2026 programs, compare destinations and curricula, and map a path to your own international experience.

Where In The World Am I?, College Of Aviation - School Of Graduate Studies

International Education Week

Join us and guess which country you're in based on photos of monuments. Prize awarded for the first place winner!

Find us at the Global Footprint Fair!

Financial Aid Country Landmark Game, Financial Aid

International Education Week

A playful matching game that pairs famous landmarks with their countries while surfacing lesser‑known funding tips and resources students can use.

Check it out during the Global Footprint Fair!

Travel The World: Vr Experience, Ernie Central

International Education Week

An immersive virtual‑reality journey to iconic sites and everyday street scenes around the globe that lets participants “visit” new places and cultures in minutes.

Coe Presents: Brazil, College Of Engineering

International Education Week

A lively showcase of Brazilian traditions featuring regional treats, playful challenges, and cultural insights.