Genie L
- Research Program Mentor
EdD candidate at Pepperdine University
Expertise
Finance (banking), Linguistics, Education
Bio
I am a doctoral candidate in Learning Technologies (EdD) with a background spanning language education, multilingual pedagogy, and educational technology. Before moving into education research, I worked as a financial analyst in international banking for 11 years; I now draw on that experience for projects involving data, economics, and financial literacy. I have also worked as a U.S. college counselor, so I understand not only how to guide a strong research project, but how that project fits into a student's larger academic story and college journey. My research sits at the intersection of AI and language learning, and my broader work centers on making learning genuinely accessible to multilingual students. I have presented and published in the field, with upcoming research presentations at the University of Cambridge, Heidelberg University, and Columbia University. I hold a U.S. national board certification in Korean medical interpreting and an IB teaching certificate, and I serve in leadership roles in major education research communities, including AERA, CATESOL, and CABE. I currently mentor young researchers, guiding them from research questions to data collection to finished papers. My students leave my projects not just with a paper, but knowing how to think like a researcher. If you're interested in linguistics, AI in education, bilingual/multilingual education, business-related research, or how research itself works, I'd love to help you build a project that's genuinely yours. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am an avid traveler and enjoy immersing myself in different cultures worldwide. This passion for exploration allows me to gain unique perspectives that inform my work and enrich my understanding of global education systems. Additionally, I deeply appreciate the performing arts and frequently attend theater productions and live performances. I find inspiration in these experiences, which fuel my creativity and blend seamlessly with my academic pursuits. Fun fact: I also enjoy learning new languages, which adds another layer to my passion for communication and cultural exchange!Project ideas
Analyzing the Impact of Financial Decision-Making in Banking
This project invites students to investigate the financial decision-making processes within the banking sector, using my extensive experience as a financial analyst at Standard Chartered Bank as a foundation. Students will explore how various factors—such as market conditions, regulatory changes, and economic indicators—affect the financial strategies of banks. Through literature reviews and case studies based on historical decisions made by banks, students will analyze the outcomes and implications of these decisions. The final outcome may be a comprehensive research paper or a presentation that highlights key findings, successful strategies, and critical lessons for aspiring financial analysts.
Exploring Bilingualism and Cognitive Development
Students will investigate the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, examining how learning multiple languages influences cognitive development and problem-solving abilities. Through literature reviews and interviews with bilingual individuals, students will gather insights and data on the relationship between bilingualism and cognitive skills. The project will culminate in a research paper or presentation outlining the findings and implications of bilingualism on cognitive development.
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Student Engagement
This project invites students to explore how technology tools can boost student engagement and improve learning outcomes in the classroom. Students will research current educational technologies and gather feedback from educators through surveys or interviews to evaluate their effectiveness. The outcome may be a detailed report assessing specific tools or the creation of a workshop module aimed at training teachers on integrating technology to enhance classroom engagement.