UNICOIL welcomes new Steering Committee members
UNICOIL is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Steering Committee members, alongside a new digital support lead, as we continue to strengthen our network and advance opportunities for Collaborative Online International Learning.
Following our call for Expressions of Interest in May, we received an impressive 12 applications for three vacancies on the UNICOIL Steering Committee. The exceptionally strong response made the selection process challenging, and we would like to thank everyone who expressed an interest in contributing to UNICOIL's work. After careful consideration and consultation, we are pleased to welcome three new members to the Steering Committee:
Emma Marku: University of Kent, London and South East University Group
Global and Cultural Leadership Development Adviser
Emma brings over 16 years of experience in international higher education, with particular expertise in Internationalisation at Home, COIL and experiential global learning. A certified Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Facilitator and co-author of the UUKi Internationalisation at Home Handbook, her work focuses on developing students' global skills, employability and graduate outcomes through intercultural and collaborative learning.
Dr Lauren McNamara, Mary Immaculate College, Ireland
Outgoing Student Officer
Lauren facilitates semester-long, year-long and short-term student mobility opportunities, including physical, blended and COIL experiences. She holds a PhD in English Literature from Mary Immaculate College, specialising in disability representation, and has also studied at Columbia University. Lauren is a multi-award-winning writer and performer.
FH-Prof. Dr Eithne Knappitsch | Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Professor of Intercultural Management
Eithne is Professor of Intercultural Management at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, a board member of the International Virtual Exchange Consortium (IVEC), and co-founder of the Global Case Study Challenge, which connects students and educators across continents through virtual exchange. Her teaching and research focus on the relational dynamics of teams.
We look forward to working with Emma, Lauren and Eithne and drawing on their collective expertise to support the continued development of the UNICOIL network. Please see the About UNICOIL page for full details on Steering Committee members.
We would also like to announce the appointment of Hayley Whitefoot, Digital Education Systems Lead at the University of Leeds, as UNICOIL's digital support lead. Hayley will contribute technical expertise to support UNICOIL's activities, including webinars, website development and other digital initiatives that help connect and engage our growing community.
Expanding opportunities to get involved
The high calibre of applications to the Steering Committee highlighted the breadth of expertise and enthusiasm within the UNICOIL community. In keeping with our commitment to inclusivity, collaboration and sharing expertise, we are establishing a small number of new subcommittees. We have invited the remaining applicants to contribute to these groups, creating further opportunities for colleagues to help shape UNICOIL's activities and future direction. Please watch this space for an announcement on the new subcommittees.
Looking ahead: UNICOIL 2027 Symposium
Planning is also underway for the UNICOIL 2027 Symposium. We look forward to sharing further information about the event in due course. Keep an eye on our website, mailing list and LinkedIn channels for announcements.