Recognizing Innovative Research in IE: Intercultural Competence and Global Learning

November 13, 2025

Connecting research and practice in international education is vital. Each year, NAFSA's Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC) honors an individual's contributions to the knowledge and practice of the field through the TLS KC's Innovative Research in International Education Award.

This event featured a panel interview with the 2025 award recipient, Janelle Peifer, focusing on lessons from her research about intercultural competence and global learning. TLS KC member leaders also provided opportunities for breakout group discussions about the impacts of research in the field and provided guidance about the process to apply for the 2026 TLS KC Award (and other NAFSA Awards) by the deadline of February 10, 2026.

This event was open to everyone—especially scholar-practitioners and researchers of all levels, including graduate students.

Any questions about this event can be submitted via the TLS KC Feedback Form.

Watch the Recording

Presenters

Janelle Peifer, PhD

University of Richmond

Janelle S. Peifer, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond. She is a speaker and consultant for higher education institutions and organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for all individuals to grow, flourish, and succeed. She...

Washington State University

Coordinator, Programs and Resources (TLS KC)

Kate Hellmann, PhD, is a faculty administrator and researcher in the field of international education and TESOL. She has a PhD in Education with a focus on International Education and a Master's in Applied Linguistics. Spanish is her second language. She researches faculty experiences with...

Wake Forest University School of Law

Research & Scholarship Connections Network Leader (TLS KC)

Elenora (Ellie) Haag, EdD, has been working for over 15 years in international education, managing international programs, partnerships, and agreements, including faculty-led study abroad programs, and working with sponsoring agencies such as Fulbright/IIE. She's been a NAFSA member since 2011...

Go Global NC

Chair, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)

As the executive director for Go Global NC, Meredith Henderson provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction to the organization; builds and leads local and global collaborative efforts to optimize global engagement; and oversees programs for educators and policy, community and business...

North Idaho College

Chair-elect, Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC)

Dilnoza Khasilova, PhD, is the director of the Adult Education Center at North Idaho College and currently serves as the Chair-elect for NAFSA's Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship Knowledge Community (TLS KC). She is a founder of the Volunteer World Language and Culture program (alumni initiative...