Professor,
Toyo University
Adjunct Professor, Tokyo Woman's Christian University;
Adjunct Lecturer, Tokyo University of Foreign University, Innovation and Management Professional University
Associate Professor
The University of Tennessee
Associate Professor,
The George Washington University
Associate Professor,
The University of Tennessee
mmisawa@utk.edu
Track: Track: Adult Education
and Community Development
Track: Sustainable & Green HRD
Mitsunori Misawa is an Associate Professor and Program Co-Coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
His scholarship explores (1) the positionality of faculty, students, and administrators in adult and higher education, (2) social justice and intersectionality through frameworks such as Critical, Feminist, Race, and Queer theories, and (3) issues of adult bullying, incivility, and professionalism in educational contexts.
Associate Professor,
The George Washington University
yoshienakamura@gwu.edu
Track: Leadership, Strategy,
and Engagement
Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura is an Associate Professor of Human and Organizational Learning and director of the Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Learning program at The George Washington University.
Her scholarship explores (1) the interface between leadership and learning, (2) authentic and empathic leadership development including neuroscience of adult learning and neurodiverse leadership, and (3) women’s leadership and interpersonal relational dynamics among adult learners. She has published widely on topics such as leadership values, social networks among leaders, and Japanese women’s leadership and has been recognized with the 2024 Assistant Professor Award from the University Council for Workforce and Human Resource Education.
Assistant Professor,
Idaho State University
AjitBhattarai@isu.edu
Track: Organization Development, Performance, and Change
Track: Career Development
and Professional Education
Ajit teaches in the Department of Organizational Learning and Performance at ISU. His research focuses on adult identity development/learning/transformations in both formal and informal contexts.
He also explores how adult learning theories can be leveraged in teaching college students and how theoretical tools can be mobilized in fields like HRD.
Mitsunori Misawa is an Associate Professor and Program Co-Coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
His scholarship explores (1) the positionality of faculty, students, and administrators in adult and higher education, (2) social justice and intersectionality through frameworks such as Critical, Feminist, Race, and Queer theories, and (3) issues of adult bullying, incivility, and professionalism in educational contexts.
Yoshie Tomozumi Nakamura is an Associate Professor of Human and Organizational Learning and director of the Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Learning program at The George Washington University.
Her scholarship explores (1) the interface between leadership and learning, (2) authentic and empathic leadership development including neuroscience of adult learning and neurodiverse leadership, and (3) women’s leadership and interpersonal relational dynamics among adult learners. She has published widely on topics such as leadership values, social networks among leaders, and Japanese women’s leadership and has been recognized with the 2024 Assistant Professor Award from the University Council for Workforce and Human Resource Education.
Ajit teaches in the Department of Organizational Learning and Performance at ISU. His research focuses on adult identity development/learning/transformations in both formal and informal contexts.
He also explores how adult learning theories can be leveraged in teaching college students and how theoretical tools can be mobilized in fields like HRD.
Associate Professor,
Louisiana State University
olivercrocco@lsu.edu
Track: International, Global, and
Cross-Cultural Issues
Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University.
His scholarship explores (1) regional and comparative HRD, particularly in Southeast Asia, (2) global leadership development and adult learning as developmental and transformative processes, and (3) the changing nature of work and workplace learning.
Professor,
Hiroshima University
yoshit@hiroshima-u.ac.jp
Track: Workplace Learning, Training, and Mindfulness and Well-being
Yoshi Takahashi is a professor in the Graduate School of Humanity and Social Sciences at Hiroshima University. His research interests focus on workplace learning, training transfer, and human resource development/management in small and medium-sized enterprises.
He has published articles in journals such as Personnel Review, International Journal of Training and Development, and Evidence-Based HRM.
Visiting Assistant Professor,
Texas A&M University
yijieun@tamu.edu
Track: Educational Technology, AI,
Virtual HRD, and Analytics
Track: Access and Critical HRD
Jieun Yi is a visiting assistant professor in the Human Resource Development program at Texas A&M University.
With academic and professional experience in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, she is committed to fostering inclusive work environments. Her current research focuses on remote work and data literacy in non-STEM fields.
Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco is an Associate Professor of Leadership and Human Resource Development at Louisiana State University.
His scholarship explores (1) regional and comparative HRD, particularly in Southeast Asia, (2) global leadership development and adult learning as developmental and transformative processes, and (3) the changing nature of work and workplace learning.
Yoshi Takahashi is a professor in the Graduate School of Humanity and Social Sciences at Hiroshima University. His research interests focus on workplace learning, training transfer, and human resource development/management in small and medium-sized enterprises.
He has published articles in journals such as Personnel Review, International Journal of Training and Development, and Evidence-Based HRM.
Jieun Yi is a visiting assistant professor in the Human Resource Development program at Texas A&M University.
With academic and professional experience in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, she is committed to fostering inclusive work environments. Her current research focuses on remote work and data literacy in non-STEM fields.
Associate Professor
Texas A&M University
daeseokchai@tamu.edu
Track: Non-Refereed Focus Session
Dr. Dae Seok Chai is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at Texas A&M University. His research interests include (1) workforce development and (2) program evaluation. His work has been supported by organizations including the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Chai is an active contributor to the HRD field through research, international speaking engagements, and professional service. He currently serves as an associate editor for Human Resource Development International and has held multiple leadership roles within the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Dr. Dae Seok Chai is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at Texas A&M University. His research interests include (1) workforce development and (2) program evaluation. His work has been supported by organizations including the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Chai is an active contributor to the HRD field through research, international speaking engagements, and professional service. He currently serves as an associate editor for Human Resource Development International and has held multiple leadership roles within the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Associate Track Chair
Doctoral Candidate
Columbia University, Teachers College
lw3038@tc.columbia.edu
Lisa Watanabe is a doctoral student in the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her research interests focus on organizational and leadership development, adult development, transformative learning, and mentoring.
As the Founder of Watanabe & Associates, she offers coaching and consultancy services to leaders and organizations across public and private sectors and earned her master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in education from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Associate Track Chair
Doctoral Candidate,
George Washington University
kinnaird@gwmail.gwu.edu
Katherine Kinnaird is a doctoral candidate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University. Her research investigates empathy in neurodiverse workplaces, with broader interests in inclusion, cross-cultural dialogue, and gender studies.
Katherine has worked in the international development sector for over 10 years, most recently as a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. She is PMP certified and has led education and mental health projects for refugee women, children, and families in the U.S., Morocco, Jordan, Greece, and the West Bank of Palestine. Katherine holds a MAR from Yale Divinity School and an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Lisa Watanabe is a doctoral student in the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her research interests focus on organizational and leadership development, adult development, transformative learning, and mentoring.
As the Founder of Watanabe & Associates, she offers coaching and consultancy services to leaders and organizations across public and private sectors and earned her master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in education from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Katherine Kinnaird is a doctoral candidate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University. Her research investigates empathy in neurodiverse workplaces, with broader interests in inclusion, cross-cultural dialogue, and gender studies.
Katherine has worked in the international development sector for over 10 years, most recently as a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. She is PMP certified and has led education and mental health projects for refugee women, children, and families in the U.S., Morocco, Jordan, Greece, and the West Bank of Palestine. Katherine holds a MAR from Yale Divinity School and an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Adjunct Professor, Tokyo Woman's Christian University;
Adjunct Lecturer, Tokyo University of Foreign University, Innovation and Management Professional University
Mieko Kobayashi is an executive coach and adjunct professor at four Japanese universities, where she specializes in project-based action learning.
She is passionate about unlocking the leadership potential of college students and young professionals. Prior to joining academia, she served as Managing Director of Talent Development at a Big Four professional services firm, where she was responsible for developing future executive leaders and top management candidates.
Associate Professor and Program Chair
The University of Georgia
Learning, Leadership and Organization Development Program
calebhan@uga.edu
Caleb Seung-hyun Han is an Associate Professor of Learning, Leadership and Organization Development (Formerly, Human Resources and Organization Development, HROD) at the University of Georgia.
Research work of Dr. Han uncovers and tests the mechanisms by which individuals learn and develop from others’ expertise and experiences at work. His primary focus is in individual-level learning within organizations by exploring how this learning is influenced by interpersonal relationships and interactions in organizations.
A variety of methods including surveys, social network analysis, interviews, observations, and mixed methods of all help to better understand the processes and mechanisms of individual learning in organizations.
Associate Professor
Graduate School of Human Resource Development: National Institute of Development Administration
Deputy Dean for Research, Academic Services and Networking, Graduate School of Human Resource Development, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Thailand
Deputy Executive Director, ASEAN University Network (AUN)
kinnaird@gwmail.gwu.edu
Dr. Dawisa Sritanyarat is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at NIDA, Thailand. Her research portfolio spans HRD theories, HR system, Green HRD and environmental sustainability, eco-centered organizational behaviors, as well as innovative development approaches including game-based learning and utilizing leisure as an HRD intervention.
In addition to her academic work and management position at NIDA, she serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), where she takes part in regional higher education development, international collaboration, and student mobility within the ASEAN context. Dr. Sritanyarat has a long-standing commitment to the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) community, taking the lead-role in the steering committee for both the 2018 and the 2025 Asian AHRD International Research Conferences in Thailand.
Mieko Kobayashi is an executive coach and adjunct professor at four Japanese universities, where she specializes in project-based action learning.
She is passionate about unlocking the leadership potential of college students and young professionals. Prior to joining academia, she served as Managing Director of Talent Development at a Big Four professional services firm, where she was responsible for developing future executive leaders and top management candidates.
Caleb Seung-hyun Han is an Associate Professor of Learning, Leadership and Organization Development (Formerly, Human Resources and Organization Development, HROD) at the University of Georgia.
Research work of Dr. Han uncovers and tests the mechanisms by which individuals learn and develop from others’ expertise and experiences at work. His primary focus is in individual-level learning within organizations by exploring how this learning is influenced by interpersonal relationships and interactions in organizations.
A variety of methods including surveys, social network analysis, interviews, observations, and mixed methods of all help to better understand the processes and mechanisms of individual learning in organizations.
Dr. Dawisa Sritanyarat is an Associate Professor of Human Resource Development at NIDA, Thailand. Her research portfolio spans HRD theories, HR system, Green HRD and environmental sustainability, eco-centered organizational behaviors, as well as innovative development approaches including game-based learning and utilizing leisure as an HRD intervention.
In addition to her academic work and management position at NIDA, she serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), where she takes part in regional higher education development, international collaboration, and student mobility within the ASEAN context. Dr. Sritanyarat has a long-standing commitment to the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) community, taking the lead-role in the steering committee for both the 2018 and the 2025 Asian AHRD International Research Conferences in Thailand.
Doctoral Candidate
Columbia University, Teachers College
lw3038@tc.columbia.edu
Lisa Watanabe is a doctoral student in the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her research interests focus on organizational and leadership development, adult development, transformative learning, and mentoring.
As the Founder of Watanabe & Associates, she offers coaching and consultancy services to leaders and organizations across public and private sectors and earned her master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in education from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Assistant Professor
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU)
Dr. Yu-Ling (Abby) Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Institute of International Human Resource Development (IHRD) at National Taiwan Normal University. Her research focuses on using data analytics and artificial intelligence to empower individuals and organizations to change, grow, and excel as unique beings. Her recent work addresses Socially Responsible AI (SRAI), Explainable AI (XAI), Human-AI Collaboration (HAIC), and AI for People and Humanity (People AI).
As a practitioner scholar, Dr. Chang has more than 12 years of experience in talent assessment, training and development, and people analytics across the financial and semiconductor industries. Her academic degrees in economics, psychology, and human resource and organization development (HRD/OD) equip her to integrate multidisciplinary perspectives in advancing the fields of HRD and OD.
Lisa Watanabe is a doctoral student in the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her research interests focus on organizational and leadership development, adult development, transformative learning, and mentoring.
As the Founder of Watanabe & Associates, she offers coaching and consultancy services to leaders and organizations across public and private sectors and earned her master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in education from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.
Dr. Yu-Ling (Abby) Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate Institute of International Human Resource Development (IHRD) at National Taiwan Normal University. Her research focuses on using data analytics and artificial intelligence to empower individuals and organizations to change, grow, and excel as unique beings. Her recent work addresses Socially Responsible AI (SRAI), Explainable AI (XAI), Human-AI Collaboration (HAIC), and AI for People and Humanity (People AI).
As a practitioner scholar, Dr. Chang has more than 12 years of experience in talent assessment, training and development, and people analytics across the financial and semiconductor industries. Her academic degrees in economics, psychology, and human resource and organization development (HRD/OD) equip her to integrate multidisciplinary perspectives in advancing the fields of HRD and OD.
Japan-International Liaison &
Partnership Committee Chair
Kaori Mizukoshi, Ed. D. is founder and CEO of Edvisage, LCC, a provider of global leadership programs for multinational corporations with business in Japan.
Dr. Mizukoshi holds a master’s degree in International and Transcultural Studies and a doctorate from the Department of Organization and Leadership of Teachers College, Columbia University.
Doctoral Candidate
George Washington University
Rebecca Burns is a Doctoral Candidate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University, where her research focuses on women’s leadership development in culturally grounded contexts.
She also serves as the Program Manager and supports doctoral education and faculty research at the GW School of Business. Rebecca is committed to advancing inclusive, cross-cultural scholarship and mentoring emerging scholars.
Specially Appointed Lecturer in the Career Design Program
Tokyo Keizai University
Keiko Kawase is a Specially Appointed Lecturer in the Career Design Program at Tokyo Keizai University and a part-time lecturer at the Center for International Education, Ochanomizu University. She holds a Master of Policy Studies from Hosei Graduate School.
As a former Japanese Government (MEXT) project coordinator supporting international students, she advances bilingual career education for diverse learners. She is a Visiting Researcher at Waseda’s Institute for Transnational HRM, serves on the APCDA Membership Committee, and is a Board Member of the Association for International Talent Development (AITD).
Kaori Mizukoshi, Ed. D. is founder and CEO of Edvisage, LCC, a provider of global leadership programs for multinational corporations with business in Japan.
Dr. Mizukoshi holds a master’s degree in International and Transcultural Studies and a doctorate from the Department of Organization and Leadership of Teachers College, Columbia University.
Rebecca Burns is a Doctoral Candidate in Human and Organizational Learning at The George Washington University, where her research focuses on women’s leadership development in culturally grounded contexts.
She also serves as the Program Manager and supports doctoral education and faculty research at the GW School of Business. Rebecca is committed to advancing inclusive, cross-cultural scholarship and mentoring emerging scholars.
Keiko Kawase is a Specially Appointed Lecturer in the Career Design Program at Tokyo Keizai University and a part-time lecturer at the Center for International Education, Ochanomizu University. She holds a Master of Policy Studies from Hosei Graduate School.
As a former Japanese Government (MEXT) project coordinator supporting international students, she advances bilingual career education for diverse learners. She is a Visiting Researcher at Waseda’s Institute for Transnational HRM, serves on the APCDA Membership Committee, and is a Board Member of the Association for International Talent Development (AITD).
Associate Professor, Ph.D. (Public Policy) Kushiro Public University of Economics
Yasunori Kishida (Ph.D. in Policy Studies) is an Associate Professor at Kushiro Public University of Economics, Japan.
His research focuses on Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, with particular interests in job crafting among mid-career and senior employees, digital talent development, and sustainable careers. He also works on regional revitalization and entrepreneurship initiatives in Eastern Hokkaido through industry–university collaboration and community-based projects.
Postdoctoral Fellow
Guangzhou Institute of Educational Research &
South China Normal University
Dr. Haoshen Liang is a joint Postdoctoral Fellow at the Guangzhou Institute of Educational Research and South China Normal University. He earned his doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University.
His research interests include teacher professional development, digital education, and educational assessment and evaluation. He is currently responsible for the Guangzhou Compulsory Education Quality Monitoring, focusing on the systematic evaluation and improvement of educational quality in Guangzhou’s primary and middle schools.
Doctoral Student
Graduate School of Toyo University
Yuki Kawakami is a PhD student at the Graduate School of Toyo University.
Her research interests include adult education, social education, and gender, with particular attention to learning and sexuality.
She is currently focusing on the feminist zine Onna kara Onna-tachi e (in English, From Woman to Women), published between 1972 and 1988. She seeks to explore how informal learning spaces and feminist media have shaped knowledge production, identity formation, and collective empowerment, and how these dynamics inform broader understandings of adult learning and human development.
Yasunori Kishida (Ph.D. in Policy Studies) is an Associate Professor at Kushiro Public University of Economics, Japan.
His research focuses on Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, with particular interests in job crafting among mid-career and senior employees, digital talent development, and sustainable careers. He also works on regional revitalization and entrepreneurship initiatives in Eastern Hokkaido through industry–university collaboration and community-based projects.
Dr. Haoshen Liang is a joint Postdoctoral Fellow at the Guangzhou Institute of Educational Research and South China Normal University. He earned his doctorate degree in Human and Organizational Learning from George Washington University.
His research interests include teacher professional development, digital education, and educational assessment and evaluation. He is currently responsible for the Guangzhou Compulsory Education Quality Monitoring, focusing on the systematic evaluation and improvement of educational quality in Guangzhou’s primary and middle schools.
Yuki Kawakami is a PhD student at the Graduate School of Toyo University.
Her research interests include adult education, social education, and gender, with particular attention to learning and sexuality.
She is currently focusing on the feminist zine Onna kara Onna-tachi e (in English, From Woman to Women), published between 1972 and 1988. She seeks to explore how informal learning spaces and feminist media have shaped knowledge production, identity formation, and collective empowerment, and how these dynamics inform broader understandings of adult learning and human development.
The 2026 AHRD Conference presents a unique opportunity for organizations to engage with leading scholars, industry experts, and HRD professionals from around the world.
As a sponsor, your company will gain unparalleled visibility among key decision-makers, thought leaders, and researchers shaping the future of work and human resource development.
