Maryland Global celebrated excellence in global education at the Global Classrooms Showcase, highlighting both faculty innovation and student achievements in virtual international collaboration.
Faculty Recognition and Panel Discussion
The event featured an inspiring panel discussion with Dr. Negin Fouladi and Dr. Rianna Murray, who shared insights on building successful and innovative global courses. The showcase also honored Dr. Muhiuddin Haider with the Outstanding Global Classrooms Faculty Award for 2025, recognizing his exceptional contributions and collaboration with the Global Classrooms initiative since 2015.
Student Presentations Showcase Global Impact
Students from four different Global Classrooms courses presented their collaborative projects with international peers, demonstrating the profound impact of virtual exchange on real-world challenges:
“The Impact of Climate Change on Water and Food Security in Cameroon”
Presented by Zohneseh Fopenawoh
Course: GBHL649A - Advanced Global Health Global Classroom: The Impact of Climate Change on Water and Food Security
“Does Not Translate”
Presented by Samantha Rae Wilson
Course: EDHI788U - Decolonial Approaches to Education Development and Research
“Collaborating Through Technology: Advancing Fundraising for Women’s Entrepreneurship in Burkina Faso”
Presented by Breana Echols
Course: EDHI788B - Leadership in Multicultural Teams for Successful Project Management
“Remembering The Troubles”
Presented by Lauren Kenar and Terrance Baird Welykoridko
Course: HIST328K - Borders and Memory-making in Times of War: A Global Classroom Connecting College Park and Kyiv, Ukraine
A Decade of Global Learning Innovation
For 10 years, Global Classrooms has transformed how University of Maryland (UMD) students engage with the world. By connecting with international partners through technology, students develop intercultural competence, global perspective, and collaborative problem-solving abilities—all without leaving campus.
From surveying climate change knowledge in Cameroon to launching fundraising platforms in Burkina Faso, these projects demonstrate how virtual exchange creates meaningful cross-cultural connections while building crucial communication skills and generating profound global impact.
Maryland Global is proud to celebrate these achievements and the ongoing impact of global learning at UMD.
