Hannah Park

Hannah Park

Hannah Park

Graduate Research Assistant

Artificial Intelligence in International Education; Internationalization of Higher Education

Hannah Park is currently completing her PhD in Higher Education at George Mason University. Hannah’s doctoral research focuses on how artificial intelligence and technological advancements may shape the internationalization of higher education and impact internationalization practices. She expects to graduate in August 2025. In addition to her doctoral research, she has worked as a higher education administrator managing international student services, residence life, and operations at George Mason University’s branch campus in Songdo, South Korea for three years.

Hannah formerly served as the Graduate Professional Assistant in the Office of the Provost & Executive Vice President in collaboration with George Mason University Korea.

She was selected as the 2023-2024 Presidential Intern for the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) and continued as the Lead Conference Intern for the 2025 AIEA Annual Conference. 

PhD Defense: 
Monday August 4, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm-3:30 pm (Eastern Time)
Zoom Link

PhD Abstract: 
My dissertation investigates the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological advancements on the internationalization of higher education in the United States. Guided by Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory, the study examines two research questions: How do Senior International Officers (SIOs) and equivalent higher education administrators perceive the value and utility of AI in internationalization? How might AI shape internationalization practices within U.S. higher education?

Employing a generic qualitative methodology, the research involved in-depth interviews with 11 Senior International Officers (SIOs) and senior administrators affiliated with U.S. institutions. The study situates itself within a rapidly evolving landscape, where AI is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance access, equity, and operational efficiency in international education. These innovations allow institutions to better serve diverse student populations and address resource constraints.

The research further explores how institutional leaders are navigating the strategic, ethical, and practical challenges posed by AI adoption, reflecting a broader shift toward integrating AI into core internationalization strategies and practices. By capturing the perspectives of SIOs, my dissertation aims to illuminate both the opportunities and complexities inherent in leveraging AI for internationalization, offering insights to inform policy, practice, and future research in the field.

Selected Publications

Park, H. (2024). Graduate Student Perspectives. Publications. Association of International Education Administrators. 

EU-RoK Policy Dialogue Support Facility (PDSF). (2020-2023). [Forthcoming] Facilitating European Union-South Korea Higher Education Exchanges: In-depth analysis and strategic recommendations. European Commission. 

Grants and Fellowships

Office of the Provost - 2025 Summer Research Assistantship

2025 AIEA Annual Conference (Houston, Texas)

CEHD Doctoral Study Fellowship, AY 2024-2025

Conference Grant, NAFSA Annual Conference, 2024

Conference Grant, Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference, 2024

2024 AIEA Annual Conference (Sponsored by Lorenzo de' Medici Institute)

CEHD Doctoral Study Fellowship, AY 2023-2024

NASPA Foundation Access Scholarship, 2023 

Mentoring for Anti-Racism & Inclusive Excellence (MARIE) Program, Spring 2023

CEHD Doctoral Study Fellowship, AY 2022-2023

NAFSA Travel Grant (Region VIII), 2022

CEHD Doctoral Study Fellowship, AY 2021-2022

 

Education

Master of Public Policy, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea

B.A. (International Business), The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Recent Presentations

Park, H., Thomson, B., & Atif, F. (2025, March 4). Students' Perspectives on Internationalization [Conference Presentation]. Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA), Houston, Texas, USA. 

Park, H. (2024, April 26). Evaluating U.S. Branch Campus K Graduates' Workforce Transition [Poster Presentation]. DC Consortium Student Conference on Evaluation and Policy (DCSCEP), Washington, DC, USA. 

Park, H., & May, J. (2023, November 8). Internationalizing Students: The Best Practices and Lessons Learned from George Mason University’s Global Initiatives [Conference Presentation]. 2023 NAFSA Regional Conference, Roanoke, Va, USA.

Park, H. (2023, June 1). Mason Korea: International Branch Campus of George Mason University [Poster Presentation]. 2023 NAFSA Annual Conference, Washington, DC, USA.