Research Interest：
- Higher Education, Impact Analysis, Student Assessment, Learning Environments
Education：
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, Japan (Expected: March 2024)
- Master of International Studies, Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University, Japan (March 2020)
- Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Hawaii, U.S. (May 1993)
Experiences：
- Fellow, Konan International Exchange Center, Konan University, Japan (Nov. 2019 – present)
- Lecturer, Center for Education in General Studies, Konan University, Japan (April 2019-present)
- Administrative Staff, Konan International Exchange Center, Konan University, Japan (April 2010- May 2018)
- Coordinator for International Relations, Shimane Prefectural International Exchange Office, Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, Japan (July 1994- June 1995)
- Coordinator for International Relations, Shimane Prefectural Youth Center, Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, Japan (July 1993- June 1994)
- Legislative Summer Internship Program, late U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Washington D.C., U.S. (June 1991- July 1991)
- Resident Advisor, Student Housing, University of Hawaii, U.S. (July 1990- May 1991)
Publications：
- Yamamoto, S. (2017). Implementation of the KONAN Language LOFT: A Self-Access Center with Dual Functions at Konan University. Kyouiku Gakushuu Shien Senta Kiyou. [Memoirs of Learning Utility Center for Konan University Students] (2) 51-80.
Academic Associations：
- The Japan Association for Self-Access Learning (2016 – present)
- International Conference for Media in Education (Member, ICoMe 2020 Local Organizing Committee)
Academic Conference Presentation：
- Yamamoto, S. (2018). Gakusei sutaffu no tayouna keiken ya nouryoku wo hakkisuru tame no torikumi to manejimento. [Initiatives for Student Staff Development and Program Management]. Presented at the 45th Language Instruction and Curriculum Development Research Symposium hosted by Konan Institute for Language and Culture, Konan University, Japan
- Yamamoto, S. (2018). How Konan University’s Self-Access Center is Contributing to Japanese and International Exchange Students’ Global Education in Japan. Presented at Japan Center for Michigan Studies (JCMU) 2018 Symposium, Hikone, Japan
- Mach, T., & Yamamoto, S. (2016). Lessons Learned About Effective Organization and Promotion During a Large-Scale SAC’s First Year. Presented at Japan Association for Self-Access Learning (JASAL) 2016 Annual Conference, Konan Women’s University, Kobe, Japan.
- Kobayashi, A., & Yamamoto, S. (2016). Thoughts on Making a Self-Access Center More Accessible to Every Student. Poster presentation at Japan Association of College English Teachers (JACET) Kansai Chapter 2016 Fall Conference, International Communication Center, Kansai Gaidai University, Osaka, Japan.
Language/ Skills：
- English (Native), Japanese (Fluent)
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Forms)
Message to Potential Candidates to Ogawa Seminar：
Aloha! My name is Shari Yamamoto. I was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to Japan after graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Over the past 20 years, my life was (and is still) full raising three wonderful children with my husband. Now that my children are older, I was fortunate to pursue a career in higher education and at the same time earn a graduate degree from Kobe University. Raising a family, working and attending graduate school was both challenging and fulfilling. I would like to encourage anyone interested in graduate school to persevere and you will, like me, complete the requirements and earn a graduate-level degree.
As a graduate student pursuing my master’s degree at GSICS, I had the good fortune to take classes from Professor Ogawa two years ago. That was when I discovered that Professor Ogawa is passionately and wholeheartedly dedicated to helping students reach their goals by setting high standards, providing clear instructions and feedback, and actively engaging students in the learning process. Professor Ogawa’s breadth of experiences, expertise, and networks are exceptional to say the least; and his commitment to providing quality instruction to students is inspiring. In Spring 2020, I completed my master’s degree in International Studies and am now ready to pursue a doctoral degree thanks to Professor Ogawa’s warm encouragement and invaluable advice.
As a doctoral student, I am very thankful for the opportunity to join Professor Ogawa’s seminar. If you are inspired to pursue your dream, please have the courage to try. Let’s encourage and support one another as we continue our journey to build capacity and achieve the goals we set in life.
