On July 16, 2025, Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation of professors from the University of Alabama, USA, as part of their Southeast Asia Initiative visit to Thailand. The visit aimed at boosting research productivity and fostering cross-border academic collaboration. As a result, it marked a valuable opportunity to deepen ties between institutions committed to innovation, integration, and global impact.
The visiting delegation included:
- Dr. Lisa Pawloski, Senior Associate Dean, International Programming, Finance, and Administration; Professor of Anthropology
- Dr. Kevin Curtin, Professor of Geography; Director of the Laboratory for Location Science
- Dr. Doris Sung, Assistant Professor of Art History
- Dr. Di Luo, Associate Professor of History
- Dr. Courtney Helfrecht, Assistant Professor of Anthropology
- Dr. Safa Elnaili, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature
- Ms. Allison Grant, MFA, Associate Professor of Art and Photography
- Ms. Sonya Harwood-Johnson, Director, University of Alabama Gorgas House Museum
- Mr. Jonathan Cumberland, MFA, Associate Professor of Graphic Design
- Dr. Kristina McDonald, Associate Professor of Psychology
Interdisciplinary Dialogues Begin
As part of their broader effort to connect with leading academic institutions in the region, the University of Alabama delegation visited Chulalongkorn University and participated in a collaborative meeting hosted by CSII. The meeting also brought together representatives from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Sports Science - fellow faculties within CU. It allowed all departments to explore shared interests and discuss opportunities for academic exchange, joint research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The day’s discussions at CSII centered around exciting prospects for future collaboration. These projects range from student and faculty exchange programs to shared course development.
Laying the Groundwork for Partnership
The connection between the two institutions began last year when Prof. Suchada Sukrong, Executive Director of CSII, visited the University of Alabama and was warmly welcomed by their faculty. That visit laid the foundation for ongoing dialogue and mutual interest, ultimately leading to this year’s return visit to Thailand. Both institutions embrace a spirit of hospitality and academic openness, and their shared values lay a strong foundation for what is set to become a long-term partnership.
The meeting with the University of Alabama delegation highlighted CSII’s commitment to international collaboration and interdisciplinary integration. Moreover, as a School that blends technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development with a global perspective, CSII brings together the right strengths and perspective to co-create impactful projects with international partners like the University of Alabama.
As the University of Alabama proudly champions the phrase “Where Legends Are Made,” this visit, likewise, marked the beginning of what we hope will be a legendary collaboration - one that builds bridges across continents and empowers students and faculty to innovate together.
Roll Tide Roll - and welcome to CSII!