Faculty Advisor
Chang-kyu Kwon, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of human resource development in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include diversity/disability in the workplace, organizational learning, and systems transformation. He teaches courses on Principles of Human Resource Education and Diversity in the Workplace. For more information, please refer to his faculty website at https://education.illinois.edu/faculty/changkyu-kwon.
Student Conference Coordinators
Joseph Amodeo is a student in the Ed.D. in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) program, with a dual concentration in human resource development and diversity and equity in education. He has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and master’s degrees in political science, public administration, and rehabilitation counseling. His current research delves into the intersection of policy and practice, seeking to bridge gaps that hinder the efficacy of educational and vocational rehabilitation programs. Joseph has held various roles in program development and management within education, human services, and health nonprofits. Since 2012, Joseph has served on the management team at Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC) in New York. At QSAC, he oversees several administrative functions, including communications, e-learning for 1,400+ employees, and foundation relations. In addition, Joseph manages the organization’s vocational rehabilitation services and initiatives focused on improving post-secondary outcomes for youth with autism.
Steven Dunn is an Ed.D. student in the Department of Education, Policy, Organization, and Leadership, with a concentration in Human Resource Development. Steven has a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management, and a master’s degree in Management Information Systems. Steven has more than 20 years of experience in corporate Human Resources Management with emphases in Talent Development, Employee Relations, Leadership Development, and general HR Management. His research interest is in Learning and Development, especially in the area of Employee Engagement and On-the-Job Training. Mr. Dunn is currently working as a Regional Human Resources Manager for a privately-held manufacturer and fabricator of architectural glass and metal.
Hyerim Riley Kang is a 3rd year Ph. D. student with a Human Resource Development (HRD) concentration in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership (EPOL). She received a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, and International Office Administration, and a master’s degree in Vocational Education and Workforce Development. With extensive research and work experience in business corporations, government, and public affairs, and higher education institutions, her doctoral research interest centers around organizational adaptability, creativity, and innovation, especially focusing on the dynamics of workplace diversity and digital learning technologies. Currently, she is a graduate teaching assistant for the Instructional and Training System Design course at EPOL. She also serves as the Student Representative of the Korean Academy of Human Resource Development in the Americas (KAHRDA).
Viktoria Loidl is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership (EPOL) with a concentration in Human Resource Development (HRD). She received a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s degree in European Union Studies. Her doctoral research interests revolve around the future of work: 1) preparing organizations and employees for the digital transformation and 2) sustainable careers and the meaning of work. Viktoria is also a graduate teaching assistant for the LAS First-Year Experience.
Izza is a 5th-year Ph.D. student in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Human Resource Development. She has two master’s degrees: one in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and another in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Her research interests are diversity in teams, creativity, status perception. She has also worked in research on burnout, withdrawal, and work behaviors. Izza is also a graduate teaching assistant at the Gies College of Business and manages courses such as Leadership, Designing and Managing Organizations and Program Capstone. She has also taught courses in the department of Psychology.