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2026 International ACAC Conference Session Proposal Form

February 12, 2026

IB Predicted Grades in US Admissions: Evidence, Pressure, and Practice

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Lawrence 104 (85)

Lead Presenter

Joachim (Kim) Ekstrom, Bangkok Patana School

Additional Presenters

Scott Lassey, American International School - Riyadh
Tu Anh Gilmore, Seoul Foreign School
Clara Hoff, University of Virginia (UVA)
Nathan Mack, University of Southern California

Resources Roundup: An A-Z run through the "must have" resources of a dynamic and impactful counseling office

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM–2:30 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A36 (80)

Lead Presenter

Jemison Foster, Bishop Mackenzie International School

Additional Presenters

Kristin Dreazen
Eric Swan, International School Manila

University Admissions vs. High School Counselors and IECs: The Ultimate Showdown

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 1:00 PM–2:30 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A36 (80)

Lead Presenter

Phillip Wenturine, Brewster Madrid

Additional Presenters

Heidi Buffington, Saint Louis University Madrid
Jason Smith, Second Chance
Jennifer Tassell, International School of Panama

Adapting to a New Era: International Student Mobility & Application Trends

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 121 (571)

Lead Presenter

Scott Smith, The College Board

Additional Presenters

Bettina Donohue, The Common Application
Mirka Martel, Institute of International Education
Whitney Green, Princeton University

Lead Presenter

Marie Vivas, Retired Educator

Additional Presenters

Elizabeth Zeller, International Baccalaureate Organization
Kristoffer Toribio, Orange Coast College
Dianna Brittian
David Zutautas
Michael Clancy

Clearing the Way: Demystifying UK Admissions & Results Day Like a Pro

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 104 (85)

Lead Presenter

Felicity Tompkins, Keele University

Additional Presenters

Louise Tracey, University of Edinburgh
Shahmir Akram, Queen Mary, University of London

Crossing the Ethical Divide: Bridging Best Practices & Ethical Dilemmas in Admissions

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 232 (-)

Lead Presenter

Claire Wilkins, German Swiss International School

Additional Presenters

Chantelle Jackson-Boothby, Canadian International School
Katie Korhonen, New York University
Veronica Regalado, Athens College

Dealing With Parents You Can't Stand

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 120 (326)

Lead Presenter

Andrew Mechem, SCORE - Test Prep & College Counseling

Additional Presenters

Maria del Pilar Lindley Esteves, SCORE - Test Prep & College Counseling
Dahlia Younan, York University
Ayesha King, International School of Los Angeles

From Prestige to Purpose: Mapping Degree Choice to Global Employability

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Cathedral 324 (166)

Lead Presenter

Johanna Fishbein, The American School in Switzerland (TASIS)

Additional Presenters

Jessa Collings, Durham University
Chris Lawrance , The University of Sydney

Lead Presenter

Emily Allen, American Schools of Tangier, Marrakesh & Benguerir

Additional Presenters

Anne Corriveau, Boston University
Kaye-Lani Laughna, Davidson College
Hannah Mendlowitz, Yale University
Seray Teleke, University of California, Los Angeles

IB Predicted Grades in US Admissions: Evidence, Pressure, and Practice

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 104 (85)

Lead Presenter

Joachim (Kim) Ekstrom, Bangkok Patana School

Additional Presenters

Scott Lassey, American International School - Riyadh
Tu Anh Gilmore, Seoul Foreign School
Clara Hoff, University of Virginia (UVA)
Nathan Mack, University of Southern California

Know the Past: Shape the Future

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Posvar 1500 (126)

Lead Presenter

Jane Lowery, RETIRED

Additional Presenters

Marie Vivas, International Baccalaureate (IB)
Anne Corriveau, Boston University
Brandy Fransen, Rollins College
David ZUTAUTAS, Bayview Glen Indepenedent School
Jack Shull, Global University Advisors (IEC) & Interim Director of University Guidance at the African Leadership Academyo be filled in later

Leading with Purpose: Building Global Dream Teams

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 120 (326)

Lead Presenter

Alyson Murray, Duolingo

Additional Presenters

Joan Liu, Second Chance
Marsha Oshima, International School of Geneva
Michael Hirsch, West Island School

Một, hai, ba, Dô! - Understanding recruitment in Vietnam

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Cathedral 332 (90)

Lead Presenter

Berni Widemann, UCV

Additional Presenters

Amanda Hager, University of St. Thomas
Thuy Le, Vinschool

The Applicant in Hi-Def: Case Studies on Restoring Humanity in the Admissions Process

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Posvar 1502 (96)

Lead Presenter

Curt Nichols, International School Bangkok

Additional Presenters

Kaye-Lani Laughna, Davidson College
Clara Hoff, University of Virginia
Terry Crawford, InitialView
Lindsay Kehl, Meto

What the Data Shows: How Students Are Choosing Study Abroad Destinations in the Post-Pandemic Era

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 343 (269)

Lead Presenter

Dan Kopperud, Rochester Institute of Technology

Additional Presenters

Ciara Newby
Nagma Khan, DPS International Gurgaon

What is Accreditation? Why does it matter?

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Margaret Morrison 103 (92)

Lead Presenter

Susan Whipple, TEC: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)

Additional Presenters

Yujian Wang, Purdue University
Aly Stewart, The University of Edinburgh
Karen J'bari, McGill University
Emilia Abad, Colegio Americano de Quito

Accidental Fraud: When Good Intentions Go Wrong in Admissions

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*CUC McConomy (492)

Lead Presenter

Katie Korhonen, New York University

Additional Presenters

Ruby Bhattacharya, Barnard College
Chris Payne, Collingwood School
Christopher Moses, Independent Member

Admissions’ AI Policies: Who Benefits, Who Falls Behind, What Counselors Need to Clarify

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Doherty Hall 2210 (249)

Lead Presenter

Matthew Jaskol, Pioneer Academics

Additional Presenters

Andrew McMillen, Carnegie Mellon University
Priya Gupta, The International School Bangalore
Jerrod Ames, Fordham University

Bridging the World: Western Pennsylvania as a Destination for Global Scholars

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A36 (80)

Lead Presenter

Justin Mohney, Carnegie Mellon University

Additional Presenters

Kaitlyn Livingstone, University of Pittsburgh
Ivy Chou, University of Pittsburgh
Sienna Dalessandro, Duquesne University
Drucella Garcia, Carnegie Mellon University

Bridging the World: Western Pennsylvania as a Destination for Global Scholars

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A51 (130)

Lead Presenter

Justin Mohney, Carnegie Mellon University

Additional Presenters

Kaitlyn Livingstone, University of Pittsburgh
Ivy Chou, University of Pittsburgh
Sienna Dalessandro, Duquesne University
Drucella Garcia, Carnegie Mellon University

Higher Education in China

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Porter Hall 100 (195)

Lead Presenter

Ruru Huang, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Additional Presenters

Xiaoqiao Zhang, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China
Tamini Cheung, UWC Li Po Chun, Hong Kong

Medicine Abroad: Viable Pathways to Practice

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*CUC MPW (100)

Lead Presenter

Julie McNair, Ed.D., MetaPassageways

Additional Presenters

Calvin Shea, University of Nicosia Medical School

Tech It Easy: smart tools for busy advisors (who are NOT tech savvy!)

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Doherty Hall 2315 (233)

Lead Presenter

Rachel Edgell, Harrow School

Additional Presenters

Samantha Burkholder, SCAD
Alban Ferrieu, AnywhereUni
Jeff Neill, Graded - The American School of São Paulo
Saanya Gulati, Latymer Upper School

The Hidden Curriculum: Supporting "First Experience" Students in Cultural and Academic Transitions

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM–4:00 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A51 (130)

Lead Presenter

Dev Apiyo, Duolingo University Access Scholars Program

Additional Presenters

Adam Kendis, United World Colleges - East Africa
Anika Brennan, Elimisha Kakuma
Chelsea Uwase, Bridge 2 Rwanda

Curriculum Supersession

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*CUC McConomy (492)

Lead Presenter

Jimmy Bishop, Cambridge International Education

Additional Presenters

Paul Sanders, College Board
Paul Teulon, International Baccalaureate (IB)

Education City: How International Branch Campuses Support Global College Access

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Scaife Hall 105 (180)

Lead Presenter

Jonathan Dudley, Carnegie Mellon University Qatar

Additional Presenters

Dina Abdelazeem, Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
Nidal Nassar, Northwestern University Qatar
Noha Saleh, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar
Balquees Hijazi

From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Bridging Support for Low-Income International Students

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Baker Hall A51 (130)

Lead Presenter

Danielle Wolfberg, SHE-CAN

Additional Presenters

Dine DeMarlie, SHE-CAN
Joy Joy Htet , Centre College
Adrienne Ramsey, Babson College

Get Your Students Across the Finish Line with EducationUSA

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Posner Hall A35 (141)

Lead Presenter

Rita Moriconi, U.S. Department of State EducationUSA

Additional Presenters

Rosie Edmond, U.S. Department of State
Libby Bergeron, Bowdoin College

London's Not Calling: An introduction to studying outside of London in the UK

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Hamburg Hall A301 (150)

Lead Presenter

Brian Greenwood, University of Exeter

Additional Presenters

Lyndsey Ashton, Manchester Metropolitan University

Quiet Support, Big Impact: Helping Students Build Their Best Applications

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Margaret Morrison 103 (92)

Lead Presenter

Courtney Salazar, Colorado College

Additional Presenters

Izabela Karch, Bryn Mawr College
Michelle Dunavant, Kenyon College
Maria Kennedy, American College of Greece - Pierce High School

US Selective Admissions: A look behind the curtain

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:30 PM–5:30 PM EDT
*Doherty Hall 2210 (249)

Lead Presenter

Emily Allen, American Schools of Tangier, Marrakesh & Benguerir

Additional Presenters

Laurel Hildner, Vanderbilt University
Ali Duke, Dartmouth College
Jessica Griffiths, Rice University
Hannah Mendlowitz, Yale University

Beyond U.S. Borders: How US Higher Ed Policy Is Reshaping Global Enrollment

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 121 (571)

Lead Presenter

Julie Chapman, Duolingo English Test

Additional Presenters

Ryan Sullivan
Edward Fu
Brian Greenwood, University of Exeter

Lead Presenter

Marie Vivas, Retired Educator

Additional Presenters

Elizabeth Zeller, International Baccalaureate Organization
Kristoffer Toribio, Orange Coast College
Dianna Brittian
David Zutautas
Michael Clancy

Breaking the "Checklist" Mentality: Reclaiming Authenticity, Purpose, and Impact in a "Pay to Play" World

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 120 (326)

Lead Presenter

Ruby Bhattacharya, Barnard College

Additional Presenters

Kristen Pantazes, University of Pennsylvania
Ayush Periwal, Jayshree Periwal International School
Frances Zhang, WLSA Shanghai Academy
Wilson Lee, Singapore American School
Christopher Payne, Collingwood School

Constructing Your Toolkit to Build Bridges That Support Refugee and Displaced Students

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 232 (-)

Lead Presenter

Susan Whipple, SpanTran: the Evaluation Company

Additional Presenters

Megan Mankerian-Stem
Tricia Bergantino, University of California Los Angeles
David Joiner, American Community School Beirut

Lead Presenter

Beste Ozsoy, Hisar School

Additional Presenters

Priya Gupta, The International School Bagalore
Orcun Altintas, University of British Columbia
Stanley Chiaactions, Cialfo Pte Ltd
Anne Kuijs, Leiden University College

Dealing With Parents You Can't Stand

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 121 (571)

Lead Presenter

Andrew Mechem, SCORE - Test Prep & College Counseling

Additional Presenters

Maria del Pilar Lindley Esteves, SCORE - Test Prep & College Counseling
Dahlia Younan, York University
Ayesha King, International School of Los Angeles

From PIQs to CCC: Missed Opportunities on a Students Path to the University of California

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Cathedral 324 (166)

Lead Presenter

Danika Pierce, St Joseph's Institution International

Additional Presenters

Seray Teleke, UCLA
Dalia Wardany, Foothill and De Anza Colleges
San Lee, UC Davis

IB Predicted Grades in US Admissions: Evidence, Pressure, and Practice

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 106 (64)

Lead Presenter

Joachim (Kim) Ekstrom, Bangkok Patana School

Additional Presenters

Scott Lassey, American International School - Riyadh
Tu Anh Gilmore, Seoul Foreign School
Clara Hoff, University of Virginia (UVA)
Nathan Mack, University of Southern California

Not Just Another 'Stan: Unlocking Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Cathedral 332 (90)

Lead Presenter

Jeanette Won, Tashkent International School

Additional Presenters

Lisa Mortini, New York University (NYU)
Rohit Kandari, KIC UnivAssist
Shokhrukh Mirzabekov, Almaty Bilim-Innovation Lyceum

Opportunities and Alternatives - Applying Aspiring Athletes

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 343 (269)

Lead Presenter

Alfredo Varela, University of Oregon

Additional Presenters

Binh Huynh, Ohio State University

Prompting Success: Liberal Arts Preparation for a Post-AI World

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
*Scaife Hall 105 (180)

Lead Presenter

Anna Wise, Hamilton College

Additional Presenters

Lena Adely, Sarah Lawrence College
Kate Guy, Gettysburg College
Melanie Hamre

Regional Recruitment in Latin America: Aligning Data, Culture, and Strategy

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Lawrence 107 (90)

Lead Presenter

Lucas Sousa, Beacon School

Additional Presenters

Jennifer Tassell, International School of Panama
Kaitlyn Livingston, University of Pittsburgh
Christie Culp, Loyola Marymount University
Andrea Maldonado, National Student Leadership Conference
Airton Pretini, Colégio Santa Cruz

“So, How’d It Go?” How Uni Reps & Counselors Determine Success in High School Visits

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM–12:00 PM EDT
Posvar 1500 (126)

Lead Presenter

Erin Gahimer, Indiana University

Additional Presenters

Becky Konowicz, International School Bangkok
Julisa Michas, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Tu Anh Gilmore, Seoul Foreign School

Are We Still Welcoming? II: Building Bridges for a Changing Global Landscape

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Lawrence 120 (326)

Lead Presenter

Kristoffer Toribio, Orange Coast College

Additional Presenters

David Hawkins, The University Guys
Christina Chandler, Chandler Educational Consulting
Alisha Koumphol, McMaster University
Wilson Lee, Singapore American School

Beyond AI Hype to AI+X: Re-centering Core Disciplines for Long-Term Global Employability

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Posvar 1500 (126)

Lead Presenter

Deepali Aggarwal, strawberry fields high school and chandigarh

Additional Presenters

Barbara Prevosti, University of Bocconi

EAB/Match Placeholder

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Cathedral 324 (166)

Lead Presenter

Additional Presenters

Hosting RI Placeholder

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Lawrence 104 (85)

Lead Presenter

Additional Presenters

Lead Presenter

Emily Allen, American Schools of Tangier, Marrakesh & Benguerir

Additional Presenters

Anne Corriveau, Boston University
Kaye-Lani Laughna, Davidson College
Hannah Mendlowitz, Yale University
Seray Teleke, University of California, Los Angeles

IB Predicted Grades in US Admissions: Evidence, Pressure, and Practice

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Lawrence 107 (90)

Lead Presenter

Joachim (Kim) Ekstrom, Bangkok Patana School

Additional Presenters

Scott Lassey, American International School - Riyadh
Tu Anh Gilmore, Seoul Foreign School
Clara Hoff, University of Virginia (UVA)
Nathan Mack, University of Southern California

International Destinations and Considerations for LGBTQ+ Students

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Lawrence 121 (571)

Lead Presenter

Madeline Lomprey, James Cook Universtiy

Additional Presenters

Amanda Lunberg, University of Roehampton London
Will Abraham, Bimm University

Prompting Success: Liberal Arts Preparation for a Post-AI World

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 232 (-)

Lead Presenter

Anna Wise, Hamilton College

Additional Presenters

Lena Adely, Sarah Lawrence College
Kate Guy, Gettysburg College
Melanie Hamre

The College Admissions and Counseling Trend in China for the past 5 years

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Alumni Hall 343 (269)

Lead Presenter

Ruru Huang, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Additional Presenters

Wei Vivian Lin, University of St Andrews
Francis Miller, Xi'an Tie Yi High School International Curriculum Center, China
Xiaoqiao Zhang, Shanghai Jiaotong University, China

Welcome Y’all: Debunking the Myths and Showcasing the Real Texas for International Students

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 1:30 PM–2:30 PM EDT
Cathedral 332 (90)

Lead Presenter

Nicole Sinclair, Texas Christian University

Additional Presenters

Kindel Hollis, Trinity University
Aaron Mandell
David Bernay, St. Edward's University
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