Dr Matthew Tyne brings over two decades of experience in international community development and sexual health promotion to his work in cultural competence. Dr Tyne’s research is grounded in performance ethnography, exploring how creative methodologies can serve as tools for advocacy, dialogue, and cultural transformation. 

His key thematic areas include:

• Investigating the role of performance and storytelling in fostering cultural competence and community-led advocacy.
• Exploring the intersection of sexuality, identity, and cultural expression.

Dr Amy McHugh’s research is interdisciplinary and explores intercultural and cultural competence as it intersects with intercultural communication, social justice, online learning, critical pedagogies, and culturally responsive curriculum design. 

Her key thematic areas include:

• Investigating the development of intercultural and cultural competence through reflective, dialogic, and experiential learning.
• Exploring the leadership capabilities and pedagogical strategies required to engage ethically and effectively with cultural diversity.
• Leveraging artificial intelligence to support in the development of cultural competence.

Selected Publication: Learning from student perceptions and peer feedback in a virtual exchance: Reconceptualizing intercultural competence as a co-constructed and situated achievement. 

Dr Pooja Mittal Biswas is an award-winning educator, author, and researcher whose work spans literary studies, cultural theory, and critical pedagogy. Her interdisciplinary research explores the intersections of narrative, identity, and cultural competence, with a particular focus on how storytelling and creative practice can foster inclusive, reflective, and socially just learning environments.

Her key thematic areas include:

• Investigating cultural competence through literary and creative practice, with emphasis on narrative as a tool for ethical engagement and cultural inquiry.
• Examining the intersections of race, gender, and cultural identity in contemporary literature and media.
• Analysing the impact of creative writing and publishing as modes of cultural production and resistance.