Intercultural Learning Scholar

Dr. Sandy Marshall

Inaugural Intercultural Learning Scholar

The Center for Research on Global Engagement is proud to introduce Dr. Sandy Marshall as the inaugural Intercultural Learning Scholar. This new position recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing intercultural learning through innovative research, teaching, and community engagement.

Dr. Marshall brings a unique combination of international research experience, community-based learning expertise, and a deep commitment to fostering dialogue across difference. His selection for this role reflects his substantial contributions to understanding how intercultural experiences shape student learning outcomes and his pioneering work in developing reciprocal relationships with global and local communities.

“As the inaugural scholar, I think that role is still being shaped,” Dr. Marshall notes, “but to me it’s about both carrying on my own research on intercultural learning, and also hopefully bringing new practices and knowledge to our community here at Elon.”

Educational Journey: From Belfast to Global Research

Dr. Marshall’s academic path began with a strategic and passionate pursuit of peace and conflict studies. He sought out unique, experiential, and affordable educational opportunities and chose to study at the Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland during a critical period of societal transformation. The environment was pivotal – with British soldiers still patrolling the streets when he arrived in 2001, and army bases being dismantled by the time of his departure.

This formative experience coincided with significant global events, including the September 11 attacks and subsequent conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Israel-Palestine. He viewed these events through the diverse media landscape of British and Irish media, which provided a unique perspective on global politics. This perspective was further enhanced by the regular presence of speakers from the Middle East at his university.

An influential undergraduate professor encouraged Dr. Marshall’s interest in world politics, leading to research on Palestinian refugees in Jordan. This initial project sparked a profound research trajectory, involving travel across the Middle East and volunteer work in Palestine.

Doctoral Research: Exploring Trauma and Resilience

Dr. Marshall’s doctoral research focused on “the everyday lives and spaces of Palestinian refugee children in West Bank refugee camps.” His study critically examined intergenerational trauma, challenging Western psychological models by emphasizing collective trauma understanding within the political context of occupation. Key research themes included geographies of children and youth, collective trauma experiences, memory studies, and politics of humanitarian aid.

Currently, Dr. Marshall has expanded this research to explore intergenerational memory of shared and contested holy sites in the West Bank, examining how memories of religious sites have evolved with the changing conflict.

The Power+Place Initiative: Bridging Local and Global Narratives

Dr. Marshall’s interested in creative, community-based research and inter-generational dialogue carries over into his community-based teaching and learning as well.

At Elon, Dr. Marshall developed the Power+Place Initiative, a groundbreaking project using digital storytelling to document local histories in Alamance County. Inspired by collaboration with the African American Cultural Arts and History Center, the initiative began in Fall 2018 and has since grown significantly.

The project’s core philosophy is creating reciprocal relationships between academic institutions and communities. As Dr. Marshall explains, academic engagement should not be about extracting information or using communities as laboratory spaces for students. He emphasizes the importance of an ongoing reciprocal relationship.

Intercultural Learning: Innovative Projects and Approaches

As the inaugural Intercultural Learning Scholar, Dr. Marshall is leading several innovative initiatives related to his interests in global-to-local learning. These include:

· Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Having undertaken COIL projects with colleagues at An-Najah University in the West Bank, including the first ever transnational virtual Community of Practice at Elon, Dr. Marshall is now actively seeking to promote COIL at Elon..

· UNESCO International Human Rights Chair Collaboration: Having been trained in the UNESCO story circles methodology, Dr. Marshall is looking for opportunities to use this method for fostering dialogue across differences within and beyond the classroom at Elon.

· Study Abroad and Intercultural Learning Research: Dr. Marshall is preparing to teach in Elon’s London program in Spring 2026, and will be working with colleagues to investigate the impact of intercultural experiences on student learning.

Philosophical Approach: Deep Listening and Empathy

Dr. Marshall’s work is fundamentally about fostering understanding across cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious divides. Whether working locally in Alamance County or internationally in the Middle East, his core principles remain consistent: deep listening, cultural humility, and respect for diverse perspectives.

“The common thread,” Dr. Marshall notes, “is using deep listening and storytelling to foster understanding across difference and to change the stories we tell about certain places that we might have misconceptions about.”

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Dr. Marshall continues to bridge global research with local community engagement. His current research focuses include migrant and refugee communities in Alamance County, collaborative online international learning, intergenerational memory and sacred spaces, and the impact of intercultural learning on student development.

Conclusion

Dr. Marshall’s journey exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary, community-centered research. By connecting global experiences with local narratives, he continues to push the boundaries of academic engagement and intercultural understanding.