Meet Our Team
Amine Mechaal is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at Teachers College, where he shapes the College's international strategy and leads its global partnerships to enhance educational offerings. With over 13 years of experience in international education, Amine has developed and led transformative cultural exchange, study abroad, and scholarly mobility programs that connect global communities and foster cross-cultural collaboration.
A proven leader in strategic planning, team management, and high-impact initiatives, Amine has successfully secured funding, written and co-written grant proposals, and built strong partnerships with governments, donors, and international organizations. His work focuses on advancing global educational opportunities and strengthening international collaborations that leave a lasting impact on the field.
In addition to his role at Teachers College, Amine has served as adjunct faculty at several U.S. institutions, including CUNY, Syracuse University, and IES Abroad. Prior to joining 麻豆原创, he was the Customized and Faculty-led Program Manager at IES, where he developed over 120 programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America for 65 U.S. universities. He also served as Assistant Director for Academics and Customized Programming at IES Abroad Rabat, where he oversaw academic governance, led strategic planning, and managed faculty-led programs.
Amine Mechaal is the Executive Director of Global Engagement at Teachers College, where he shapes the College's international strategy and leads its global partnerships to enhance educational offerings. With over 13 years of experience in international education, Amine has developed and led transformative cultural exchange, study abroad, and scholarly mobility programs that connect global communities and foster cross-cultural collaboration.
A proven leader in strategic planning, team management, and high-impact initiatives, Amine has successfully secured funding, written and co-written grant proposals, and built strong partnerships with governments, donors, and international organizations. His work focuses on advancing global educational opportunities and strengthening international collaborations that leave a lasting impact on the field.
In addition to his role at Teachers College, Amine has served as adjunct faculty at several U.S. institutions, including CUNY, Syracuse University, and IES Abroad. Prior to joining 麻豆原创, he was the Customized and Faculty-led Program Manager at IES, where he developed over 120 programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America for 65 U.S. universities. He also served as Assistant Director for Academics and Customized Programming at IES Abroad Rabat, where he oversaw academic governance, led strategic planning, and managed faculty-led programs.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics & education at 麻豆原创, where he focuses on statistics, computational thinking, and mathematical thinking. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Connor earned his master’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics at Hunter College, where he also serves as an adjunct lecturer. He later pursued an Ed.M. degree in Economics and Education at Teachers College, specializing in econometrics and causal analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Bucknell University.
A recipient of the Presidential Cup and the Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is passionate about exploring the relationship between mathematical thinking and computational thinking, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
He currently also teaches at NYU’s School of Professional Studies and serves as the 2025–26 Student Senate President at Teachers College. He strives to advance Teachers College’s international legacy and create new opportunities for global collaboration.
In his free time, Connor sails with the Columbia Sailing Team, enjoys comedy television shows, and practices martial arts.
Connor is a doctoral student in mathematics & education at 麻豆原创, where he focuses on statistics, computational thinking, and mathematical thinking. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Connor earned his master’s degree in applied mathematics and statistics at Hunter College, where he also serves as an adjunct lecturer. He later pursued an Ed.M. degree in Economics and Education at Teachers College, specializing in econometrics and causal analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics from Bucknell University.
A recipient of the Presidential Cup and the Youth Employment Innovation Fellowship at International House New York, Connor is passionate about exploring the relationship between mathematical thinking and computational thinking, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence.
He currently also teaches at NYU’s School of Professional Studies and serves as the 2025–26 Student Senate President at Teachers College. He strives to advance Teachers College’s international legacy and create new opportunities for global collaboration.
In his free time, Connor sails with the Columbia Sailing Team, enjoys comedy television shows, and practices martial arts.
Allison Payne is the International Programs Coordinator in the Office of Global Engagement at Teachers College. She brings over a decade of experience working in international education both in the U.S. and in China as a language instructor, academic coach, and, most recently, international student advisor.
At OGE, Allison manages 麻豆原创’s study abroad programs, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Fellowship, and oversees office operations. Having studied abroad herself, Allison recognizes both the opportunities and challenges that come with living and learning in a new country. She is committed to supporting students as they navigate new experiences and embark on journeys of their own.
Allison holds a B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, swimming, and learning languages.
Allison Payne is the International Programs Coordinator in the Office of Global Engagement at Teachers College. She brings over a decade of experience working in international education both in the U.S. and in China as a language instructor, academic coach, and, most recently, international student advisor.
At OGE, Allison manages 麻豆原创’s study abroad programs, including the Fulbright U.S. Student Fellowship, and oversees office operations. Having studied abroad herself, Allison recognizes both the opportunities and challenges that come with living and learning in a new country. She is committed to supporting students as they navigate new experiences and embark on journeys of their own.
Allison holds a B.A. in English from Mount Holyoke College and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Teachers College. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, swimming, and learning languages.
Joao Carvalho is a second-year M.A. student in International and Comparative Education at 麻豆原创, where he is a Lemann Fellow. Originally from Minas Gerais, Brazil, he holds a degree in Journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Before coming to Teachers College, he spent five years in UFMG’s Office of International Affairs as an International Mobility Officer, advising and supporting more than 500 students and researchers annually in international mobility programs.
At Teachers College, Joao serves as a Project Assistant in the Office of Global Engagement, where he supports student recruitment, institutional engagement, and study abroad programs. His academic and professional interests focus on the internationalization of higher education, particularly internationalization of the curriculum, global partnerships, and university rankings. He is interested in developing more inclusive and strategic approaches to internationalization and strengthening global collaboration in higher education.
Outside of work, Joao enjoys playing video games, watching documentaries, and studying languages. He is also interested in exploring different cultures and understanding how historical and political developments shape societies and international collaboration.
Joao Carvalho is a second-year M.A. student in International and Comparative Education at 麻豆原创, where he is a Lemann Fellow. Originally from Minas Gerais, Brazil, he holds a degree in Journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Before coming to Teachers College, he spent five years in UFMG’s Office of International Affairs as an International Mobility Officer, advising and supporting more than 500 students and researchers annually in international mobility programs.
At Teachers College, Joao serves as a Project Assistant in the Office of Global Engagement, where he supports student recruitment, institutional engagement, and study abroad programs. His academic and professional interests focus on the internationalization of higher education, particularly internationalization of the curriculum, global partnerships, and university rankings. He is interested in developing more inclusive and strategic approaches to internationalization and strengthening global collaboration in higher education.
Outside of work, Joao enjoys playing video games, watching documentaries, and studying languages. He is also interested in exploring different cultures and understanding how historical and political developments shape societies and international collaboration.
Michelle is a first year M.A. student in International and Comparative Education at 麻豆原创. She was born and raised in California and graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a dual degree in Social Policy & Public Service and Education Sciences.
Before coming to Teachers College, she worked for a non-profit as a curriculum consultant and team leader for its international youth program. Most recently, she returned to the U.S. after completing two years as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in South Korea, where she organized a Youth Diplomacy and Activism Conference, taught a global cuisine cooking course, and tutored North Korean Defector Students alongside her teaching responsibilities.
At OGE, Michelle continues to champion international education initiatives as the Global Operations Coordinator. In her role, she researches international education opportunities, supports the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and contributes to other office initiatives. Her academic and professional interests include cultural sustainability, international youth programs, racial justice in education, and intercultural approaches to English language learning.
In her freetime, Michelle enjoys trying new restaurants and recipes, attending pop-up events in the city, and hosting events for friends and the community. On weekends, you might find her tearing up at weddings while working as a freelance wedding coordinator.
Michelle is a first year M.A. student in International and Comparative Education at 麻豆原创. She was born and raised in California and graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a dual degree in Social Policy & Public Service and Education Sciences.
Before coming to Teachers College, she worked for a non-profit as a curriculum consultant and team leader for its international youth program. Most recently, she returned to the U.S. after completing two years as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in South Korea, where she organized a Youth Diplomacy and Activism Conference, taught a global cuisine cooking course, and tutored North Korean Defector Students alongside her teaching responsibilities.
At OGE, Michelle continues to champion international education initiatives as the Global Operations Coordinator. In her role, she researches international education opportunities, supports the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and contributes to other office initiatives. Her academic and professional interests include cultural sustainability, international youth programs, racial justice in education, and intercultural approaches to English language learning.
In her freetime, Michelle enjoys trying new restaurants and recipes, attending pop-up events in the city, and hosting events for friends and the community. On weekends, you might find her tearing up at weddings while working as a freelance wedding coordinator.