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Samantha Neugebauer
Instructor at New York University Abu Dhabi
Professional Background
Samantha Neugebauer is a dynamic and innovative educator currently serving as an Instructor at NYU Abu Dhabi, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and social trajectories of first-year students. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and student engagement, she previously directed the university's Office of First Year Experience. Under her leadership, she developed and implemented the First Year Dialogue, a compelling and compulsory seminar for all incoming students, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in the Gulf region. This initiative not only sets the tone for academic success but also fosters a sense of community and belonging for new students.
In addition to her core teaching responsibilities, Samantha has led a variety of impactful projects that enhance the student experience at NYU Abu Dhabi. As the director of the 10-day student orientation, she curated an engaging and informative schedule that introduces new students to their academic environment, encourages peer networking, and highlights the diverse cultural fabric of the UAE. She also played a vital role in enhancing collaboration between NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York to create a seamless orientation experience.
Samantha's leadership extends to supervising professional staff and student leaders, guiding them in creating opportunities for civic engagement across the UAE. Among her creative ventures, she conceptualized "Istakshif," an innovative 'Amazing Race' event across Abu Dhabi that engaged over 100 participants, promoting teamwork and cultural exploration. Her commitment to experiential learning is further exemplified through her role as the trip supervisor for the annual Chinese Language Department course, guiding students on enriching excursions to major cities like Chengdu, Athens, Berlin, London, and Florence.
Education and Achievements
Samantha Neugebauer’s academic background is rooted in a passion for higher education and global competency. A TESOL-certified instructor, she has cultivated an academic interest in the study of higher education history and access specifically within the East Asian region, focusing primarily on The People's Republic of China. Her comparative education and historical studies between the U.S. and the PRC position her as a knowledgeable resource within the academic community.
Her commitment to professional development and academic engagement is evident through her active participation in various international conferences. Samantha has had the opportunity to attend and present at noteworthy gatherings such as APAIE in Korea and the PRC, NASPA in the U.S., NASPA Gulf in both the UAE and Qatar, and the Yale NUS Writer's Symposium in Singapore, in addition to multiple NACURH conferences. These platforms allow her to share insights on higher education trends while learning from other leaders in the field.
Samantha’s literary contributions are notable, as she serves on the Editorial Board of Painted Bride Quarterly, which is recognized as one of the longest-running literary magazines in the United States. Her previous role as Associate Editor of She's the First Poetry Anthology demonstrates her commitment to promoting diverse voices and elevating women in writing and literature. She has successfully contributed poetry and fiction across various digital and print magazines and literary sites while sharing her insights as a regular contributor to the podcast Slush Pile.
Achievements
Samantha Neugebauer’s impact on both education and literature has not gone unnoticed. She was the proud recipient of the Carlozzi Writing Award, an honor bestowed by NY Women in Communications that includes a $10,000 scholarship, underscoring her talent and dedication in the field of writing. Furthermore, in 2016, she worked part-time as a Special Correspondent for AFAR magazine, further showcasing her proficiency in travel writing and narrative construction. In 2015, she celebrated her literary prowess by winning the prestigious International Abu Dhabi Time Out Poetry Competition, a testament to her skillful command of language and storytelling.
Through her extensive accomplishments in the realms of education, literature, and community engagement, Samantha Neugebauer exemplifies the essence of a passionate educator and creative thinker. Her ongoing commitment to enhancing the first-year experience and contributing to significant cultural dialogues within higher education and literature continues to inspire both her peers and students alike.
