UFIC Welcomes Erasmus+ Scholar from Yeditepe University (Türkiye) to Continue Advancing Global Collaboration in Business
The University of Florida International Center (UFIC) welcomed Dr. Can Erdem, Professor of Marketing at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Türkiye, through the Erasmus+ International Mobility Program. The visit explored new opportunities for collaboration in international business, communication, AI, and global engagement.
Dr. Erdem brings over two decades of academic and industry experience, specializing in consumer behavior, international marketing, customer experience management, digital transformation, AI in business, e-commerce, and strategic marketing. He met with university leadership, faculty, and internationalization professionals during his week-long visit to exchange ideas on innovative teaching and research and explore ways to strengthen institutional ties between Yeditepe University and the University of Florida.
Dean Marta Wayne welcomes Dr. Can Erdem, Professor of Marketing at Yeditepe University in Türkiye
Dr. Can Erdem met with the Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE) team: Claire Anumba, Aghane Antunes, and Sharon Brown.
Exploring Internationalization and Global Engagement
The visit, coordinated by Aghane (Agnes) Antunes, Coordinator in the Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE) at the International Center, showcased the breadth of UF’s international research and academic initiatives, with a particular emphasis on business, communication, and innovation.
The program began with a welcome meeting hosted by Marta Wayne, Dean of the UF International Center, and Michael Kung, Director of the Office for Global Research Engagement (OGRE). The scholar then met with UFIC staff from OGRE, Exchange Visitor Services (EVS), and the Office of Global Learning (OGL). Discussions highlighted programs and resources including the Fulbright Scholar Program, international academic agreements, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), and faculty-led virtual exchange and study abroad programs. Conversations emphasized the importance of faculty and student mobility, virtual exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic partnership development in advancing the internationalization goals of both institutions.
At the AI² Center, Dr. Can Erdem met with Mackenzie Donovan, Associate Director of Operations, Programs & Initiatives, to discuss interdisciplinary AI education.
Dr. Can Erdem and leaders of the UF Innovate team during his visit to The Hub as part of his Erasmus+ visit.
AI, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education and industry, one of the visit's central themes was exploring how universities can prepare students for an AI-enabled future.
At the Artificial Intelligence Academic Initiative Center (AI² Center), the visiting scholar met with Mackenzie Donovan, Associate Director of Operations, Programs & Initiatives, to learn about UF's university-wide strategy for preparing an AI-ready workforce. Conversations focused on interdisciplinary AI education, faculty engagement, and AI applications for business and marketing.
Dr. Erdem also visited UF Innovate | Accelerate, where he learned about the university's innovation ecosystem, technology commercialization process, startup development, and entrepreneurial support programs. A tour of The Hub showcased how UF connects research, innovation, and industry partnerships to translate discoveries into real-world impact.
Another highlight of the visit was a discussion with faculty who participated in the Global Fellows Program, including Larisa Olesova, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Educational Technology Program, and Edwin Marte, Instructional Assistant Professor in Engineering Education, who shared interests in AI, innovative teaching, and international partnerships, highlighting the program's role in connecting UF faculty with global collaborators and fostering interdisciplinary research.
Dr. Can Erdem joined a discussion with UFIC Global Fellows faculty Larisa Olesova and Edwin Marte to exchange perspectives on artificial intelligence, innovative teaching, and international collaboration.
Strengthening Collaboration in Business Education
The visit also included meetings within the Warrington College of Business, where the scholar met with Richard Lutz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing; Andy Naranjo and Mahendrarajah Nimalendran, both Professors of Finance, to exchange perspectives on business education, international partnerships, and collaborative teaching and research. Discussions focused on consumer behavior, finance, international marketing, and faculty and student mobility, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
Dr. Can Erdem joins faculty and leadership from the College of Journalism and Communications in
the Atlas Lab for a group photo, celebrating his visit with the iconic Gator Chomp, a University of Florida tradition.
Communication, Consumer Behavior, and Global Perspectives
One of the highlights of the visit was a College of Journalism and Communications (CJC) Meet & Greet. Hosted by Dean Hub Brown, the gathering brought together college leadership and faculty, including Marcia DiStaso, Executive Director of the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology; Spiro Kiousis, Executive Associate Dean; Benjamin Johnson, Director of the STEM Translational Communication Center; and Dan Windels, Associate Chair of Advertising, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research, and international engagement.
The meeting took place in the Atlas Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that supports research and teaching in digital media, communication technologies, and data analytics. Discussions focused on strategic communication, advertising, consumer behavior, multicultural marketing, and the evolving role of AI in communication and media.
A particularly engaging conversation took place with Santiago Kember, Lecturer in the Department of Advertising. Drawing on their shared expertise in consumer behavior, international marketing, customer experience, and cultural perception, Dr. Erdem and Kember exchanged perspectives on how cultural context influences consumer decision-making and communication strategies across international markets. Their discussion also explored opportunities for guest lectures and joint teaching and research.
Richard Lutz (left), Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing, welcomed Dr. Can Erdem to the Warrington College of Business to discuss international marketing, business education, and future academic collaboration.
Santiago Kember (right), Lecturer in the Department of Advertising, and Dr. Can Erdem exchanging perspectives on cultural influences in consumer decision-making.
Building International Partnerships
Throughout the visit, Dr. Erdem emphasized his enthusiasm for developing long-term collaborations between Yeditepe University and UF. "My visit to the University of Florida exceeded my expectations," said Dr. Erdem. "I was truly impressed by the University's commitment to innovation. Everywhere I went, I could feel the energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit that make the University of Florida such a remarkable place. I was impressed not only by the outstanding faculty and innovative teaching and research taking place across the university, but also by its commitment to international engagement."
Dr. Erdem also highlighted his colleagues' enthusiasm at Yeditepe University to expand international partnerships. "My colleagues at Yeditepe are also eager to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in research, student exchange, and joint academic activities."
Potential areas for continued engagement include joint teaching and research, faculty and student mobility, guest lectures, virtual exchange (COIL), and faculty-led study abroad programs. These initiatives align closely with the internationalization strategies of both institutions and reflect a shared commitment to preparing students and faculty for an increasingly interconnected world.
By connecting faculty, academic leaders, and internationalization professionals across multiple colleges and units, the visit reinforced the University of Florida's commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that advance excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.