Erin Brandyberry has worked tirelessly to get the new Luxembourg Digital Innovation Center off the group. Find our more about her here.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you go to college and what did you study? Did you study abroad? If so, where?
I am originally from Cincinnati, but I went to Ohio University for undergrad (don't judge me too harshly!). During my junior year, I spent 12 weeks in Ghana for my first study abroad experience. It was life changing. I still stay in touch with my host family, and it is why I work in study abroad/away now! In grad school, I did a study tour in Europe to better understand higher education systems in Germany, Switzerland and France, and did an internship with Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.
2. How did you end up working at Miami and tell us about your current role?
I started working at Miami eight years ago. At the time, I worked with all of Miami's faculty-led study abroad programs out of the office of Lifelong Learning. I continued in a similar role when the university created Global Initiatives, and the number of programs grew significantly with the introduction of winter term. Now, I work with four specific programs, the San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Lux Digital Innovation programs, and the new European Innovation Academy launching for Miami this summer in Portugal.
3. Why did you decide to establish the Luxembourg Digital Innovation Center and how will it complement the existing centers?
We are so excited to add Luxembourg to the Digital Innovation list! This is a natural progression of the Digital Innovation programs, which started in San Francisco almost 10 years ago, then added Cinci a few years ago. With LDI, we are looking forward to not only growing a Miami tradition 50 years in the making, but also connecting with an innovation hub in Europe! With Miami's background in study abroad, this is the perfect opportunity to connect our international footprint with the exciting developments in business, technology, and design in Lux and in Oxford!
4. What do you like to do when you aren't on the job?
Play with legos, puzzles, and plastic food, of course! I have two young kids, and we love to play games, pretend, and 'cook'. But, I can't wait til the weather is warmer so we can get back to hiking, camping, and canoeing.
5. What is a fun fact about you that most people, especially MUDEC Méinden readers, don't know?
Despite my long career in international education, and at Miami, and helping with a MUDEC study tour last summer, I have only been able to visit the château for a total of 15 minutes! I cannot wait to return!
