Sam Jones, Administrative Specialist and Office Manager has been working for UF since 2021 and recently joined our department as the Administrative Specialist. “I’m a transplant from south Florida who came up to visit and never left! Gainesville is such a great place to live, and the university is full of wonderful faculty and staff that are always so welcoming. I look forward to getting to know everyone in LLC. ”
Hannah Kelly, Academic Assistant has joined the department in October as the new academic assistant. “I am so excited to be joining the amazing faculty and staff here. I originally am from the Panhandle and just relocated this year, but this place already feels like home. I am eagerly anticipating spending many more great semesters here at UF!”
Haruna Kyomoto joins the department as an Instructional Assistant Professor in Japanese after graduating with an MA degree from Indiana University Bloomington. “Hi (or ‘Konnichiwa’ , in Japanese). This Fall ‘24 semester has been my first experience as a full-time faculty member. While it has been hectic, it has been incredibly rewarding! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here and truly grateful for the support from my wonderful colleagues! I am excited to get to know each of you better, learn more about the department, and discover the hidden gems in Gainesville!”
Dr. Guelden Olgun joins the department as Instructional Assistant Professor in German. Dr Olgun research focuses on the representation of marginalized communities, particularly exploring the intersection of migration and cultural expression in film and literature. Her research interests also include German language curriculum and instruction, foreign language pedagogy, migrants and refugees in the German and global context, diaspora and cultural production, minority cinemas, and minority and immigrant representation. Dr Olgun is an experienced language instructor, specializing in teaching German through chunk- based methods and interactive-communicative approaches. She designs exercises tailored to these strategies. She holds a PhD in Comparative literature from Binghamton University and a Master’s degree in teaching German as a foreign and second Language (DaF/DaZ) from Kassel University in Germany.