Dr. Hong obtained her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Special Education in addition to three master’s degrees in Instructional Practices, Policy & Administration, and as a Learning Specialist from the same institution. She was a three-time recipient of the prestigious Senior Fulbright Scholar award and the First Honorable Visiting Scholar to Taiwan Municipal University of Education. 

Dr. Hong has been a professor for more than 18 years and has taught in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Hawaii. She is also a licensed special educator, school principal, and district administrator.

In 2014, Dr. Hong was appointed by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of International and Information Programs, as a Speaker Specialist and Expert on Disability where she consults with governmental agencies around the world.

Her research examines the cognitive science of teaching and learning and the development of self-determination through the ethics of caring. Thus far, her research has been cited in the Handbook of Adult Learning, Wiley Library of Higher Education, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Recommended Readings, British Library, and the Hong Kong Institute of Education Library.

Dr. Hong is the recipient of the national Teacher of Honor award by the international education honor society and the University Exemplary Faculty Award at Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

Dr. Hong serves on the Advisory Council for Oxford Education Research Symposium, Board of Directors for the Council for Exceptional Children (Past), President of BYU-Hawaii Honor Society (Past), and is the Founder of PACE™—Parents As Advocates for Change in Education. 

Previously, Dr. Hong worked as the Education Specialist for the Virginia Fairfax County Government, Department of Family Services, and Institute for Early Learning. Currently, she is the Dean of University College at Texas A&M International University and a Professor of Special Education.