Graduate Events

December

202511Dec14:3015:30Designing for Uncomfort Zones: Creativity, Connection, and Co-learning in Higher Education14:30 - 15:30

Event Details

When:
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 14:30-15:30
Where:
DC Faculty Lounge (ACG) with Online Attendance via Zoom
Organized by:
Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences & School of Psychology and Human Development
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

What does it mean to teach and learn in the “uncomfort zone”, those spaces of uncertainty, constraint, and rapid change that define online education today? This talk invites learning designers, graduate students and faculty from all disciplines to explore how such spaces can unlock new forms of creativity, connection, and co-learning.

Drawing on the personal creativity manifesto (Nerantzi, 2019) and key contributions from Craft (2008), Jackson (1996), hooks (1994), and others, we will examine how imagination and inventiveness help us make sense of our teaching experiences and shape our face-to-face, and online practices. We will look at how creativity can flourish within constraints, supporting educators’ motivation to design stimulating, open, and collaborative learning experiences (Nerantzi & Thomas, 2019; Atenas et al., 2025). Central to this are vulnerability and trust, which lay the foundations for meaningful relationships and vibrant learning communities (Brantmeier, 2013; Armellini et al., 2021).

We will discuss practical strategies and design prompts to foster creative engagement, build inclusive learning communities, and embrace uncertainty “at the edge of chaos” (Kleiman, 2011). We will also consider what the arrival of AI means for today’s education: how public AI and open practices can amplify learning (UNESCO, 2024) and how creativity may increasingly become a shared space between humans and machines (Celis Bueno et al., 2025; Mateson, 2025).


This event is open to educators and researchers across disciplines.

 

 

For inquiries, please contact: Dr. Maria Avgerinou, Director- MA in Learning Design and Technology at [email protected]


About the speaker

Prof. Chrissi Nerantzi (NTF, CATE, PFHEA)
Dr. Chrissi Nerantzi (NTF, CATE, PFHEA) is Professor of Creative and Open Education in the School of Education and Senior Lead for the Knowledge Equity Network at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. She also co-chairs the ICDE Open Education Network. A GO-GN alumna and an internationally recognised scholar in creative and open education, she has built a rich career as an educator, programmer, translator, academic development consultant, and educational innovator.

Dr. Nerantzi is an exceptionally active researcher who has led numerous open, cross-sector professional development and educational initiatives (created with and for educators and students across institutions and countries), which have endured over time. She is the founder of the internationally award-winning #creativeHE community. The open, collective project genAI, a #creativeHE initiative she coordinates, received the Open Education Excellence Award in the Open Curation/Repository category from OEGlobal. Her current open, interactive project, Learning with AI, invites students to take on the role of curators by collecting examples of how they use artificial intelligence in their learning journeys.

Email: [email protected]

Website: Chrissi Nerantzi, my development space |  LinkedIn |  Googlescholar |  Researchgate | ORCID


The event is free and open to the students and faculty of ACG.

202508Dec18:40From Insight to Impact: A Masterclass in Contemporary Media Strategyan inside look at how campaigns actually come to life18:40

Event Details

From Insight to Impact: A Masterclass in Contemporary Media Strategy

When:
Monday, December 8, 2025 | 19:40
Where:
6th Level Auditorium, Deree – The American College of Greece


About the masterclass

Ever wondered how brands decide where, when, and how to reach you?

Join veteran media strategists from Publicis Media for an inside look at how campaigns actually come to life. In this masterclass, we’ll explore the “Make It” framework, a three-phase approach used by one of the world’s top communications groups to turn business challenges into breakthrough media strategies.

Together, we’ll journey through the complete lifecycle of campaign development: uncovering consumer insights, defining growth strategies, crafting connected experiences across TV, digital, OOH and beyond, and measuring what actually works. Through real case studies and proprietary tools, you’ll see how agencies navigate today’s most pressing challenges, from signal fragmentation to privacy changes, while delivering measurable business results. Essential for anyone building a career in advertising, marketing, or communications.


About the speakers


The masterclass is addressed to all communications students, both graduate and undergraduate.

Certifications of attendance will be given.

202524Jun18:3020:30The Rise of AI in Marketing: Unpacking WPP Open and AI-Enabled ToolsCome see the future as it unfolds!18:30 - 20:30

Event Details

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 18:30-20:30
Where: 6th Level Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

We keep hearing that AI is transforming our jobs and the marketplace. What will be our role in this new reality?

WPP Open is the network’s intelligent marketing operating system powered by AI, and it’s about to change the way advertisements are made. Niki Giannakou, Head of Innovation & Technology at VML, unpacks the platform and demonstrates its tools and possibilities. Come see the future as it unfolds!

The event is for Communication students. For further clarifications, please contact [email protected]


About the speaker

Niki Giannakou
Head of Innovation & Technology, VML Greece

Niki Giannakou is a product leader with a deep passion for innovation and AI. With over a decade of experience driving user-centered solutions, she has led loyalty product development and spearheaded the creation of AI-powered tools for WPP Open. Currently, she serves as Head of Innovation & Technology at VML Greece, where she helps brands unlock the potential of AI in marketing. Her journey has been all about blending data-driven insights with creative thinking to bring meaningful products to life.

202513Jun13:1514:30Beyond the T in ELTwhat lies beyond that?13:15 - 14:30

Event Details

When:
Friday, June 13, 2025  | 13:15-14:30
Where:
Center for the Arts Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

So, you have decided to follow a career in ELT. And teaching it is the first step. But what lies beyond that? Let’s discuss the current situation of ELT in Greece and see what other options are available to you. From publishing to selling, from editing to managing, from teacher training to public speaking, from Greece to the world.

The event is for TESOL students/faculty and undergraduate English major students.

For further information, please contact Dr. Tsantila: [email protected]


About the speaker

Eftychis Kantarakis
Eftychis Kantarakis is the Sales Manager and Teacher Trainer for National Geographic Learning – Greece and Cyprus. He is currently the event joint-coordinator of LTSIG of IATEFL. He has served as Newsletter editor and Vice chair of TESOL Greece. He also works as a Centre Manager for Summer Camps in the UK. He has been in the ELT sector for more years than he cares to remember.

202528May13:1514:30Working with Experts: A presentationConnect, learn, and launch your future in ELT!13:15 - 14:30

Event Details

When:
Wednesday, May 28, 13:15-14:30
Where:
Center for the Arts Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

A special presentation by Cliff Parry, the British Council Teaching Centre Manager, in Athens. The British Council-world leaders in English language education-offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, global networking, and access to award-winning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your teaching career, discover how you can become part of a global community of educators making a real impact.

Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and launch your future in ELT!

For further information, please contact Dr. Tsantila: [email protected]


About the speaker

Cliff Parry
Academic Manager, British Council Greece

Cliff Parry (MSc TEYL, RSA DTEFLA, BSc, Dip. Management) is Academic Manager at the British Council Greece and has been living and teaching in Greece since 1986. He has a wide range of teaching experience across all course types and ages, as well as extensive training experience. He has written numerous articles for professional journals and ELT publications, and has co-authored a number of English language teaching titles. He has also worked on social inclusion projects for a number of years.

202524May10:0018:00IPA MasterclassInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis10:00 - 18:00

Event Details

When:
Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 10:00-18:00
Where:
6th Level Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi, 153 42, Athens
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

A masterclass equally relevant to graduate students and experienced researchers new to IPA. It is designed for attendees with little or no knowledge or experience of IPA in particular and qualitative analysis in general.

The masterclass aims to provide a detailed introduction to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a method for analysing qualitative data. Attendees will be guided through the six-step approach to IPA, with reference to the theoretical foundations of IPA and its analytic process.

The masterclass will include a lecture context, many practical activities, and small work group. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice IPA and seek advice from the facilitator.

The event is for the faculty and the Graduate Psychology students. For further clarifications, please contact [email protected]


About the speaker

Dr Joseph Keenan
IPA expert Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University

Dr Joseph Keenan is an IPA expert who is currently a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Since 2024, he has been the Doctoral College Lead for the School of Psychology. His responsibilities include admissions, development of applicant proposals, training, and development of a thriving community for doctoral students in the Faculty of Health and Education.
Dr Keenan’s research focuses on elements of health psychology, behavior change, and implementation science. This includes exploring the use of digital health platforms to support health care provision in several applied areas (e.g., Long-Term Conditions, Palliative Care, Rare Disease). Furthermore, his research also focuses on applied and contemporary challenges in society, such as substance misuse and health inequality. He has extensive experience in teaching research methods (both qual and quant) to Psychology undergraduate and graduate students.
Dr Keenan is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an invited member of the Medical Board of Childhood Tumour Trust and Advisory Board of Rare Minds.

202515May18:3021:30Ethical standards in marketing communications? Oooh yes!18:30 - 21:30

Event Details

When:
Thursday, May 15, 18:30-21:30
Where:
6th Level Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi, 153 42, Athens
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

The course will focus on the notion of responsible advertising and how brands and companies are committed to following ethical rules within the framework of self-regulation. We will introduce the basic rules of the self-regulation system, its value for companies, consumers, and society, and we will present numerous real-life cases to showcase how the rules of the Greek Code of Advertising are applied in practice. Special reference is made to influencer marketing and the challenges the industry globally faces to keep this new medium ethical and responsible.

The event is free and only for undergraduate and graduate ACG students.

For clarifications, please contact [email protected]


About the speakers

Eleni Donta
General Director SEE (Advertising Self-Regulation Council)

Ms. Donta has been working in SEE since the day it was established, in 2003, and assumed the role of the Director General in 2011. Her studies in Economics at the University of Piraeus led her to The American College of Greece where she her earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology. In the past, she worked as a psychologist in the field of market research, conducting qualita tive research, fieldwork, and analysis.

202505Apr10:3013:00Speaking Openly About Autism: From Birth to Adulthood10:30 - 13:00

Event Details

When:
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 10:00-13:00
Where:
Center for the Arts Auditorium, The American College of Greece, Gravias 6, Agia Paraskevi 15342
Organized by:
MA in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology
Department of Psychology
Deree – The American College of Greece
In collaboration with:
Regeneration & Progress
Supported by:
Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)


About the event

A multi-station interactive workshop aimed at raising awareness and providing practical knowledge on autism.

The event is free and open to the public.


Program

10:00-10:15: Managing My Child’s Disability

10:15-10:30: What do I need to know about autism?

10:30-12:30 Workshops

Workshop 1: Recognition and Early Signs of Autism (Medical Slot)
Speaker: Triantafyllou Georgia (Child and Adolescent psychiatrist)
Speaker: Pasalari Evdokia (Psychologist)

Workshop 2: Physical Activity and Therapeutic Interventions
Speaker: Afsaridou Zoi-Nikoletta (Adapted Physical Education Teacher)
Speaker: Panagopoulos Thomas (Paediatric Physical Therapist)

Workshop 3: Sensory-Motor Deficits, Interaction & Autism

Workshop 4: Workplace Integration & Social Participation
Speaker: Specialized Supported Employment Office Koin.S.P.E. – DIADROMES

12:00-12:30: Final Speech: Sexual Education
Speaker: Papitsi Flora (Psychologist)

12:30-13:00 Open Discussion


About the speakers

Evdokia Pasalari
Psychologist, MSc Early Start Denver Model Certified Therapist Kentro Dimiourgia

A psychologist working with children, adolescents and adults since 2003, Evdokia Pasalari graduated from Panteion University, Psychology Department. Her Master’s degree in the Medical School of Athens focused on “Interventions to enhance communication between parents and children with pervasive developmental disorder of preschool age.” She is a CBT-trained therapist and practices EMDR trauma therapy for children and adults in individual and group protocols. She also have a specialization in research-based autism spectrum intervention program Early Start Denver Model and is a Certified Therapist from UC DAVIS MIND Institute. The program focuses on early detection and intervention of autism signs. Evodkia is also a PEERS® Certified Specialist increasing the social skills of adolescents and adults with developmental and other disorders. She has participated in research articles, one of which is Raising Autism Awareness among Greek teachers.

Georgia Triantafyllou
Child and Adolescent psychiatrist
3rd Department of Pediatrics
ELIZA Care Unit for the Safety of Children

Georgia Triantafyllou is currently serving at the 3rd Pediatric Clinic of the National University of Athens. She is a graduate of the Occupational Therapy Department at TEI of Athens (1992) and of the School of Medicine of the University of Patras (2001). In 2011 she obtained the child psychiatry specialty title. She worked as a child psychiatrist at the 2nd University Psychiatric Clinic of the “Attikon” University Hospital and the Mental Health Center in Peristeri. She has also worked as a TE Occupational therapist in a boarding school, hosting former patients from the Leros Psychiatric Hospital, the University Research Institute of Mental Health and the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica. She has attended and participated in Greek and international seminars and educational activities. Articles of hers have been published in international journals and has participated in research protocols.

Katingo Hadjipateras Giannoulis, PhD, MSc, C.Psychol, AFBPsS
Adjunct Professor

Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Katingo Hadjipateras Giannoulis is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and an Affiliate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, with membership of the Clinical and Neuropsychological Divisions. She is registered with the HCPC. She has worked both in the UK National Health Service and in private practice for over 25 years and she provides a wide array of psychological services to adults, adolescents and children, as well as couples and families. She has specialized in neurodevelopmental and social communication disorders (e.g. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders). Dr. Giannoulis has developed, run and evaluated groups for youngsters who have been bullied and runs “managing bullying” training workshops for youngsters in school. Within her therapeutic work, Dr. Giannoulis primarily adopts an eclectic model with a strong cognitive-behavioral basis. Psychology services include anxiety management, anger management, assertiveness training and confidence-building, therapy for depression, fears, phobias, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating problems, as well as relationship/marital and family difficulties. Dr. Giannoulis is a part-time lecturer at Deree – The American College of Greece, Athens, where she teaches in the undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. She also undertakes teaching and training for a variety of organizations (e.g. schools, colleges, parent groups etc.).

 

Lillian V. Pelios, PhD, BCBA-D
Associate Lecturer in Psychology Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctor
Lillian Pelios, a Certified Behavior Analyst, is an Adjunct Professor teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at Deree – The American College of Greece. She completed her undergraduate studies at Deree where she studied psychology and sociology. She then obtained her Master’s degree from Queens College in New York, in Clinical Behavioral Applications in Mental Health Settings and her Doctoral Degree at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied Psychology and Psychological Studies in Special Education. Both her MA and PhD have an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. While living in the US, Dr. Pelios taught undergraduate courses, both behavioral and educational, at Temple University’s department of education preparing teachers. She has presented at conferences organized by the Association for Behavior Analysis International for many years. Later in the role of senior therapist and director, she trained teachers in behavior analytic techniques for autism intervention in Newport Connecticut, USA, and later in Philadelphia, PA. She also trained staff for years at Bancroft’s early intensive behavioral intervention program (EIBI) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Finally, toward the end of her stay in the US, she established the first EIBI home-based program, serving children with ASDs, in the metropolitan area of Philadelphia, PA, through Elwyn Inc, SEEDS. Upon returning to Greece, she joined her current partners in private practice and together they founded Dynamai, a speech and language rehabilitation center for children with learning and developmental disabilities (2006). Since then, she has been overseeing all services related to autism and other developmental disabilities, such as EIBI, as well as services for school aged children with ASDs. She also oversees staff and parent training based on the principles of ABA. To support staff training she run a 40-hr seminar in ABA that meets criteria for RBT certification. Parallel to the above, she founded another non-profit center for youth and young adults with autism and severe intellectual impairments. She served this program as president and executive director for over 10 years.

Thomas G. Panagopoulos, PT, MSc, PhD (cand.)
Paediatric Physical Therapist, Sports Excellence University of West Attica, Department of Physiotherapy
Thomas Panagopoulos is a graduate of the Department of Physiotherapy at the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece, where he completed my undergraduate studies. He then pursued his postgraduate degree in the “Neurorehabilitation” Master’s Program at the Medical School of the University of Thessaly. There, he took his first steps in research, focusing on methods and interventions to promote functionality in children with cerebral palsy. For the past seven years, he has been working as a pediatric clinical physiotherapist, and for the last two years, has combined his clinical practice with research activities. This dual approach, along with his deep love and empathy for children with disabilities, led him to the decision to continue my studies at the doctoral level. Since October 2023, he has been a PhD Candidate at the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of West Attica. His research focuses on pediatric rehabilitation, aiming to enhance the participation and functionality of children with disabilities. He is firm believer in the power of a multidisciplinary team that focuses on the child’s strengths.

Zoi-Nikolleta Afsaridou
Adapted Physical Education Teacher
Adapted Physical Education Teacher, Sports Excellence
Zoe Nikoletta Afsaridou is an adapted physical education teacher and member of Action for Kids with Disabilities team. She has earned her bachelor degree from the School of Physical Education and Sports Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. During 2017-2018 she studied at the Università degli Studi di Roma “Foro Italico”, where she was taught the practical applications of preventive and adaptive exercise. She has attended numerous seminars related to special education and is a certified BLS/AED trainer cadet by the Hellenic Society for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation “EEKAA”. She is currently attending the postgraduate program “Exercise & Health” at the 1st Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic of the Medical School of the University of Athens.

Flora Papitsi, PhD(c), MSc, BA(Hons)
Psychologist Administration Manager Sports Excellence
Flora Papitsi is a licensed Sport Psychologist with a strong academic foundation and a passion for promoting mental health through sport. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, building on a Master’s degree from the University of Portsmouth and a BA in Psychology from Deree – The American College of Greece. Her research focuses on psychological and physiological measures of training load in sports. Ms. Papitsi is the Administration Manager of Sports Excellence and a Mobile Medical Units Psychologist at Regeneration & Progress, where she manages operations, oversees scientific protocols, and offers psychological support. She also teaches statistics and analysis of data in Psychology. She collaborates with national sports federations, providing psychological support to athletes and conducting educational seminars for coaches and parents. Her work has been presented at numerous international conferences, and she has coordinated European-funded projects focused on adapted physical activity for children with disabilities. Ms. Papitsi is recognized for her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to inclusive mental health support. She brings a dynamic and research-informed approach to sport and exercise psychology.

202518Mar18:30The Role of Planning in Advertising: A Masterclass on Blending Logic with Magic18:30

Event Details

When:
Tuesday, March 18 | 18:30
Where:
6th Level Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi, 153 42, Athens
Organized by:
School of Business & Economics
Deree – The American College of Greece


About the event

A Masterclass on Strategic Planning in Advertising with guest speakers Venia Koronidi, Head of Strategy, and Aimilia Iliopoulou, Strategic Planner, both at McCann Athens. Venia and Aimilia will introduce us to the role of planning in advertising, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the daily work of planners at McCann Athens. The session will offer insights into campaign development, explore real-world global and local case studies, and demonstrate how strategic planning shapes impactful campaigns.

The event is free and open to the graduate and undergraduate Communication students.


About the speakers

Venia Koronidi
Head of Strategy, McCann Athens

Venia has built a distinguished career in the marketing and advertising industry. A former student of the MSc in Marketing program at ACG, she gained valuable experience in brand management at Johnson & Johnson and strategic planning at Ogilvy, before joining McCann Worldgroup, where she now leads strategy for the Greek office. Her expertise is widely recognized, including her selection as a jury member for the Effie Awards Europe in both 2024 and 2025.

 

 

Aimilia Iliopoulou
Strategic Planner, McCann Athens
A recent alumna of the MA in Advertising Communications, Aimilia has already made an impact in the industry. She has been recognized as a top performer in Young Lions Greece for two consecutive years, showcasing her talent in advertising and brand communication.

202507Mar14:3015:30How can technology support teachers in embracing culture and diversity in the classroom?14:30 - 15:30

Event Details

When:
Friday, March 7, 2025 | 14:30 – 15:30
Where:
Faculty Lounge, Deree – The American College of Greece
Organized by:
MA in TESOL – The American College of Greece


About the event

Ιn today’s multicultural classrooms, fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness is essential for creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. This interactive workshop explores practical strategies for integrating cultural diversity into daily teaching practices, promoting meaningful student interactions, and enhancing language learning through real-world connections. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and role-playing exercises designed to encourage self-reflection and actionable takeaways. By the end of the session, educators will leave with ready-to-use strategies and digital tools to celebrate diversity and empower students as global citizens. Get ready to share, learn, and transform your teaching!


About the speaker

Dr Maria Diakou
Deputy Head for the Cyprus Ministry of Education
Faculty member at the University of Nicosia and Frederick University

Dr. Maria Diakou works as a deputy head for the Cyprus Ministry of Education and as a faculty member at the University of Nicosia and Frederick University (Teaching postgraduate program Intercultural Studies and Greek as a 2nd/Foreign Language). She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and a Doctorate in Education. She is currently the Coordinator of IATEFL LTSIG (Learning Technologies Special Interest Group). She is a Consulting Member of the MA in CALL committee of the Cyprus University of Technology, giving suggestions, support, and feedback to evaluate and adapt MA program to meet the needs of language instructors in schools. Her research interests are in technology in language learning and multicultural education.


For further clarifications, please contact [email protected]

202513Feb18:30The Art & Science of Event Magic: A Masterclass in creating experiences18:30

Event Details

When:
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 18:30
Where:
6th Level Auditorium, The American College of Greece, 6 Gravias Str., Aghia Paraskevi
Organized by:
School of Liberal Arts and Sciences


About the event

Α Masterclass on Event Planning with guest speaker Maria Karelou, Client Service Coordinator of ZZDot agency. Maria will introduce us to the concept of Below-The-Line, its role in the communication mix and the complexities of producing an event. The Masterclass will offer insights into communication strategies, event management, and BTL activations, through an engaging workshop in which we will craft together memorable brand experiences.


About the speaker

Maria Karelou
Marketing and Advertising Director, ZZ.DOT Advertising Agency
Head of Client Service, Field & Production Dpt

Maria is a highly experienced Marketing and Advertising consultant with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She has a deep expertise in Communication Strategies, Event Management and BTL activation for the top local and international brands. As a client service “guru”, field & production department, she has played a pivotal role in shaping impactful campaigns, innovative solutions and strategic initiatives in a fast-paced and dynamic landscape. For over 7 years, Maria has successfully led global brands as a Mediterranean Cluster Leader across 4 South European countries, driving strategic growth and market leadership.