Transforming the lives of future leaders by supporting their academic and social development.
Creating the Talent Advantage
Our exceptional team comprises the finest and most compassionate social scientists and teachers.
Dr. Clara Fangfang Ma
Founder and CEO
Dr. Clara Ma is the Founder and CEO of Inception Education, where she leads global partnerships with corporate HR consultancies and educational institutions. A bicultural, bilingual, and entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Ma earned her doctorate in Education with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Johns Hopkins University.
She is also a passionate advocate for social equity, ethical business research, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Ma brings her industry expertise into the classroom as an instructor of Business Communication and Business Leadership at the Carey Business School of Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Shelby Forbes
Director of Research
As Director of Research at Inception Education, Dr. Shelby Forbes, Ph.D., contributes her extensive expertise in communication. With over 12 years of collegiate teaching experience, Shelby enriches our team with her deep understanding of Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, and Organizational Communication.
Shelby's published works predominantly focus on health communication and health organizations, with a special focus on disability issues and mental health (especially as it pertains to the international student population). Her belief in the power of diversity and multiculturalism fuels her work, as she steadfastly advocates for organizations to embrace these principles for their betterment, as well as for society at large.
Sara Madgey
Director of Faculty Management
Sara is widely recognized for her expertise in developing and implementing professional growth opportunities. She possesses degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and a master's in Educational Technology Facilitation.
In addition to her direct educational responsibilities, Sara assumes the role of managing Inception's distance education operations. She takes charge of the development of international faculty in key Asian cities and demonstrates a strong commitment to driving educational outreach in underserved rural regions of China. Through her contributions and unwavering dedication, she significantly impacts our global strategy, and her passion for education continually shapes the firm's innovative approach to learning.
Furthermore, Sara serves as a professor of mathematics for the Rowan adult education program. Her primary focus lies in assisting her students in mastering the skills taught on the GED exam, with particular emphasis on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Dr. Lanise Stevenson
Director of D.E.I.B.
Lanise Stevenson is an award-winning doctoral candidate and professor at Johns Hopkins University, studying the impact of race, culture, and socioeconomics on students from traditionally marginalized racial and ethnic minority groups. Her research focuses on the contributing factors to school belonging, academic motivation, and student achievement. Ms. Stevenson offers 20 years of professional experience in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sector. She has eliminated barriers to college and career readiness for urban youth throughout her career through education research, nonprofit leadership, professional teaching, curriculum writing, adult learning, community partnerships, and philanthropic efforts.
As a DEI expert, Ms. Stevenson consults with leaders in schools and for-profit organizations across the United States. In 2018, Lanise founded the Center for Applied Research and Equity (CARE) to bridge the gap between research and practice in the areas of DEI policies and programs. Ms. Stevenson currently coaches executive leaders, conducts large-scale studies, and develops workplace policies and programs promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Ms. Stevenson holds a leadership role on the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council, where she advises the presidents of universities and health systems on matters of diversity and inclusion. She is the co-chair of the 18th annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference, a national conference that highlights problems of practice and proven solutions on the frontiers of diversity and inclusion. Ms. Stevenson has designed workshops focusing on interracial dialogue, antiracism, recruitment and retention, defining diversity, legal issues in higher education, conflict resolution, and more.
Dr. Lance Cheng
Senior Research Fellow
Lance is an Assistant Professor in International Business at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS). His research interests primarily lie in the realms of International Business (IB) and Human Capital Strategy. Specifically, he is passionate about understanding how firms modify their human capital composition in response to cross-border labor movement. Additionally, his work contributes to understanding how firms adjust their global sourcing strategies to confront emerging grand challenges in the global business environment, such as the polarization of political ideologies, the rise of geopolitical tensions, and sustainable development mandates across different countries. Prior to joining the ULMS, Yuxi completed his Ph.D. in International Business from the School of Business at George Washington University.
Dr. Genevive Bjorn
Senior Research Fellow
Genevive Bjorn is an education researcher at Rutgers University Education and Employment Research Center, focusing on graduate and workforce development using mixed methods research methods. Current projects are investigating how postsecondary institutions use labor market information and how quality is defined in noncredit education.
Before education research, Genevive taught secondary chemistry at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, CA. She received an NSF Noyce teaching fellowship in 2013 and won a national teaching award in 2017 from the National Association of Science Teachers. She was also a science journalist and regular contributor to Nature Medicine, and her work has appeared in Nature, Science, The New York Times, and many others. She also received a Knight journalism fellowship in 2011. She has authored and co-authored dozens of publications. Currently, she teaches scientific writing in the COMET program at the University of Bern in Switzerland and consults on critical reading and thinking skill development.
Genevive holds a doctorate in education from Johns Hopkins University and an M.Ed. from the University of California San Diego. She also holds an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Hawaii, and B.A. in biology and chemistry from Boston University. A complete list of publications are available at ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2856-1067.
Dr. Jessie Ford
Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Jessie Ford is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Columbia University. She brings a strong background in gender studies, with research that explores how social expectations and inequalities shape experiences of health, violence, and society. Her work connects individual experiences with broader social norms, power structures, and institutional systems. While much of her research focuses on young adults in the U.S., she has also conducted studies in China and Southeast Asia. Currently, she is leading a federally funded project that investigates the social factors that contribute to sexual assault rate among young female students. Dr. Ford is also a strong advocate for women’s health and human rights, pushing for their recognition in public health policy and clinical practice. She enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds and welcomes those interested in gender, health, or cross-cultural research.
Dr. Desiree Yomtoob Ph.D
Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Desiree Yomtoob is an educational consultant with over 30 years of experience supporting international students in their academic journeys. With a background in communication, media studies, and qualitative research, she specializes in writing instruction, public speaking, and cross-cultural learning. She has worked extensively with students from South Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia, offering support in academic writing, dissertation preparation, and public speaking. Her process-centered approach to writing helps students develop confidence and find their own voice. Dr. Yomtoob holds a Ph.D. in Communications Research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently teaches remote courses in media studies. As a first-generation Iranian American, she brings deep insight into cultural transition and is passionate about helping students thrive across cultures.
Dr. Henry M. Smith
Member, Board of Advisors
Dr. Henry M. Smith served in the US Department of Education as Senior Counsel for Community Colleges and as Assistant Secretary for Interagency and Intergovernmental Affairs from 1993 until 1998. In the 1970s he was Mayor of Dover, N.H., and in 1980-1983, he served as the New Hampshire State Director for Public Transportation. Smith was also founding Director of Corporate Relations for Tufts University; an instructor on community colleges and education policy at the George Washington University; SOE Associate Dean for Development; and SOE Executive Director for Partnerships in Educational Transformation. He is also a consultant to numerous educational organizations, ed tech companies, and universities.
Dr. Lola Adeyami
Member, Board of Advisors
Dr. Adeyemi is an accomplished professional with 19+ years of experience as a physician executive, professor, public health expert, entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist. While excelling in diverse fields, her true passion lies in empowering African students with educational opportunities. She is a cross-cultural leader and mentor, dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge technologies to advance global health equity and support women in career development.
She holds a medical degree (MD) from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University and she is currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Northwestern University.
Dr. Mariale Hardiman
Member, Board of Advisors
Mariale Hardiman, Professor Emeritus, was co-founder and director of Johns Hopkins’ Neuro-Education Initiative (NEI). The NEI has been recognized as an innovative cross-disciplinary program that provides educators with relevant research from the learning sciences through the Mind, Brain, and Teaching master’s and doctoral courses and professional development programs. Hardiman has also served as the vice dean of academic affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and served twice as interim dean. Her research and publications focus on enhancing educational practices through techniques that foster innovation and creative problem-solving. Research includes randomized control trials investigating the effects of arts integration on long-term retention of content and student engagement. She is also investigating how knowledge of the learning sciences influences teaching practices and teacher efficacy beliefs. In addition, she is interested in instructional practice, pedagogy, urban education, special education programming and exceptional children, including gifted education.
Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2006, Hardiman worked in the Baltimore City Public Schools for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of leadership and administration related roles. As the principal of Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, she led the school to its designation as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. With the use of the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model that she developed, the school was recognized nationally for innovative arts programming.
Hardiman presents nationally and internationally on topics related to the intersection of research in the learning sciences with effective teaching strategies, including meaningful integration of the arts. She has significant clinical experience in educational leadership development and education for children with disabilities.
Creating the Talent Advantage
Our exceptional team comprises the finest and most compassionate social scientists and teachers.
Dr. Clara Fangfang Ma
Founder and CEO
Dr. Clara Ma is the Founder and CEO of Inception Education, where she leads global partnerships with corporate HR consultancies and educational institutions. A bicultural, bilingual, and entrepreneurial leader, Dr. Ma earned her doctorate in Education with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Johns Hopkins University.
She is also a passionate advocate for social equity, ethical business research, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Ma brings her industry expertise into the classroom as an instructor of Business Communication and Business Leadership at the Carey Business School of Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Shelby Forbes
Director of Research
As Director of Research at Inception Education, Dr. Shelby Forbes, Ph.D., contributes her extensive expertise in communication. With over 12 years of collegiate teaching experience, Shelby enriches our team with her deep understanding of Interpersonal Communication, Public Speaking, Intercultural Communication, and Organizational Communication.
Shelby's published works predominantly focus on health communication and health organizations, with a special focus on disability issues and mental health (especially as it pertains to the international student population). Her belief in the power of diversity and multiculturalism fuels her work, as she steadfastly advocates for organizations to embrace these principles for their betterment, as well as for society at large.
Sara MadGey
Director of Faculty Management
Sara is widely recognized for her expertise in developing and implementing professional growth opportunities. She possesses degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and a master's in Educational Technology Facilitation.
In addition to her direct educational responsibilities, Sara assumes the role of managing Inception's distance education operations. She takes charge of the development of international faculty in key Asian cities and demonstrates a strong commitment to driving educational outreach in underserved rural regions of China. Through her contributions and unwavering dedication, she significantly impacts our global strategy, and her passion for education continually shapes the firm's innovative approach to learning.
Furthermore, Sara serves as a professor of mathematics for the Rowan adult education program. Her primary focus lies in assisting her students in mastering the skills taught on the GED exam, with particular emphasis on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Dr. Lanise Stevenson
Director of D.E.I.B.
Lanise Stevenson is an award-winning doctoral candidate and professor at Johns Hopkins University, studying the impact of race, culture, and socioeconomics on students from traditionally marginalized racial and ethnic minority groups. Her research focuses on the contributing factors to school belonging, academic motivation, and student achievement. Ms. Stevenson offers 20 years of professional experience in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion sector. She has eliminated barriers to college and career readiness for urban youth throughout her career through education research, nonprofit leadership, professional teaching, curriculum writing, adult learning, community partnerships, and philanthropic efforts.
As a DEI expert, Ms. Stevenson consults with leaders in schools and for-profit organizations across the United States. In 2018, Lanise founded the Center for Applied Research and Equity (CARE) to bridge the gap between research and practice in the areas of DEI policies and programs. Ms. Stevenson currently coaches executive leaders, conducts large-scale studies, and develops workplace policies and programs promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Ms. Stevenson holds a leadership role on the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council, where she advises the presidents of universities and health systems on matters of diversity and inclusion. She is the co-chair of the 18th annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference, a national conference that highlights problems of practice and proven solutions on the frontiers of diversity and inclusion. Ms. Stevenson has designed workshops focusing on interracial dialogue, antiracism, recruitment and retention, defining diversity, legal issues in higher education, conflict resolution, and more.
Dr. Lance Cheng
Senior Research Fellow
Lance is an Assistant Professor in International Business at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS). His research interests primarily lie in the realms of International Business (IB) and Human Capital Strategy. Specifically, he is passionate about understanding how firms modify their human capital composition in response to cross-border labor movement. Additionally, his work contributes to understanding how firms adjust their global sourcing strategies to confront emerging grand challenges in the global business environment, such as the polarization of political ideologies, the rise of geopolitical tensions, and sustainable development mandates across different countries. Prior to joining the ULMS, Yuxi completed his Ph.D. in International Business from the School of Business at George Washington University.
Dr. Genevive Bjorn
Senior Research Fellow
Genevive Bjorn is an education researcher at Rutgers University Education and Employment Research Center, focusing on graduate and workforce development using mixed methods research methods. Current projects are investigating how postsecondary institutions use labor market information and how quality is defined in noncredit education.
Before education research, Genevive taught secondary chemistry at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, CA. She received an NSF Noyce teaching fellowship in 2013 and won a national teaching award in 2017 from the National Association of Science Teachers. She was also a science journalist and regular contributor to Nature Medicine, and her work has appeared in Nature, Science, The New York Times, and many others. She also received a Knight journalism fellowship in 2011. She has authored and co-authored dozens of publications. Currently, she teaches scientific writing in the COMET program at the University of Bern in Switzerland and consults on critical reading and thinking skill development.
Genevive holds a doctorate in education from Johns Hopkins University and an M.Ed. from the University of California San Diego. She also holds an M.S. in biomedical sciences from the University of Hawaii, and B.A. in biology and chemistry from Boston University. A complete list of publications are available at ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2856-1067.
Dr. Jessie Ford
Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Jessie Ford is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Columbia University. She brings a strong background in gender studies, with research that explores how social expectations and inequalities shape experiences of health, violence, and society. Her work connects individual experiences with broader social norms, power structures, and institutional systems. While much of her research focuses on young adults in the U.S., she has also conducted studies in China and Southeast Asia. Currently, she is leading a federally funded project that investigates the social factors that contribute to sexual assault rate among young female students. Dr. Ford is also a strong advocate for women’s health and human rights, pushing for their recognition in public health policy and clinical practice. She enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds and welcomes those interested in gender, health, or cross-cultural research.
Dr. Desiree Yomtoob Ph.D
Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Desiree Yomtoob is an educational consultant with over 30 years of experience supporting international students in their academic journeys. With a background in communication, media studies, and qualitative research, she specializes in writing instruction, public speaking, and cross-cultural learning. She has worked extensively with students from South Asia, the Middle East, and East Asia, offering support in academic writing, dissertation preparation, and public speaking. Her process-centered approach to writing helps students develop confidence and find their own voice. Dr. Yomtoob holds a Ph.D. in Communications Research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and currently teaches remote courses in media studies. As a first-generation Iranian American, she brings deep insight into cultural transition and is passionate about helping students thrive across cultures.
Dr. Henry M. Smith
Member, Board of Advisors
Dr. Henry M. Smith served in the US Department of Education as Senior Counsel for Community Colleges and as Assistant Secretary for Interagency and Intergovernmental Affairs from 1993 until 1998. In the 1970s he was Mayor of Dover, N.H., and in 1980-1983, he served as the New Hampshire State Director for Public Transportation. Smith was also founding Director of Corporate Relations for Tufts University; an instructor on community colleges and education policy at the George Washington University; SOE Associate Dean for Development; and SOE Executive Director for Partnerships in Educational Transformation. He is also a consultant to numerous educational organizations, ed tech companies, and universities.
Dr. Lola Adeyami
Member, Board of Advisors
Dr. Adeyemi is an accomplished professional with 19+ years of experience as a physician executive, professor, public health expert, entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist. While excelling in diverse fields, her true passion lies in empowering African students with educational opportunities. She is a cross-cultural leader and mentor, dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge technologies to advance global health equity and support women in career development.
She holds a medical degree (MD) from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria, a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University and she is currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at Northwestern University.
Dr. Mariale Hardiman
Member, Board of Advisors
Mariale Hardiman, Professor Emeritus, was co-founder and director of Johns Hopkins’ Neuro-Education Initiative (NEI). The NEI has been recognized as an innovative cross-disciplinary program that provides educators with relevant research from the learning sciences through the Mind, Brain, and Teaching master’s and doctoral courses and professional development programs. Hardiman has also served as the vice dean of academic affairs at the Johns Hopkins School of Education and served twice as interim dean. Her research and publications focus on enhancing educational practices through techniques that foster innovation and creative problem-solving. Research includes randomized control trials investigating the effects of arts integration on long-term retention of content and student engagement. She is also investigating how knowledge of the learning sciences influences teaching practices and teacher efficacy beliefs. In addition, she is interested in instructional practice, pedagogy, urban education, special education programming and exceptional children, including gifted education.
Before joining Johns Hopkins in 2006, Hardiman worked in the Baltimore City Public Schools for more than 30 years, serving in a variety of leadership and administration related roles. As the principal of Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, she led the school to its designation as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. With the use of the Brain-Targeted Teaching® Model that she developed, the school was recognized nationally for innovative arts programming.
Hardiman presents nationally and internationally on topics related to the intersection of research in the learning sciences with effective teaching strategies, including meaningful integration of the arts. She has significant clinical experience in educational leadership development and education for children with disabilities.