EXPERIENCE

Mentor

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico | Nov 2023 – Jan 2025

Mentor a master's student in Cybernetics (DePaul University) on publication methods, research practices, and complex systems
Serve as second author for conferences and publications

Part-time Lecturer

Chiba University, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture | Oct 2021 – Present

Deliver Landscape and Environmental Science curriculum in English to all undergraduate juniors (required course)
Leverage Google Classroom and multimedia tools to drive critical thinking, interaction, and active learning
Curate diverse learning materials: books, academic papers, websites, audiobooks, and films

Consultant & Designer (Self-employed)

Greencastle, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture | May 2020 – Present

Ethnobotanical Design

Create green designs for indoor, outdoor, and rooftop environments
Research optimal plant-environment pairings and propagation techniques for native and tropical species
Conduct ethnobotanical plant studies for modern applications

Language & Cultural Consulting

Edit English academic papers, commercial materials, and technical documents
Provide intercultural and linguistic interpretation and voice-over services
Lead cultural tours of Japan (and Puerto Vallarta, MX, since 2022)
Clients: Chiba University, Parker's (greenery and interior design), and private individuals

Mentor

Kamiyama Green Valley NPO, S6IX Accelerator Program, Kamiyama Village, Tokushima | Feb 2020 – Mar 2020

Ethnobotanical aquaponics units for local revitalization

Delivered ethnobotanical knowledge and social research training
Designed aquaponics systems for the innovative revitalization project
Led public presentations and collaborative teamwork sessions
Program halted due to pandemic

Post-Doctoral Researcher

Chiba University, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture | Oct 2018 – Sep 2021

Authored, submitted, and edited academic literature for personal and faculty publications
Edited English handouts, pamphlets, books, promotional materials, and letters for university staff and faculty
Supported faculty with campus duties and academic activities
Provided translation, interpretation, tour guiding, and logistical support for international conferences and visitors
Organized and conducted the English-speaking hour for Japanese and international students

Ethnobotanical Plant Educator & Landscape Designer

Shanghai PI Cultural Exchange, Shanghai, China | Jun 2019 – Aug 2019

Taught weekly classes at community centers and libraries on East Asian ethnobotanical plants (students: children and caretakers)
Researched Japanese and Chinese differences in ethnobotanical and landscape use, focusing on parks and communities
Designed verandas and entranceways featuring ethnobotanical plants, green walls, and aquaponics systems using recycled local resources

Part-time Lecturer, Research Assistant & Teaching Assistant

Chiba University, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture | Apr 2016 – Jun 2019

Teaching & Academic Support

Lectured master's-level English Presentation Skills course
Directed English House Matsudo, a weekly English-speaking hour
Delivered one-on-one English lessons to university students and visiting professors
Served as T.A. and co-organizer for the JICA Project Management Course (3 years)
Edited English handouts, pamphlets, books, promotional materials, and letters for university staff and faculty
Recorded voice-over for Chiba University Matsudo Campus promotional video
Supported laboratory and student projects across disciplines

Community Engagement

Organized and promoted bimonthly jazz music events, community connection events, and skills workshops
Performed as M.C. and singer at the annual International Students' Association Holiday Party

Landscape Design, Landscape Planning & Community Development

Facilitated Machizukuri (bottom-up community planning) in Matsudo, Izu, and Kambara: interviews, questionnaires, collaboration with local people, schools, and government entities
(2017) Documented and mapped botanicals in a traditional Japanese garden in Kambara as part of a team
(2015–2020) Identified ethnobotanical plants in Nogiku (Matsudo City) and researched landscape-community integration
(2014–2015) Facilitated Machizukuri workshops in Irouzaki; contributed to the final General Plan design; built landscape models; sketched plans; identified ethnobotanical elements; authored an ethnobotanical book for local residents
Collaborated on community improvement events: Iwase seminars, translation/interpretation for guest speakers, ethnobotanical education presentations
Taught Ethnobotanical Sumi-E (traditional Japanese watercolor) to university students and Matsudo residents
Delivered volunteer environmental ethnobotanical education for Matsudo City residents (invited special event)

Part-time University Lecturer & Elementary School Native English Teacher

Seitoku University & Seitoku Elementary School, Matsudo City, Chiba Pref. | Feb 2015 – Mar 2016

University Lecturer

Designed curriculum, delivered all lessons, and evaluated students for a year-long English program

Elementary School Teacher

Designed curriculum and materials; taught collaboratively with a team of four teachers

Native English Teacher

Waseda Saga Gakuen, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture | Apr 2011 – Mar 2014

Teaching

Taught EFL to junior and senior high school students across three class types: Advanced English, team teaching, and ESS Club
Delivered ESL instruction to returnees and advanced learners in AP English
Designed AP curriculum: Critical Thinking, poetry, literature, literary elements, mistake analysis, essay writing, TOEFL iBT strategies, Philosophy, English history, typing, and vocabulary/grammar through film and literature
Conducted English teaching seminars for Japanese English teachers
Coached students in speech and presentation skills
Advised English teachers on high-level grammar questions
Delivered student-requested special lessons

English Club Leadership

Directed club activities: standardized test training (TOEIC, TOEFL, Eiken), yoga in English, dance, drama, teamwork, video editing, Basic Spanish, English conversation, learning techniques through books and movies, and pen pal correspondence

School Contributions

Mentored students and supported the school nurse's room (Health and Mentorship Committee): nursing, emergency judgment, coworker coordination, Japanese paperwork, and student counseling
Contributed to the English Teachers' Weekly Meeting: textbook selection, standardized tests, scheduling, and procedural decisions
Managed daily student cleaning groups, directing three teams across campus

Key Accomplishments

Trained students one-on-one who won 1st Place in prefectural speech contests all three years; some advanced to nationals
Blind survey confirmed AP English Class students' enjoyment and unique learning gains

ALT

KBS Inc., Saga City, Saga Prefecture | Aug 2010 – Mar 2011

Taught EFL in elementary and junior high schools
Collaborated with teachers to deliver textbook-based lessons tailored to diverse learning styles and needs

ALT

Interac Company, Miyazaki Prefecture | Apr 2009 – Jul 2010

Taught EFL in preschool, elementary, and junior high schools using games, multimedia, student creativity, and realia

Preschool Teacher

Kid's Dream, Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture | Jan 2009 – Apr 2009

Taught English to babies and young children using flashcards, games, activities, and realia
Guided infants through eating and sleeping routines with gentle techniques, chants, and songs

Owner/Teacher

Sofia's Language School, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico | Oct 2007 – Oct 2008

Founded and operated a language school
Taught English, Spanish, and beginning Japanese to community members and business professionals

ALT

JET Programme, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture | Jul 2004 – Jul 2007

Taught EFL in junior high and elementary schools
Designed lesson plans aligned with textbook content, grammar points, and student learning levels
Team-taught weekly with junior high school teachers
Created handmade materials for all English lessons: games, phonics, and language pattern exercises
Contributed to ALT training sessions on TEFL and other subjects
Taught evening classes for adult language learners
Occasionally taught Spanish

Mural Painter

El Togoroz Restaurant, Petaluma, CA | Oct 2003 – May 2004

Negotiated, planned, and executed a restaurant-length mural depicting national symbols of El Salvador: a volcano and the Turquoise-Browed Motmot

Environmental Health Inspector

County of Monterey Environmental Health Dept, Monterey, CA | Jul 2002 – Jul 2003

Reviewed building plans with the planning department to ensure environmental compliance
Inspected businesses for adherence to Environmental Health laws
Assessed homes and land for septic and well water safety
Tested wastewater at a treatment plant for potential agricultural reuse as part of a research team

Green Building Designer

Sustainable Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, CA | Mar 2002 – Jul 2002 (Volunteer)

Designed 4- to 40-unit apartment complexes incorporating lofts, wet core systems, community areas, space constraints, and green roofs

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Mann Packing Company, Salinas, CA | Feb 2002 – Apr 2002

Designed technician forms for personal safety, compliance, Quality Control, food safety (temperature, handling, defects, appearance), and Good Manufacturing Practices
Observed, documented, and guided factory workers using Word, Excel, and bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency

Chemical Control Intern

City of Gilroy Chemical Control, Gilroy, CA | May 2001 – Feb 2002

Authored the OSHA-compliant Injury and Illness Prevention Program tailored to City needs
Investigated environmental impact and responsible parties through groundwater, sewage flow, and topographical analysis
Observed and assisted regulatory program inspections
Provided customer service and resolved conflicts between business owners
Designed brochures and an inspection records user handbook; performed data entry
Translated during regulatory inspections (Spanish/English) and translated forms, documents, and conversations as needed
Wrote reports, letters, and permit conditions using accounting, data management, and regulatory research

Environmental Specialist

ATC Environmental Consulting, Monterey, CA | Jun 2000 – May 2001

Inspected residences, businesses, and factories for environmental issues
Collected and submitted air, soil, and building material samples to labs
Authored environmental reports based on analysis and remediation requirements
Advised clients on best practices for tanks and toxic materials
Analyzed geothermal heating, wells, and septic systems relative to planned and existing structures

Waitress

Papa's Taverna, Petaluma, CA | Sep 1999 – Nov 1999

Served groups of 20–40 guests in a high-energy Greek restaurant and bar

ESL Aide

Liberty Elementary School District, Petaluma, CA | Jan 1999 – Nov 1999

Taught English, math, and science to 4th-grade ESL students in groups and one-on-one
Taught Spanish to the 4th-grade class
Translated documents and provided oral interpretation during meetings

Sushi Chef and Waitress

Yao Kiku, Santa Rosa, CA | Aug 1998 – Dec 1998

Served customers and prepared elegant dishes under the guidance of the Japanese chef/owner

Private Spanish Tutor

Client: Scott Whittaker, Rohnert Park, CA | Mar 1998 – Jun 1998

Coached a professional musician in Spanish and Cuban music styles for salsa band performances

English Teacher & ESL Tutor

SSALI at Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA | May 1998 – Aug 1998

Instructed international students in English pronunciation, grammar, reading, and communication
Organized outings and supported students in English language acquisition (volunteer)

Costume Designer and Seamstress

Sonoma State University Costume Shop, Rohnert Park, CA | Feb 1998 – Jun 1998

Designed, sewed, tailored, and altered costumes for university productions

EDUCATION

2014 to 2018: Chiba University Graduate School of Horticulture, Matsudo City, Japan

Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Landscape Planning

Title: Integrating Ethnobotany with Psychological Ownership in Order to Improve Social-Ecological Systems

社会生態学的系改善のためのエスノボタニーと心理的所有権の統合に関する研究

1997 to 2000: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA.

B.A., Biological Sciences. Minor, Linguistics.

Certification: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). Yearlong series, 24 units.

Fall 1997, Spring 1998. Japanese Language, Santa Rosa Junior College.

Spring 2003. Engineering Drafting and Design course, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz, CA.

PUBLICATIONS & DESIGNS

Academic Papers

2024 - Cybernetics Publication

Title: The requisite variety of presence: A cybernetic intervention in knowledge work's attention crisis.
Authors: Brett Neese & Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley (2nd author)
Journal: Enacting Cybernetics
Date: Nov. 2025
Volume/Issue: 3(1), Article 2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58695/ec.20

2019 - Urban and Regional Planning

Title: Suburban Residents' Psychological Ownership of Ethnobotanical Plants Found in Surrounding Green Spaces: A Case Study at Matsudo City's Nogikuno Housing Complex, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley & Isami Kinoshita (first author)
Journal: Urban and Regional Planning Review
Date: Nov. 2019
Volume: 6
Pages: 125-147
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14398/urpr.6.125

2019 - Architectural Institute of Japan

Title: Psychological Ownership of Ethnobotany for Strengthening Social-Ecological Systems
Japanese Title: エスノボタニーからの心理的オーナーシップ醸成による社会・生態システム活性化に関する研究 ---南伊豆町石廊崎地区における事例
Authors: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley, Aiko Eguchi & Isami Kinoshita (first author)
Journal: Architectural Institute of Japan
Date: May 2019
Volume: 84
Number: 759
Pages: 1135-1144
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3130/aija.84.1135

2018 - Doctoral Dissertation

Title: Integrating ethnobotany with psychological ownership in order to improve social-ecological systems [Doctoral dissertation, Chiba University]
Author: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley
Date: August 2018
Institution: Chiba University Repository
Total Pages: 334
URL: https://opac.ll.chiba-u.jp/da/curator/105840/HAA_0075.pdf

2018 - Journal of Environmental Information Science

Title: The Use of Ethnobotanical Landscape to Revitalize Rural Communities: Learning from Todmorden, England, Past and Present
Authors: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley & Isami Kinoshita (first author)
Journal: Journal of Environmental Information Science
Date: February 2018
Volume: 2017
Number: 2
Pages: 25-36

2018 - Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal

Title: The Psychological Ownership of Ethnobotanicals through Education
Authors: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley, Mitsunari Terada, Isami Kinoshita (first author)
Journal: Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal
Date: August 2018
Volume: 3
Number: 8
Pages: 12-21

2017 - HortResearch Publication

Title: インクレディブル・エディブル Incredible Edible
Author: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley
Journal: HortResearch
Date: March 2017
Volume: 71
Issue: Edible Landscape
Pages: 6-7

2017 - HortResearch Publication

Title: ドクダミを食べる Eating Houttuynia
Author: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley
Journal: HortResearch
Date: March 2017
Volume: 71
Issue: Edible Landscape
Pages: 8-9

2015 - Reports of the City Planning Institute of Japan

Title: 石廊崎ジャングルパーク跡地利用計画策定ワークショップを事例として - The Usefulness and Difficulties of Conducting Community Development Workshops: The Case of the Irouzaki Jungle Park's Redevelopment Project
Authors: Aiko Kimura, Sofia Maria Penabaz-Wiley, Natsuko Takahashi, Isami Kinoshita
Journal: Reports of the City Planning Institute of Japan
Date: May 2015
Volume: 14
Pages: 87-90

2015 - Sustainability Journal

Title: Models and approaches for integrating protected areas with their surroundings: A review of the literature
Authors: Wenwu Du, Sofia. M. Penabaz-Wiley, Anthony. M. Njeru, Isami Kinoshita
Journal: Sustainability
Date: June 2015
Volume: 7
Number: 7
Pages: 8151-8177

Design Projects

2002 - Single Mother Live-Work Building Designs

Designer: Self (volunteer position)
Issuer: Sustainable Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, CA
Date: July 2002
Overview: Designed 4 to 40-unit apartment complexes. Main features: green roofs, cost reduction through prefabricated sections, work-live units, and private social central area

2015 - Irouzaki General Plan

Designers: Aiko Kimura, Sofia Maria Penabaz-Wiley, Natsuko Takahashi, Isami Kinoshita
Issuer: Minami Izu Local Government
Date: February 2015
Title: The Final Design of the Irouzaki Jungle Park for the Irouzaki General Plan
Main Contributions: Ethnobotanical garden areas; Play Areas; Design Support: all other areas

2016 - Inohana Children's Hospital Green Roof

Designers: Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley, Amonkar Deepika, Jorge Izquierdo, Poh Qiying, Shi Yang
Issuer: National University of Singapore and Chiba University Joint Collaborative Design Workshop: Children's Hospital Design
Date: February 26, 2016
Title: "Landscape as Connectivity"
Main Contributions: Ethnobotanical aspects for five senses, universal design interactive garden play, aquaculture, labyrinth, cupola, ecological support systems. Developed most of the wildlife support, the disabled children's universal design playground, and the aquaponics unit. Used recycled water from the AC units to feed into the space for wildlife. Contributed plant selection.

2014 - CCDC 2014 Cross-Cultural Design Collaboration (Iro Park)

Designers: Juan C. Gálvez, Lin Bai, Sofia M. Penabaz-Wiley
Issuer: Chiba University Cross-Cultural Design Collaboration (CCDC)
Date: September 2014
Title: Group 3, "Iro Park"
Main Contributions: Water element, herb garden for children's play, cupola, labyrinth, shape, and location inside the park, a half-moon of cherry trees nearby, and UD benches throughout the park. Created an area in the park for children to play in water, art created by a local artist, a shade space for mothers, and native and herbal plants for pollinators as well as for children to learn. Has signature labyrinth and colorful recycled glass mosaic shade structure.

2019 - Recycling Game and Ethnobotanical System

Designer: Self (individual project)
Issuer: NPO China PI Cultural Exchange, Community Development Projects (CDP), Shanghai, China
Date: June 2019
Overview: Developed a tiered ethnobotanical system and recycling game to make recycling fun for children based on the needs of the community to recycle trash and their lack of funds. Utilizing recycled materials and a recycling station, created a place to play and grow ethnobotanical plants.

2019 - Guang Community Center Green Veranda

Designer: Self (individual project)
Issuer: NPO China PI Cultural Exchange, CDP, Shanghai, China
Date: July 2019
Overview: Designed a simple aquaponics unit for the community center where people could gather food as well as enjoy the live fish.

2020 - Green Kamiyama Maker Space Aquaponics System

Designer: Self
Issuer: Kamiyama Village, Tokushima, 2020
Overview: Designed aquaponics system for community revitalization using rainwater capture, native ethnobotanical plants and endangered fisheries, and agricultural plants in the indoor system. Presentation of design operation aired online for Tokushima and Osaka residents and stakeholders.

CONFERENCES

2024 (6/18) American Society of Cybernetics 60th Anniversary Conference (oral presentation & second author)
2021 (11/26) International Community of Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development (oral presentation) multi-participation evaluation system on the renewal of urban villages: a study of residents and neighborhoods
2018 (7/12) Chinese Society of Ethnobotany (Invited) in Kunming City, Yunnan (Oral Presentation) The Use of Ethnobotany to Revitalize Suburban and Rural Communities: The Case of Todmorden, England
2018 (6/05) Joint Conference of Society of Ethnobiology and the Society for Economic Botany in Madison, Wisconsin (Oral Presentation) Ethnobotanicals and Psychological Ownership of the Landscape: A Case Study in Suburban Matsudo, Japan
2017 (4/26) Plants & People Museum Symposium (Poster Presentation) Incredible Edible Todmorden: Past and Present
2017 (3/2) Future Earth Kickoff (Poster Presentation) Incredible Edible Todmorden and Irouzaki: A Comparative Study in Edible Landscape
2017 (2/17) Matsudo City and Edible Way (Slide Presentation) Todmorden's Incredible Edible
2013 ETJ Kyushu ELT Expo (Speaker); Textbook Realia
2012 ETJ Kyushu ELT Expo (Speaker); Teaching Cross-Cultural Differences Through the Internet
JET Conferences, Fukuoka 2006 (Speaker); Games for the JHS EFL Classroom
JET Conferences, Fukuoka 2005 (Speaker); Teaching EFL Vocabulary to Junior High School Students
San Francisco Green Conference, 2003 (Attendee)
CWEA and WRPPN Pollution Prevention Conference, 2001 (Attendee)
Society for Science Within Consciousness Conference, Berkeley, CA., 1995 (Attendee)

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIZES

National Science Foundation -- Travel Award to attend Ethnobiology Conference in Madison, USA. June 2018.
Asahi Exhibit - publicly displayed 80 paintings + live painting, Galerías Vallarta Mall, Puerto Vallarta. June 2008.
Madonnari Festival -- Sidewalk Art (Invited artist), Puerto Vallarta, 2008.
Tuolumne County Garden Club Scholarship, Sonora, CA, 1995.
Voice of Democracy Speech Contest, Mariposa, CA. 1st Place, 1991.
Citywide Environmental Poetry Contest, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 1st Place Prize, 1989.

Students: (Speech Contests)

One National Finalist
Four prefectural, 1st Place
Two prefectural, 2nd Place

GENERAL SKILLS

Bilingual and biliterate (English/Spanish), intermediate (JLPT N3) written Japanese Language, advanced spoken Japanese Language, translation and interpretation. Project management, system analysis and problem-solving, spatial analysis and problem-solving, teamwork, teaching, mentorship and leadership, customer service, public relations, creative theory, and seminar speaking.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

General

Design drafting and plan visualization, descriptive technical writing, plant identification, botanical illustration

Software

General office and team use, conducting surveys, SPSS, R programming for statistical computing and data visualization and analysis, qualitative research, mixed methods, ArcGIS, project management environment, website development, Google Education environment, Blackmagic video editing, Adobe Creative Suite and other illustration and drawing software for design and architecture, photogrammetry, LIDAR, AutoCAD, Rhino.

Hardware

Desktop computer assembly and troubleshooting, soldering and electronic parts replacement, and some electrical circuit troubleshooting and repair.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Complex system analysis and problem-solving, planning, team design, teaching, community workshop facilitation, interviews, questionnaire surveys, design, botanical documentation, mapping, environmental education, report-writing, form design, planning of landscapes and social-environmental systems on large and small scales.

ART & DESIGN SKILLS

Landscape Architecture

Spatial analysis and interdisciplinary problem-solving, empathetic/biophilic/universal design, conceptualization, hand sketches and drafting, scale modeling, model photography, universal design, and ethnobotany.

Fine Art

Fine art (pottery, watercolor, mixed media - from higher education/apprenticeship training); Japanese Sumi-E charcoal watercolor (3-year study, Japan). Bitwig and other music software.

Other Skills

Adobe Creative Suite and other illustration and drawing software; photography; acrylics, pastels, watercolors, and oils; clay and stone working. 3D design software.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Aquaponics for Community Revitalization Accelerator Mentor / System Designer -- Kamiyama Green Valley NPO, S6IX Accelerator Program, Kamiyama, 2020.
Orphan Infant Massage -- Kizuna Baby at Red Cross Medical Center, Hiroo, Tokyo, 2014 -- 2022.
Translator & Interpreter -- XIII International Symposium on Plant Bioregulators in Fruit Production, Matsudo, 8/2017.
M.C. and Organizer -- Jazz Music events by the Kinoshita Lab and Matsudo Creative NPO, Matsudo, 2014 -- 2019.
Journal Language Editor -- HortResearch Vol. 71 Edible Landscape, Matsudo, 2017
Green Building Designs - Sustainable Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, CA, 2002.
Gardener - Miwuk Native Plant Garden, Tuolumne, CA, 1996.

INTERESTS

Fine art, birds, mushrooms, cybernetics, green architecture, Ethnobotany, traditional medical systems, languages, social-ecological systems, naturalist philosophy, philosophy, poetry, yoga, dance, singing, building computers, and metal detecting.