Steven R. van Hook

Steven R. Van Hook, PhD, is an accomplished education researcher and virtual world creator with extensive experience in developing educational resources and teaching across various institutions. Van Hook serves as the President and CEO of Educare Research Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to expanding learning opportunities for global educators through transcultural methods and technology. Current faculty roles include positions at National University, UCLA Extension, California Lutheran University, and UC Santa Barbara, where Van Hook focuses on communication technologies and international education. Additionally, Van Hook hosts a podcast for The Science Circle and has authored resources for public relations professionals on AboutPublicRelations.net. With a background as a Master Captain in the US Coast Guard and a strong academic foundation, Van Hook has designed media-rich courses for initiatives like The Saylor Foundation's Open Course Initiative.