(When requested ahead of time, Dr. Lu can present in Mandarin Chinese, or Taiwanese in addition to English.)

Dr. Lu holds a Ph.D. from Arizona State University and is a retired Department Chair of Educational Leadership from San Jose State University, where she devoted 33 years to distinguished teaching, research, and service. Earlier in her career, she also served as Associate Dean, gaining extensive leadership experience in higher education. During her tenure, she received numerous teaching awards, reflecting her dedication to excellence in teaching and her ability to inspire and connect with diverse learners.

Originally from Taiwan, Dr. Lu has lived in the United States for over four decades and is now based in San Francisco, California. From this global hub, she is well-positioned for easy travel to speaking engagements worldwide. Multilingual in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Taiwanese, she is happy to present in languages beyond English when arranged in advance. She sees herself as a bridge between East and West, offering unique insights and perspectives that resonate with cruise guests from all backgrounds.

As an international cruise enrichment speaker, Dr. Lu has presented aboard Princess Cruises on itineraries including the California Coast and Hawaii, earning glowing feedback for her engaging presentations. Her talks cover a wide range of topics, from food history and health & longevity to customized special interest themes. Guests consistently praise her dynamic storytelling and heartfelt delivery, with one memorable comment stating: "Dr. Lu speaks from her heart."

Her ability to blend fascinating insights, engaging delivery, and a deep cultural understanding ensures an unforgettable experience for cruise guests around the world.

Below are sample video clips of her presentation, cruise TV interview.

I continually develop fresh, engaging topics tailored to cruise guests' interests and itineraries. As a multilingual speaker, I can also present in Mandarin or Taiwanese with prior arrangements.

Sample Enrichment Topics:

I. Culinary and Cultural Journeys
1. Spam Tales: Hawaiian Twist
- Discover how a humble canned meat became a beloved Hawaiian culinary icon, blending wartime history and island flavors.

2. Taiwan's Treasures: Beyond Taipei
- Journey through Taiwan’s captivating landscapes, vibrant night markets, and centuries-old traditions often overshadowed by its capital city.

3. Thai Odyssey: The Land of Smiles
-Immerse yourself in the enchanting culture of Thailand, from golden temples to tantalizing street food and its legendary hospitality.

4. The Culinary Odyssey of Southeast Asia
- Savor the rich tapestry of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions that define Southeast Asia’s vibrant food scene.

5. Dragon's Roar: Lunar New Year Unleashed
- Experience the spectacle and symbolism of the Lunar New Year, where ancient myths meet modern celebrations.

6. Southeast Asia: Cultural Kaleidoscope
- Explore the region’s stunning diversity, from intricate dance rituals to awe-inspiring festivals and vibrant local art.

II. Crossroads of History, Innovation, and Well-Being
7. Silicon Valley Evolution: Farm to Tech
- Trace the incredible journey of Silicon Valley, from a land of apricot orchards to the birthplace of world-changing innovations.

8.Nature’s Bounty: Avocado and Dragon Fruit
- Unpack the history, superfood status, and cultural significance of these fruits in shaping global health trends.

9. Taco vs Dumpling/Gua Bao: A Culinary Journey
- Discover the unexpected connections between Mexican tacos and Chinese dumplings, uniting flavors across continents.

10. Tea Culture: From Oolong to Aqua de Jamaica
- A flavorful exploration of tea’s evolution, from ancient Chinese traditions to modern brews in South America and beyond.

11. Secrets of Long Life: The Blue Zones Study
- Unveil the lifestyles and habits of the world’s longest-living individuals, exploring the Blue Zone study’s insights and lessons for longevity and wellness.

12. Global Brews: Asia to South America
- From Oolong tea to Yerba Mate, explore the stories and rituals behind two iconic drinks in this fun, flavorful adventure!

III. Myths, Legends, and Universal Stories
13. California Cuisine: Past to Plate
- Relive California’s transformation from Gold Rush sustenance to a melting pot of culinary innovation.

14. Global Brews: Asia to South America
- Embark on a journey across continents to uncover the rituals and cultural importance of tea and coffee.

15. Dragons & Eagles: Empires East & West
- Compare the ingenuity, power, and legacies of the mighty Chinese and Roman empires, whose influences echo through history.

16. Creation & Chaos: Origins of the Universe
- Delve into the myths, legends, and scientific theories that different cultures have used to explain the universe’s beginnings.

17. “Asian Herbal Remedies from My Grandma”
Delve into a treasure trove of easy-to-make herbal remedies passed down through generations, offering health and wellness insights rooted in Asian traditions.

18. “Asian/Polynesian Herbal Remedies from My Grandma”
Explore a fusion of Asian and Polynesian herbal remedies handed down by my grandmother, unlocking the healing properties and cultural significance behind each remedy.

19. “Asian & Caribbean Herbal Remedies from My Grandma”
Journey through the diverse herbal remedies of Asia and the Caribbean, passed down through generations, showcasing the unique healing traditions from these rich cultures.To be provided.