Mary Jane C. Parmentier is a Clinical Associate Professor in the School for the Future of Innovation and Society at Arizona State University.  In 1999 she received her doctorate in International Studies from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, where her dissertation research examined the dynamics of Islam and politics in Morocco and Algeria. Her B.A. degree is in Spanish from Southern Connecticut State University (1980) and her M.A. is in International Relations from San Francisco State University (1986).  From 1986-1988 Dr. Parmentier served as a Peace Corps volunteer near Marrakesh, Morocco, teaching high school English.  Since her appointment at Arizona State University in 1999 her research and curriculum development have focused on the role of technology in economic, social and political development, and the regions of North Africa and Latin American development, and she is a founding faculty member of the M.S. in Global Technology and Development. She is also a Senior Sustainability Scientist with the School of Sustainability.  Dr. Parmentier is proficient in spoken and written Spanish and French, and is conversant in Moroccan Arabic.

With a significant focus on education, Dr. Parmentier designs and teaches courses in Latin American and Middle Eastern politics and development, technology and international politics, and international development.She believes strongly in international education, and the value of questioning assumptions and cultural perspectives, and has led students on study abroad trips to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America in this endeavor. To constantly innovate and improve university teaching is also a prime goal, including the development of methodologies and techniques to enhance the online learning environment.