Meet WHIPIC’s 1st fellow and interns of 2025!
We’re excited to welcome Professor Mario Santana Quintero from Carleton University, Canada, who is also the Honorary President of CIPA, as our 2025 first fellow.
Joining us as an international intern is Annisa Rahma Amadea from ICOMOS Indonesia, who will be working with WHIPIC from July to September.
We’re also happy to be working alongside passionate Korean intern who joined us through the National Heritage Internship Program, supported by the Korea Heritage Agency.
Let’s get to know WHIPIC’s fellow and interns a bit more!
Prof. Mario Santana Quintero
WHIPIC Fellow
Professor at Carleton University, Canada
Honorary President of CIPA
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Good day everyone, I am Mario Santana, a professor at Carleton University’s Architectural Conservation and Sustainability program and co-chair of the UNESCO Chair on Digital twins for Conservation of World Heritage. I have been actively engaged in the field of cultural heritage for over 28 years, working on a variety of projects and maintaining long-standing collaborations with heritage organizations worldwide.
2. Why did you choose WHIPIC?
WHIPIC is the place to be. I am here as part of my sabbatical research year. I decided to apply, and I was privileged to be invited to travel here and collaborate closely with friends and colleagues in Sejong. I have known WHIPIC for many years and contributed to different initiatives. WHIPIC is making a difference on how we translate and communicate cultural heritage using different voices, and I want to be part of it.
3. What do you think is the importance of WHIPIC that is/will play in the World Heritage?
As the number of World Heritage sites has exponentially grown and hopefully become more balance and international, WHIPIC plays an essential role in meeting emerging needs of implementing inclusive and fair ways of interpreting and presenting these places that, while they have a universal value, they also are carriers of knowledge and experience in communities around the world.
4. How do you think WHIPIC will affect your fellowship in the future?
This fellowship opportunity is a unique opportunity to learn about WHIPIC, South Korea and Asian culture in general, for me is a privilege that after a long trajectory in the field, I can still have the chance to learn, and exchange with Korean colleagues, and in particular meet so many emerging professionals that make a different to our world and practice in protecting cultural heritage.
5. What are the things that you have wanted to do while you are doing fellowship in Korea?
Work together with WHIPIC friends, collaborate, and meet as many South Korean colleagues as possible in my field. Experience South Korean culture, traditions, and learn about the daily life of my friends. But also, enjoy some nice Korean dishes and have new experiences with my family and myself.
6. Say hello to WHIPIC members and Korea. Or anything you want to say!
I would like to thank all WHIPIC members for their generosity, good humour, and talent in making the world heritage a better and more meaningful experience for all. I feel honour to be an officemate for a little time. You make a difference, and I am sure you will continue to contribute even more to the protection of our cultural heritage. I also want to thank my fellow intern, Amadea, a great emerging professional who is passionate, already making a difference, and eager to continue this journey of contributing to cultural heritage.
______________________
Ms Annisa Rahma Amadea
WHIPIC Global Intern
Member of ICOMOS-Indonesia
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Hello, my name is Annisa Amadea, an emerging heritage practitioner and researcher from Indonesia. I am a member of ICOMOS and currently serving as the Coordinator and Representative of the Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) of ICOMOS Indonesia. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Architecture, and I will begin my PhD in Urban and Rural Planning this year.
2. Why did you choose WHIPIC?
I chose WHIPIC because it resonates with my view that heritage should be inclusive, dynamic, and responsive to contemporary global challenges. Too often, heritage narratives are shaped by institutional or dominant perspective that overlooks the voices of youth, women, Indigenous groups, and local communities. WHIPIC provides a valuable platform for developing an understanding of heritage interpretation and presentation through its guidelines, case studies, and expert insights. At the same time, I look forward to sharing ideas and case studies from Indonesia and engaging in meaningful discussions with WHIPIC.
3. What do you think is the importance of WHIPIC that is/will play in the World Heritage?
WHIPIC plays a critical role in reshaping global heritage discourse by foregrounding that heritage is not only preserved but also should be meaningfully understood within its full cultural and social context. This approach is especially important today, when many narratives are at risk of being oversimplified, politicized, or marginalized. WHIPIC’s inclusive approach encourages us to rethink how we define and communicate “universal value” by making space for a multidisciplinary approach, such as lived experiences, underrepresented voices, and ethical, context-sensitive frameworks. I’m particularly inspired by WHIPIC’s work on Sites of Memory, which helps bring attention to underrepresented and difficult histories.
4. How do you think WHIPIC will affect your fellowship/internship in the future?
This experience is a meaningful chapter in both my academic and professional journey. Engaging with WHIPIC is expanding my understanding of global heritage discourse, especially in interpretation, education, and international cooperation. As part of the Education and Global Network Department, I’ve gained insight into how knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural dialogue can shape more meaningful practices. These lessons will have a profound impact on my future work, whether in field-based heritage initiatives, policy advocacy, or academic research.
5. What are the things that you have wanted to do while you are doing fellowship/internship in Korea?
While in Korea, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s approach to World Heritage, particularly in interpretation, digitalization, and sustainability. I’m interested in exploring Korea’s innovation in digital heritage documentation and its potential to support long-term conservation and more engaging interpretation. I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet and learn from experts, including WHIPIC Fellow, Prof. Mario Santana, Honorary President of CIPA, who has been very generous and open in sharing his knowledge and engaging with my questions. I look forward to deepening my understanding of ethics, AI, and digital approaches to heritage. On a personal note, I’m excited to experience daily life in Korea, connect with fellow heritage professionals, and reflect on how cultural exchange can shape more thoughtful and collaborative approaches in our field.
6. Say hello to WHIPIC members and Korea. Or anything you want to say!
안녕하세요! It is a true honour to be part of WHIPIC and to contribute to its vision. I bring with me stories, questions, and reflections from Indonesia, and a deep appreciation for Korean culture and hospitality. Thank you for the warmest welcome. I look forward to learning, growing, and working together!
______________________
Ms. MyeongGyeong Koo
Korea Heritage Agency Intern
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Hi, I’m MyeongGyeong Koo. I studied Folklore as an undergraduate and Cultural Heritage Studies for my master’s degree. After finishing my degree in Folklore, I started working at a museum, mainly handling the registration of collections. This job gave me a great opportunity to see artifacts up close and learn practical museum work along with some expert knowledge. Over time, though, I realized I wanted to approach things with a broader perspective rather than sticking to just one academic focus. That’s what led me to pursue graduate studies where I could learn about international systems and viewpoints.
2. What lead you to apply to the internship?
My grad school has a connection with WHIPIC, so I naturally became interested in the Centre. I attended a few forums and mentoring programs hosted by WHIPIC, which helped me get a basic sense of what the Centre does. After graduation, while I was thinking about what to do next, I found out about the industry-academia internship program and decided to apply.
3. What do you think is WHIPIC’s role in World Heritage?
I think WHIPIC plays an important role as a hub for networking. There are many World Heritage sites around the world, and each one has its own stakeholders. It’s not always easy to bring them together and create opportunities for collaboration. That’s where WHIPIC comes in—it provides both the resources and space needed for those connections to happen. Thanks to WHIPIC, stakeholders can exchange information and build partnerships more effectively.
4. What did you learn during the internship and how it helped you?
What I really appreciated about the internship was that it gave me the chance to see what’s happening on the ground. Instead of just learning from books or papers, I got to talk to people who manage World Heritage sites and learn about real issues they face. It helped me understand things I wouldn’t have picked up from academic work alone. I also had a chance to learn a bit about what other departments at WHIPIC do, which gave me a broader picture of the Centre overall. Through this, I figured out what kind of work suits me better and it definitely helped shape my career direction.
5. What did you aim to gain from the internship and have you achieved?
Before I started, I hoped to get some hands-on experience with real-world World Heritage work. Since WHIPIC is a C2 Centre that deals with both domestic and international heritage issues, I thought it would be a great place for that. As an intern in the Office of Education and Cooperation, I got to help with local education programs, textbook development, and even participate in a side event at the World Heritage Committee session. So yes, I think I got exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for.
6. Any advice for future interns?
To be honest, getting into organizations that deal with World Heritage—especially places like C2 Centres—can feel pretty intimidating. That’s why I really recommend this internship program. It gives you a solid understanding of how WHIPIC operates and lets you actually work on real projects. If you’re interested in this field, it’s definitely a great way to get started.
Meet WHIPIC’s 1st fellow and interns of 2025!
We’re excited to welcome Professor Mario Santana Quintero from Carleton University, Canada, who is also the Honorary President of CIPA, as our 2025 first fellow.
Joining us as an international intern is Annisa Rahma Amadea from ICOMOS Indonesia, who will be working with WHIPIC from July to September.
We’re also happy to be working alongside passionate Korean intern who joined us through the National Heritage Internship Program, supported by the Korea Heritage Agency.
Let’s get to know WHIPIC’s fellow and interns a bit more!
Prof. Mario Santana Quintero
WHIPIC Fellow
Professor at Carleton University, Canada
Honorary President of CIPA
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Good day everyone, I am Mario Santana, a professor at Carleton University’s Architectural Conservation and Sustainability program and co-chair of the UNESCO Chair on Digital twins for Conservation of World Heritage. I have been actively engaged in the field of cultural heritage for over 28 years, working on a variety of projects and maintaining long-standing collaborations with heritage organizations worldwide.
2. Why did you choose WHIPIC?
WHIPIC is the place to be. I am here as part of my sabbatical research year. I decided to apply, and I was privileged to be invited to travel here and collaborate closely with friends and colleagues in Sejong. I have known WHIPIC for many years and contributed to different initiatives. WHIPIC is making a difference on how we translate and communicate cultural heritage using different voices, and I want to be part of it.
3. What do you think is the importance of WHIPIC that is/will play in the World Heritage?
As the number of World Heritage sites has exponentially grown and hopefully become more balance and international, WHIPIC plays an essential role in meeting emerging needs of implementing inclusive and fair ways of interpreting and presenting these places that, while they have a universal value, they also are carriers of knowledge and experience in communities around the world.
4. How do you think WHIPIC will affect your fellowship in the future?
This fellowship opportunity is a unique opportunity to learn about WHIPIC, South Korea and Asian culture in general, for me is a privilege that after a long trajectory in the field, I can still have the chance to learn, and exchange with Korean colleagues, and in particular meet so many emerging professionals that make a different to our world and practice in protecting cultural heritage.
5. What are the things that you have wanted to do while you are doing fellowship in Korea?
Work together with WHIPIC friends, collaborate, and meet as many South Korean colleagues as possible in my field. Experience South Korean culture, traditions, and learn about the daily life of my friends. But also, enjoy some nice Korean dishes and have new experiences with my family and myself.
6. Say hello to WHIPIC members and Korea. Or anything you want to say!
I would like to thank all WHIPIC members for their generosity, good humour, and talent in making the world heritage a better and more meaningful experience for all. I feel honour to be an officemate for a little time. You make a difference, and I am sure you will continue to contribute even more to the protection of our cultural heritage. I also want to thank my fellow intern, Amadea, a great emerging professional who is passionate, already making a difference, and eager to continue this journey of contributing to cultural heritage.
______________________
Ms Annisa Rahma Amadea
WHIPIC Global Intern
Member of ICOMOS-Indonesia
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Hello, my name is Annisa Amadea, an emerging heritage practitioner and researcher from Indonesia. I am a member of ICOMOS and currently serving as the Coordinator and Representative of the Emerging Professionals Working Group (EPWG) of ICOMOS Indonesia. I hold a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Architecture, and I will begin my PhD in Urban and Rural Planning this year.
2. Why did you choose WHIPIC?
I chose WHIPIC because it resonates with my view that heritage should be inclusive, dynamic, and responsive to contemporary global challenges. Too often, heritage narratives are shaped by institutional or dominant perspective that overlooks the voices of youth, women, Indigenous groups, and local communities. WHIPIC provides a valuable platform for developing an understanding of heritage interpretation and presentation through its guidelines, case studies, and expert insights. At the same time, I look forward to sharing ideas and case studies from Indonesia and engaging in meaningful discussions with WHIPIC.
3. What do you think is the importance of WHIPIC that is/will play in the World Heritage?
WHIPIC plays a critical role in reshaping global heritage discourse by foregrounding that heritage is not only preserved but also should be meaningfully understood within its full cultural and social context. This approach is especially important today, when many narratives are at risk of being oversimplified, politicized, or marginalized. WHIPIC’s inclusive approach encourages us to rethink how we define and communicate “universal value” by making space for a multidisciplinary approach, such as lived experiences, underrepresented voices, and ethical, context-sensitive frameworks. I’m particularly inspired by WHIPIC’s work on Sites of Memory, which helps bring attention to underrepresented and difficult histories.
4. How do you think WHIPIC will affect your fellowship/internship in the future?
This experience is a meaningful chapter in both my academic and professional journey. Engaging with WHIPIC is expanding my understanding of global heritage discourse, especially in interpretation, education, and international cooperation. As part of the Education and Global Network Department, I’ve gained insight into how knowledge-sharing and cross-cultural dialogue can shape more meaningful practices. These lessons will have a profound impact on my future work, whether in field-based heritage initiatives, policy advocacy, or academic research.
5. What are the things that you have wanted to do while you are doing fellowship/internship in Korea?
While in Korea, I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s approach to World Heritage, particularly in interpretation, digitalization, and sustainability. I’m interested in exploring Korea’s innovation in digital heritage documentation and its potential to support long-term conservation and more engaging interpretation. I am honoured to have the opportunity to meet and learn from experts, including WHIPIC Fellow, Prof. Mario Santana, Honorary President of CIPA, who has been very generous and open in sharing his knowledge and engaging with my questions. I look forward to deepening my understanding of ethics, AI, and digital approaches to heritage. On a personal note, I’m excited to experience daily life in Korea, connect with fellow heritage professionals, and reflect on how cultural exchange can shape more thoughtful and collaborative approaches in our field.
6. Say hello to WHIPIC members and Korea. Or anything you want to say!
안녕하세요! It is a true honour to be part of WHIPIC and to contribute to its vision. I bring with me stories, questions, and reflections from Indonesia, and a deep appreciation for Korean culture and hospitality. Thank you for the warmest welcome. I look forward to learning, growing, and working together!
______________________
Ms. MyeongGyeong Koo
Korea Heritage Agency Intern
1. Could you tell us about yourself?
Hi, I’m MyeongGyeong Koo. I studied Folklore as an undergraduate and Cultural Heritage Studies for my master’s degree. After finishing my degree in Folklore, I started working at a museum, mainly handling the registration of collections. This job gave me a great opportunity to see artifacts up close and learn practical museum work along with some expert knowledge. Over time, though, I realized I wanted to approach things with a broader perspective rather than sticking to just one academic focus. That’s what led me to pursue graduate studies where I could learn about international systems and viewpoints.
2. What lead you to apply to the internship?
My grad school has a connection with WHIPIC, so I naturally became interested in the Centre. I attended a few forums and mentoring programs hosted by WHIPIC, which helped me get a basic sense of what the Centre does. After graduation, while I was thinking about what to do next, I found out about the industry-academia internship program and decided to apply.
3. What do you think is WHIPIC’s role in World Heritage?
I think WHIPIC plays an important role as a hub for networking. There are many World Heritage sites around the world, and each one has its own stakeholders. It’s not always easy to bring them together and create opportunities for collaboration. That’s where WHIPIC comes in—it provides both the resources and space needed for those connections to happen. Thanks to WHIPIC, stakeholders can exchange information and build partnerships more effectively.
4. What did you learn during the internship and how it helped you?
What I really appreciated about the internship was that it gave me the chance to see what’s happening on the ground. Instead of just learning from books or papers, I got to talk to people who manage World Heritage sites and learn about real issues they face. It helped me understand things I wouldn’t have picked up from academic work alone. I also had a chance to learn a bit about what other departments at WHIPIC do, which gave me a broader picture of the Centre overall. Through this, I figured out what kind of work suits me better and it definitely helped shape my career direction.
5. What did you aim to gain from the internship and have you achieved?
Before I started, I hoped to get some hands-on experience with real-world World Heritage work. Since WHIPIC is a C2 Centre that deals with both domestic and international heritage issues, I thought it would be a great place for that. As an intern in the Office of Education and Cooperation, I got to help with local education programs, textbook development, and even participate in a side event at the World Heritage Committee session. So yes, I think I got exactly the kind of experience I was hoping for.
6. Any advice for future interns?
To be honest, getting into organizations that deal with World Heritage—especially places like C2 Centres—can feel pretty intimidating. That’s why I really recommend this internship program. It gives you a solid understanding of how WHIPIC operates and lets you actually work on real projects. If you’re interested in this field, it’s definitely a great way to get started.