Find Academic Supervisors

Gautami ShahView profile

Teaching Professor

• Language Pedagogy
• Translanguaging
• Inclusive Education
• +7 more

Gautami Shah serves as a Teaching Professor in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. She holds an MS from Purdue University and maintains an active role in national language education initiatives. Her research focuses on transformative approaches to language pedagogy, including: Translanguaging methodologies and inclusive classroom practices Analysis of contemporary South Asian literature and Bollywood through lenses of communal conflict, gender, caste, and religion Curriculum innovation for less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) Integration of digital tools in language instruction Shah leads groundbreaking projects such as developing linguistically sound transgender verb conjugations for Hindi and creating web-based instructional materials like e-Hindi for Elementary Hindi and Hindi through Songs . Her work addresses critical gaps in Hindi pedagogy while advancing social inclusion. Professional recognition includes leadership roles in major academic organizations: Former President of NCOLCTL and SALTA Current Executive Director of SALTA Key contributor to national Hindi pedagogy standards She has established Hindi programs at Rice University, Yale University, and Duke University prior to her current position at UT Austin. Her teaching portfolio spans accelerated and standard Hindi sequences (HIN 506/507, 604, 312K/L, 612) with consistent course offerings from Fall 2020 through projected Spring 2025 semesters, adapting to hybrid and synchronous online formats.

Krishnamurthy KesavanView profile

Part-Time Lecturer

• Sanskrit Language Studies
• Tamil Language Studies
• Hindu Philosophy
• +3 more

Krishnamurthy Kesavan is a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in teaching Sanskrit and Tamil languages. He has been affiliated with the university since 2001, offering foundational courses (Sanskrit 1 & 2) and advanced electives under the Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) program. Beyond academia, he conducts free weekend sessions on advanced Sanskrit topics, including Hindu religious texts like the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and classical literature. Education: Ph.D., Nuclear Science & Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 1978 M.S., Nuclear Science & Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 1967 B.Sc. (Engg), Banaras Hindu University, 1963 His teaching emphasizes both linguistic mastery and cultural exploration, bridging ancient texts with modern pedagogical practices. Despite no listed publications, his contributions to language preservation and religious scholarship through community outreach are notable.

• American Sign Language Education
• Linguistics
• Deaf Studies
• +2 more

Solimar Aponte-Huertas is an ASL Instructor at the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center (LCTL) of the University of Pittsburgh. She is based at the 2816 Cathedral of Learning address in Pittsburgh, PA. Her role focuses on teaching and advancing American Sign Language education within the University's language programs. While no formal academic education details are provided, her position at LCTL suggests expertise in language pedagogy and linguistics. Research interests likely revolve around ASL instruction methodologies, Deaf cultural studies, and multilingual education frameworks. No publications or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. She can be contacted via email at soa102@pitt.edu or through the LCTL office contact lctl@pitt.edu .

Claude MaukView profile

Teaching Professor

• Phonetics
• Phonology
• Language Acquisition
• +3 more

Claude Mauk is a Teaching Professor and Director of the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center at the University of Pittsburgh. His research focuses on phonetics, phonology, and psycholinguistics, particularly as they relate to American Sign Language (ASL). He investigates how phonetic and phonological targets manifest in both spoken and signed languages, with a special emphasis on acoustics, kinematics, and first-language acquisition. His work explores topics such as phonetic reduction, sign lowering, and spatial semantics in ASL, alongside broader linguistic questions about gesture dynamics and cross-modal comparisons between speech and sign. Mauk’s contributions include foundational studies on children’s early sign development and the application of motion-capture technology to sign-phonetic analysis. No academic awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. He advises no named students. His current role involves directing the LCTL Center, which supports underrepresented languages at Pitt. Mauk’s research is characterized by interdisciplinary approaches, integrating linguistics with cognitive science and technology to understand language structure and acquisition. His work bridges theoretical and applied linguistics, with implications for language education and clinical linguistics.

• Language Education
• Less-Commonly-Taught Languages
• Cultural Studies
• +3 more

Rob Mucklo is a Teaching Assistant Professor and serves as the LCTL Language Programs Coordinator and LCTL Minors Advisor at the University of Pittsburgh's Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center . His role focuses on supporting language education, program administration, and advising for students pursuing minors in less-commonly-taught languages. While no formal research awards or grants are listed, his work emphasizes practical language education and institutional coordination. He oversees the LCTL Center’s operations, including curriculum development and resource management for underrepresented languages. Rob Mucklo’s responsibilities include managing the LCTL SharePoint portal and coordinating updates to the center’s website. His office is located at 2816 Cathedral of Learning, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

Marie YoungView profile

Lecturer

• Irish Language
• Celtic Studies
• Language Education
• +3 more

Marie Young is an Irish/Gaeilge Instructor and Program Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh's Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center since 2006. She teaches six levels of Irish and co-developed an online Irish learning program as Director of Irish Language at the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh. Her contributions to Irish language preservation in the U.S. were recognized with two Glór Na Gael awards in 2009. She also organized a Spring Break Irish Immersion week to Ireland in 2016 and actively participates in the Pittsburgh Gaelic Athletic Association (PGAA). Her research and teaching focus on Irish language revitalization, cultural immersion, and pedagogical methods for less-commonly-taught languages. She emphasizes community engagement through language preservation initiatives and cultural exchange programs. Awards: Glór Na Gael Awards (2009) Key Roles: Ireland Institute Director of Irish Language, LCTL Program Coordinator Community Work: PGAA involvement, Irish cultural outreach

Mahmoud AmerView profile

Professor

• Game-based Learning
• Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
• Computer Assisted Language Learning
• +3 more

Mahmoud Amer is a Professor in the Department of Languages and Cultures at West Chester University (College of Arts and Humanities). With a Ph.D. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MA from the University of Toledo, he specializes in Arabic language teaching and technology-enhanced language learning. Education: Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania M.A., University of Toledo (Ohio) B.A., Mutah University His research focuses on Game-based Learning , Mobile-Assisted Language Learning , and Computer Assisted Language Learning , particularly for Arabic. He explores how gamification and digital tools improve Second Language Acquisition . Recent publications highlight his work on gamified vocabulary platforms (Vocabee), language learning software development, and placement test modernization. His projects integrate gaming mechanics with pedagogical theories for Language Technology applications. Scientific Recognition: Finalist, Henderson Plenary Award (2023) Maintains active involvement in teacher training and advising through undergraduate courses (ARB101-ARB302, ARB420, EAR309) and graduate courses (LAN555, LAN583). His software developments include Prezant (attendance tracking), Vocabee (game-based learning), Kalimat (Arabic learning suite), uAdvise (academic advising), and Wx (exam conversion tool).

Emrah SahinView profile

Academic

• Middle Eastern History
• Ottoman Studies
• Missionary Studies
• +4 more

Emrah Sahin is an Associate Instructional Professor at the University of Florida's Center for European Studies. He holds affiliate faculty roles in the Department of History, Center for Global Islamic Studies, and Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship. A recipient of prestigious awards including the SSHRC Award (Canada) and SHF International Research Award (Turkey), his expertise spans Ottoman history, ethno-religious interactions, and American missionary activities in the Middle East. His acclaimed book Faithful Encounters explores Ottoman responses to Christian missionaries. Sahin also coordinates the Department of Defense-funded Global Officer Program in Swahili and Turkish. Dr. Sahin’s research integrates transdisciplinary approaches, including a major project analyzing post-1870 periodicals in Istanbul, Cairo, and Isfahan. He has edited volumes on cultural exchanges and language pedagogies, and teaches courses like Modern Middle East and Soccer Culture. His work bridges historical sociology with contemporary migration studies, emphasizing global interconnectedness. Education: PhD from McGill University Awards: Teacher of the Year (UF), SSHRC Award, SHF Research Award Key Research Areas: State formation, Ottoman Empire dynamics, missionary narratives, and Turkish-American relations His publications critically engage with topics like Ottoman statecraft, cultural brokerage, and gendered social spaces. Sahin actively advises students and serves on multiple institutional advisory boards while maintaining a focus on innovative language education strategies for less commonly taught languages.

Robert de LouwView profile

Assistant Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Language Awareness
• Language Attitudes
• +12 more

Robert de Louw is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Dutch and South African Studies at the Faculty of English, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. He holds a PhD in Linguistics (2014) and an MA in English (1998), and has been actively contributing to academic and pedagogical initiatives at the university and internationally. PhD in Linguistics, Poznań, 2014 M.A. in English, Poznań, 1998 DELTA, 2004 His research centers on applied linguistics, with a focus on language awareness, language attitudes, multilingual vs. monolingual teaching approaches, computer-mediated communication, and intercultural competences. He investigates linguistic variation in Dutch, particularly between Belgian and Netherlandic varieties, and explores didactic implications for teaching Dutch to Polish learners. His recent work also examines cultural content in language textbooks using Hofstede’s cultural model and analyzes the translation and adaptation of medical instruments like the McGill Pain Questionnaire. His publications span topics in contrastive linguistics, language pedagogy, and sociolinguistics, with recent articles in journals such as Roczniki Humanistyczne and Werkwinkel . He has presented at major international conferences including EUROSLA, ISB, and AAAL, and has contributed to academic outreach through events like Researchers’ Night and the Festival of Science and Art. Notable awards include multiple AMU Rector’s Prizes for didactic and organizational excellence (2013, 2016, 2017, 2023). He is a member of editorial boards, professional organizations like the Internationale Vereniging voor Neerlandistiek, and serves as coordinator for Practical Dutch courses and on the board of Comenius – Association for Dutch Studies in Central Europe. He has supervised teaching practice, reviewed PhD dissertations, and contributed to curriculum development. His academic service includes editorial work, peer reviewing, and participation in international research projects funded by the National Science Centre and Horizon 2020.

• Linguistics
• Language Studies
• Vietnamese Language
• +1 more

Tung Hoang is a Lecturer at Michigan State University's Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures, specializing in Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL) with a focus on Vietnamese language instruction. Their academic work emphasizes language education and cultural studies within a formal institutional framework. Email: hoangtu2@msu.edu Fields of Interest: Linguistics Language Studies Vietnamese Language Less Commonly Taught Languages

• Persian Language
• Linguistics
• Second Language Acquisition
• +3 more

Nahid Shiran is a Lecturer in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures at Michigan State University. She specializes in teaching Persian as a Less Commonly Taught Language (LCTL) and contributes to research in second language acquisition and pedagogy.

Koen Van GorpView profile

Assistant Professor

• Task-Based Language Teaching
• Second Language Assessment
• Second Language Development
• +5 more

Koen Van Gorp serves as Assistant Professor in the Applied Linguistics program (TESOL and Second Language Studies) and LCTL Coordinator at Michigan State University's Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures. He leads the Department of Education-funded National LCTL Resource Center as Co-PI and Head of Research, and directs the Mellon Foundation-sponsored Less Commonly Taught and Indigenous Languages Partnership focused on advancing LCTL and Anishinaabemowin education within the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Education: Ph.D., KU Leuven, Belgium His research centers on task-based language teaching and assessment , with significant contributions to second language development , multilingual education policy , and curriculum innovation for less commonly taught languages. Work explores cognitive task demands in bilingual contexts, teacher expectations of multilingual learners, and institutional strategies for LCTL sustainability through task-based approaches. Recent publications (2021-2022) demonstrate concentrated expertise in task-based language assessment methodologies, L2 speaking development modeling, and implementation challenges in primary education settings. Key themes include cross-language interdependence in bilinguals, linguistic accommodation in testing, and drama-based TESOL pedagogy. Grant leadership includes: National LCTL Resource Center (U.S. Department of Education/Title VI) Less Commonly Taught and Indigenous Languages Partnership (Mellon Foundation) Center for Standardized Testing in Education (Flanders, Belgium) He serves on the TOEFL Committee of Examiners (ETS) and co-edits TASK Journal while mentoring through large-scale collaborative projects. He directs research activities within the National LCTL Resource Center and the Less Commonly Taught and Indigenous Languages Partnership, coordinating Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions to develop shared LCTL resources and assessment frameworks. His editorial leadership of TASK Journal and role in the International Association for Task-Based Language Teaching foster global research networks.

Eugênia FernandesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Portuguese as a Second Language
• Language for Specific Purposes
• Curriculum Design
• +5 more

Eugênia Fernandes is an Assistant Professor of Portuguese and Brazilian/Lusophone Studies at Florida International University's Department of Modern Languages. She coordinates the Portuguese Program and holds a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Brasília (2015). Research Focus: Portuguese as a Second Language, curriculum design for less commonly-taught languages (LCTLs), pluricentric Portuguese, and multilingual practices. Key Projects: Co-developed Plural: Português Pluricêntrico (2021, 2nd ed. 2023) and associated workbook (2024) through a Title VI grant. Publications: Peer-reviewed works on pluricentric language pedagogy, heritage language instruction, and virtual exchange initiatives. Current Leadership: President of the American Organization of Teachers of Portuguese (AOTP). Her research demonstrates a focus on dynamic systems theory, language variation, and digital pedagogy. Articles frequently address pluricentric Portuguese challenges, heritage learner needs, and cross-cultural virtual exchanges. She emphasizes curriculum innovation for LCTLs through open educational resources. Scientific Awards: Notable Faculty Recognition (FIU, 2025) Excellence in Teaching LCTLs Honorable Mention (CLASP, 2025) Excellence in Service Award (ACTFL, 2023) National Interest Waiver for National Security (2023) Academic Publication of the Year (AOTP, 2022) Dr. Fernandes has secured grant funding including the Title VI grant for her open educational resources project and serves as a national authority on Portuguese language pedagogy through her AOTP leadership.

Adriana PicoralView profile

Assistant Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Computational Linguistics
• Multilingualism
• +3 more

Adriana Picoral is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Computer Science at the College of Humanities, University of Arizona. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Arizona and a B.S. in Computer Science from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Her research focuses on corpus and computational linguistics, particularly in multilingual language use, acquisition, and development. She has extensive experience in language data analysis and is the founder of R-Ladies Tucson, promoting gender diversity in the R community. She is based at the Modern Languages Building, 1423 E. University Blvd., Tucson. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, University of Arizona, 20XX B.S. in Computer Science, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 20XX Research Interests: Adriana's work bridges computational methods with linguistic analysis, emphasizing accessibility of tools for non-experts (e.g., CIABATTA corpus creation software). She studies multilingualism, second/third language acquisition, and sociolinguistic variation using digital data sources like social media. Her projects include developing learner corpora for less commonly taught languages and analyzing citation practices in academic writing. Articles Trends: Her recent publications highlight corpus-based approaches to L2/L3 acquisition, leveraging Twitter and other digital texts. Key themes include automated annotation tools, variationist analysis, and pedagogical applications of computational linguistics. Awards and Grants: No specific awards listed. Her work has been supported through program evaluations and educational initiatives. Advising and Teams: While no advisees are listed, she contributes to language program development and leads R-Ladies Tucson, fostering collaborative environments for data scientists.

• Language Education
• Deaf Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• +1 more

Kristen Henry is an ASL Instructor at the Less-Commonly-Taught Languages Center (LCTL) within the University of Pittsburgh. Her role focuses on teaching American Sign Language and supporting language education initiatives. She is based at 2816 Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh, PA 15260. While no explicit research areas or academic grants are detailed, her affiliation with the LCTL suggests a commitment to expanding access to underrepresented languages and deaf education. Contact her via kmh245@pitt.edu or the center’s general email lctl@pitt.edu for inquiries related to language programs or resources.