Second Language Learning Professors and Supervisors in Canada | ApplySharif

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Mark SchmidtView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Mark Schmidt is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Science. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Large-Scale Machine Learning and is a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. His research spans multiple centers including CAIDA (Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action), the Data Science Institute, and the Machine Intelligence Learning Discovery (MILD) group. Dr. Schmidt's educational background includes a Ph.D. from UBC (2005-2010), an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta (2003-2005), and a B.Sc. from the University of Alberta (2000-2003). His academic career progressed from Postdoc positions at Simon Fraser University, Ecole Normale Superieure, and UBC to Assistant Professor (2014-2019), Associate Professor (2019-2024), and current Professor (2024-present) at UBC. His research focuses on machine learning optimization, with particular emphasis on improving numerical algorithms for large-scale machine learning applications. His work bridges theoretical optimization and practical applications across computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. He has developed numerous optimization techniques including variants of stochastic gradient methods, coordinate descent algorithms, and natural gradient approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on optimization for over-parameterized models, particularly transformers and large language models. His work addresses critical challenges in step-size selection, convergence guarantees, and efficient implementation of optimization algorithms. His research has significant implications for training deep neural networks more effectively and understanding why certain optimization methods outperform others in practice. Among his notable awards are the Dorothy Killam Fellowship (2025), Arthur B. McDonald Fellowship (2024), Sloan Research Fellowship (2017), and multiple UBC teaching awards. He has also received the Lagrange Prize in Continuous Optimization and Best Paper Award at AISTATS 2021. Dr. Schmidt actively supervises numerous graduate students, with over 40 PhD and Master's students listed as current or alumni members of his research group. His laboratory maintains strong connections with industry partners, with many alumni securing positions at leading AI companies including Google, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.

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Alexei A. EfrosView profile

Professor

University of QuebecCanada

Alexei A. Efros is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) at UC Berkeley, where he holds the Howard Friesen Professorship and is affiliated with the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR) Lab. He previously served on the faculty at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Oxford. His research spans data-driven computer vision, self-supervised learning, computational photography, and applications to computer graphics and robotics. His research interests include: Data-Driven Computer Vision Self-Supervised and Unsupervised Learning Generative Models and Image Synthesis Visual Representation Learning Applications in Robotics and Human-Computer Interaction Intersections with Human Vision and the Humanities The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward self-supervised learning, visual reasoning, and generative modeling, particularly diffusion models and 3D scene understanding. His work increasingly bridges computer vision with language, robotics, and cognitive science, emphasizing interpretability and real-world applicability. There is a clear focus on leveraging unlabeled data and developing methods for robust, generalizable AI systems. His scientific awards and recognitions include: Berkeley Fellowship Google Fellowship Soros Fellowship NSF Fellowship SIGGRAPH Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award Facebook Fellowship Adobe Fellowship CMU School of Computer Science Distinguished Dissertation Award ACM Doctoral Dissertation Honorable Mention Alexei Efros has advised numerous PhD students and postdocs, many of whom have gone on to faculty positions at top institutions including CMU, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, NYU, and Georgia Tech. His lab has received research funding from major tech companies and federal agencies, though specific grants are not detailed in the text. He teaches core computer vision and machine learning courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels at UC Berkeley. His research group is highly active, with ongoing projects in 3D perception, generative modeling, and vision-language systems. He leads a vibrant research lab at UC Berkeley, part of the BAIR consortium, collaborating with leading researchers such as Jitendra Malik, Trevor Darrell, Pieter Abbeel, and Angjoo Kanazawa. His lab fosters strong interdisciplinary connections with institutions worldwide, including Oxford, INRIA, and École Normale Supérieure.

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David DuvenaudView profile

Associate Professor

University of TorontoCanada

David Duvenaud is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto , holding a Canada Research Chair in Generative Models and a Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society . He is cross-appointed to the Department of Computer Science and Department of Statistical Sciences . A Sloan Research Fellow and founding member of the Vector Institute , his work bridges deep probabilistic models , AI safety , and scientific computing . PhD in Machine Learning (University of Cambridge, 2014) Postdoc in Hyperparameter Optimization (Harvard University, 2016) Co-founded Invenia (energy forecasting company) His research spans foundational Neural Ordinary Differential Equations (NeurIPS 2018 Best Paper) and Automatic Chemical Design (ACS Central Science 2018) to recent work on AGI governance (2025) and AI safety (2024). Key contributions include stochastic variational inference , implicit differentiation frameworks , and antisymmetrization layers for quantum Monte Carlo. Recent publications (2024-2025) focus on systemic existential risks from AI , many-shot jailbreaking attacks , and epistemic uncertainty quantification . His group trains energy-based models with scalable MCMC samplers and develops invertible neural architectures (e.g., Residual Flows NeurIPS 2019). He also explores human-AI alignment through LLM Processes (NeurIPS 2024) and Sycophancy in Language Models (ICLR 2024). Canada Research Chair (2025) NSERC Grant (2025) Sloan Research Fellow (2021) Schwartz Reisman Chair (2021) Best Paper Award (NeurIPS 2018) Distinguished Paper Award (ICFP 2021) His students include James Requeima , Jesse Bettencourt , and Raymond Douglas . He teaches courses on Statistical Methods for Machine Learning and Differentiable Inference . Current work (2025) investigates systemic human disempowerment through incremental AI capabilities and sabotage risk mitigation via hyperparameter-aware evaluations.

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Ryuko KubotaView profile

Professor

University of British ColumbiaCanada

Ryuko Kubota is a Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Education, since 2009. Her research spans critical applied linguistics , race and language education , and decolonial pedagogies . She has contributed extensively to understanding language ideologies , multicultural education , and critical literacies . Education: BA in English Linguistics, Rikkyo University (1980) MAT in TESOL, School for International Training (1987) PhD in Education, OISE/University of Toronto (1992) Her research interests focus on the intersection of race, language policies, and critical pedagogies. She examines neoliberal paradoxes in language learning, translingual practices , and antiracist engagement in global contexts. Her work addresses systemic inequities in English language education and immersion programs . Recent publications highlight critical approaches to World Englishes , AI-assisted writing , and raciolinguistic hegemony . These studies span interdisciplinary sub-fields including critical race theory , decolonial education , and language teacher identity . Scientific awards include the DSSA Award 2020 . She supervises graduate students like Charu Gupta (PhD) and collaborates with institutions such as the Language Sciences Institute at UBC. Her teaching includes courses on critical multicultural education and language politics .

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Hyunjung ShinView profile

Associate Professor

University of SaskatchewanCanada

Dr. Hyunjung Shin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Education. Her work focuses on applied linguistics, EAL education, and critical pedagogy. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010) in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, with a specialization in Second Language Education. Her research explores topics such as transnational student experiences, neoliberalism in education, refugee language policies, and identity formation. Notable awards include the Government of Canada Post-doctoral Research Fellowship (2010-2011) and the BAAL International Scholarship (2010). Shin's publications challenge dominant narratives in language education, emphasizing critical perspectives on multilingualism and globalization. She has presented widely, including a TEDx talk on diversity in 2019. Her work integrates participatory action research and ethnographic methods to address systemic inequities.

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Mahdi S. HosseiniView profile

Assistant Professor

Concordia UniversityCanada

Mahdi S. Hosseini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Concordia University and a faculty member of the Applied AI Institute. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto (2016) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UofT, supported by MITACS-Elevate and NSERC fellowships. His research focuses on advancing deep learning and computer vision for computational pathology and healthcare technologies, aiming to develop AI tools for clinical diagnosis. He currently supervises graduate students and has published over 30 papers and two patents. Education: PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto (2016), postdoctoral training at UofT collaborating with Huron Digital Pathology Inc. (Waterloo, Ontario). Research interests include deep learning, computer vision, computational pathology, medical imaging, and AI ethics (P4AI project). His work emphasizes developing explainable AI systems for clinical pathology, biomarker discovery, and efficient learning algorithms. Professional service includes serving as Area Chair for NeurIPS 2023, CVPR 2023-2024, and ECCV 2024. He reviews grants for CIHR, NSERC, and serves on program committees for key conferences (ICCV, CVPR, NeurIPS). Teaching includes courses on applied AI, machine learning, and deep learning for computational pathology at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Awards: MITACS-Elevate Fellowship (postdoc), NSERC Research Funding (2016-2017). His work has led to patents in diagnostic systems and has collaborated with hospitals and pathologists to advance clinical applications. Labs/Teams: Active collaborations with the Applied AI Institute at Concordia, Huron Digital Pathology, and healthcare institutions. Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches between computer science and clinical medicine.

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M. Tamer ÖzsuView profile

Professor

University of WaterlooCanada

M. Tamer Özsu is a University Professor of Computer Science at the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, University of Waterloo, where he holds a Cheriton Faculty Fellowship. He also serves as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University and is the Founding Director of Waterloo-Huawei Joint Innovation Laboratory since 2018. His extensive contributions to computing have earned him numerous prestigious awards including the 2024 ACM Presidential Award for long-standing and significant contributions to the computing field. Professor Özsu's research focuses on data engineering aspects of data science, particularly addressing data management issues with two main foci: management of non-traditional data and large-scale distributed data management. He is renowned for his seminal book "Principles of Distributed Database Systems" (co-authored with Patrick Valduriez), now in its fourth edition, and the "Encyclopedia of Database Systems" (co-edited with Ling Liu), in its second edition. His work bridges theoretical foundations with practical system implementations, targeting grand societal challenges through computational approaches. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward graph analytics, streaming data processing, and the integration of large language models with vector data management. The research shows increasing focus on GPU-accelerated graph processing, RDF query optimization, and multimodal data analysis, reflecting the evolution of data management challenges in the era of big data and AI. His work continues to address fundamental challenges in distributed data systems while adapting to emerging technologies and application domains. Scientific Awards and Fellowships ACM Presidential Award (2024) IEEE TCDE Education Award (2024) IEEE Innovation in Societal Infrastructure Award (2022) CS Can | Info Can Lifetime Achievement Award (2018/2019) ACM SIGMOD Test-of-Time Award (2015) ACM SIGMOD Contributions Award (2006) The Ohio State University College of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award (2008) Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Life Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA) Elected member of the Science Academy, Türkiye Professor Özsu has been deeply involved in academic leadership and community building. As Founding Editor-in-Chief of ACM Books (2013-2019), he launched a series that by 2019 had published 28 major books with another 30 under contract. His service to ACM, particularly through SIGMOD, has been exemplary and widely recognized. He directs the Waterloo-Huawei Joint Innovation Laboratory, which focuses on cutting-edge research in data management and distributed systems, fostering strong industry-academia collaboration.

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Verónica Loureiro-RodríguezView profile

Associate Professor

University of ManitobaCanada

Verónica Loureiro-Rodríguez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Arts. Her research focuses on sociolinguistics, language identity, and code-switching, with special attention to global hip hop and multilingual communities. She holds a PhD from the University of California, Davis, an MA from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a BA from the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela. Dr. Loureiro-Rodríguez's work examines language attitudes across diverse contexts, including French-English dynamics in Manitoba, Spanish-Valencian bilingual processing, and code-switching in music. She has also explored language use in robotics and cultural hybridity among Puerto Rican and Mexican communities. Her teaching excellence was recognized with the 2021 Faculty of Arts Teaching Excellence Award. Education: PhD (UC Davis), MA (CU Boulder), BA (USC) Awards: 2021 Teaching Excellence Award (Established Faculty) Research Focus: Language policy, digital sociolinguistics, and cultural identity She currently supervises graduate students in Master's and PhD programs, focusing on sociolinguistic methodologies like the matched-guise technique. Her research often intersects with music studies, robotics, and diaspora linguistics.

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Wesley WillettView profile

Associate Professor

University of CalgaryCanada

Wesley Willett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, holding the NSERC CRC II Chair in Visual Analytics. His primary research focuses on information visualization, human-computer interaction, and new media applications. He leads the Data Experience Lab and Interactions Lab, exploring innovative methods for data representation and interaction in augmented/virtual reality environments. Education includes a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado (2006) and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UC Berkeley (2012). His work bridges technical innovation with user-centered design principles, emphasizing ethical considerations in data visualization and inclusive representation. Key research contributions include: spatial visualization techniques for large environments, gesture-based interfaces for AR/VR, and physical data representations through projects like Cetonia (swarm robotics visualization) and Data Embroidery. His work has been recognized with Best Paper awards at CHI 2015 and Pervasive 2010. Current research emphasizes immersive analytics, wearable visualization systems, and demographically diverse anthropographics. He collaborates with urban designers, neurologists, and environmental scientists to apply visualization in diverse domains like epilepsy surgery planning and air quality monitoring.

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Michael KarasView profile

Assistant Professor

Brock UniversityCanada

Michael Karas is an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at Brock University's Faculty of Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Western Ontario (2019). His research focuses on language teacher self-efficacy, reflective practice, and learner silence, with notable contributions to meta-analyses in language education. He teaches courses such as Second Language Acquisition (LING 3Q91) and Pedagogical Grammar (LING 5P02). Karas serves as Book Review Editor for the TESL Canada Journal and TESL Ontario Academic Coordinator, demonstrating active engagement in academic service. Education : PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Western Ontario (2019) Research Specialization : Explores intersections between teacher proficiency, classroom dynamics, and innovative methodologies like duoethnography. His work bridges theoretical research with practical applications in teacher education and language policy. Service Contributions : Editorial roles at TESL Canada Journal (2017–present) Coordinator for TESOL Doctoral Forum (2017–2018)

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Sandra KouritzinView profile

Professor

University of ManitobaCanada

Dr. Sandra Kouritzin is a Professor in the Curriculum, Teaching and Learning department at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Education . With a PhD from the University of British Columbia (1997), she has served as editor of the TESL Canada Journal (2000-2006) and authored Face[t]s of First Language Loss . Her work spans language loss, neoliberal university practices, and transcultural research ethics. Education: PhD (1997), University of British Columbia MA (1987), University of British Columbia Honours Equivalent (1985), University of British Columbia BA (1984), University of British Columbia Research Interests: Her primary focus lies in English as a Second Language and First Language Revitalization , particularly examining neoliberal pressures on faculty workload and identity. She explores transnational research ethics , positioning theory in second language identity, and the colonial implications of language education. Publication Trends: Her recent work critiques neoliberal governance in universities, analyzes academic gigification , and emphasizes decolonial research frameworks. Articles from 2024-2018 consistently address language policy , faculty burnout , and post-truth pedagogy . Scientific Awards: Recipient of the CSSE Dissertation Prize (1997) and the Falconer Emerging Researcher Award (2005) . Grants & Editorial Work: Secured over $1.5 million in research funding from SSHRC, Metropolis, and other agencies. Served as editor for TESL Canada Journal and contributed to TESOL Encyclopedia chapters.

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Laura CollinsView profile

Associate Professor

Concordia UniversityCanada

Laura Collins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia University, specializing in applied linguistics. Her research focuses on input processing in second language acquisition, pedagogical grammar, and cross-linguistic influence among bilingual speakers. She has extensive international teaching experience across diverse age groups and serves as the 2nd VP of the American Association for Applied Linguistics and Chair of the IRIS digital repository advisory board. PhD in Humanities, Concordia University MEd in Second Language Teaching, University of Ottawa BEd in Second Language Teaching, University of Toronto BA in History, York University Collins' current projects examine the use of speech technologies to extend second language classrooms and document longitudinal grammatical development in school programs. Funded by SSHRC Insight Grants, her work bridges cognitive approaches with practical pedagogical applications. Recent publications highlight trends in classroom input optimization, frequency-based phonological learning, and intensive language program efficacy, with subfields spanning morpheme perception, vocabulary distribution, and task-based interaction dynamics. Her academic leadership includes editorial roles in The Modern Language Journal and contributions to major handbooks. She teaches courses ranging from classroom-based SLA research to pedagogical grammar, emphasizing practical applications of theoretical insights.

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Neda MaghboulehView profile

Associate Professor

University of TorontoCanada

Neda Maghbouleh serves as Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), holding a cross-appointment to the graduate department at St. George campus. She holds the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Migration, Race, and Identity and received the Ontario Early Researcher Award. As Principal Investigator of the RISE (Refugee Integration, Stress, and Equity) Team, she leads a major SSHRC Insight Grant (2018-2023) examining refugee settlement experiences in Canada. Her research critically investigates racialization processes among Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian populations in North America, challenging the Black-White racial binary. She specializes in refugee integration dynamics, Iranian diaspora identity formation, and gendered migration experiences. Her methodological approach combines critical race theory with feminist and qualitative frameworks, particularly in refugee motherhood studies and digital activism among Muslim-American youth. Analysis of her publications reveals evolving thematic focus from Iranian-American identity politics (2009-2017) to contemporary refugee integration challenges. Her work consistently examines how structural inequalities manifest in everyday interactions, with increasing emphasis on Syrian refugee experiences in Canada since 2018. Key contributions include reframing MENA racial categorization and developing trauma-informed frameworks for refugee settlement. Her scientific recognition includes: Canada Research Chair in Migration, Race, and Identity Ontario Early Researcher Award Through the RISE Team, Maghbouleh directs community-engaged research on refugee health equity, collaborating with scholars like Melissa Milkie and Ito Peng. Her SSHRC grant supports interdisciplinary investigation of Syrian mothers' settlement stressors and resilience factors, informing Canadian integration policies. Current projects emphasize participatory methodologies that center refugee voices in knowledge production. She leads the RISE research collective, an interdisciplinary team developing evidence-based interventions for refugee health equity through mixed-methods investigation of settlement challenges and community support systems.

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Ji-young ShinView profile

Assistant Professor

University of TorontoCanada

Ji-young Shin serves as an Assistant Professor in the Teaching Stream within Education Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga's Department of Language Studies. Her position integrates teaching, research, and practical application in language education with emphasis on assessment innovation and technology integration. Her academic credentials include: PhD in English / Second Language Studies & ESL from Purdue University, USA MS in Educational Psychology & Research Methodology from Purdue University, USA MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea BA in English Education (Japanese minor) from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea Shin's research program focuses on language assessment, corpus linguistics, and technology-mediated pedagogy. She employs mixed methods with quantitative emphasis, utilizing corpus-informed computational analysis and latent-trait modeling complemented by qualitative discourse analysis. Her work addresses critical gaps in second language acquisition, educational measurement, and digital learning environments, particularly regarding AI applications and test validation across diverse language contexts. Her publication trajectory from 2017-2025 demonstrates consistent innovation in language assessment methodologies and technology integration. Key themes include AI-powered chatbots for L2 Korean instruction, online vocabulary testing for Spanish, and corpus-based writing pedagogy. Her work shows increasing focus on artificial intelligence applications and cross-linguistic validation studies, reflecting evolving priorities in language education research. Shin has secured competitive research funding including: Global Classrooms Grant (2025–2026) for VR-enhanced intercultural competence Black, Indigenous, and/or Racialized Scholar Grant (2025–2026) for cross-border AI language learning IRCC Engage3 Project (2022–2024) as Co-PI on VR/AI educational advancement Advancement Fund Plus (2022) for generative AI in teacher education British Council Award (2019) for technology-mediated assessment development She teaches advanced courses including 'The Future of Ed Tech: Active Learning Classrooms and Artificial Intelligence' (EDS285) and supervises community-based experiential learning (EDS388). Her grant portfolio indicates active supervision of research assistants and collaboration with international teams focused on AI implementation and assessment validation. Current projects explore generative AI for language learning across diverse contexts and virtual reality applications in teacher education. While specific laboratory infrastructure isn't documented, her collaborative publications with researchers across Korea, Spain, and the United States suggest participation in international research networks focused on language assessment technology and corpus applications.

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Nhlanhla MpofuView profile

Associate Professor

University of ManitobaCanada

Dr. Nhlanhla Mpofu is an Associate Professor in TESOL and Literacy at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Education, where she serves as Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning and Chair of the Department of Curriculum Studies. She also holds a Visiting Professor position at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. She obtained her PhD in Humanities Education from the University of Pretoria in 2016. Her research focuses on second-language learning in English-medium classrooms , developing culturally sustaining pedagogies that leverage learners' mother tongues, and re-orienting language education research in multilingual systems. She leads the NRF-funded project "Exploring the preparation and experiences of teachers using English across the curriculum: An interdisciplinary approach" and specializes in asset-based approaches that challenge deficit models in language education. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on language policy implementation , teacher development , and multilingual pedagogies within African educational contexts, with recent work examining translanguaging strategies and disciplinary literacies. Awards & Honors: Fulbright Alumna Golden Key Honor Society Rated Researcher (South African National Research Foundation) Member of South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) Margaret McNamara Education Grantee COIL Fellow Grants: 2019: NRF-funded project on teacher preparation for English as Language of Learning and Teaching (Principal Investigator) She maintains professional memberships with the Southern African Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Society (SALALS) and South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT), and serves on the South African Council on Higher Education Accreditation Committee.

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