Find Academic Supervisors

David A PalmerView profile

Professor

• Anthropology of Religion
• Sociology of Spirituality
• Daoism
• +7 more

Professor David A Palmer is a distinguished academic jointly appointed by the Hong Kong Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Sociology at the University of Hong Kong, where he has been teaching since 2008. His interdisciplinary work bridges anthropology, sociology, religious studies, and Sinology, establishing him as a leading scholar in Chinese religious studies and transnational religious movements. Palmer's educational background includes a PhD in Anthropology of Religion from Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes (Sorbonne, Paris), an MPhil in Clinical Psychology/Medical Anthropology from University of Paris-VIII, and a BA in Anthropology and East Asian Studies from McGill University. His scholarly contributions span multiple disciplines with particular emphasis on Chinese religious traditions and their global manifestations. His research interests focus on the anthropology and sociology of spirituality and religion, especially Daoism and Chinese religion; religion in modern and contemporary China; inter-Asian and transnational religious circulations; Baháʼí Faith; civil society, volunteering, philanthropy, community engagement; and cultural and religious interactions on the Belt and Road. His work examines how religious traditions navigate modernity, state power, and globalization, with particular attention to the Belt and Road Initiative's cultural dimensions. Palmer's publications reveal a consistent focus on understanding Chinese religious traditions within broader theoretical frameworks of social theory, civil society, and transnational religious networks. His articles demonstrate how Chinese religious practices and institutions both adapt to and shape contemporary social and political contexts, with particular attention to the intersections of spirituality, modernity, and state-society relations. Joseph Levenson Award of the Association for Asian Studies PROSE award of the American Publishers' Association Francis L.K. Hsu Award of the Society for East Asian Anthropology Edward Bruner Prize for the best book in Anthropology of Tourism HK Research Grants Council RGC Research Fellowship (2021-2025) HK Research Grants Council Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship (2019) Palmer currently leads multiple significant research projects including 'Global China, Local Cultures: Chinese Modernity and Soft Power on the Belt and Road' (RGC Research Fellowship, 2021-2025), 'Infrastructures of Faith: Religious Mobilities on the Belt and Road' (CRF, 2019-2023), 'Rituals and Manuscripts of the Lanten Yao (Laos)' (GRF, 2021-2024), and 'Religious Cosmopolitanism in China, 1895-1927' (GRF, 2021-2024). He leads the 'Asian Religious Connections' research cluster at HKIHSS, co-convenes the 'Culture, Community and Social Equity' research cluster in the HKU Faculty of Social Sciences, and serves as co-convenor of the HKU Anthropology Research Network. As President of the East Asian Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, he plays a key role in advancing scholarly understanding of religion in the region.

Sho KonishiView profile

Associate Professor

• Intellectual History
• Cultural History
• Transnational History
• +7 more

Sho Konishi serves as Director of the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies and Associate Professor in Modern Japanese History at the University of Oxford, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of History and the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies. His interdisciplinary work bridges Japanese studies with transnational intellectual history, focusing on non-imperial connections between Japan, Russia, and global networks. Undergraduate studies completed as a U.S. military school cadet after extensive coursework in Russia Georgetown University: Philosophy and International Affairs University of Chicago: Ph.D. in History (Theology and History) Postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University Konishi's research centers on intellectual and cultural history with emphases on transnational encounters, anarchist thought, and the history of science. He investigates non-imperial knowledge production across 19th-20th century Japan, Russia, and Eastern Europe, with particular focus on symbiosis theory, linguistic democracy, and the role of nonverbal communication in epistemology. His work challenges Western-centric modernity narratives through examinations of anarchist natural science and transnational emotional histories. His publications reveal consistent engagement with alternative epistemologies and cross-cultural exchanges, spanning transnational history, the history of science, and cultural studies. Key themes include Japan-Russia intellectual networks, anarchist cooperative movements, and non-imperial frameworks that reposition Japan within global knowledge systems rather than colonial paradigms. ICAS Book Prize 2023 – Humanities for Japan’s Russia: Challenging the East-West Paradigm Konishi contributes to international academic governance as Advisory Board Member for the Esperantic Studies Foundation, External Faculty at the University of Chicago Stevanovich Institute on the Formation of Knowledge, and International Advisory Board Member for Manchester University Press's Anarchist Studies Series. His cultural impact extends to architectural projects like the Venice Biennale's Philippine Pavilion through 'Symbiogenesis: The Art of Bayanihan Architecture'.

Loli KimView profile

Lecturer

• Asian socio-multimodality
• Korean film analysis
• Cross-cultural communication
• +4 more

Loli Kim is a Lecturer on Modern Korea at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford, with a Leverhulme Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2022–2025). She specializes in cross-cultural multimodal analysis of Asian communication systems, particularly Korean cinema, folklore, and representation in media. Education: DPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (2019–2022), University of Oxford Research Focus: Multimodal discourse analysis, foodscaping theory, haenyeo women’s communication Editorial Roles: Assistant Editor of European Journal of Korean Studies; General Editor of 'Foodscaping Asia' series Her work develops the Segmented Film Discourse Representation Structures (SFDRS) methodology for analyzing Korean films' narrative conventions, including violence in revenge cinema and socio-pragmatic dimensions of fashion. She collaborates globally as a visiting lecturer and conference organizer. Kimi’s recent publications examine multimodal translation gaps, cultural representation in children’s literature, and the sociocultural implications of foodscaping. She has delivered keynote talks at institutions including Edinburgh University and SOAS, and co-organizes the Translating Squid Game talks series.

Jennifer LeemanView profile

Professor

• Sociolinguistics
• Language Policy
• Critical Applied Linguistics
• +6 more

Jennifer Leeman is a Professor at George Mason University , focusing on the sociopolitics of language, with emphasis on multilingualism, Spanish in the US, and heritage language education. Her interdisciplinary work bridges critical applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, education, Latinx studies, and linguistic anthropology. BA in Spanish, University of Pennsylvania MA in Hispanic Civilization, New York University in Madrid MAT in TESOL & Bilingual Education, Georgetown University PhD in Hispanic Linguistics, Georgetown University Her research examines: Language ideologies and racialization processes in censuses Antiracist pedagogical frameworks for Spanish teaching Multilingual policy analysis across education and governance Critical service-learning in heritage language contexts Recent publications analyze census categorization, language and immigration policies, and critical pedagogy implementation. She received a 2024-25 Fulbright Senior Scholar award for research at the University of Murcia, Spain, and a 2023-24 Residential fellowship at Mason's Center for Humanities Research. Key scientific contributions include: Pioneering the online graduate certificate in Spanish Heritage Language Education (2021) Leadership roles in AAAL, MLA, and Instituto Cervantes’ advisory committees Editorial board memberships across journals like Language Policy and Hispania Her 15 most recent articles (2018-2025) reveal trends in: Language-race-national identity intersections Census-driven ethnoracial classifications Antiracist pedagogy in language classrooms Heritage speaker identity dynamics Monolingual policy critiques Transnational demographic analysis Contact: jleeman@gmu.edu | Office: Horizon Hall 5132

Ryuko KubotaView profile

Professor

• Critical Applied Linguistics
• Language Ideologies
• Race and Language Education
• +7 more

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 .

Steven G. KellmanView profile

Professor

• Comparative literature
• Modern and contemporary literature
• Prose fiction
• +3 more

Steven G. Kellman is a Professor of English at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he has taught since 1976. A leading scholar in comparative literature and literary translingualism, he was UTSA's first Ashbel Smith Professor (1995-2000) and has received numerous accolades including the National Book Critics Circle Balakian Citation and the New York Society Library Award for Biography. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, University of California at Berkeley (1972) M.A. in Comparative Literature, University of California at Berkeley (1969) B.A. in English & General Literature, State University of New York at Binghamton (1967) Kellman's research focuses on comparative literature, modern and contemporary literature, prose fiction, literary translingualism, film, and biography. He pioneered the study of writers who create in non-native languages, examining how linguistic displacement fuels creativity and shapes identity across cultural boundaries. His work bridges literary analysis with cultural history, particularly in American literature and biography. His recent publications demonstrate sustained engagement with translingualism, pandemic-era literary interpretation, and biographical recovery of marginalized voices. Articles from 2022-2025 reveal consistent thematic threads: re-examining classic texts like Camus' The Plague through contemporary crises, analyzing translingual writing as spiritual practice, and recovering erased narratives in literary partnerships. Honors include the National Book Critics Circle Nona Balakian Citation (2006), New York Society Library Award for Biography (2006), and Gemini Ink Literary Excellence Award (2008). Additional distinctions: UTSA COLFA Researcher of the Year Award (2019-2020) McGinnis-Ritchie Award for Nonfiction (2008) San Antonio Public Library Foundation Arts and Letters Award (2005) Two UTSA President's Distinguished Achievement Awards in Research Excellence (1990-91, 2005-2006) Kellman has secured prestigious fellowships including the Fulbright Distinguished Chair at Sofia University and Harvard's John E. Sawyer Fellowship. He served four terms on the National Book Critics Circle board and edits Brill's Literary Multilingualism series, demonstrating sustained commitment to advancing literary scholarship through editorial leadership and institutional service.

Martha Sidury ChristiansenView profile

Professor

• Sociolinguistics
• Digital Literacies
• Language Ideologies
• +6 more

Dr. Martha Sidury Christiansen is a Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL at the University of Texas at San Antonio , where she serves in the College of Education and Human Development . She is the Principal Investigator of Project RESPETO , a NSF-funded initiative exploring racial equity in engineering education. Her work spans sociolinguistics, digital literacies, and raciolinguistic analysis, with a focus on transnational multilingual communities. Born in Veracruz, Mexico Ph.D. in Foreign/Second Language Education (Ohio State University, 2013) M.A. in English Composition (Indiana University, 2007) B.A. in English Language Teaching (Universidad Veracruzana, 2002) Her research examines how transnational youth navigate digital spaces through multiliteracies , challenges Western academic writing norms via Mexican decolonial methodologies , and investigates raciolinguistic intersections in identity formation. The 15 most recent publications reveal a strong focus on digital communication , transnationalism , and critical pedagogy across journals like TESOL Quarterly and Language@Internet . 2023-2025: Expanding raciolinguistic frameworks in digital contexts 2021-2022: Analyzing multimodal identity construction 2019-2020: Exploring Mexican bilinguals' online language use She has received multiple honors including ACUE Fellow (2023), Fulbright Scholar (2017), and Faculty Leadership Fellow (2021-2022). Her presentations at conferences like ICOLLITE and DDVM Lab highlight her expertise in critical sociolinguistic awareness and digital discourse analysis . Dr. Christiansen actively consults for nonprofits on linguistic equity and multilingual education .

Bal Krishna SharmaView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Intercultural Communication
• +2 more

Bal Krishna Sharma is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Idaho's College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, with affiliate status at the Habib Institute for Asian Studies. His scholarship examines language globalization across education, tourism, and digital media contexts. Education credentials: Ph.D. in Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2016) M.A. in Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2011) M.Ed. in English Education, Tribhuvan University (2004) B.Ed. in English Education, Tribhuvan University (2001) Research explores: Neoliberal influences on language education Intercultural communication in tourism Translingual practices in digital spaces Multilingual policy in South Asia Recent publications analyze linguistic landscapes in pandemic communication, multilingual STEM education, and social media discourse in Nepal. His work integrates sociolinguistic theory with critical analysis of globalization. Teaches courses including Sociolinguistics, Intercultural Communication, and History of the English Language.

• Applied Linguistics
• World Englishes
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• +6 more

Associate Professor Sunny-Boy Ahmar Mahboob is a distinguished linguist at the University of Sydney, where he serves as Degree Coordinator for the Master of Crosscultural and Applied Linguistics program within the Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. With extensive experience in applied linguistics and language education, Dr. Mahboob has established himself as a leading expert in World Englishes, TESOL, and language variation research, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Mahboob's educational background includes: BA from Karachi MA from Karachi MA from Indiana University MEd from Sydney PhD from Indiana University (2003) Dr. Mahboob's primary research focuses on language variation in global contexts, with particular attention to World Englishes, the NNEST (Non-Native English Speaking Teachers) movement, language policy, and decolonial approaches to linguistics. His work critically examines how language policies and practices affect educational outcomes and social justice, especially in postcolonial contexts like Pakistan and the Middle East. He pioneered 'appliable linguistics' - an approach that bridges theoretical linguistics with practical applications in education and policy, emphasizing the need for linguistic theories to address real-world problems. His recent publications reveal a strong trajectory toward decolonial linguistics, with increasing focus on subaltern perspectives, environmental connections to language diversity, and critical examinations of colonial legacies in language education. Dr. Mahboob's work consistently addresses power dynamics in language teaching and the need for more inclusive approaches that value linguistic diversity across educational contexts from primary schools to universities. Dr. Mahboob has received numerous prestigious awards: 2019: Australia's Research Field Leader in English Language and Literature (The Australian's Research magazine) 2012: Fellow of the National Talent Pool; President's Programme for Highly Qualified Overseas Pakistanis 2006: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Teaching Award, University of Sydney 2005: Teaching Initiative Award and Fellow of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities 2004: ECU Research and Creativity Award 2002: 'Distinguished President Award' from INTESOL, Indianapolis As an academic mentor, Dr. Mahboob supervises research students including Ruohong CAO (Developing Mandarin Learning Materials for Young Learners in Australia through Positive Discourse Analysis) and Tracy GAO (Evaluating Chinese Language Textbooks: A Sociosemiotic Perspective). His editorial work includes serving as Editor of TESOL Quarterly (2014-2017) and Associate Editor for multiple linguistics journals. Dr. Mahboob has secured significant research funding for projects including the SLATE (Scaffolding Literacy in Academic and Tertiary Environments) project and indigenous language funding initiatives in Australia. Dr. Mahboob founded and leads the International Free Linguistics Conference series, which has become an important platform for critical and alternative approaches to linguistics. His 'SLATE project' focuses on genre-based pedagogy for academic writing, and he actively collaborates with researchers across multiple continents through the World Englishes research network. His recent work increasingly explores the connections between language diversity and environmental sustainability, positioning linguistic ecology as a critical component of broader ecological concerns.

Kelly Medina-LópezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Latinx Rhetorics
• Border Studies
• Decolonial Research Methodologies
• +4 more

Kelly Medina-López is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities & Communication, focusing on Latinx rhetorics, border studies, and decolonial methodologies. Her work intersects social justice with translingual practices and place-based epistemologies. Key research areas include racioalphabetic ideologies, myth-as-methodology, and the intersection of embodiment and spatial identity. Research Focus: Latinx rhetoric, border rhetorics, feminist/indigenous methodologies Key Concepts: Querencia, rasquache aesthetics, translingual pedagogy Her publications explore the US-Mexico border's rhetorical landscapes and the role of myth in knowledge production. Recent works analyze alternative writing systems as acts of resistance and the cultural significance of New Mexico's place narratives. Advising and grant details are not documented in the provided materials.

• Poetry
• 20th & 21st-century American literature
• Modernism
• +9 more

Dr. Mia You is a translingual poet and Assistant Professor at Utrecht University’s Department of Languages, Literature and Communication within the School of Humanities. She specializes in modern and contemporary literature, focusing on intersections between poetry, feminist theory, and global English. PhD in English from UC Berkeley MA in Regional Studies: East Asia from Harvard University BA in English Literature from Stanford University Her research explores creative humanities, translingualism, and sustainability through projects like the NWO-VENI Grant: Poetry in the Age of Global English . She contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Gender Equality and Sustainable Cities. Mia’s recent publications analyze bilingual practices, meme aesthetics, and literary resistance. She actively organizes conferences such as Against Extinction and collaborates with institutions like UNESCO City of Literature. NWO-VENI Grant (2022): Fellowship awarded competitively C. C. S. Crone Stipend (2018): Prize for non-fiction books As a member of the Creative Critical Approaches to the Health Humanities initiative and co-organizer of translingual writing workshops, Mia bridges art, literature, and societal change.

Christian MeyerView profile

Professor

• Religions in China
• Confucianism
• Christianity in China
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Meyer holds the Chair of Chinese Culture and History with a focus on Religions at Freie Universität Berlin (Heisenberg Professorship). He leads research projects on Chinese religious history and modernity, including DFG-funded studies on religious terminology evolution (1890–1949). His work bridges pre-modern ritual discourses and contemporary religious policy analysis. Education includes a Heidelberg PhD (2003) and Habilitation in Sinology (2012). Career highlights include professorships at Erlangen-Nürnberg University and visiting roles at Chinese University of Hong Kong. His expertise spans Confucianism, Christianity in China, and Falun Gong case studies. Recent research emphasizes semantic history of religious terms like zongjiao and xin , as well as translingual practices shaping modern Chinese religious discourse. Active in international collaborations like the Berlin Excellence Cluster 'Temporal Communities'. Notable awards include DFG Heisenberg Scholarship (2015) and Princeton IAS membership (2012-13). Supervises doctoral candidates in China Studies and regularly contributes to public expertise platforms.

Yuri KumagaiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Critical literacy
• Multiliteracies
• Japanese language education
• +5 more

Yuri Kumagai is a Senior Lecturer in Japanese at Smith College, where she has been teaching Japanese language to college students in the United States for more than 20 years. She teaches all levels of Japanese language courses as well as culture courses, demonstrating her comprehensive approach to language education within the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. Her educational background includes: Ed.D. from University of Massachusetts Amherst M.Ed. from University of Massachusetts Amherst B.A. from University of Massachusetts Amherst Dr. Kumagai's research focuses on critical approaches to language education, with particular emphasis on critical literacy and multiliteracies in foreign language contexts. Her work examines classroom discourse and interactions, exploring how ideology shapes language learning experiences. She has developed project-based language and culture learning curricula through international collaboration with other language teacher-researchers, integrating sociocultural theories and applied linguistics into her pedagogical approach. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications, challenging traditional notions of language standardization and cultural representation. Analysis of Dr. Kumagai's publication record reveals a consistent focus on critical multiliteracies, linguistic landscapes, and the intersection of language learning with social justice. Her work increasingly emphasizes agency, criticality, and wellbeing in language education, moving beyond traditional language instruction to address broader social implications. She explores how learners can develop a sense of ownership over language while navigating complex cultural and ideological landscapes, with particular attention to Japanese language education contexts. Dr. Kumagai has been active in presenting her research findings nationally and internationally, with publications appearing in numerous journals and edited books in both English and Japanese. Her collaborative work demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field through scholarly dialogue and international cooperation. With over two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Kumagai has likely mentored numerous students in Japanese language and culture. Her project-based curriculum development suggests engagement with student-centered learning approaches, though specific student names are not mentioned in the available information. She maintains office hours for student consultation during the Spring 2025 semester on Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., or by appointment.

Adnan MahmutovicView profile

Professor

• World Literature
• Postcolonial Literature
• Transnational Writing
• +4 more

Adnan Mahmutovic is a Professor at the Department of English, Faculty of Humanities, Stockholm University. He has been lecturing at the department since 2007 and holds a PhD in English Literature from Stockholm University, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from City University of Hong Kong. His academic expertise spans multiple areas: World Literature and Transnational Writing Postcolonial and Diasporic Literature Comics and Graphic Narrative Studies Creative Writing and Literary Editing Muslim and Islamic Cultural Studies Professor Mahmutovic's research focuses on the intersections of literature, space, and identity, particularly examining how writers navigate cultural and linguistic borders. His work explores how literary works claim space through dynamic relations between locations and orientations, as seen in his book "Claiming Space: Locations and Orientations in World Literatures" (2021). He has also made significant contributions to comics studies with "Visions of the Future in Comics" (2017) and "The Craft of Editing" (2018), which explores editorial practices in contemporary literature. His academic publications demonstrate a consistent engagement with postcolonial theory, particularly examining works by authors like Michael Ondaatje, Salman Rushdie, and Ben Okri. His early scholarly work "Ways of Being Free" (2012) established his interest in how migrant writers articulate existential conditions through their fictional worlds. More recent publications show an expansion into contemporary topics like Muslim-American writing, transnational superhero narratives, and Bosnian refugee experiences. Professor Mahmutovic has received numerous awards for his fiction writing and has served as a judge for prestigious literary prizes including the Neustadt Prize for Literature. He has also acted as fiction editor for "Two Thirds North," a journal of transnational writing, since 2010. His creative work complements his academic pursuits, with publications including "Thinner than a Hair" (2010), "How to Fare Well and Stay Fair" (2012), and "At the Feet of Mothers" (2020). His essay "Comics, War and Ordinary Miracles" has been adapted for BBC Radio, demonstrating the broader cultural impact of his work.

Dana FerrisView profile

Professor

• Second Language Literacy
• Teacher Preparation
• Response to Student Writing
• +4 more

Dr. Dana Ferris is a Professor in the University Writing Program at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). She previously held leadership roles including Director of the UWP, Associate Director of English for Multilingual Students, and Associate Director of UWP 1. Her academic career spans over three decades, including 18 years at California State University, Sacramento, where she directed the TESOL MA program and ESL writing programs. She earned her B.A. from UC Davis, M.A. degrees from California State University, Sacramento and the University of Southern California (Linguistics), and a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from USC. Her research focuses on second language literacy, teacher preparation, and response strategies for student writing. She has authored nine books and over 60 scholarly works, including Teaching L2 Composition and Written Corrective Feedback in Second Language Acquisition and Writing . Ferris has served as co-editor of the Journal of Second Language Writing and founding editor of the Journal of Response to Writing , contributing significantly to academic discourse in her field. Ferris has received numerous awards, including the Best Article Award from the Journal of Second Language Writing and three-time finalist for the President's Award for Scholarly Achievement. She actively contributes to academic governance, serving on boards for CATESOL and TESOL. Beyond academia, she is an avid San Francisco Giants fan and writer for their fan blog under the pseudonym DrLefty. Key Roles: Professor, UWP Leadership, Journal Editorships Education: B.A. UC Davis (English/Creative Writing), M.A. Sacramento State (TESOL), M.A./Ph.D. USC (Linguistics/Applied Linguistics) Research Themes: Second Language Writing, Corrective Feedback, Multilingual Education Professional Activities: Board Member of CATESOL, TESOL Committees, and CCCC Standing Committee on Second Language Writing Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to writing pedagogy while advocating for inclusive practices in multilingual education. Ferris's publications and editorial contributions have shaped curricula and teaching methodologies globally.