Carla Suhr

Dr. Carla Suhr serves as the Community Program Director and Professor of Spanish Linguistics at UCLA's Department of Spanish and Portuguese. She specializes in integrating culture, language, and cognition to enhance cross-cultural communication and inclusive teaching. Her academic journey includes a PhD from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2016), with research focused on emotive stereotypes and sociocultural cognitive linguistics.

Education:

• PhD (2016): Intercultural Communication and Cognition, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• M.A. (2008): Intercultural Communication and Cognition, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• M.Ed. (2006): Teaching Spanish as a Second Language, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Research & Interests: Dr. Suhr’s work centers on conceptualization processes, sociolinguistic justice, and community-engaged learning. She explores how language shapes identity and cognition, particularly in second language acquisition. Her projects emphasize transformative community partnerships and inclusive pedagogy.

Recognition:

• 2022 UCLA URW Faculty Mentor Award
• Multiple Non-Senate Faculty Professional Development Awards (2018–2023)
• Andrew W. Mellon EPIC Grants (2017–2019)

Teaching & Leadership: She directs UCLA’s Community-Engaged Learning Program and teaches courses like 'Spanish in the Community' and 'Language and Cognition.' Her 'Inclusive Gatherings' initiative promotes equity in education. She has developed curricula addressing translational neuroscience, bilingual storytelling, and pandemic-era pedagogy.