Christopher D. Mellinger

Christopher D. Mellinger is a Professor of Spanish Interpreting and Translation Studies and Graduate Director at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation. He also serves as affiliate faculty for the Latin American Studies program. With a Ph.D. in Translation Studies from Kent State University, Mellinger has established himself as a leading scholar in translation and interpreting research methodology.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. (2014) and M.A. (2009) in Translation Studies from Kent State University and a B.A. (2007) in Spanish from Wake Forest University. He also holds certificates in Spanish-English interpreting and Spanish Translation/Localization Management from Wake Forest University.

Mellinger's research focuses on cognitive aspects of interpreting, translation process research, and quantitative methodology in translation studies. His work examines how cognitive processes interact with technology in interpreting contexts, language access issues in legal and healthcare settings, and the application of rigorous research methods to translation phenomena. He has made significant contributions to understanding interpreter cognition, particularly in consecutive interpreting and the role of notetaking.

His recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward examining the intersection of technology and interpretation, with increasing focus on institutional data, standardization in language services, and cognitive aspects of interpreting. His work spans theoretical contributions to practical applications in healthcare, legal, and educational contexts.

Mellinger has held editorial positions of significant influence in the field, serving as co-editor of Translation and Interpreting Studies and on the editorial boards of multiple prestigious journals including Perspectives: Studies in Translation Theory and Practice, JoSTrans, and The Journal of Internationalization and Localization.

As an educator, Mellinger has extensive experience teaching translation, interpreting, computer-assisted translation, and localization at both graduate and undergraduate levels. He has taught at UNC Charlotte, Kent State University, Wake Forest University, and Walsh University. His teaching areas include theory and history of translation and interpreting, medical and legal interpreting, translation technologies, and Spanish for healthcare professionals.