Emily Feuerherm

Emily Feuerherm serves as Associate Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Language and Communication and Program Director for the Department of English's Bridge Program and TESOL Certificate Program at the University of Michigan-Flint's College of Arts, Sciences, and Education.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of California (2013)
• M.A. in TESOL from the University of California, Davis (2008)

Dr. Feuerherm's research centers on Applied Linguistics and TESOL, with deep engagement in Language Policy, Refugee Studies, and Health Literacy. She employs participatory action research to investigate language in citizenship processes, migrant health access, and refugee resettlement, emphasizing community-driven solutions to systemic inequities. Her work bridges academic theory with practical interventions in underserved communities.

Analysis of her 2012-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on language as a social determinant across health, citizenship, and education. Recent work (2022-2025) intensifies examination of health literacy barriers for migrants and critical analysis of citizenship rituals, while maintaining her foundational research on refugee language needs and community-based pedagogy.

Her recognition includes:

• IHP Teaching Grant (2024) from the University of Michigan
• Hagerman Faculty Innovation Grant (2024) from the Hagerman Center

As Principal Investigator for the $40,000 MICHR-funded ESL Health Literacy Program (2018), she developed Flint-based interventions for lead exposure prevention. Current grants include co-leading the $5,000 Global Flint Initiative (2024) and a collaborative filmmaking project addressing social reflection through the IST Institute.

She directs UM-Flint's TESOL Certificate Program and Bridge Program, cultivating partnerships with Flint community organizations to implement participatory research models with refugee and migrant populations.