Katherine Kerschen

Katherine Kerschen is a Lecturer in Germanic Languages and Literatures at Washington University in St. Louis, affiliated with the Department of Comparative Literature & Thought and the Program in Germanic Languages and Literatures. She holds a dual-title doctorate in German Applied Linguistics and Language Science from Pennsylvania State University (2022), a master’s from TU Dortmund, and a B.A. from Washington University. Her research focuses on second language learners’ vocabulary acquisition, psycholinguistic processes, and inclusive pedagogical methods.

Education:

• B.A. in German and Psychology (with minor in Applied Linguistics), Washington University
• Fulbright Grant (Teaching Assistantship in Germany)
• M.A. in Applied Linguistics, TU Dortmund
• Ph.D. in German Applied Linguistics and Language Science, Pennsylvania State University

Her research bridges psycholinguistics and classroom practices, emphasizing equitable teaching strategies. Current projects include learner autonomy and listening comprehension, while past work explored project-based learning. She teaches German language courses and graduate seminars on pedagogy, advocating for social justice in language education.

Recent Research Trends: Her publications address K-12/higher education partnerships and innovative assessment methods in language writing courses. Collaborations with Layher (2024) and Brooks (2022) highlight interdisciplinary approaches to language education.

Awards & Grants:

• Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (Germany)

Advising & Grants: Active in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), she leads studies on learner autonomy and pedagogical innovation. Serves on the Applied Linguistics Steering Committee at WashU.

Labs/Teams: Engaged with WashU’s language pedagogy initiatives and collaborative research networks in applied linguistics.