Lara Ducate

Lara Ducate is a Professor of German and Applied Linguistics at the University of South Carolina (UofSC), where she also serves as the German Program Director. She holds a PhD in Germanic Studies with a concentration in applied linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin. Her academic journey includes roles from Visiting Assistant Professor to full Professor, with extensive experience in teacher education and curriculum development.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Germanic Studies (2003), University of Texas at Austin
• M.A. in Germanic Studies (1999), University of Texas at Austin
• B.A. in German (1995), University of South Carolina
• Year abroad at Universität Bamberg (1993-1994)

Research Interests: Lara’s work focuses on integrating technology into foreign language education, including blogs, wikis, podcasts, and mobile learning tools. She emphasizes sustainability in German studies and intercultural communication. Her research explores how digital tools enhance language acquisition and cultural understanding, particularly in study abroad contexts.

Publications & Contributions: Her work spans books, journal articles, and edited volumes on CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning), including co-editing Engaging Language Learners through CALL (2019) and Present and Future Promises of CALL (2011). Recent articles highlight technology’s role in promoting intercultural learning and collaborative writing.

Awards:

• 2016 Garnet Apple Teaching Award
• 2008 Outstanding Service Learning Award
• 2014 Teaching Excellence Grant
• 2012 Key to the City of Conway, SC

Advising & Grants: Lara has secured grants totaling over $60,000 for courses and programs, including a 2023 grant for an Intercultural Communication course. She advises on teacher education programs and oversees UofSC’s Checkpoint Charlie Program, a student-teacher exchange with Germany.

Professional Activities: She serves on editorial boards for journals like Language Learning & Technology and has led initiatives such as the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (2019–2022). Her outreach includes study abroad programs in Saxony-Anhalt and community-based German education initiatives.