Peter Joseph Torres

Peter Joseph Torres is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics in the Department of English at Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on the intersection of language, health policy, and medical communication, particularly examining discourses surrounding the opioid crisis and sociocultural factors in pain communication. He holds a PhD in Linguistics from UC Davis (2022) and a UCLA degree with dual majors in Linguistics and Anthropology (2015).

His work integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies, analyzing policy documents, doctor-patient interactions, and sociocultural influences on language use. Notable projects include studies on modal verbs in opioid policy texts, vocal features in medical consultations, and disparities in pain treatment. Torres teaches courses in sociolinguistics, research methods, and applied linguistics at ASU, Miami University, and UC Davis.

• Education: PhD Linguistics (UC Davis, 2022); BA Linguistics & Anthropology (UCLA, 2015)
• Key Awards: UCLA Magna cum Laude, Five-time Dean’s Honors List
• Labs: Director of the Discourse Lab at ASU

His current research explores how racial and gender factors influence pain communication and its impact on prescribing practices. Torres actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve healthcare communication practices and policy implementation efficacy.