Jamie Rankin is a University Lecturer in the Department of German at Princeton University, where he specializes in second language acquisition, teacher training, and curriculum development. In 2015, he became the founding director of the Princeton Center for Language Study, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development across language programs. His research focuses on innovative approaches to language pedagogy, particularly in the areas of L2 reading, vocabulary acquisition, and classroom-based action research. He has developed digital tools for remote language instruction and co-authored key German language learning resources, including Handbuch zur deutschen Grammatik (6th edition) and the online textbook der|die|das , which integrates SLA principles into beginner-level instruction. Rankin's scholarly contributions have appeared in prominent journals such as Die Unterrichtspraxis and the Modern Language Journal . His publications reflect a consistent focus on practical, research-informed teaching strategies, interactive task design, and assessment methodologies in language classrooms. Scientific Awards: President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Princeton University (1996) He has actively contributed to professional development through workshops for the American Association of Teachers of German, covering topics such as interactive tasks and vocabulary acquisition. His leadership in digital pedagogy includes creating an interactive website to support language instructors during the pandemic. He has no listed grants, but his curriculum and digital resource development represent significant scholarly and instructional contributions. Jamie Rankin leads initiatives in language education innovation and supports a network of language instructors through the Princeton Center for Language Study, fostering research-based teaching practices across linguistic disciplines.
Dr. Patricia Sosa-Sánchez is an Assistant Professor of Bilingual/ESL at the University of North Texas Dallas, where she also serves as Assistant Dean for the School of Education and EC-6 Bilingual Program Coordinator. She brings extensive experience from 12 years in public education as a bilingual, dual language, and IB teacher in grades K-4. Current roles: Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, EC-6 Bilingual Program Coordinator Prior roles: Adjunct faculty at University of North Texas Denton and Texas Woman’s University Professional memberships: Texas Association of Bilingual Education (TABE), National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE), International Literacy Association (ILA), Bilingual Educators’ Association of the Metroplex (BEAM) Her research focuses on ELLs’ literacy development, ESL pedagogy, and dual language instructional strategies. She actively supports bilingual pre-service teachers in achieving certification and contributes to policy as a Denton ISD school board trustee.
Sara Sáez-Fajardo is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of the Spanish Language Program at Rutgers University. She holds a PhD in Hispanic Linguistics (2023) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education (SLATE), and a Master's in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (2017) from the Universidad de Salamanca. Teaching Experience: Coordinated Spanish language/linguistics courses at UIUC (2018–2023) and taught at Brown University (2017–2018). Assessment Expertise: Developed DELE/SIELE proficiency tests and created bilingual proficiency assessments for Illinois public school interpreters. Her research focuses on equitable teaching practices for heritage and second language learners, multilingual learning strategies, and leveraging technology in language education. She currently explores task-based pedagogy and computer-assisted language learning methodologies. Office: AB-5167 | Office Hours: Mon/Wed 12:30–1:30 PM or by appointment.
Bronson Hui is an Assistant Professor of Second Language Acquisition at the University of Maryland, College Park, within the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC). He is also a member of the Maryland Language Science Center. His research focuses on applied psycholinguistics, particularly second language acquisition in instructed contexts, multi-modal input, vocabulary learning, and open science practices. Hui holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Studies from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Oxford, and dual B.A./B.Ed. degrees in English Language and Education from the University of Hong Kong. Education: Ph.D., Second Language Studies, Michigan State University M.S., Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, University of Oxford B.A. & B.Ed., English Language and Linguistics / Language Education, University of Hong Kong His research interests include experimental methods in SLA, quantitative analysis, and the use of AI tools in meta-research. He has published in journals like Studies in Second Language Acquisition , Language Learning , and Applied Psycholinguistics . Hui serves on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and Studies in Second Language Acquisition . He teaches courses such as Second Language Research Methodologies , Psycholinguistics , and Vocabulary Acquisition in Instructional Contexts . Hui actively advises graduate students in empirical studies, dissertation research, and grant proposals. His work emphasizes open science practices, including pre-registration, data sharing, and reproducible analyses. Hui has developed workshops on R programming for applied linguists, emphasizing ethical data practices and open-source tools. He collaborates internationally on projects like the ASReview tutorial for meta-research and has contributed to book projects on quantitative methods in applied linguistics.
Dr. Kimi Kondo-Brown is a Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa . She holds affiliations in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (Japanese BA, MA, PhD programs) and serves as Cooperating Graduate Faculty in the Department of Second Language Studies (PhD in SLS). Her research focuses on Japanese as a Heritage Language , language assessment , and curriculum development . Education: PhD in Education (UHM), MA in Linguistics (University of Utah). She leads initiatives in heritage language education, publishing widely on language testing, curriculum design, and multilingual education. Key works include Japanese as a Heritage Language (Cambridge 2024) and Introduction to Assessment for Japanese Teachers (reprinted 2022). She directs assessment institutes and collaborates with international scholars like Emeritus Prof. James Brown. Research emphasizes heritage language maintenance and post-pandemic language testing . She co-edits peer-reviewed volumes on assessment modules and serves on editorial boards. Her work bridges theoretical linguistics with practical pedagogy, addressing needs of heritage speakers and global language learners. Grants and awards include contributions to the National Foreign Languages Resource Center. She advises on curriculum alignment and assessment frameworks, with a focus on equity in language education. Her legacy includes over 30 publications and 25 years of teaching Japanese and SLA methodologies.
Prof. J. Rod Franklin, PhD is a Full Professor of Logistics and Academic Director of Executive Education at Kühne Logistics University (KLU) in Hamburg, Germany. With an extensive background spanning both academia and industry, Professor Franklin brings deep practical experience to his academic role. He has held significant leadership positions at KLU, including Dean of Programs, and was instrumental in the university's planning stages as he states: "KLU is near and dear to my heart, because I was one of the individuals that helped plan the university." His unique blend of academic rigor and industry expertise makes him a central figure in KLU's mission of providing world-class logistics education and research. Professor Franklin's academic foundation is impressive: Doctorate of Management, Case Western Reserve University, USA (2000) Master of Business Administration, Harvard Graduate School of Business, USA (1979) Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, USA (1975) Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, USA (1974) His research focuses on applying modern management techniques to supply chain operations, with pioneering work in sustainable business models, green logistics, corporate social responsibility, and cloud-based supply chain management. Professor Franklin is a leading authority on the Physical Internet concept, which seeks to revolutionize logistics through interconnected systems inspired by the digital internet. His research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications, addressing critical challenges in modern logistics networks while promoting sustainability and efficiency. Professor Franklin's publication record over the past two decades reveals a clear evolution from traditional logistics service innovation toward cutting-edge research on the Physical Internet, predictive analytics, and big data applications in supply chains. His recent work demonstrates increasing emphasis on urban logistics solutions, sustainability challenges, and the integration of digital technologies with physical logistics networks. His seminal 2020 paper "From the Digital Internet to the Physical Internet" has significantly advanced the conceptual framework for this emerging field, while his 2024 protocol design work continues to push the boundaries of practical implementation. Professor Franklin leads significant research initiatives including "Accelerating the Path Towards Physical Internet - SENSE," "Internet of Food and Farm 2020," and "URBANE - Upscaling innovative green urban logistics solutions." His work has been published in top-tier journals including Journal of Business Logistics, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics, and International Commerce Review, demonstrating substantial scholarly recognition. While specific individual awards aren't detailed in available information, his leadership in major funded research projects indicates significant institutional support for his work. As Academic Director of Executive Education at KLU, Professor Franklin oversees programs that effectively bridge academic theory with industry practice. His teaching portfolio includes MBA courses on Critical Thinking, Design Thinking, Managing Multiple Complex Expectations, and Systems Thinking - all emphasizing practical application of theoretical concepts. His extensive industry background, including executive roles at Kühne + Nagel and other major logistics firms, directly informs his approach to academic supervision and executive education. Professor Franklin has successfully secured research funding for multiple projects focused on sustainable logistics innovation, demonstrating his ability to translate theoretical concepts into impactful research initiatives. Professor Franklin leads collaborative research teams focused on the Physical Internet concept and its applications in modern logistics. Through projects like SENSE and URBANE, he works with international researchers, industry partners, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban logistics. His research integrates expertise from computer science, operations research, and business management to address complex supply chain challenges. The BizSLAM App, developed as part of his work on multi-level SLA management, exemplifies his team's ability to create practical tools with direct industry applications, demonstrating the real-world impact of his research vision.
Dr. Randall W. Sadler is a Professor of Linguistics and Director of the MATESL/ESL Programs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He specializes in technology-infused language teaching, with a focus on Virtual Reality (VR), Telecollaboration, and Virtual Worlds. His research explores how these technologies enhance second language acquisition (SLA) and language learning environments. He is also co-owner of the EduNation Islands in Second Life, where he engages in immersive educational projects through his avatar Randall Renoir. His teaching includes courses on L2 reading/writing, technology in language teaching, and SLA fundamentals. Research interests center on leveraging digital tools to improve language instruction, particularly in virtual environments. Recent publications (2022–2024) highlight VR applications for data collection, EFL communication strategies, and XR innovations in language education. Dr. Sadler’s work bridges theoretical SLA frameworks with practical technology integration, emphasizing real-world language learning experiences. He collaborates internationally on projects exploring virtual worlds’ educational potential and contributes to journals like ReCALL , CALICO Journal , and Language Learning & Technology .
Thomas Werner Pusztai is a Researcher at the Department of Distributed Systems, TU Wien. His work focuses on cloud-edge continuum systems, serverless computing, and service-level objective (SLO) management. He contributes to projects like RapidREC, TEADAL, and the EU-funded RAINBOW initiative. His research spans distributed scheduling algorithms, edge-cloud resource allocation, and SLO-aware middleware frameworks like Polaris and HyperDrive. Education: Completed a Diploma in Computer Science at TU Wien with a thesis on Model-based design and architecture of fog computing applications (2019). Active in academic conferences, presenting at IEEE/ACM Edge Computing, Cloud, and Fog/Edge events. Research interests include edge computing, cloud-native systems, IoT applications, and optimizing SLO compliance through novel scheduling techniques. His work emphasizes practical frameworks for real-world distributed systems challenges. Projects include developing HyperDrive for serverless function scheduling in 3D edge-cloud spaces, Polaris for SLO-aware microservices orchestration, and SLO Script for complex elasticity-driven SLO implementations.
Katherine Arens is Professor of Germanic Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a Dual PhD from Stanford University in German Studies and Humanities Special Programs (1981). Her academic appointments include multiple cross-disciplinary affiliations with the Program in Comparative Literature, Center for Russian, Eastern European and Eurasian Studies, Center for European Studies, and Center for Women's and Gender Studies. Ph.D., Stanford University, Dual PhD, German Studies and Humanities Special Programs, 1981 Whiting Fellowship in the Humanities, 1979-80 Fulbright-Hays Full Grant (Fellow, Vienna, Austria), 1978-79 Professor Arens' research focuses on German Idealism, European Romanticism, and intellectual and cultural history from the 18th to 20th centuries, with particular expertise in Austrian studies, history of science and psychology, and interdisciplinary studies connecting philosophy, science, and the humanities. Her work crosses methodological and disciplinary boundaries in research on the intellectual and cultural histories of Germanophone regions in transnational contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding German Classicism, Romanticism, Idealism, hermeneutics, cultural theory, and Viennese Modernism, while also engaging with cross-cultural sites including Lacan, Kristeva, Foucault, and the Frankfurt School. Her recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory examining the intersections of knowledge production, identity politics, and transnational intellectual history. The 15 most recent works demonstrate her expertise in Austrian cultural history, Germanophone thought, and the politics of academic disciplines. Her scholarship shows particular strength in reinterpreting traditional narratives of German and Austrian intellectual history, with notable challenges to Schorske's paradigmatic understanding of Fin de siècle Vienna. Fellow, Botstiber Institute for Austrian-American Studies, 2016-17 Center for Austrian Studies Book Prize Honorable Mention, 2016 Best Graduate Teacher, UT Austin (2016 and 1997) Elected Member, European Academy of Sciences and Arts (2011) Mellon/SCMLA Fellowship, Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center, 2006 Excellence in Mentorship Award, 2009 Professor Arens has demonstrated exceptional commitment to graduate education, reflected in her multiple teaching awards and her work in content-based instruction, SLA research design, and curriculum development. Her current projects include a monograph on Germanophone thought between Kant and the Vienna Circle and research on fascist rhetorics in postwar FRG thought. She maintains an active teaching schedule with courses through Fall 2025, including 'Squaring The Vienna Circle,' 'Nobel Prizes: Lit/Politics,' and 'Forensic Files: Philosophical Crimes.'
Dr. Mimi Li serves as Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL in the Department of Literature and Languages within the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts at East Texas A&M University. With over twenty years of teaching experience across multiple institutions including Georgia Southern University and Marshall University, she has established herself as an award-winning educator specializing in linguistics and TESOL instruction. Her academic journey reflects deep commitment to fostering critical inquiry and academic growth in students through research-infused pedagogy. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition/Instructional Technology from the University of South Florida (2014) M.A. in Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from Sichuan University, China (2008) B.A. in English Language and Literature from Sichuan Normal University, China (2002) Dr. Li's research program centers on second language writing, computer-assisted language learning, and language teacher education, with particular focus on collaborative writing in digital environments and multimodal composition. Her work examines how dynamic interactions in wiki-based platforms shape L2 writing development and how multimodal projects enhance linguistic knowledge representation. This research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications in TESOL contexts. Analysis of her 2013-2023 publications reveals consistent innovation in digital writing pedagogy, with increasing emphasis on multimodal composition and collaborative learning structures. Her work demonstrates sophisticated integration of technology in L2 writing instruction while maintaining strong connections to foundational SLA principles, particularly evident in her 2022 Palgrave Macmillan monograph. Her recognition includes: Faculty Senate Research – Ceaseless Industry Award (2023) Paul W. Barrus Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching (2022) Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award (2021) “Best Article” Award from Journal of Second Language Writing (2017) Online Course Development Award from Georgia Southern University (2016) Dr. Li actively mentors master's and doctoral students while maintaining significant professional service through editorial roles as Associate Editor of Journal of Second Language Writing and Forum Editor of Language Learning & Technology. Her leadership extends to TESOL's Applied Linguistics Interest Section and AAAL conference coordination, demonstrating commitment to advancing the field. She contributes to the Applied Linguistics Lab and AI Lab within her department, focusing on technology-enhanced language learning solutions.
Patricia J. Brooks is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York (CUNY). She serves as Director of the Language Learning Laboratory and is an active member of the Doctoral Faculty at The Graduate Center, CUNY, contributing to PhD programs in Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences. Education: PhD, New York University MA, New York University BA, Johns Hopkins University Her research focuses on individual differences in language learning across the lifespan, with an emphasis on adult second language acquisition and child language development. She employs experimental methods and computer-based games to study speech perception and production in both typical and atypical development. She also has a strong interest in pedagogy, particularly active learning, mentoring, and the use of technology in education. Her recent publications span diverse areas including statistical learning in developmental disorders, narrative evaluation in children, phonological processing, and innovative teaching practices such as Wikipedia editing in the classroom. These works reflect a consistent theme of understanding cognitive and social mechanisms in language development and applying that knowledge to educational contexts. Scientific Service and Leadership: Faculty Advisor, Graduate Student Teaching Association, American Psychological Association (Division 2) She has authored and edited key academic texts such as Language Development (2012), Encyclopedia of Language Development (2014), and Cognitive Development in Digital Contexts (2017). Her work bridges experimental psychology, linguistics, and educational practice. She is actively involved in research mentorship and graduate training, contributing to the development of future scholars in psychology and education. Her laboratory supports interdisciplinary research on language and cognition, and she collaborates widely across institutions and disciplines.
Dr. Tatiana Nekrasova-Beker is an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and TEFL-TESL at Colorado State University, affiliated with the English departments (undergraduate and graduate). She specializes in second language acquisition, corpus-based research, and ESP methodology, collaborating with the Programs for Learning Academic and Community English (PLACE) to support international students and faculty. Her roles include teaching graduate courses in the TEFL/TESL program and designing language materials for discipline-specific contexts. Education : - PhD in Applied Linguistics from Northern Arizona University - M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University Research Interests : Usage-based approaches to L2 acquisition, formulaic language in fluency, corpus analysis of discipline-specific discourse, ESP course design, and assessment methodologies. Her work bridges theoretical insights with practical applications in engineering, business, and academic contexts. Publications : Dr. Nekrasova-Beker’s research focuses on lexical patterns in engineering discourse, ESP curriculum development, and L2 assessment. Recent work includes studies on vocabulary demands in Russian engineering education and corpus-based analyses of engineering sub-disciplines. Collaborations and Teaching : Collaborates with PLACE to enhance language support programs. Teaches courses such as E526 (TESL methods), E527 (SLA theories), and E634 (ESP curriculum design). Engages students in project-based learning and intercultural communication studies. Personal Interests : Enjoys traveling, exploring Colorado’s natural beauty with her family, gardening, and running.
Prof. Gabriele Kasper is a Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializing in language and social interaction, second language acquisition (SLA), and qualitative research methodology. Her work bridges applied linguistics with sociocultural theories, focusing on interactional practices in language classrooms and assessment contexts. She holds a Dr. phil. from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. Research Focus: Prof. Kasper’s research examines how social interaction shapes language learning, particularly in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) settings and roleplay-based assessments. She investigates classroom discourse dynamics, clarification requests, and storytelling practices. Her recent studies explore interactional competence in language testing and epistemological frameworks in SLA. Publications: Her work spans 2022-2018, with key contributions in Linguistics and Education , Applied Linguistics , and Language Testing . Themes include assessment design, classroom interaction analysis, and theoretical advancements in SLA methodologies. Notable projects address roleplay in OPI testing and multimodal CLIL pedagogy. Academic Service: She serves as part of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Hawaii, contributing to language education programs. Her collaborative projects include work with Cooperating Graduate Faculty members on teacher training and digital conference methodologies.
Patsy Duff is a Professor at the Department of Language and Literacy Education within the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She holds the title of Distinguished University Scholar and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) , reflecting her significant academic contributions. Research Focus: Bilingual/multilingual education, decolonizing methodologies, heritage language policy, identity negotiation in language learning, and sociocultural dimensions of language instruction. Key Themes: Her work examines multilingual socialization, language ideologies, and the intersection of pop culture with language pedagogy, particularly in Chinese and English as additional languages. Publications: Over the past decade, her research has emphasized family language policy, English medium instruction, and transnational identity formation. She has contributed to foundational texts on case study research and language socialization, establishing frameworks for qualitative applied linguistics. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) Distinguished University Scholar, UBC Collaborations: Patsy Duff has collaborated with scholars like Heidi Byrnes, Sharoni Zappa-Hollman, and Debra Li on projects exploring language policy, socialization, and multilingual education. Her work bridges academic discourse with practical language teaching strategies.
Chengzhi Chu is an Associate Professor of Chinese and Senior Program Advisor (Chinese) at the University of California, Davis. He is affiliated with the Graduate Group in Linguistics and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii. His research focuses on Chinese linguistics, cognitive semantics, second language acquisition, and the application of technology in language instruction. He has authored/co-authored multiple textbooks, including the Chinese Breeze graded reader series, and developed the ChineseTA software for language teaching materials. His work integrates theoretical linguistics with practical pedagogy, emphasizing cognitive approaches to language structure and learning. Dr. Chu's research explores topics such as motion event semantics, figure-ground relationships in Chinese, and the design of effective language-teaching resources. He has published extensively on prepositions, reflexives, and mood particles in Mandarin, as well as the historical interplay between Chinese script and language. Notably, he co-developed the Corpus of Chinese Interlanguage (CCI 1.0), a foundational resource for studying learner language. His teaching spans advanced Chinese language courses, classical Chinese, and research methodologies. He has contributed to edited volumes on Chinese pedagogy and instructional materials. While no formal awards are listed, his impactful contributions to applied linguistics and language education are evident through his scholarly output and educational tools. As an advisor to graduate students, Dr. Chu supports research in linguistics and language education. His work bridges computational linguistics with traditional language studies, exemplified by software like ChineseTA and his corpus-based research. He is actively involved in the North American Conference on Chinese Linguistics and other academic networks.
