Dr. Nienke Smit is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Utrecht University's Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses on scaffolding processes, adaptive teaching, and classroom observational research from a complex dynamic systems perspective. Specializes in teacher-student interaction Expert in adaptive instruction and observational methods Collaborates with Data Science department Develops tools for classroom observation Research interests include language learning and teaching , judgment and decision-making in education , and professional development of teachers . She leads projects like Eye Get It (joint attention in classrooms) and a replication study on adaptive instruction effectiveness. Her work applies dynamic systems theory to second language development and foreign language pedagogy. Recent publications address translanguaging in multilingual classrooms, replication studies , and process-oriented research . She teaches at Utrecht's Graduate School of Teaching and works on initiatives to reduce teacher shortages through improved training programs.
William S. Horton (Sid) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Northwestern University , where he has taught since 2005 and directed the Cognition and Communication Lab (Cresap 108). Starting in September 2025, he will serve as Chair of the Department of Linguistics . His research focuses on socio-cognitive mechanisms in language use, particularly discourse pragmatics , perspective-taking , and non-literal language processing . Education: B.S. in Psychology/German from Duke University (1991), M.A. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from University of Chicago (1994/1999) Previous roles: Postdoctoral research at SUNY-Stony Brook, Cognitive Aging at Georgia Tech Research trends from his 20+ years of publications include common ground , memory processes , figurative language , and age-related communication changes . His work increasingly incorporates computational text analysis and real-time digital communication studies. Awards : Fellow, Society for Text and Discourse Students : Supervised Ph.D. theses on conversational alignment, common ground activation, and digital communication. Undergraduate honors projects explore inhibitory deficits, speech internalization, and perspective-taking in bilingualism. Cognition and Communication Lab investigates language processing in spoken/written contexts using experimental methods and computational models.
Mohammad T. Alhawary is Professor of Arabic Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition at the University of Michigan's Middle East Studies department within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He serves as Director of both the MA Program in Arabic for Professional Purposes (APP) and the MA Program in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language (TAFL). His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Georgetown University (1999). Prior to joining the University of Michigan, he contributed to developing Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies programs at various US institutions. Professor Alhawary's research spans both theoretical and applied Arabic linguistics, with particular focus on second language acquisition processes. His work examines how factors like age, input quality, output practice, and first language transfer affect Arabic language learning. He has made significant contributions to understanding Arabic language pedagogy, curriculum design, proficiency testing, and the application of technology in language learning. His research also extends to bilingualism, multilingualism, language impairment, and Arabic medieval grammatical traditions. His publications reflect a strong trajectory in Arabic linguistics research, with recent works focusing on practical language teaching applications, reading comprehension mechanisms, code-switching patterns in digital communication, and multilingual acquisition processes. The 2023 publication 'Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language' represents his latest contribution to language pedagogy methodology. 2019 AATA Book Award for 'Arabic Second Language Learning and Effects of Input, Transfer, and Typology' As an academic leader, Professor Alhawary serves as Executive Director of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic and edits both the Journal of Arabic Linguistics Tradition and Al-'Arabiyya journal. He continues to develop empirical research on Arabic second language acquisition to inform teaching practices both in America and globally.
Sarah Ebling is a Full Professor of Language, Technology and Accessibility at the University of Zurich's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. She leads the Language, Technology and Accessibility research group within the Institute for Computational Linguistics. Her work focuses on computational linguistics applications for assistive technologies targeting disabilities such as hearing impairments, visual impairments, and cognitive disorders. Key areas include sign language technologies, automatic text simplification, and audio description systems. She directs the large-scale Swiss innovation project 'Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies' (2022-2026, CHF12 million budget) and collaborates on EU H2020 and SNSF Sinergia projects. Education: Holds a doctoral degree (summa cum laude, 2016) from the University of Zurich with research on automatic translation to Swiss German Sign Language. Completed studies in German Linguistics, Computational Linguistics, and English Linguistics at Universities of Zurich and Heidelberg, with research stays in Dublin, Chicago, and Rochester. Research emphasizes multimodal accessibility solutions, including sign language fluency assessment, gesture-based interaction, and AI-driven text adaptation. Current projects explore audio description translation systems (SwissADT), sign language corpus development (SwissSLi), and digital tools for comprehensibility assessment in simplified texts. Her work bridges computational linguistics with ethical considerations in assistive technology deployment. Grants and Leadership: Principal Investigator on major accessibility-focused grants, including the CHF12M Swiss innovation project. Supervises PhD candidates in areas like sign language assessment tools and text simplification algorithms. Active in international collaborations, publishing extensively in computational linguistics and accessibility journals/conferences. Technology Development: Created the 'DigiSpon' benchmark for language sample analysis and developed open-source tools for sign language translation baselines. Her team's innovations include the SignCLIP model connecting text and sign language via contrastive learning, and pose estimation frameworks for sign language recognition.
Scott Fraundorf is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh , where he leads the MAPLE (Memory And Psycholinguistics in Learning & Education) Lab . He combines cognitive science and data science to study human behavior prediction, educational program evaluation, and psycholinguistics . His research focuses on student learning and metacognition language processing and educational technology interventions statistical modeling using regression , machine learning , and mixed-effects models as well as open-source tool development for cognitive science. Key technical skills include Python , R , and SQL programming, with 3 patents for intelligent tutoring systems in English grammar. He has mentored over 70 graduate students and faculty in quantitative methods.
Dr. Eunice Eunhee Jang is a Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. Her research focuses on synergistic learner modeling, dynamic assessment systems, and the intersection of language testing with educational measurement. PhD with specializations in language testing, educational measurement, and program evaluation Develops interactive digital assessment interfaces for struggling readers Author of "Focus on Assessment" (2014) and co-author of OECD Reviews on Evaluation and Assessment in Education Research Interests Dr. Jang's work explores prismatic assessment analytics to understand learner potential and predict learning pathways. She integrates natural language processing and machine learning to create diagnostic feedback systems that support cognitive, metacognitive, and affective growth in technology-rich classrooms. Scientific Awards Jacqueline Ross TOEFL Dissertation Award Caroline Clapham IELTS Master’s Award Tatsuoka Measurement Award Professional Contributions She has served on major advisory boards including EQAO provincial assessments and TOEFL Committees of Examiners. Currently, she is an elected board member for the International Language Testing Association and contributes to the Broader Measures of Success Advisory Committee for People for Education.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michaela Sambanis is a Professor of English Didactics at the Institute of English Philology within the Department of Philosophy and Humanities at Freie Universität Berlin. She has held this position since 2011 and previously served as the managing director of the Institute from Winter semester 2017/2018 to October 2019. Her academic journey includes research work at the Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning at the University of Ulm (2008-2011), completion of her habilitation in 2006, and her promotion in 2001. Professor Sambanis's research centers on the innovative intersection of educational neuroscience and language teaching methodology. Her work pioneers the field of Positive Foreign Language Didactics, connecting positive psychology with language education. She investigates embodied cognition approaches, particularly movement-based learning, and explores theater methods and arts integration in language instruction. Her research also addresses teacher well-being and health, multilingualism in educational settings, and the application of neuroscience findings to practical classroom situations. The k2teach project represents her current focus on teaching-learning labs in English teacher education. Her scholarly output demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward integrating neuroscience with language pedagogy, with recent publications increasingly addressing mental health, digital transformation in education, and positive psychology applications. The evolution of her work shows a progression from practical teaching methods to increasingly sophisticated neurodidactic frameworks that bridge scientific evidence with classroom practice. Professor Sambanis serves on multiple scientific advisory boards including the Goethe Institut in Munich, the Transfer Center for Neuroscience and Learning at the University of Ulm, and the Schlözer Program for Teacher Education. She is also the founding chair of the cross-state E&M Berlin-Brandenburg section and a member of the German Society for Foreign Language Research (DGFF). Her editorial work includes the SELT book series on English Language Teaching. Her teaching responsibilities include supervising master's theses in English teaching, and she has developed numerous teaching-learning laboratories that connect theoretical knowledge with practical application in teacher education. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based foreign language didactics that incorporates insights from neuroscience, psychology, and educational research.
Pamela Beach is the Associate Dean, Research and Associate Professor of Language and Literacy at Queen’s University’s Faculty of Education. She holds an MA and PhD in Child Study/Developmental Psychology from the University of Toronto. With nearly a decade of elementary teaching experience, her research focuses on leveraging online and multimedia resources to enhance teacher education and professional development. Key projects include SSHRC-funded studies on teachers’ self-directed online learning, analysis of web analytics for literacy PD platforms, and cross-cultural studies of literacy practices in Montessori and Reggio Emilia schools. Her expertise spans early literacy development, critical literacy integration, and the use of technologies like eye-tracking and virtual classrooms in teacher training. She leads the Literacy Education Research Team, collaborating on projects such as integrating music into literacy education and evaluating virtual classroom tools for teacher candidates. Beach is also the author of Promoting Language and Early Literacy Development (2024), a practical guide for educators and caregivers. Current roles include supervising graduate students in the Language and Literacy program and overseeing research initiatives as Associate Dean. Her work bridges research, practice, and policy to improve literacy instruction and teacher learning in diverse educational contexts.
Thomas Schanding serves as Associate Professor and Department Head in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. He concurrently directs the Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre. Previously, he held significant roles including core faculty in Special Education and Associate Director of Outreach and Leadership for the decade-long LoneStar LEND program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, alongside clinical supervision positions at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital. His educational foundation includes doctoral coursework at the University of Southern Mississippi (APA-accredited) and doctoral internship with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (APA-accredited). Doctoral Coursework: University of Southern Mississippi Doctoral Internship: Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Dr. Schanding's research centers on social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavioral/mental health (B/MH) through three interconnected pillars: (1) assessment methodologies for SEL/B/MH, (2) evidence-based interventions to enhance youth well-being, and (3) cultural-linguistic considerations in school-community contexts. His clinical expertise spans Autism Spectrum Disorders and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiences, operating within Cognitive-Behavioral and Ecological theoretical frameworks. The SMART Lab ( https://blogs.ubc.ca/smartlab ) drives his applied research agenda focusing on inclusive practices and mental health promotion. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on SEL assessment tools, helicopter parenting dynamics, and diversity-inclusive frameworks in school psychology. Key trends include validation studies of early literacy screeners, exploration of LGBTQ+ mental health predictors, and critical examinations of equity in educational literature, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based social justice. His scholarly contributions have been recognized through: President’s Distinguished Faculty Research Award, University of Houston – Clear Lake (2020) Group Teaching Excellence Award, University of Houston (2011) Early Career Scholar, Society for the Study of School Psychology (2009) As an educator, Dr. Schanding has supervised numerous practicum and intern students across settings including school districts and hospital systems. His leadership extends to directing the Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre at UBC and previously leading outreach initiatives for neurodevelopmental disabilities through the LEND program. His teaching portfolio includes EPSE 506 (Applied Psychopathology), EPSE 555 (Academic & Social-Emotional Assessment), and specialized courses on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The SMART Lab (Social, Mental health, and Academic Research Team) operates as his primary research vehicle, conducting community-engaged projects on SEL implementation, mental health screening, and culturally responsive interventions for diverse youth populations, with particular attention to inclusive practices for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.
Manon Jones is a Professor in Psychology and Director of Research at Bangor University's School of Psychology and Sport Science. She directs the Miles Dyslexia Centre, a research hub providing assessment services and professional development for practitioners, and leads the RILL project—a bilingual literacy program for primary schools funded by UKRI, Nuffield Foundation, and Welsh Government. Her research explores cognitive and neurocognitive foundations of reading, dyslexia, and bilingualism. Key themes include: Cross-modal learning in dyslexia Orthographic processing across languages Remote literacy instruction efficacy Neurodivergent cognition models Syntax acquisition in bilinguals Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2014–2025) reveals dominant foci on dyslexia mechanisms (9 papers), bilingual language processing (7 papers), and literacy intervention design (4 papers). Methodologies include eye-tracking, ERP, and randomized controlled trials, with increasing emphasis on computational modeling since 2021. She leads multiple grants including: RILL randomized control trial (Welsh Government, 2022–2026) Welsh literacy scale-up project (2024–2025) Neurodevelopmental disorder screening tool development (2022–2023) COVID-19 remote teaching research (2020–2022) She directs the Reading Brain lab and collaborates with NHS services to translate research into clinical/educational practice.
Douglas K. Hartman is a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Michigan State University (MSU) , with a joint appointment in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on the application of technologies to enhance human learning across diverse contexts, including schools, communities, workplaces, and sports. Hartman’s work bridges educational theory and practice, emphasizing innovation in teaching methodologies and digital literacy. His research interests span educational technology , new literacies , and technology integration in learning environments. He has contributed to understanding how digital tools impact early childhood education, teacher professional development, and global educational policies. His recent studies explore AI applications in literacy assessment and generative AI’s role in artistic disciplines. Key themes in his publications include cross-cultural educational collaboration (e.g., CLIL approaches in EMI contexts), early literacy development, and teacher roles in online learning. While no awards are explicitly noted, his extensive scholarly output reflects sustained contributions to educational innovation. Hartman’s affiliation with MSU’s College of Education positions him at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, though specific grants or labs are not detailed in the provided texts. He maintains an active research agenda addressing 21st-century challenges in education through technology-driven solutions.
Bogusława Whyatt is a Professor at the Faculty of English, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań. She holds a D.Litt. in linguistics (2014), Ph.D. in English (2000), and MA in English (1992) from Poznań institutions. Her academic profile spans psycholinguistics, translation studies, and cognitive approaches to translation processes. Key research themes include: Translation process dynamics and directionality effects Eye-tracking applications in translation reception studies Development of translation competence and pedagogy Psycholinguistic analysis of language processing Metacognitive skill transfer between translation and paraphrasing Recent publications focus on cognitive effort metrics, directionality impacts, and empirical methodologies combining eye-tracking and key-logging data. She leads major projects like Read Me (2021-2025) and EDiT (2016-2019), examining translated text reception and translation directionality respectively. Scientific honors include three consecutive Adam Mickiewicz University Rector's Awards for Organizational Excellence (2018, 2023, 2024). She supervises PhD research in translation cognition and has mentored four doctoral candidates to completion. Active in professional networks like the MC2 Lab and TREC consortium, she contributes to cognitive translation studies through methodological innovations and international conference organization. Her methodological expertise includes psychometrics, EEG research, and ATLAS.ti data analysis tools.
Candace Kaleimamoowahinekapu Galla is an Associate Professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education, with a cross-appointment in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies within the Faculty of Arts. Her work centers on Indigenous language revitalization, decolonizing methodologies, and the integration of digital technology in language education and cultural practices, grounded in her Kanaka Hawaiʻi identity and commitment to community-centered approaches. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Linguistics, M.A. in Native American Linguistics, and Ph.D. in Language, Reading and Culture from the University of Arizona, preceded by secondary education at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She previously served as Program Coordinator for the American Indian Language Development Institute and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. Galla's research focuses on Indigenous Language Revitalization and Reclamation, Indigenous Literacy and Education, Decolonizing Pedagogies, and the role of digital technology in language preservation, emphasizing community-driven frameworks and traditional cultural practices like hula. Her scholarship bridges academic rigor with community engagement to support Indigenous well-being through language reclamation. Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a cohesive trajectory exploring community-centered language revitalization, relational accountability to Indigenous languages, and innovative pedagogical materials. She examines the intersection of language, technology, and cultural practices while advocating for systemic decolonization within academic institutions to create space for Indigenous knowledge systems. Galla has secured funding for significant projects including 'Building Indigenous Language Teacher Proficiency and Fluency for Hawaiian and CHamoru Language Medium Education' and 'Digital Technology Use for First Nations Language Education and Revitalization in British Columbia.' She actively organizes community events such as the 'Living Our Indigenous Languages' workshops at UBC's First Nations Longhouse, fostering collaboration between language advocates, educators, and community members. She maintains strong connections with the First Nations and Endangered Languages Program at UBC and continues collaborative work with the American Indian Language Development Institute, demonstrating sustained commitment to Indigenous language communities across North America and the Pacific.
Zabitgil Gülseren, Özlem is an academic at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University specializing in English Language Teaching (ELT) and Second Language Acquisition . Her work focuses on integrating technology into language instruction, analyzing learner anxiety, and evaluating pedagogical methods. Research Themes : Technology-enhanced learning, vocabulary acquisition, formative assessment. Key Collaborations : Co-authored studies with Sıla Selver Akar, Enes Atay, and others. Article Trends : Recent works (2024) examine authentic video-based vocabulary instruction, while 2022–2020 studies explore online collaborative writing, digital storytelling, and formative assessment practices. Earlier works (2015–2019) analyze anxiety, gender factors in strategy use, and classical teaching methods. Advising and Grants : Supervised research on topics like digital tools in ELT and L1 usage in classrooms. No specific grant details provided in the text.
Oliver Alonzo is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computing at DePaul University. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Computing and Information Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a B.S. in Computer Science from Creighton University with minors in Graphic Design and Musical Theatre. Prior to joining DePaul, he served as a post-doctoral assistant professor at Creighton University and completed internships at Meta (Facebook) and Adobe Research. Dr. Alonzo's research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction and Computing Accessibility, with particular emphasis on creating technologies that improve digital access for people with disabilities, especially those who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). His work spans several key areas: Design and evaluation of automatic text simplification tools for DHH readers Captioning and visualization of non-speech sounds in multimedia content Accessibility solutions for social media platforms Tools to assist American Sign Language learners Multimedia accessibility in emerging technologies like virtual reality His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on developing and evaluating accessibility technologies through rigorous user-centered design with DHH communities. His research has evolved from foundational work on text simplification and sign language interfaces to broader explorations of digital accessibility across multiple platforms and contexts. Dr. Alonzo has received notable recognition for his work, including: CHI 2025 Honorable Mention for research on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing user experiences with misinformation on social media An NSF CRII grant for a two-year project focused on making videos accessible by design for Deaf, Hard-of-hearing, Blind and Low-Vision viewers As an educator, Dr. Alonzo teaches courses including HCI 440 Introduction to User-Centered Design, HCI 445 User Research Methods, and HCI 511 Accessibility Considerations in HCI. His teaching philosophy emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences that connect theoretical concepts to real-world accessibility challenges. Outside academia, Dr. Alonzo is fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and is learning American Sign Language. He has a background in musical theatre and enjoys black & white photography, which informs his creative approach to accessibility research.
