Sharon Rose is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University of California, San Diego. She holds a BA (Honors) from the University of Toronto, an MA from Université du Québec à Montréal, and a PhD from McGill University. Her research specializes in phonological analysis and descriptive fieldwork on African languages, particularly Semitic languages of Ethiopia/Eritrea and Kordofanian languages of Sudan. Her research examines phonological phenomena including: Long-distance consonant/vowel harmony Featural affixation and dissimilation Tone-intonation interfaces Grammatical tone in Heiban languages Musical pitch processing in tone language speakers She leads several research groups including the Field Research Lab, Phonetics-Phonology Research Community (PhonCo), and UCSD Phonetics Lab. Professor Rose is currently a Fellow at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (2025) and an affiliated faculty member with African Studies Minor and Center for Research in Language.
Dr Scott A. Hale is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), University of Oxford, and a Fellow of the Alan Turing Institute. His work bridges computer science and social sciences, focusing on equitable information access, multilingual online dynamics, and misinformation mitigation. He holds degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Spanish from Eckerd College, followed by a DPhil (PhD) in Social Data Science from the OII. Hale’s research has been supported by grants from UK Research and Innovation, the US National Science Foundation, and organizations like the Omidyar Network and the Alan Turing Institute. Key Roles: Programme on AI, Government & Policy; Director of Research at Meedan; Co-Director of the Social Data Science MSc Research Focus: Misinformation, multilingual systems, social media impact, and AI ethics Education: Eckerd College (BS), OII (MSc, DPhil). His DPhil explored social media design’s role in cross-language information sharing. Recent projects include the Digital Good Network and AI alignment studies. Articles highlight trends in multilingual misinformation detection, LLM cultural biases, and hate speech dynamics. Hale’s work bridges technical innovation with social science rigor to address global digital challenges. Awards: Alan Turing Institute Fellowship, recognition in Oxford’s Teaching Excellence Awards. Grants: Over 20 funding sources including DSO National Laboratories and Meta.
Devin Grammon serves as an Assistant Professor of Spanish Sociolinguistics in the Department of Romance Languages at the University of Oregon, affiliated with both the Spanish Program and the Spanish Heritage Language Program within the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics from The Ohio State University (2018), an M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Colorado Boulder (2012), and a B.A. in Spanish and History from the University of Northern Colorado (2010). Grammon's research centers on critical examinations of language ideologies, sociolinguistic variation, and language learning during study abroad experiences, with a particular focus on Southern Peru. His work critically engages with racialized language ideologies, the problematic 'native speaker' construct, and how sociolinguistic competence develops in multilingual contexts. He examines how language learning can reproduce or challenge systems of oppression, particularly through his ethnographic research in Cuzco, Peru, where he investigates Spanish-Quechua language contact and study abroad programs. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on decolonizing language education, examining how study abroad contexts shape learners' sociolinguistic competence, and challenging the colonial underpinnings of the 'native speaker' concept. His work appears consistently in top linguistics and language education journals including Language, Modern Language Journal, and Applied Linguistics. Co-editor of the 2025 volume 'Aquí se habla: Centering the Local and Personal in Spanish Language Education' (De Gruyter Mouton) Recipient of recognition through student awards (Maya Mackey received a Global Studies award at the 2020 Undergraduate Research Symposium for work under his guidance) As an educator, Grammon teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Sociocultural Linguistics, Linguistic Landscapes, and Spanish Pronunciation & Phonetics. His teaching philosophy emphasizes preparing students to critically engage with sociolinguistic diversity. His current research includes linguistic landscape projects examining Spanish signage in Eugene, Oregon and Quechua signage in Cuzco, Peru, demonstrating his commitment to community-engaged scholarship that connects classroom learning with real-world applications.
Isabel Kentengian is a Lecturer in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at The College of New Jersey, specializing in Spanish language education, heritage language pedagogy, and intercultural competence. Her work bridges applied linguistics, social justice, and professional language training. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics (New York University, 2020), M.A. in Applied Linguistics (University of Illinois at Chicago, 1995), B.A. in Psychology (Bryn Mawr College, 1982), and a certificate in Hispanic Studies (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 1979). Her research focuses on critical pedagogy in Spanish language instruction, linguistic landscapes in the U.S., and Spanish for the professions, particularly in healthcare and business contexts. She has developed innovative curricula for Spanish for Medical Purposes and Spanish for the Professions certificates. Recent publications examine community-centered oral history projects, medical Spanish curriculum evaluation, and linguistic landscapes as pedagogical tools. Her work frequently addresses health equity, professional communication, and identity negotiation among heritage speakers. Professional Affiliations: American Association for Applied Linguistics, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, National Association for Bilingual Education, and Healing the Children New Jersey. Service Roles: Academic Diversity Officer for Intercultural Competency, Faculty Lead for International Student Success, and member of the HSS Anti-Racism Advocates Committee.
Leslie Del Carpio is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Indiana University Bloomington’s College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on Sociolinguistics, particularly Heritage Language Studies, Pedagogy, and Language Variation in Spanish-speaking communities. Education: Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics (Arizona State University), M.A. and B.A. in Spanish Linguistics (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), and A.S. in Sciences (Parkland College). Leslie investigates the role of Critical Language Awareness in improving educational experiences for Spanish Heritage Language Learners in Indiana and the morphosyntactic legitimacy of Spanish varieties in the United States. She also studies Spanish-Quechua/Kichwa contact in Peru and Ecuador, extending to linguistic attitudes and ideologies. Her recent publications address phonological variation, Spanglish in media, and equity in heritage language education. As co-principal investigator for the Peruzonians project, she contributes to creating a Living Archive of Peruvian migrant experiences in Arizona, emphasizing interculturality and identity. Her teaching includes undergraduate courses on Spanish for Heritage Speakers, US Spanish, and bilingualism, as well as graduate-level heritage language pedagogy and research methods.
Jon Andoni Duñabeitia is a Full Professor at the School of Languages and Education of Universidad Nebrija in Madrid. He serves as Director of the Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición (CINC) and the International Chair in Cognitive Health . With an h-index of 43 (Scopus), he has published 170+ articles across psycholinguistics, multilingualism, cognitive training, and virtual reality applications in education. His research examines how language processing interacts with cognitive load, emotional modulation, and technological innovation. Principal Investigator for 8+ projects funded by Spanish Government, Basque Government, BBVA Foundation Associate Editor and Editorial Board Member of high-impact journals Recognized among Spain's top 3% scientists across all disciplines Recent publications span topics including: Second-language reading dynamics in VR environments Multilingual cognitive interactions in neurological conditions Emoji/typographic effects on word processing Computerized cognitive assessment and training systems He actively contributes to scientific meetings as invited speaker across Europe, Asia, and Americas. His work bridges basic research in psycholinguistics with applied technologies for cognitive health.
Dr. Kim Potowski is a Professor of Spanish Linguistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), specializing in heritage language development, Spanish in the U.S., language and identity, and dual immersion education. She directs UIC's Spanish Heritage Language Program and the summer study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her research emphasizes sociolinguistic aspects of Spanish in the U.S., including dialect contact, language maintenance/shift, and bilingual education advocacy. She earned her PhD in Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her notable honors include a 2016 CUNY Advanced Research Collaborative Fellowship, a 2013-2014 UIC Institute for the Humanities Fellowship, and a 2011-2012 Fulbright Research Fellowship in Oaxaca. She has authored/edited over 12 books, including El español de los Estados Unidos and Heritage Language Teaching: Research and Practice . Her TEDx talk No Child Left Monolingual advocates for multilingual education equity. She has held editorial roles at Spanish in Context and Heritage Language Journal , and her work bridges sociolinguistic research with pedagogical practice in bilingual settings.
Maria Sanchez-Ortiz is a Senior Lecturer in Translation and Interpreting Studies at the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture (LLMVC), University of Aberdeen, where she has been actively contributing since 2016. She serves as Programme Director for both the on-campus and distance learning MSc in Translation Studies and co-directs the Centre for Multilingual Research. She previously directed the Centre for Translation and Interpreting Studies from 2020 to 2023 and coordinated the undergraduate programme in Modern Languages and Translation from 2017 to 2020. Her educational background is extensive and interdisciplinary: PhD in Translation Studies, University of Bradford (2006) MSc in Dubbing, Subtitling & Localization, Instituto Superior de Estudios Lingüísticos y Traducción, Spain (2019) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, University of Salford (2015) Diploma in Audiovisual Translation, Universidad de Educación a Distancia, Spain (2014) Diploma in Public Service Interpreting, CIoL (2007) MA in European Studies, University of Bradford (1994) Diploma in Spanish with Translation and Interpreting, CIoL (1992) BA in English Language and Literature, University of Granada, Spain (1989) Maria's research focuses on Translation and Interpreting Studies, with particular emphasis on literary translation, audiovisual translation, translator training, sociolinguistics, dialect translation, and the impact of AI on translation professions. She has supervised multiple PhD students to completion and actively welcomes new doctoral candidates in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Her work consistently bridges theory and practice, with a strong pedagogical orientation. Her 15 most recent publications span from 1996 to 2024, reflecting a sustained engagement with core issues in translation. The articles reveal a deep interest in the pragmatics, ethics, and cultural dimensions of translation, particularly in literary and dialectal contexts. A recurring theme is the translator's agency and the challenges of preserving stylistic and sociolinguistic nuances. More recently, her work has addressed gender, multiculturalism, and the evolving role of technology in translation. She has received numerous teaching accolades, including: Awarded 'Best Undergraduate Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2024–2025) Awarded 'Funniest Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2023–2024) Awarded 'Best Taught Postgraduate Lecturer', University of Aberdeen (2018–2019) Nominated for 'The Most Inspiring Lecturer' (2019–2020) and Excellence in Teaching awards Maria Sanchez-Ortiz is an active supervisor, mentor, and curriculum developer. She has served as an external examiner for MA and BA programmes at several UK universities, including Manchester, Open University, Portsmouth, Durham, and Bath. She is a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (since 2015) and a member of key professional bodies such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and the International Association for Translation and Intercultural Studies. She also contributes to academic journals as a member of editorial and advisory boards. She leads and co-directs major research centres at Aberdeen, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in multilingual research. Her leadership in the European Graduate Placement Scheme and membership in the PACTE Research Group highlight her commitment to international cooperation and empirical research in translation competence.
Dr. Matthew Pollock is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics and Spanish at Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), serving as Interim Chair of the Department of English and Foreign Languages. He holds dual PhDs in Hispanic Linguistics and Linguistics from Indiana University (2023), with prior teaching experience in Germany via a Fulbright Scholarship and Spain through the IU Honors Program. His research focuses on sociolinguistics, phonetics/phonology, bilingualism, second language acquisition, and usage-based approaches. Education: PhD in Spanish/Hispanic Linguistics (Indiana University, 2023) PhD in Linguistics (Indiana University, 2023) MA in Hispanic Linguistics (Indiana University, 2018) BA in Spanish and English Literature (Auburn University, 2015) Research Interests: Dr. Pollock examines political speech, sociophonetic variation (e.g., Andalusian/Caribbean Spanish), bilingual acquisition, and corpus-based methodologies. His work bridges theoretical linguistics with applied sociolinguistics, emphasizing style-shifting in political contexts and perceptual sociolinguistics. Teaching: At LSUS, he instructs courses in Linguistics, Spanish language, and Hispanic linguistics. He has extensive experience teaching across multiple levels, including high school abroad and university-level courses in the U.S. and Spain. Professional Contributions: He serves as an editor for major linguistic handbooks (e.g., The Oxford Handbook of the Spanish Language ), reviews for journals like Hispania , and actively participates in academic conferences globally. His research has been funded through grants and presented at institutions such as the Linguistic Society of America and NWAV.
Laura Alvarez Lopez , Vice Dean and Professor at Stockholm University 's Faculty of Humanities , specializes in Portuguese sociolinguistics and language contact dynamics. She leads the Language and Power research network and contributes to Romance Linguistics (RomLing) . Her research explores how social and linguistic forces interact in multilingual contexts, particularly focusing on: Language variation in Latin America and Africa Power structures in linguistic landscapes Gender-neutral language policy debates Notable administrative roles include Vice Dean (2024-2027) and leadership in international projects like: Law and Policy Proposals on Gender-Neutral Language (Lars Hiertas Minnesfond, 2025) Language Policies in Higher Education (with UC Berkeley, 2022-2025) Swedish Migration to South America (Stockholm University & Åke Wibergs Stiftelse) She teaches Language Contact , Multilingualism , and Portuguese Sociolinguistics at the Master's level, while supervising doctoral theses in Portuguese and Spanish Linguistics.
Annette D'Onofrio is an Associate Professor in the Linguistics Department at Northwestern University. Her research bridges sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics, focusing on how social meaning is constructed through phonetic variation. She investigates topics like raciolinguistic expectations, geographic dialect features, and the cognitive representation of sociolinguistic signs. Key research areas include phonetic perception in bilingual contexts, the interplay between language ideologies and place-linked variation (e.g., Chicago Jewish communities), and the role of persona in shaping linguistic perception. Her work often employs experimental methods to explore how social information influences phonetic categorization and speech evaluation. Recent studies examine geographic dialect perceptions in New Orleans, the dynamics of the Northern Cities Shift in Chicago, and the sociophonetic analysis of presidential campaign rhetoric. Her research also addresses iconicity in phonological variation and the cognitive underpinnings of sociolinguistic signs. Though no specific grants or advising roles are listed, her work consistently highlights the intersection of social identity and linguistic structure. She holds a PhD in Linguistics and maintains a Google Scholar profile with over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2012.
Janet M. Fuller is a Professor of Language and Society at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and Chair of the Language and Society program within the Faculty of Arts. Her expertise spans Sociolinguistics, Discourse Analysis, and Multilingualism. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina (1997), an M.A. from Freie Universität Berlin (1992), and a B.A. in Anthropology from Macalester College (1984). Fuller’s research focuses on language ideologies, migration discourses, and national belonging, particularly in Germany and the US. She has authored/co-authored influential textbooks like Introduction to Sociolinguistics and Spanish Speakers in the USA . Her recent work examines media discourses on migration and multilingual psychotherapy practices. She has held leadership roles, including Interim Chief Diversity Officer at Groningen and Director of Women’s Studies at Southern Illinois University. Awards include the 1999 Dean’s Appreciation Award and multiple grants supporting her research on bilingualism and migration. Fuller’s teaching spans undergraduate and graduate courses in Discourse Analysis, Language and Power, and Gender and Diversity research methods. She has supervised numerous theses on topics like Catalan language policy and North Korean media discourses.
Sonia Colina is a Regents Professor and holds a dual affiliation with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences (College of Science) and the Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (SLAT) program at the University of Arizona. She is a leading scholar in Spanish phonology (Optimality Theory, syllable structure) and Translation Studies, particularly focusing on translation pedagogy and healthcare translation. Her research bridges linguistic theory and practical applications, such as improving healthcare access for limited-English-proficient populations through translation mediation and community health initiatives. Dr. Colina has authored influential works like *Fundamentals of Translation* (2015) and *Syllable Structure in Spanish* (2009), and co-edited volumes such as *The Handbook of Spanish Phonology*. She has directed NIH-funded projects, including the Oyendo Bien initiative using community health workers to address hearing loss among border populations and a collaboration on Spanish/English text simplification with the Department of Management Information Systems. Her research interests span translation quality assessment, bilingual phonological acquisition, and the role of surface/semantic features in medical text simplification. As Director of the National Center for Interpretation, she advances interpreter training and standards in healthcare and legal settings. She is a past president of the American Translation and Interpreting Studies Association (ATISA), contributing to the professionalization of translation studies. In grants and collaborations, Colina emphasizes interdisciplinary partnerships, such as integrating linguistics with audiology and public health. Her work highlights translational research that enhances language accessibility and equity in healthcare systems.
Antonio Fábregas (b. 1978) is a Professor at the Department of Language and Literature, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), specializing in Spanish grammar, variation, morphosyntax, comparative linguistics, and semantics. He has authored 8 monographs and over 150 articles/book chapters. Research : Focuses on syntax, semantics, phonology, and their interactions in word formation. Explores Spanish language variation, sociolinguistic contact phenomena, and theoretical morphology. Teaching : Engaged in linguistics education at NTNU (office: Bygg 4 Dragvoll, Trondheim). Publications : Recent work includes analyses of Spanish prefixation, argument structure, elative compounds, and negation-participle constructions. Key contributions to morphological theory and Romance language comparison.
Scott Despain is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at NC State University. He holds a PhD in Hispanic Language and Literature from Indiana University-Bloomington (1997). His expertise spans Second Language Acquisition, Technology-Enhanced Instruction, Sociocultural Theory, and Distance Education. Professor Despain has led initiatives in large enrollment language courses, graduate teaching programs, and technology integration in education. Research interests focus on language pedagogy, with notable work on Costa Rican pronoun systems and online language course design. He has received teaching awards (Thank a Teacher, 2010/2013/2014) and served in administrative roles including Director of Graduate Programs (2007-2019) and Standards Coordinator (2013-2019). Over 30 graduate students have been advised under his mentorship. Publications include articles in Foreign Language Annals , Hispania , and ADFL Bulletin , alongside contributions to language courseware development. His service includes leadership in curriculum committees, grievance panels, and professional organizations like CALICO and ACTFL.
