My research interests

In 2001 I completed my Ph.D. in Spanish Applied Linguistics at the Pennsylvania State University.

Specifically, I work in the area of second language acquisition (SLA). I am interested not only in the theoretical explanations of language, but also in how English-speakers are able to learn Spanish as a second language: what aspects are learnable, what aspects are problematic, and how we can best teach Spanish in the classroom so that our class time is of maximum benefit to our students.

I have done some work in syntax, but my real interest lies in the phonology and phonetics of Spanish as a second language. Second language phonology has been somewhat neglected in the field of SLA, although that seems to be changing in recent years. My dissertation research investigated the field of second language phonology. I have also examined the acquisition of specific phonological aspects of Spanish - absent in English - by English speakers, such as (lack of) aspiration or the contrast between fricative and occlusive sounds.

Another aspect of SLA that interests me is what factors or combination of factors can help - or hinder - the acquisition process. For example, I have conducted studies investigating the effects of classroom learning or of studying abroad on a second language learner's development. I am also interested in analogical processes involved in language learning. My current research involves further investigations of this type, but I am also studying  the implementation and effect of technology in the foreign language clasroom.

Take a look at my  course pages for more information on that and on the other courses I teach, or click on the link to the left to see a .pdf version of my cv.