Biography
I hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Psychology & Technology with a focus on Chinese as a second language acquisition, as well as an M.A. in Second Language Acquisition, both from Brigham Young University. My academic journey began at National Tsing Hua University (國立清華大學) in Taiwan, where I earned a B.A. in Chinese Literature and Linguistics. Over the years, I have been honored to receive two university awards: the Karl G. Maeser Professional Faculty Excellence Award (2013) and the Douglas R. Stewart Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowship (2016).
Research Interests
My current research interests center on the use of video games as a tool for language learning, with a specific focus on the game Black Myth: Wukong. This study investigates how the game can immerse learners in Chinese language and culture, aiming to enhance advanced language proficiency. The research employs qualitative methods, including reflective journaling, to track learners’ experiences and analyze how the game’s authentic language contexts and expressions contribute to language development. Additionally, the character Wukong, rooted in Journey to the West, provides a cultural and historical backdrop that deepens learners’ understanding of Chinese history, philosophy, and societal values. Through this study, I aim to assess the effectiveness of video games in language education, comparing learners’ perceptions of game-based learning to interactions with native speakers and examining the broader impact on both language skills and cultural understanding.Teaching Interests
My professional interests encompass second language acquisition, pedagogy, and the design of Chinese media courses and curricula. Over the past two decades, I have prioritized the integration of multimedia technology into classroom teaching, grounded in the view that the ability to comprehend Mandarin television news broadcasts is an essential skill for advanced learners. I have collaborated with two colleagues on the development of an innovative pedagogical approach that examines China’s evolving global influence in contemporary contexts. By engaging students with diverse audiovisual materials—ranging from podcast-style dialogues to news-style reports—this approach bridges different language registers while fostering critical thinking and debate. It also equips learners with the skills needed to articulate complex ideas with confidence and precision.In addition to curriculum development, I have been privileged to mentor students for the prestigious Chinese Bridge Competition from 2006 to 2025, leading teams to six regional championships in Washington, DC. At the international level, these students have achieved notable success, including a world runner-up placement (2025), Champion of the Americas titles (2019 and 2025), a top-10 global placement (2016), and a second prize at the world competition (2023).
Education
- Ph.D. , Instructional Psychology & Technology (Second Language Acquisition Emphasis) , Brigham Young University (2007)
- MA, Second Language Acquisition , Chinese, Brigham Young University (2002)
- BA, Chinese Literature and Linguistics , National Tsing Hua University (國立清華大學) (1992)
Licenses and Certifications
- ACTFL, ACTFL OPI Full Tester Certification in Chinese (2015 - 2019)
Honors and Awards
- Humanities Mentored Experience Lab Grant (H-MEG), 2025–2028, BYU College of Humanities (2025 - 2028)
- International Vice President for Research (IVP) Grant, Brigham Young University, Office of the International Vice President for Research (2025 - 2026)
- Second Prize, Chinese for Specific Purposes Lesson Plan Contest (the 3rd International Symposium on Chinese for Specific Purposes), Co-organized by Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania; Sponsored by the Asian/Pacific Studies Institute (APSI) and the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (AMES), Duke University (2025 - 2025)
- Humanities Undergraduate Mentoring Grant, BYU College of Humanities (2024 - 2024)
- Humanities Center and Center for Language Studies Grant, BYU Humanities Center and Center for Language Studies (2022 - 2024)
- Best Podcast Award (Advanced level) for《试说新语》“Learn to Speak the New Chinese” Chinese Podcast Contest, Columbia University National Resources Center & CUNY Queensborough Community College (2023 - 2023)
- Humanities Undergraduate Mentoring Grant, BYU College of Humanities (2022 - 2023)
- Douglas R. Stewart Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowship, 2016–2019, Brigham Young University (2016 - 2019)
- Karl G. Maeser Professional Faculty Excellence Award, Brigham Young University (2013 - 2014)
Memberships
- ACTFL (2014 - 2028)
- Chinese Language Teachers Association (2022 - 2026)