Teaching & Mentoring

University at Buffalo, SUNY

Department of Romance Languages & Literatures • Department of Linguistics

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching approach integrates theoretical linguistics with empirical research methods, emphasizing hands-on experience with language data and computational tools. I believe in creating inclusive learning environments where students can explore linguistic diversity while developing critical analytical skills.

Creolistics & Contact Languages

RLL/LIN 201
Introduction to Pidgin, Creole and Mixed Languages & Cultures
Undergraduate
Survey course covering the linguistic features, historical development, and sociolinguistic contexts of contact languages worldwide. Includes case studies of Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific creoles.
General Education Cultural Diversity Language Studies
RLL/LIN 422/522
Creole Morphosyntax
Undergraduate/Graduate
Advanced seminar focusing on morphological and syntactic structures of creole languages from theoretical perspectives. Comparative analysis of French-based creoles.
Advanced Theoretical Comparative
LIN 317
Pidgins & Creoles
Undergraduate
Examination of pidgin and creole language formation, structure, and sociolinguistic contexts. Includes fieldwork methodology and documentary linguistics approaches.
Sociolinguistics Field Methods Language Contact

French & Romance Linguistics

FR 404/504
Structure of Modern French
Undergraduate/Graduate
Analysis of contemporary French grammatical structures with focus on syntactic theory and linguistic analysis. Covers phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
French Linguistics Theoretical Structural Analysis
FR 430/530
Phonétique & Phonologie du français
Undergraduate/Graduate
Analysis of French sound systems, including phonetic transcription, phonological theory, and variation. Laboratory component with acoustic analysis.
Phonetics Phonology Lab Component
RLL 511
Romance Syntax
Graduate
Comparative syntactic analysis of Romance languages with focus on theoretical frameworks. Includes data collection and analysis from multiple Romance varieties.
Comparative Syntax Romance Languages

Formal & General Linguistics

LIN 505
Introduction to Morphology
Graduate
Theoretical and descriptive approaches to word structure across languages. Focus on morphological theory, analysis techniques, and computational applications.
Morphology Theoretical Cross-linguistic
LIN 509
Formal Semantics
Graduate
Introduction to formal semantic theory with applications to natural language. Includes lambda calculus, type theory, and compositionality principles.
Semantics Formal Methods Logic
LIN 622
HPSG/LFG: Implementing Typed Feature Structures
Graduate
Advanced course on constraint-based grammatical frameworks with computational implementation. Students develop grammars using linguistic programming environments.
Computational HPSG LFG

Course Development & Innovation

  • RLL/LIN 201: Created new cross-listed course introducing creole studies to undergraduate students across disciplines
  • Digital Humanities Integration: Incorporated computational tools and digital methods into linguistics courses
  • Community-Engaged Learning: Developed projects connecting students with local and international creole-speaking communities
  • Study Abroad Program: Created Paris Signature Study Abroad Program focusing on French linguistics and creole studies
  • Romance Linguistics Graduate Handbook: Developed comprehensive handbook for graduate students in Romance Linguistics

Graduate Student Advising

I am currently advising several graduate students at both the MA and PhD levels. My mentoring approach emphasizes individual development within a collaborative research environment, focusing on developing both theoretical expertise and practical research skills.

PhD Dissertation Chair

Donna Park
PhD Candidate, University at Buffalo
Negation in Serial Verb Constructions in Mauritian Creole
In Progress
José Perez Vargas
PhD Candidate, Department of Romance Languages & Literatures, UB
Tense and Aspect in Guadeloupean Creole
In Progress
Erin Karnatz
PhD Candidate, Department of Linguistics, University at Buffalo
Serial Verb Constructions in Guadeloupean Creole
In Progress

PhD Dissertation Committee Member

Ali Salehi
PhD Candidate, Department of Linguistics, University at Buffalo
Tokenization, Embeddings, and Universal Meaning Representation for low-resourced languages
In Progress
Kathryn Hudson
PhD Candidate, Department of Linguistics, University at Buffalo
Popoluca Varieties in Mexico and Central America
In Progress
Eden Fevrier
PhD Candidate, Department of Romance Languages & Literatures, UB
The opacity of DE- prefixation in Haitian Creole
In Progress

Creole Research Lab

University at Buffalo • Department of Romance Languages & Literatures

The Creole Research Lab provides a collaborative space for graduate and undergraduate students working on creole languages. The lab supports research in language documentation, corpus development, theoretical analysis, and computational linguistics applications.

KreoLex Database Access

Direct access to lexical databases and corpora for research projects

Recording Equipment

Professional audio recording equipment for language documentation

Computational Tools

Software for linguistic analysis, corpus processing, and NLP applications

Research Community

Regular lab meetings, workshops, and collaborative projects

Mentoring Approach

I view mentoring as a collaborative partnership that supports students' intellectual growth, professional development, and personal well-being. My approach is tailored to each student's individual goals while maintaining high standards for scholarly excellence.

Core Principles

Individualized Development

Tailoring mentorship to each student's unique interests, strengths, and career aspirations

Collaborative Research

Engaging students as research partners and co-authors on publications and presentations

Professional Networking

Facilitating connections with scholars in creole studies, linguistics, and related fields

Work-Life Balance

Supporting sustainable research practices and personal well-being alongside academic achievement

Mentoring Activities

  • Weekly Individual Meetings: Regular one-on-one sessions to discuss research progress, challenges, and next steps
  • Lab Group Meetings: Weekly research lab meetings for collaborative problem-solving and peer feedback
  • Conference Preparation: Support for abstract writing, presentation development, and networking at conferences
  • Publication Guidance: Assistance with article writing, journal selection, and submission processes
  • Grant Writing Support: Guidance on developing research proposals and funding applications
  • Career Development: Advice on academic job market preparation, teaching portfolios, and alternative career paths

Former Students

I have had the privilege of mentoring numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in academia, language technology, education, and related fields. Below are some notable alumni from my time at University at Buffalo and University of Kentucky.

Recent PhD Alumni

Sydney Jamison-Blowers
PhD in Spanish Languages & Literatures, UB
Samantha Schifano
PhD in French Languages & Literatures, UB
Alex Bakke
PhD in Spanish Languages & Literatures, UB
Assistant Professor of Spanish, McNeese State University
Brian Hayden
PhD in Linguistics, 2024
Postdoctoral Researcher, mpi

MA Thesis Advisees (University of Kentucky)

Robert Bell
MA in Linguistics, 2019
Limón Patwa: A Perceptual Study of Language Attitudes in Costa Rica
Ali Salehi
MA in Linguistics, 2018
A Constructional Approach to Ezafe in Sorani Kurdish
Aidah Al Juran
MA in Linguistics, 2018
The Role of Attitude on Native and Nonnative Intergroup Communication
Sahar Taghipour
MA in Linguistics, 2017
Verbal Inflection in Laki
Malachi Oyer
MA in Linguistics, 2017
The Declensions of Modern Eastern Armenian
Anfal Ali
MA in Linguistics, 2016
The Arabic particles 'inna wa axawatuba' at the syntax-semantics interface

Professional Development Outcomes

  • Conference Presentations: Students regularly present at major conferences including LSA, SPCL, HPSG, and creole studies conferences
  • Publications: Co-authored publications with students in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
  • Grant Success: Students have secured internal and external funding for their research projects
  • Career Placements: Alumni have secured positions in academia, language technology companies, and educational institutions
  • Community Engagement: Students have developed projects with creole-speaking communities in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean