Academic Pursuits

pieces of paper make others think we're educated...

After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Russian from Williams College (Williamstown, MA), I got the crazy idea that I should go on to grad school and get a Ph.D. Eventually, this goal landed me in the Linguistics department at the University of Delaware. Along the way, I picked up a Master's degree (MA) in Theoretical Linguistics, and a doctorate (PhD) in Applied Linguistics. I even have my dissertation [PDF, 714kb] to show for my troubles. It deals with adapting methods of teaching various aspects of second and foreign languages for use on the Internet.

While the ideas behind my research implementation are pretty primitive (for example, not too many non-geeks use IRC much anymore), the research questions raised by my work could lead to a lifetime of research for someone. At this point in my life, I'm happy doing what I'm doing, so I'm not sure if that someone is me, but hopefully someday somebody out there will find a use for my work.

Truth be told, the best parts about grad school were the things I got to do outside my own classes. I got the opportunity both to delve into teaching and to explore other things, such as coaching and information technology. I also got to meet my wife while in grad school... and that is the single most significant reason why I'm glad I stayed in Delaware as long as I did.

If you really want to know about my credentials in my areas of expertise, or want to talk to me about some full-time work, just ask and I can always point you toward a plethora of resumes, CVs, publications, and the like. Don't be surprised, though, if I don't answer favorably if it means less time with my family (I don't see enough of them as it is now).