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CASLS would like to give a warm welcome to Christopher Daradics [left] and Kathrin Kaiser [right] to our team.

Christopher first joined CASLS in summer 2016 as a graduate teaching fellow studying at the University of Oregon's language teaching specialization master's program, but now he joins us as a Language Technician. Christopher's research interests focus on the ecological nature of language development with a specific focus on the metacognitive affordances of second language development. His master's project, An Emergent Ecological Curriculum for Study Abroad, was influenced by his world travels, the several digital humanities programs he designed and implemented, and his various attempts at autonomous language learning. Before coming to the UO for his second master's degree he taught special needs middle school students as well as humanities courses in high school and university contexts. Welcome Christopher!

Kathrin joins CASLS as a German Language and Culture Expert. She holds an M.A. in English and German philologies from Heidelberg University, Germany. Her main research interest is at the intersection of cognitive linguistics and second language acquisition, where she explores the potential of metalinguistic awareness for more effective language learning solutions. Several years of experience as a linguist, researcher, and teacher in the educational gaming space brought her to CASLS as an instructional designer. Kathrin works on the design of a mobile learning experience that uses virtual reality to engage and support learners in a self-regulated learning space, and promotes the development of pragmatic skills and intercultural awareness. Kathrin says, “I’m very inspired by the diversity of linguistic projects at CASLS, which offers an excellent platform for the exchange of ideas and for innovation.” Welcome Kathrin!