Associate Director for the Writing and Language Studio
Writing/English/Russian/Other Language Coach
Hi! Привет! 你好! My name is Kris Hiller, and I direct the Writing and Language Studio, so you can often see me at WLS events. I also teach academic writing. I’m from the USA, but I’ve also lived in Russia, Korea, and China. I speak English, Russian, and a little Mandarin, which I’m trying to work on. I love learning about—and helping others learn about and develop skills in—languages and intercultural communication. When I’m not busy with other work for the WLS, I can help you with any area of English language learning, though I’m particularly interested in vocabulary development, reading, and pronunciation. I can also help with beginning and intermediate Russian. Come talk to me about your language learning!
Writing and Language Studio Coordinator
Mandarin coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Jianxuan Zhang, and I’m the Writing and Language Studio Coordinator and also a Mandarin coach at WLS. I’m from Hangzhou but have lived in different countries including the UK and Australia. My first language is Mandarin and I also speak English, and I’m learning Spanish now. I am here to support your Chinese language learning. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, in developing students’ Chinese language skills comprehensively, and in building students’ confidence in communicating in Mandarin. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! My name is Brandon, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Academic Communication Skills at DKU. I’m from Los Angeles but have been living in China for six years. My first language is English, and I also speak a bit of Spanish. I am here to support your development in oral communication and academic writing. I am particularly interested in feedback in writing, students’ motivation in learning English, and developing students’ listening skills. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your language learning goals.
Mandarin Coach
Hello, 你好！This is Mengtian. I am a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio (WLS). I also work in the Language and Culture Center (LCC) at DKU as a Chinese language lecturer. I can speak Mandarin Chinese, the Wu dialect (a Chinese dialect that is popular in and around Shanghai), English, and a little bit French. I am Chinese, but I have been in the United States for more than five years. I am here to help you with any questions or problems you have in Mandarin Chinese learning, particularly the writing skills and pronunciation. In addition, I am also willing to chat with you under the topics of intercultural experiences and multilingual identities. We can meet in my office (CC 1082) on campus or via Zoom (865-783-6440). Looking forward to physically or virtually seeing you soon!
Writing/English/German Coach
Hello! Guten Tag! My name is Chris Tebbe and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I can help you with English or German language learning. I also teach English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at DKU. I’m originally from the Midwest of the United States but I have lived in many places – Germany, Austria, New York City, Japan, Sichuan, Beijing, and soon in Jiangsu. My native language is English and I have a master’s degree in German; I’ve also studied Mandarin and Japanese. I am particularly interested in helping students develop their academic writing and reading skills, as well as their everyday conversation skills in English and German. I look forward to joining the community at Duke Kunshan University!
Writing/English/German Coach
Hi! 你好! Hallo! שלום Shalom! My name is Danielle Chang, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I currently teach EAP courses at DKU. I’m from the United States but have been living in China since 2019. I have also lived in Germany and Israel for quite a few years. My first language is English, I also speak German and Mandarin. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. If you need advice on improving or learning German, I could also be of help. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, developing students’ pronunciation and developing students’ reading skills. I look forward to working with you in reaching your language learning goals.
Writing/Spanish/French Coach
Hi! Bonjour! ¡Hola! 你好! My name is Emmanuelle (Emma) Chiocca and I coach English/Writing, French, and Spanish in the WLS, especially independent language learning plans. I also teach EAP and French languaculture courses in the LCC. I was born and raised in southwest France (where I am currently located, 7 hours behind CST), studied in China, and in Israel, got my PhD in language teaching and learning in the US, and have been living in China since 2018. I love learning languages, and I’ve studied Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Cherokee, Kiswahili, Mandarin, and played with a few more on many language learning apps! Aside from learning and teaching languages, I love talking about other cultures, so I’m also happy to discuss strategies to develop your intercultural communication skills. Once I’m back on campus, feel free to grab coffee or lunch with me to practice your language skills! A très vite!
Writing/English Coach
I have been an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for over 15 years including time in South Korea, the U.S. and of course China. I hold MA degrees in both ESL Teaching and Conflict Transformation. I have taught many types of writing courses, as well as a wide variety of other English skills courses. I am available to coach English writing, or any other type of English language skill. If you would like to meet me online, please go to Zoom room 286 015 1019 at the scheduled time of our apointment.
Writing for fellowship applications
你好! Salut! Hi! My name is Harper Staples and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach EAP courses here in the LCC at DKU. I’m from the U.K. but I’ve lived in different countries including France, Denmark and now here in China! I’m a native English speaker and I can also speak fluent French and some Danish (although I’m a little bit rusty now!), as well as beginner Mandarin. I’m here to support your English language learning. I’m interested in how culture and context influences language learning and developing students’ confidence in their reading and writing skills. Feel free to make an appointment with me for any of the above and I’ll be happy to help you 🙂
Writing/Japanese Coach
Hello! 你好! こにちは! My name is Ian McNally and I am a writing and language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I’m from the east coast of the USA and just moved to China at the beginning of 2023. My first language is English, and I also speak Mandarin and Japanese. I’m here to support your English writing and Japanese language skills. I’m a huge fan of fantasy novels and love writing them in my free time. I am also a martial artist and have been practicing the Chinese kung fu style 八卦掌 (Baguazhang) for the last 11 years. I look forward to working together with you to reach your writing and language learning goals!
Mandarin/Korean Coach
Hi! 你好! 안녕하세요！My name is Jia Yan（闫佳 Yán jiā）and I am a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Mandarin at DKU. I’m originally from Inner Mongolia China and I have also lived in Beijing, Jeollabuk-do, North Carolina for work and study. My first language is Chinese and I also speak Korean. I am here to help you with your Korean study（For those who are enrolled in the Korean101 course.）and Chinese (For anyone who is interested in Chinese). I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Joe Davies, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Academic Communication Skills and Academic Writing for the graduate programs and an undergraduate course in language teaching here at DKU. I’m from the UK but have been living in China for over ten years. My first language is English and I also speak Mandarin Chinese and some Spanish. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, and in developing students’ academic presentation skills. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English/Spanish Coach
My name is John. I am looking forward to the opportunity to help you with your language-learning experience. I am quite happy to help you with English writing or with other aspects of English learning. And if you would like help with Spanish (or if you would like to begin learning Spanish), I would be delighted to meet with you.
Writing/English/Spanish/Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Kevin Sprague, and I’m a writing and language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Academic Writing, Public Speaking and Debate at DKU. I’m from the United States but have been living in China for almost 10 years. My first language is English and I also speak Chinese and Spanish. I have learned a little Thai and a little Russian and would like to learn more. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, developing students’ pronunciation and developing students’ reading skills. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Laura Davies, and I am a writing and language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at DKU. I am from England, UK, but have been living in China for 11 years. My first language is English and I also speak some Spanish and Chinese. I am here to support you with you writing and English language learning. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, developing students’ academic writing and developing students’ reading skills. I am currently in England (GMT +1 / 7 hours behind China). Once I return to campus, I welcome you to my office for a cup of tea, but in the meantime, I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals online.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! My name is Layla, and I’m a writing and language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach graduate academic communication skills at DKU. I’m from the United States but have been living in China for 10 years. My first language is English and I also speak some Mandarin. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in graduate degree-specific writing and developing students’ ability to give peer feedback. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! My name is Lee Shelmerdine, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at DKU. I’m from the UK but have been living in China for 10 years. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in coaching academic writing, but I have a lot of experience in all areas of language teaching. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! My name is Lianyun Pang, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Chinese as second language at DKU. I’m from Hainan, China and my first language is Chinese. I also speak Korean and French. I am here to support your Chinese language. I am particularly interested in how to improve your language skill effectively. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Japanese Coach
Hi! My name is Cong Li, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I teach Chinese and Japanese at DKU. I am here to help more people learn and practice Japanese given the limited seats of Japanese courses. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language use and how game mechanics can be integrated into a language curriculum. I look forward to working with you and helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English/Mandarin Coach
你好！¡Hola! My name is Su Hang, or you can call me Lisa. I am here to help you with Writing, Mandarin, and English language learning. I got my MAs in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages and International Higher Education. Before moving back to China, I taught Mandarin in Thailand and the United States for two years. I also speak basic Thai and a little bit of Japanese. I am currently learning español on my own and would love to work and learn something new with you together!
Mandarin/Suzhounese Coach
Hi! 你好！倷好！My name is Meng Wang (王蒙), and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Mandarin Chinese courses at DKU. I’m from Suzhou but have been living in Hong Kong, New York, Shanghai and now I am back in Kunshan! My first languages are Suzhou dialect and Mandarin Chinese. I also speak English and some Cantonese, as well as beginner French. I am here to support your Mandarin Chinese and Suzhou dialect. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning and how we perceive and experience new language and cultural environments. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! My name is Yu Miao（苗宇）. I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Mandarin at DKU. I’m from Jilin Province, China. My first language is Mandarin and I also speak English. I am here to support your Chinese language learning. I am particularly interested in developing learners’ culture awareness, learning strategies and abilities of doing things with language. I look forward to exploring Mandarin language world with you!
Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! 饭切过伐？My name is Xiaofei Pan, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Chinese language at DKU. I’m from Shanghai and had never left my hometown until 2013 when I went to the U.S. for my higher degree. I’m happy that DKU is so close to Shanghai so that I can go home every weekend. My first language is Chinese Mandarin and I also speak Shanghai dialect (maybe this is my L1…) and English. I am here to support your Chinese language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in second language acquisition, especially the development and assessment of writing in Chinese as a second language. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English/German Coach
Hi! 你好! Guten Tag! Konnichiwa! Anyonghaseiyo! My name is Peter Wergin, and I’m a language learning and writing coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I am currently teaching EAP courses at DKU. I’m from Canada and have been living in China for the past four years. I have also lived in Japan and Korea. My first language is English. I grew up in a German home and might be able to help some of you who are in the very beginning stages of studying German (simple reading, vocabulary and basic conversation). I am particularly interested in helping learners to become risk-takers, develop their own unique strategies that enable for autonomous learning and become empowered over time through their individual actions as they aim for success. I am here to support you in improving your English skills and look forward to working with you in achieving your goals.
Writing/English/Mandarin/Spanish Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Rainie (Minghao), and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach EAP at DKU. I’m originally from Beijing and I have also lived in Barcelona, Houston, San Francisco and New York for work and study. My first language is Mandarin (with a Beijing accent! :P) and I also speak English, Spanish, and a little bit Japanese. My research interests include the ultimate attainment of second language acquisition, the phenomenon of fossilization (i.e., what cannot be learned for second language learners at the end state), and second language pedagogy. I am here to help you with your general and academic English skills (specifically academic writing and speaking skills and pronunciation) and I am also happy to help you practice your spoken Mandarin. If you would like to learn some Spanish, I can also help you get a start on that! I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your learning goals!
Writing/English/Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! My name is Tong Zhang 张瞳, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. My first language is Chinese, and I also teach EAP courses at DKU. I am here to support your English Writing, other English skills, and Chinese learning. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English/Mandarin Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Wendy Li, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach English for Academic Purposes (EAP101A) at DKU. I am from Jiangxi, China, and have earned my Master’s and PhD degrees overseas. I speak English and Mandarin. I can also provide Mandarin tutoring to those who need it. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in how social and cultural factors influences language learning. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Yachao Sun, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach WOC 211 (Developing a research proposal) and WOC 212 (Developing a research paper) at DKU. My first language is Mandarin and I also speak English and very basic Japanese. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in how different language and cultural resources influence language learning and students’ writing skill development. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language-learning goals.
Mandarin Coach
Hi! My name is Yao Hui 姚卉 (Yao is my family name). I am a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. My hometown is Wuhan, but I have lived in Shanghai, Philadelphia, Columbus Ohio, and very soon in Kunshan. I speak Mandarin Chinese, English, and a little bit of Japanese. I am here to support your Chinese learning and am particularly interested in using literature, film, and theater to teach Chinese language and culture. I look forward to working with you!
Mandarin/Japanese Coach
Hi! 你好! ! My name is Zhang Xin, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach Chinese as a Second Language courses at DKU and my research areas includes applied linguistics, language pedagogy and intercultural communication. I’m from Dalian, China. Before joining DKU in 2019 I lived in the States for 9 years while pursuing my graduate degree. My first language is Mandarin and I also speak English, Japanese and a little bit Shanghainese. I am here to support your Mandarin and Japanese language learning, writing and communication skills. I look forward to working with you and to helping you.
Writing/English Coach
Hi! 你好! ¡Hola! My name is Zhenjie Weng, and I’m a language learning coach in the Writing and Language Studio. I also teach EAP 102A and EAP 102B at DKU. I speak both Chinese and English fluently. I am here to support your English language learning and writing. I am particularly interested in how culture influences language learning, developing students’pronunciation and developing students’ reading skills. I look forward to working with you and to helping you meet your language learning goals.
