Welcome to my webpage! 

I specialize in the cognitive and social aspects of language, focusing on syntax and its interfaces. As an experimental linguist, I do research on the interface between grammar, cognitive processes, and society and emphasize crosslinguistic differences, linguistic typology and multilingualism in my research. I study how linguistic behaviors are made possible by the human brain and how they are connected to one's (perceived) identity in society. The core of my research is the nature of grammar and how grammar works in the mind and in the world. Research in my language and cognition lab has focused on language processing and sociolinguistic issues, especially on how syntax interfaces with semantics, phonology, and cognitive capacity such as working memory, and relevant sociophonetic issues about linguistic biases in society. 

As a Chinese specialist in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures in IU Bloomington, my reseach has centered on how Chiense works in the mind, in society, and in multilinguls. I regularly teach about and lead research on language and society, syntactic processing, psycholinguistics, and language and thinking in relation to linguistic diversity. 

I often think about how language and thinking interact. How are language users affected by the languages they speak in both conceptulizing the world, reasoning, and in their social behaviors? Click HERE to see the recent research topics that I have been working on.

Besides using psycholinguistic methods (e.g., response times and eyetracking) and sociolinguistic methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, and ethnography), I also use corpora and electroencephalogram (EEG) to study language processes. The list of methodologies adopted in my research can be found on my lab page. I'm currently an Associate Professor at the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Department of Linguistics and the interdisciplinary Cognitive Science Program at Indiana University, Bloomington (IUB). Since the Summer of 2024, I became the James and Noriko Gines Department Chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures.

I am dedicated to establishing connections between my research and professional role to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a language researcher, I feel well-positioned to engage with a range of issues related to this mission. I have actively contributed to this effort by delivering public talks at corporations, aiming to foster comprehension of Asian languages and identities, particularly in the context of AAPI events. I completed the Indiana University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Certification Program as part of my commitment to advancing these principles.

How to Study with Me:

I welcome students who are passionate about studying how language works to join me on the journey of linguistic discovery. There are multiple ways to study with me at Indiana University. Prospective students can consider the following options for their application:

1) PhD in Chinese Linguistics or East Asian Linguistics in the PhD Program of East Asian Languages and Cultures where your focus will be experimental Chinese/Japanese linguistics. This is the most direct route to work with me, and your funding, likely a 5-year fellowship package awarded to top candidates, will directly come from EALC in the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. You will apply to the PhD in Chinese or Japanese under EALC.

2)  PhD in Cognitive Science in the graduate program of Cognitive Science where you will join the broader CogSci community at Indiana University. Recruitment usually coincides with the that of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. I encourage you to reach out to me first before you submit your application. I will help you put together a team of cognitive scientists here in IUB to work together to train you. IUB has a strong group of cognitive scientists to welcome you.

3) PhD in General Linguistics or Computational Linguistics in the graduate program of Linguistics, where I have an adjunct appointment and can chair dissertations. Again, I encourage you to reach out to me first before you submit your application if you would like to work with me. The Department of Linguistics is currently not accepting new applicants.

Students working with me will have access to the facilities in the Language and Cognition Lab, where you will also find a group of gradaute students passionate about studying language processing, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, and linguistic anthropology. At IU, I work with an awesome group of students from departments such as EALC, Linguistics, Second Language Studies, Cognitive Science, and Psychology to do exciting experimental and computational research. Students interested in doing internship or taking independent studies with me are welcome to contact me for such opportunities. Sending me an email may be a great way to start!