Virtual Office: EB119
Phone: (205) 996-8799
Fax: (205) 934-4792
Email: olmstes@uab.edu

Currently an adjunct instructor for the Master's Program for Teaching ESL at UAB, I hold a Ph.D. in English and Applied Linguistics from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. In addition, I have a Masters in English Literature (University of Alabama, Huntsville) and a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL, State University of New York at Albany). My Bachelors in History and Philosophy of Religion (Wells College, Aurora, New York) provides access to deep cross-cultural issues.

My on-going research focuses on developing best practices for adult English Language Learner training. I study how to teach language pedagogy to Alabama teachers in training and how to implement strategies for adult professional language development including professional presentation skills for UAB graduate students, and for international medical doctors and researchers. I am also interested in how literature facilitates cross-cultural understanding and in how code-switching between Mandarin and English assists bilingual speakers. My recent publications and presentations indicate my interest in how language policy influences education, how use of authentic materials promotes effective language learning, and how best practices and good pedagogy assist professionals in presenting their research persuasively.

At present, I work with Dr. Susan Spezzini in linguistics-based courses, teaching grammar and second language acquisition, in the Master's Program for Teaching ESL at UAB's School of Education and Human Sciences. I also teach graduate writing (advanced writing, dissertation process) in the UAB Graduate School. Just prior to arriving at UAB, I served as Coordinator of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where I developed testing and curriculum policy and taught Advanced Writing and Superior Speaking to mid-career international diplomats and to aspiring international leaders. I have given dozens of presentations and workshops in the U.S. and in Taiwan, where I work regularly with a medical university in the process of converting from lecturing in Mandarin to using English in more student-centered approaches.


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