A PhD candidate in Michigan State University’s Second Language Studies program, my journey into academia began at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada with a BA in English Literature and a BFA in Theatre Performance. After 3 years as an adult English as a Second Language instructor, I spent 3 years in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan teaching high school English with the JET Programme. This combined experience led me to pursue a masters degree in Applied Linguistics at Concordia University in Montréal, Québec, Canada, before traveling south to East Lansing, Michigan to complete my doctorate. 

Though well-versed in a range of research foci, my primary agenda emphasizes the attainment of intelligible speech for second language (L2) speakers of English. Specifically, I take into account the linguistic (e.g., Isaacs & Trofimovich, 2012) and intercultural (e.g., Baker, 2015) considerations that define native-nonnative and nonnative-nonnative interaction. Additional foci include the effectiveness of language preparatory courses in international students’ academic and social adjustments during university study (e.g., Andrade, 2006) and the promotion of methodological rigour within applied linguistics inquiry (e.g., Byrnes, 2013). As an experienced English language instructor, my long term scholarly objective is to link research to pedagogy (e.g., Derwing & Munro, 2005; Gass with Behney & Plonsky, 2013). 

Through various collaborative projects I have been able to expand my research foci beyond the agenda highlighted above (e.g., L2 motivation and investment, MALL, corrective feedback, eye-tracking). Current publications include articles in TESOL Quarterly, Modern Language Journal, and Studies in Second Language Acquisition. I also possess extensive presentation experience at both domestic (American Association of Applied Linguistics, Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching, Second Language Research Forum) and international (Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics, International Conference of English as a Lingua Franca) conferences. Through my time at MSU, I have benefited from the opportunities to perform in a series of roles. As a research assistant, I have engaged in research targeting Global Englishes, methodological rigour, and eye-tracker usage. I have also spent 1.5 years as an editorial assistant for Studies in Second Language Acquisition, edited by Drs. Gass and VanPatten. As a teaching assistant I have taught LLT 361 (Second and Foreign Language Learning) and LLT 307 (Language Teaching Methods), the latter of which I will be teaching throughout fall 2017 and spring 2018. 

I strongly believe that in order to be at top capacity academically it is necessary to allow myself moments of levity, and I do so through exercise, sports viewing, and reading. Despite the rigours of PhD study, I have managed to maintain a strong interest in exercise (running, spinning, yoga) and sports, specifically following my hometown Vancouver Canucks, despite their recent (some might say forever ongoing) struggles. I have recently completed the complete works of Sri Lankan Canadian author Michael Ondaatje, reread (and rewatched) the entire Harry Potter series, and recommend the works of Canadian author and playwright Ann-Marie MacDonald to those looking for an amazing literary experience. More information can be found on my website http://dustincrowther.weebly.com.