Testimonials - PhD 

Jasmine Xu Huimin

What are you doing now, and how has your PhD at ELL/NIE contributed to your career journey?

Currently, I am working as a research staff (Part-Time) in the Department of English and Communication at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at ELL/NIE instead of other institutions?

NIE is a globally recognized institution with an excellent reputation for educational research and teacher development. Before joining the PhD programme, I completed a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics at NIE. My positive and enriching experience as a postgraduate student at ELL/NIE inspired me to return and pursue a doctoral degree.

What was your experience working with your supervisor and faculty members?

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty members at ELL/NIE, especially my supervisor, Assoc Prof Csilla Weninger. Throughout my PhD studies, my supervisor has provided unwavering guidance, mentorship, and support. Her intellectual rigor, insightful perspectives, and high academic standards, combined with her encouragement and support, have been fundamental to my growth. Working with her has not only strengthened my research capabilities but has also shaped my character. The NIE faculty members are highly professional, approachable, and supportive. I had many opportunities to discuss research ideas with them and collaborate on academic projects. The faculty members genuinely care about the students and are generous in offering advice and guidance. Their support has been invaluable to my academic development and career planning.

How did, if at all, the PhD program help you develop as a researcher, educator, or professional, and which aspects of that development have been most valuable in your current role?

Among the many valuable experiences, my work as a Research Assistant, along with the opportunity to co-author publications, has been particularly important for my current role.

What research and professional opportunities did you have during your PhD, and how have these experiences influenced your current work and contributed to your organization? (For example, publications, conference participation, research projects, etc.)

During my PhD studies, I had numerous opportunities to engage in research and teaching activities at NIE. First, I worked as a part-time Research Assistant and also served as a part-time Teaching Assistant. Second, through close collaboration with my supervisor and the faculty members, I was fortunate to publish several research articles during my doctoral studies. Third, I attended many academic conferences. Overall, these opportunities at NIE have had a profound impact on my career development, equipping me with the skills and experiences that continue to support my current work and future aspirations.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering a PhD at ELL/NIE?

I would encourage prospective students to make the most of the opportunities available at ELL/NIE. Be proactive in engaging with your supervisors, faculty members, and peers, participate in various research and teaching activities, and take every opportunity to present your work and collaborate with others. Pursuing a PhD at ELL/NIE is an incredibly rewarding experience that will prepare you well for future career, and help you grow into a confident, independent researcher and lifelong learner. 

Liu Ting Ting

What are you doing now, and how has your PhD at ELL/NIE contributed to your career journey?

I am currently an Associate Professor at Sichuan International Studies University, where I teach and conduct research in applied linguistics. My PhD at ELL/NIE strengthened my research capacity and helped me develop from a university teacher into a teacher-researcher. The rigorous academic training I received has provided a strong foundation for my current teaching, research, and supervision of students.

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at ELL/NIE instead of other institutions?

I chose ELL/NIE because of its excellent scholars, supportive faculty members, and strong reputation in education and applied linguistics. Having previously completed my master’s programme at NIE, I had experienced its intellectually stimulating learning environment firsthand and collaborated very well with my supervisor. The lectures, seminars, workshops, and research conversations on campus created a vibrant scholarly atmosphere that made NIE an ideal place for doctoral study.

What was your experience working with your supervisor and faculty members?

I was fortunate to work with Assoc Prof Vahid Aryadoust, whose guidance had a profound influence on my development. He kept on inspiring me with his expertise and helped me work through periods of uncertainty by clarifying the issues at stake while encouraging me to exercise my own scholarly judgment. He also went to great lengths to secure and prepare the specialised equipment required for my data collection. More broadly, the faculty members at ELL were knowledgeable, approachable, and generous with their expertise. They became important role models for the kind of researcher, teacher, and mentor I hope to be.

How did, if at all, the PhD program help you develop as a researcher, educator, or professional, and which aspects of that development have been most valuable in your current role?

The programme trained me to approach research with greater rigour, independence, openness, and criticality.  Most importantly, I learned how to formulate meaningful research questions, evaluate evidence critically, and connect research with real-world problem solving. These abilities are central to my present work as a researcher, teacher, and student supervisor.

What research and professional opportunities did you have during your PhD, and how have these experiences influenced your current work and contributed to your organization? (For example, publications, conference participation, research projects, etc.)

During my PhD, I designed and conducted a large-scale mixed-methods research project on L2 listening assessment. The project generated several strands of research, providing opportunities to develop publications and present findings at academic conferences. These experiences strengthened my ability to manage complex research projects, communicate findings to different academic audiences, and translate a doctoral study into focused scholarly outputs. In my current institution, I draw on this experience to advance my publication agenda, contribute to collaborative research projects, mentor students in research and academic writing in my current position.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering a PhD at ELL/NIE?

A PhD is not only a research project but also a process of intellectual and personal growth. Make full use of the expertise, seminars, workshops, and academic community available at NIE. Research is a journey of faith: the path becomes clear as you walk it.

Zhang Weiyu

What are you doing now, and how has your PhD at ELL/NIE contributed to your career journey?

I am currently working in the field of language teacher education in Singapore. My responsibilities include designing and delivering teacher education and professional development programs for teachers from across Southeast Asia and beyond. My PhD at ELL/NIE equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for this role and prepared me well for the challenges of my current position.

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at ELL/NIE instead of other institutions?

My journey with ELL/NIE began in 2014, when I received a scholarship to pursue the Postgraduate Diploma in English Language Teaching (PGDELT). At the time, I was a lecturer at a university in China. The program and the faculty members at NIE inspired me to transition from being a language teacher to becoming a teacher-researcher. It was here that I discovered my passion for research, which motivated me to continue with a Master’s in Applied Linguistics before eventually pursuing a PhD.

What was your experience working with your supervisor and faculty members?

What stands out most to me about the faculty members at ELL/NIE is how inspiring they are. Throughout my time here, I was exposed to thought-provoking ideas and received invaluable guidance. My Master’s and PhD supervisor, Assoc Prof Cheung Yin Ling, was exceptionally supportive and provided thoughtful guidance throughout my academic journey. I always felt that I was in good hands, and I remain deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I received from her and the other faculty members at ELL/NIE.

How did, if at all, the PhD program help you develop as a researcher, educator, or professional, and which aspects of that development have been most valuable in your current role?

The program played a significant role in my development as a researcher and educator. From my Master’s onwards, I worked closely with my supervisor on research projects and publications. These experiences strengthened my research and academic skills, enabling me to build a publication record that has supported my career after graduation. The faculty members at NIE also modelled excellent teaching practices, setting examples that continue to influence my own approach to teaching and teacher education. These experiences provided a strong foundation for my current role in teacher education and research.

What research and professional opportunities did you have during your PhD, and how have these experiences influenced your current work and contributed to your organization? (For example, publications, conference participation, research projects, etc.)

During my PhD, I had the opportunity to work on many research projects with my supervisor, which led to publications in SSCI-indexed journals and book chapters published by reputable publishers. I also benefited from engaging coursework and was able to develop some course projects into publications. In addition, I presented my research at leading international conferences, which allowed me to engage with researchers from around the world and broaden my professional network. These opportunities have been instrumental in supporting my current work in research and teacher education and in making meaningful contributions to my organization.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering a PhD at ELL/NIE?

I would wholeheartedly recommend pursuing a PhD at ELL/NIE to anyone aspiring to a career in teaching or research, wherever they may choose to work in the world. My advice would be to have a clear vision of your goals, develop a concrete plan, remain open to new ideas and perspectives, and work strategically towards achieving your goals from day one.