Xuan Zhao

About Me

My name is Xuan Zhao, and I am currently working as a Senior Research Associate (post-doc) at the University of East Anglia (UEA), supporting a UKRI-funded research project that explores young children's digital literacies in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I recently completed a PhD in Education at the University of Exeter. Prior to my current role, I worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Southampton, contributing to projects on language testing, with a particular focus on IELTS repeat test-taking. I also served as a Postgraduate Teaching Associate at the University of Exeter, supporting TESOL and education-related modules.

Research Interests and Expertise

My PhD research focused on vocabulary learning, the psychological aspects of learning, including engagement, motivation, perception, emotion, awareness, and attention, particularly in the context of technology-enhanced language learning. I specialize in scale development and validation, and I have strong expertise in mixed methods research. I specialize in thematic analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and the multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) approach. Through my current and past research roles, my interests have expanded to include language assessment, digital literacy, and well-being in education.

Teaching Experience

As a Postgraduate Teaching Associate, I have supported a range of modules including:

• Education Studies (EFPM914)
• Prepare for Education Research and Dissertation (EFPM308)
• Prepare for Education Inquiry Portfolio (EFPM331)
• TESOL Research Events (EFPM329)
• drop-in sessions to support students' dissertation

I was honoured with the “Above & Beyond” Teaching Award in recognition of my dedication, enthusiasm, collegiality, and support for both staff and students in my role as a Postgraduate Teaching Associate. I have also worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Chinese Excellence Programme funded by the British Council, and I have a range of experiences supporting language learning and teaching in diverse educational contexts.

Academic Service and Leadership

In addition to teaching and research, I actively contribute to the academic community through peer review and service roles. I serve as a peer reviewer for several international journals such as:

• Frontiers in Psychology
• Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching
• Review of Education
• British Journal of Educational Technology

I also act as a conference abstract reviewer for major international conferences such as:

• BERA (British Educational Research Association)
• AAAL (American Association for Applied Linguistics)
• NATESOL (Northern Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Furthermore, I serve as a scholarship essay reviewer for:

• IATEFL Eastbourne Graham Smith Scholarship
• IATEFL Ray Tongue Scholarship

Leadership in Research Culture

For example, in 2024, I was awarded the Researcher-Led Initiative Award at the University of Exeter. This competitive funding supports early-career researchers and PGR students to design and deliver professional development activities. I independently managed all aspects of the project—from writing the proposal and coordinating guest speakers to overseeing logistics, budget, and reporting—demonstrating initiative, leadership, and commitment to promoting a positive research culture among postgraduate researchers.

Other Roles and Contributions

Outside of research and teaching, I have worked as a peer mentor through multiple schemes at the University of Exeter, including the Global Scheme, School of Education Buddy-Up Programme, exam invigilator and Help to Help Adviser roles, etc.

Get in Touch

I am passionate about research and academic collaboration. Please feel free to contact me at xuanz369@outlook.com regarding:

• Collaborative research projects
• Reviewing opportunities (e.g., journal articles, conference abstracts, scholarship essays)
• Speaking or mentoring engagements
• Other academic initiatives or partnerships
• Potential job opportunities

(Due to word and space limits, I only cover some of my research and teaching experience ^_^)