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Q&A with Dr. Xuejun (Ryan) Ji, former LangScis Student Steering Committee Member
January 9, 2023
Xuejun (Ryan) Ji is a current Ph.D. student in Measurement, Evaluation, and Research Methodology (MERM). Prior to coming to UBC, he obtained his first Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Language and Literacy) from Texas A&M University - College Station. His research focuses on diagnostic classification modeling, measurement validity, large-scale assessments and learning analytics. And parallel applied research homes in on: differential diagnosis and intervention of reading problems, literacy acquisition across languages, validation of reading theoretical models across languages, and the impacts of ecological, socioemotional, and cognitive factors on child development.
As a valued member of the Steering Committee, Ryan sat down with Language Sciences to discuss some of the initiatives he started, and what he's taking away from his experience being on the Language Sciences Steering Committee.
What are your current research interests?
My current research interest related to language sciences is looking at differential diagnosis and intervention of reading problems, literacy acquisition across languages, validation of reading theoretical models across languages, and the impacts of ecological, socioemotional, and cognitive factors on child development.
What prompted you to join the Language Sciences Steering Committee?
I wanted to obtain professional service experience, as well as experience more collaborative research opportunities.
What are some Language Sciences initiative or events have you supported during your time on the Steering Committee?
During my time on the Language Sciences Steering Committee I supported the annual Graduate and Postdoc Research Day Conferences, Professional Development workshops, as well as various research talks.
Is there anything you've learned from your time on the Steering Committee?
This opportunity allowed be to have collaborative efforts with various Language Sciences faculty members outside of my program, as well as some journal publications.
What contributions are you the most proud of during your participation on the Language Sciences Steering Committee?
I initiated the Graduate and Postdoc conferences which have now become a yearly event!