STARTALK at UB

Program Director and Lead Instructor

Chuan Lin is the Director of the Chinese Language Program and Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Linguistics at the University at Buffalo. She holds an MA and a PhD in Chinese Linguistics and Chinese Language Pedagogy from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and an MEd in International Education from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Lin's research explores individual differences in second language acquisition, with a focus on language learning motivation, particularly in Mandarin as both a foreign and heritage language. Her work deepens understanding of how learners develop proficiency and sustain engagement. Dr. Lin brings over 16 years of experience teaching Chinese at U.S. colleges, having taught a full spectrum of language and culture courses at Georgia State University, Georgetown University, the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, and Vanderbilt University. Additionally, she has taught in elite summer intensive programs, including Princeton in Beijing (PiB) for Princeton University and the Chinese School at Middlebury College.

Program Co-Director

Erin Kearney (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is Professor of Language Education and Multilingualism in the Graduate School of Education and current Chair of the Department of Learning and Instruction at the University at Buffalo. Trained as an educational linguist and as a former French teacher, Dr. Kearney carries a deep appreciation for and interest in classroom-based language instruction into her research, her work as a pre- and in-service language educator, and her advocacy and leadership in the world language profession on local, state, regional, and national levels. Dr. Kearney’s research on world language pedagogies as well as intercultural teaching practices in addition to her long-standing and deep engagement with language educators in New York state, has contributed significantly to the design of the program.

Grades 9-12 Pedagogical Expert

Yajie Zhang is an experienced and highly respected Chinese language educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. She earned both her BA and MA in Chinese Language and Literature from Renmin University of China. In 2003, she received a second Master’s Degree in Education, along with a Teaching Certificate, from the University at Buffalo. From 1998 to 2011, she taught at Buffalo Chinese School, where she also served as principal from 2006 to 2009. In 2007, she established the Chinese Program at Nichols School and went on to launch a Chinese Exchange Program between Nichols School and the Middle School affiliated with the Central University of Science and Technology in 2010. Since then, she has led six student exchange trips to Wuhan, China. Yajie has been recognized with numerous honors for her contributions to Chinese language education, including the Excellent Educator Award from the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of China in 2007. In 2017, she was also awarded the Humanity Award at Nichols School.

Instructor

Xianxian Fang is currently a Lecturer of Chinese in the Department of Linguistics at the University at Buffalo. She earned her MA from Beijing Normal University, one of the top-ranked normal universities in China. From 2013 to 2021, she served as a Senior Lecturer of Chinese and Director of the Beijing Summer Program at the University of Southern California (USC). Xianxian teaches a wide range of courses, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced Chinese, as well as classical Chinese. She is known for her dynamic and engaging teaching style, which fosters a deep understanding of both the language and the culture. Her current research interests include Chinese pedagogy, intercultural communication, and second language assessment. She is also a certified ACTFL ILR OPI Tester, helping to ensure that students meet high standards in their language proficiency assessments.

 Instructor

Rong (Cindy) Yan is a certified Chinese World Language teacher at Nichols School in Buffalo. She earned her MA in the TESOL program at the University at Buffalo in 2009. With 16 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools in Buffalo, she is a dedicated and passionate educator. Prior to joining Nichols in 2011, Rong taught Chinese at PS 156 Frederick Law Olmsted High School from 2009 to 2011. She holds New York State Mandarin Teaching Certificates for Grades 5–9 and Grades 7–12, underscoring her expertise in teaching students across a wide range of age groups. Beyond the classroom, Rong has successfully led Nichols’ student exchange programs to China, providing students with invaluable firsthand cultural experiences that enhance their understanding of the Chinese language, history, and traditions. Additionally, Rong has coordinated multiple class field trips to Toronto, where her students engage with the city’s vibrant Chinese community and culture.

 Instructor

Ming Yu is a dedicated Mandarin Chinese teacher at Buffalo Public School #99, bringing over 18 years of experience in teaching Chinese language and culture within the Buffalo Public School District. She earned her Master’s degree in Education from the University at Buffalo and holds a New York State Professional Teacher Certificate in Mandarin Chinese (K-12). Her passion for fostering cultural understanding and language proficiency has made her a valued educator in the community. She has served as a Mentor Teacher, hosting, evaluating, and training student teachers from the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education. Additionally, she served as Chair of the local Chinese Language Council from 2017 to 2020 and conducted annual language teaching workshops from 2011 to 2019. Ming is known for her ability to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where students of all backgrounds thrive in mastering the Chinese language and culture. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her respect from colleagues and students alike.