Xiaojia Lyu

Profile

I am an educator and researcher with a diverse academic background in linguistics, public administration, and English education. I hold a Master of English Education from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, where my research explored various aspects of language, including World English, language teacher development, and the influence of dialect on phonetic acquisition. Additionally, I completed a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Maryland, USA, where I expanded my understanding of public policy.

These experiences, alongside my Bachelor’s degree in English Translation from Southern Medical University, have provided me with a rich interdisciplinary approach to research. My background in linguistics, combined with my Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Maryland, allows me to bridge the gap between language education and public policy. As an English teacher specialising in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) at Guangzhou Xinhua University, I applied both linguistic and administrative insights to address the unique challenges in ESP teaching. Additionally, my role as a research assistant at the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health further honed my ability to integrate policy analysis with educational research, enabling me to tackle complex issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

At the University of Leeds, my goal is to grow as a leading researcher, producing high-quality work that not only advances academic understanding but also shapes educational policy. I aim to drive sustainable, impactful reforms that improve teaching practices and strengthen the integration of interdisciplinary approaches in education.

Research interests

• ESP Teacher Identity Formation/Language Teacher Professional development: Investigating the process of language teacher identity formation, with the aim of improving teacher development  programs and informing educational policies.
• World English: Exploring how the global use of English impacts language education and identity formation, particularly in non-native English-speaking regions.
• Computer-Assisted Language Teaching (CALT): Examining the role of technology in enhancing language learning and teaching, with a focus on how digital tools can support effective ESP instruction.

Qualifications

• MA by Research (English Education), Guangdong University of Foreign Studies
• MPA (Public Administration), University of Maryland
• BA (English Translation), Southern Medical University