About me
I am Qiuyi Sun, a corpus linguist studying for a PhD in English Language and Applied Linguist at the University of Birmingham, UK.
I am interested in the use of modality and its disciplinary variation in learner academic writing. I believe in collaboration between learner corpus and second language acquisition study may be harnessed to improve our communication between researchers and practitioners. I have a unique perspective teaching students ranging from preschool children and undergraduates. I’ve taught English, Mandarin, and linguistic BA modules in face-to-face sessions and on various online platforms since 2018. I am also an influencer with 15,000 followers on Chinese social media Weibo. As a researcher, a teacher, and an influencer, I am keen to collaborate with industries and researchers to promote the academic findings to a wider audience such as teachers, students, and EdTech companies.
Education
2020-Present
University of Birmingham
PhD candidate - English Language and Applied Linguistics
• Research area: academic English, second language acquisition, corpus linguistics, and modality
• Thesis Title: A Corpus-based Study on the use of modals by Chinese learners of English
2017-2018
University of Birmingham
MA - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Coursework in Second Language Teaching & Learning, Syllabus & Material Design, Language Teaching Observation and Practice, Psycholinguistics in TESOL, etc.
2015
University of Strathclyde
Exchange Program in Education funded by the China Scholarship Council
• Took the internship in nurseries and primary schools to introduce Chinese tradition, such as teaching Chinese
characters and celebrating Chinese traditional festival with local teachers and students.
• Coursework includes Introduction to Scottish Education for International Students, Introduction to the
Integrated Curriculum for International Students, Enterprise and Entrepreneurial.
2013-2017
Nanjing Normal University
BA - Preschool Education
• The phase of preschool education in China includes children from 0-6 years old.
• Coursework in Preschool Language, Hygiene of Preschool Children, Child Development Psychology, the Development and Education of Children aged 0-3, etc.