Prof Na Luo | linguistics | Best Researcher Award
Lanzhou University, China
Author Profile
🌱 Early Academic Pursuits
Na (Laura) Luo’s journey in academia began with a solid foundation in language studies. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Scientific English from West China University of Medical Sciences in 1996. This academic choice highlighted her keen interest in bridging the gap between language and science, a theme that would later characterize her career. Her pursuit of advanced education led her to Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, where she obtained a Master of Law in Civil and Commercial Law in 2003. Her thesis work under the supervision of Dr. Jinlong Zhao further refined her analytical and linguistic skills, offering her a multidisciplinary perspective.
🎓 Professional Endeavors
Na (Laura) Luo’s academic career officially commenced in 1996 at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, where she served as an Assistant Lecturer. Her teaching responsibilities, which included general and medical English, laid the groundwork for her expertise in English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Over the years, her dedication and pedagogical excellence earned her promotions to Lecturer, Associate Professor, and eventually Professor of English.
Her tenure at The University of Hong Kong as a doctoral candidate between 2013 and 2017 was transformative. Under the mentorship of Prof. Ken Hyland, she completed her Ph.D. in English, with a thesis titled “Chinese scientists writing for international publication: The use of mediation services.” Her outstanding research during this period was recognized with the Award for Outstanding Research Postgraduate Student for 2016-2017.
🌐 Contributions and Research Focus
Laura Luo has made substantial contributions to the field of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Her research primarily explores the challenges faced by non-native English authors, particularly Chinese scientists, in publishing their work internationally. Her expertise extends to the study of writing feedback tools, text mediation services, and ESP teacher education.
She has led several research projects as a Principal Investigator, including a notable project funded by the National Social Science Fund of China on text mediation services for Chinese scientific authors. Her work has consistently aimed at enhancing the accessibility of international publication for Chinese researchers.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her career, Na (Laura) Luo has been recognized for her academic excellence and research impact. Her doctoral research received the Award for Outstanding Research Postgraduate Student for 2016-2017 at The University of Hong Kong. Her expertise and dedication to teaching and research have also been acknowledged through her steady rise in academic positions, culminating in her current role as a Professor of English at Lanzhou University.
🌏 Impact and Influence
Na (Laura) Luo’s work has significantly impacted the field of academic writing and publication for non-native English authors. Through her research on writing feedback tools and text mediation services, she has provided crucial insights into improving the clarity, quality, and international reach of academic publications.
Her influence extends beyond her research, as she has also mentored numerous graduate students, helping them navigate the complexities of academic writing and publication. Her role as an educator has enabled her to directly impact the next generation of scholars.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
As a Professor of English at Lanzhou University, Na (Laura) Luo continues to shape the academic landscape through her teaching, supervision, and research. Her ongoing work on writing feedback tools, such as the study of LLMs ChatGPT and Doubao, demonstrates her commitment to exploring innovative solutions for academic challenges.
Looking ahead, her research is poised to further enhance the understanding of EAP and ESP, particularly in the context of Chinese academia’s integration into the global research community.
📝Notable Publications
Writing conferences via an online meeting platform
Author: Na Luo
Journal: ELT Journal
Year: 2023
Teacher behaviour and student engagement with L2 writing feedback: a case study
Author: Na Luo
Journal: International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching
Year: 2023
Self-assessment complements peer assessment for undergraduate students in an academic writing task
Authors: Choo Mui Cheong, Na Luo, Xinhua Zhu, Qi Lu, Wei Wei
Journal: Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education
Year: 2023