Dr. Yanan Zhao is a Lecturer at the Center for Language Education, Southern University of Science and Technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Foreign, Second, and Multilingual Education from The Ohio State University, USA. Her research focuses on second language writing, particularly argumentative writing and how teachers and students engage with generative AI in writing instruction and learning. As a transnational educator, she has taught and supported students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds across different educational contexts.
Education
Ph.D. The Ohio State Univerisity, USA, 2021
M.A. University of Warwick, UK, 2008
B.A. Tianjin University of Commerce, China, 2007
Work Experience
Lecturer
Southern University of Science and Technology, China
August 2026 – Present
Senior Lecturer
Duke Kunshan University, China
July 2023 – June 2026
Lecturer
University of California, Irvine, USA
September 2021 – June 2023
Writing Consultant
The Ohio State University, USA
August 2015 – May 2021
English Language Instructor
China Agricultural University, China
February 2009 – July 2013
Publication
Weng, Z., & Zhao, Y. (In press). Teacher-GenAI collaboration in EAP material modification and redefinition: A collaborative self-study. Second Language Teacher Education
Weng, Z., & Zhao, Y. (2026). An integrated perspective on a second language writing teacher’s professional growth: A cross-contextual, career-stage analysis, Language Teaching Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688261455664
Weng, Z., & Zhao, Y. (In press). Identity, agency, emotions, and expertise of transnational L2 writing teachers across space and time: A collaborative autoethnography. In In C. Yu, A. J. Liu, & R. T. Miller (Eds.), Emotions in teaching writing in multilingual and multicultural contexts. Multilingual Matters.
Fu, Y., Weng, Z., Wang, J. and Zhao, Y. (In press) Moving Beyond Access Toward Systemic Transformation: A Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis on Equitable and Socially Just Artificial Intelligence in Education", International Journal of Technology in Education.
Joo, H. J, Zhao, Y, & Yoon, E, H, (2018), Issues of Task Representation in Second Language Writing, Ohio TESOL Journal, 10(2), 12–13.
Conference Presentations
Zhao, Y., & Weng, Z. (2026, May 28–31). Negotiating Generative AI in EAP Writing Instruction in an EMI University. Paper present at the 24th AsiaTEFL International Conference (AsiaTEFL 2026), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
Weng, Z., & Zhao, Y. (2026, May 16–17). Identity, emotion, agency & L2 writing teacher expertise. Paper present at the Korean Teasel Conference, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea.
Zhao, Y. (2023, March 21-24). Writing in an American High School and L2 Task Representation. [Conference session] TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo, Portland, OR, United States.
Zhao, Y. (2022, March 19-22). How do multilingual writers understand source-based writing tasks in high school? [Conference session] Conference of American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
Zhao, Y. (2020, March 28-31). L2 writing task representation among adolescent Chinese international students. [Conference session] Conference of American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Denver, CO, United States. https://www.aaal.org/news/The-AAAL-Annual-Conference-HasBeenCancelled. (Conference canceled)
Zhao, Y. (2019). Writing in an American high school: the role of task representation. Paper presented at the Symposium on Second Language Writing, Tempe, Arizona.
Zhao, Y. (2018). The story of Chinese "parachute kids": writing in American High Schools. Paper presented at the International Conference on Teaching and Researching EFL Writing, Nanjing, China.
Zhao, Y. (2018). Understanding Chinese International Students' L2 Writing Experiences in A Private American High School. Paper presented at the Symposium on Second Language Writing, Vancouver, Canada
Zhao, Y., Jung, J., Bourgeois, M.,Talbot, A., & Cheng, D. (2018). Writing Groups in the Writing Center: Strengthening the Ongoing Writing Support. Served at a Panel Discussion at the East Central Writing Centers Association Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y. (2018). Understanding Chinese Students' Academic Writing Experiences in U.S. High School Classrooms. Paper presented at the EHE Student Research Forum, Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y., Joo, H.,& Yoon, E. (2017), "Why Do We Need the Second Draft?": Special Needs of Second Language Writers. Paper Co-presented at the Ohio TESOL Conference, Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y., Park, E., & Zhang, W. (2017). Academic Acculturation in Various Academic and Professional Context. Colloquium at the Second Language Research Forum, Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y. (2017). Studying in an American High School: Chinese "Parachute Kids". Paper presented at EHE Student Research Forum, Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y. (2016). Helping English Language Learners Better Understand Writing Task Requirements. Paper presented at Ohio TESO Conference, Columbus, Ohio.
Zhao, Y., Park, E., & Chen, M. (2015). Double-edged Sword: Opportunities and Challenges of English Publication among Nonnative English Speaking (NNS) Scholars. Paper co-presented at the EHE Student Research Forum, Columbus, Ohio.