Faculty and Staff Profiles

Diana Ruggiero
Professor, World Languages and Literatures
Email: Diana.R@memphis.edu
Office Location:
Office Hours: By appointment
Profile

Dr. Diana Ruggiero

Email: Dmrggero@memphis.edu

Dr. Diana Ruggiero arrived to the University of Memphis in 2012 and is now an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Literatures where she currently specializes in world languages for specific purposes (WLSP; Spanish focus) and community service learning. An engaged scholar recognized by her professional peers worldwide for her contributions to scholarship and teaching in WLSP and Spanish language and culture, her current teaching and research focus is on WLSP pedagogy, Spanish for healthcare and the Latinx Community in Memphis. Among the many Spanish for specific purposes courses that she develops and teaches for the Department of World Languages, such as Spanish for healthcare, Spanish for commerce, Spanish for community engagement, Dr. Ruggiero teaches medical Spanish interpreting and translating, which is a pre-requisite to obtain the national certification for medical interpreting. Dr. Ruggiero's graduate course on teaching Spanish for specific purposes is a methodology course that prepares future language teachers to teach WLSP and Spanish for the professions. Other research interests to date include WLSP, Linguistics in healthcare, heritage language learners, cultural competence and intercultural sensitivity development, service-learning project design and assessment, Medical interpreting and body language, and issues and methods in WLSP, L2 and heritage language learner pedagogy. She serves the Latinx community in collaboration with local non-profit organizations, developing service learning opportunities benefiting the community, providing interpreting and translation services to organizations serving the Latino population, and providing leadership through board membership with Latino Memphis, the largest Latino serving organization in Memphis. In response to Covid-19 and social distancing measures, Dr. Ruggiero is most recently active developing, participating in, and supporting engaged scholarship initiatives (remote and face-to-face) focusing on the mental, emotional, and physical health needs of the local Latinx and other underserved populations of Memphis. In partnership with local non-profits Cazateatro and Latino Memphis, she developed and produce content for a Facebook page (Bienestar901) and a related podcast series addressing the health and wellness needs of the local Latinx population during the pandemic. Dr. Ruggiero provides support for the Memphis Latinx population in the way of translation and interpreting services, educational talks, workshops, and materials, and support and discussion groups, among others. In recognition of her many contributions to research and teaching in the areas of WLSP and community service learning and Spanish language and culture, Dr. Ruggiero is the recipient of an American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) Teacher of the Year Award (College Level), an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in The Teaching of Culture, a Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant (University of Memphis), an Early Career Research Award (University of Memphis), an Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship (University of Memphis), and a Tennessee Board of Regents Cycle 3 OER Tier 1 Grant in the amount of $29,997 toward the development of open educational resources in medical Spanish interpreting and the redesign of an online medical Spanish course. Dr. Ruggiero is author of Teaching World Languages for Specific Purposes (published 2022 by Georgetown University Press), co-author of a textbook on intermediate medical Spanish, and is published in leading peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes in the field of WLSP. Her research can be found in Cuadernos de ALDEEU, Revista Signos, Revista de lenguas para fines específicos, Journal of Languages for Specific Purposes, Global Business Languages, ADFL Bulletin, Hispania, and Latin American Music Review, among other peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Ruggiero is a board certified medical interpreter (CHI-Spanish & CMI-Spanish).




Work Experience
  • Professor, World Languages and Literatures - University of Memphis - 2023-Present
  • Associate Professor, World Languages and Literatures - University of Memphis - 2018-present
  • Assistant Professor, World Languages and Literatures - University of Memphis - 2012-2018
  • Assistant Professor, Spanish - Monmouth College - 2010-2012
  • Graduate Associate, Spanish and Portuguese - The Ohio State University - 2002-2010
Honors/Awards
  • Nominated for The Willard R. Sparks Eminent Faculty Award. - University of Memphis - 2024
  • Distinguished Teaching Award Recipient - University of Memphis - 2024
  • Freeburg Professorship - University of Memphis - 2022-2025
  • Cycle 3 OER Tier 1 Grant for OER Healthcare Interpreting Course Redesign Project ($29,997) - Tennessee Board of Regents - 2022
  • Community of Research Scholars (CoRS) Award (collaborating scholar; convened by Dr. Simranjit Khalsa) - University of Memphis Division of Research and Innovation - 2021 (for Spring 2022)
  • Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship - University of Memphis Alumni Association - 2022
  • Faculty Fellow, Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities Freeburg Fellows Program - Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities, University of Memphis - 2021 (for Spring 2022)
  • USRC Grant Writing Award Competition ($1000) - University of Memphis - 2021
  • Finalist - Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award - University of Memphis Alumni Association - 2021
  • Finalist - Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Engaged Scholarship - University of Memphis Alumni Association - 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Community of Research Scholars (CoRS) Award (convener; $2,500) - University of Memphis Division of Research and Innovation - 2019 (for Spring 2020)
  • AATSP Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award at the University & College level - American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) - 2019
  • Early Career Research Award (ECRA; $500) - University of Memphis - 2019
  • ACTFL Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in The Teaching of Culture - American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages - 2018
  • CAS Professional Development Assignment - University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences - Fall 2018
  • CAS Travel Enrichment Award - University of Memphis - 2017
  • Women's History Month Honoree - University of Memphis - 2014-2017
  • Poem titled "Wonder Woman" honored as part of Women's History Month Closing Ceremony - University of Memphis - 2017
  • Thomas W. Briggs Excellence in Teaching Award Nominee - University of Memphis - 2016
  • CAS Travel Enrichment Award - University of Memphis - 2016
  • Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant ($18,500) - University of Memphis - 2015
  • AATSP First Time Attendee Award - American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) - 2015
  • CAS Travel Enrichment Award - University of Memphis - 2015
  • Thomas W. Briggs Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award Nominee - University of Memphis - 2015
  • Excellence in Service to Students Award - Sigma Alpha Phi, The National Society of Leadership and Success - 2015
  • Engaged Scholarship Conference Travel Award - University of Memphis - 2014
  • Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award Nominee - University of Memphis - 2014
  • AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship Alternate - American Association of University Women - 2010
  • Fulbright Award and Extension - Fulbright - 2007
  • Graduate School Alumni Grants for Graduate Research and Scholarship - The Ohio State University - 2007
  • Crane Café Radio TV / Google Earth Lesson Planning Competition - The Ohio State University - 2006
  • Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship (Portuguese) - The Ohio State University - 2005
  • Graduate Associate Teaching Award - The Ohio State University - 2004
  • President Kirwan Critical Difference for Women Scholarship Recipient - The Ohio State University - 2002
  • Undergraduate Excellence in Spanish - Department of Spanish and Portuguese, The Ohio State University - 2002
  • College of Humanities Diversity Enhancement Award Nominee - The Ohio State University - 2002

Teaching Experience
  • Spanish for the Hospitality Industry (HPRM 3011M50) - University of Memphis
  • Healthcare Interpreting and Translation (SPAN 4793/4705 & 4705M50) - University of Memhphis
  • Applied Languages for Specific Purposes (SPAN 7794/7896) - University of Memphis
  • Teaching Spanish for Specific Purposes (SPAN 7895) - University of Memphis
  • Intro to Hispanic Studies (SPAN 3304) - University of Memphis
  • Hispanic Literature Genres (SPAN 4563) - University of Memphis
  • UNHP 4901 Intersections between Global Issues, Culture, Health, and Local Community Engagement: A Service Learning Course in Cahuita, Costa Rica - University of Memphis
  • Spanish for Specific Purposes and Community Engagement (SPAN 4703) - University of Memphis
  • Teaching Spanish for Specific Purposes (SPAN 7895) - University of Memphis
  • Spanish for Commerce I and II (SPAN 4701 & 4702) - University of Memphis
  • Spanish for Healthcare (4704) - University of Memphis
  • Individual Studies in Business Languages - University of Memphis
  • Research in Hispanic Literature - University of Memphis
  • Spanish literature - University of Memphis
  • Spanish Composition (SPAN 3303) - University of Memphis
  • Spanish Conversation (SPAN 3311) - University of Memphis
  • Individual Studies in Spanish - University of Memphis

Student Advising/Mentoring
  • ELE/EL2 Master's (Caro y Cuervo Institute. Bogota, Colombia) - Yenny Urrego - 2020
  • Master's in Applied Linguistics and Spanish for Specific Purposes (Universidad de Nebrija, Spain) - Carolina Molina - 2016

Support
  • Cycle 3 OER Tier 1 Grant for the OER Healthcare Interpreting Course Redesign Project - Tennessee Board of Regents - $29,997 - 2022
  • Funds for Intermediate Medical Spanish Textbook Illustrations - Latino Memphis - $3000 - 2021
  • AATSP First Time Attendee Award (for conference presentation) - American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) - $500 - 2015
  • University Schools Research Consortium (USRC) Grant Writing Award Competition - University Schools Research Consortium (USRC), University of Memphis - $1000 - 2021
  • Community of Research Scholars (CoRS) Award - University of Memphis Division of Research and Innovation - $2,500 - 2019 (for Spring 2020)
  • Early Career Research award - University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences - $500 - 2019
  • CAS Faculty Travel Enrichment Award (for conference presentation) - University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences - $350 - Fall 2017
  • Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant (grant awarded for CruCES project) - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Initiative - $18,500 - 2015 - 2016 (18 month grant cycle)
  • CAS Faculty Travel Enrichment Award (for conference presentation) - University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences - $500 - Summer 2016
  • CAS Faculty Travel Enrichment Award (for conference presentation) - University of Memphis College of Arts and Sciences - $600 - 2015
  • Engaged Scholarship Conference Travel Award (for conference presentation) - University of Memphis Engaged Scholarship Faculty Network - $1000 - 2014

Outreach
  • Provided support to Spanish speaking families for University Campus Middle School - University Campus Middle School, James Smith (Dir.) - Fall 2020 - present -  
  • University Middle Parent Network Outreach/Community Engagement Coordinator - University Middle School, UMPN - Summer 2020 - present -  
  • Member, Socios Comunitarios and the subcommittees on mental health and education. - Rhodes College Urban Studies Program (inter organizational group organized by Iris Mercado in service to the Memphis Latinx population following COVID-19)) - Spring 2020 - present -  
  • Document Translation Services - Campus Middle School - Summer 2020 -  
  • Document Translation Services - University of Memphis College of Education - Summer 2020 -  
  • Organized and facilitated online panel discussion on Afro-Latinx Identity, race and racism, and Black Lives Matter movement for Memphis Latinx community - Cazateatro, Latino Memphis, Socios Comunitarios - June and July 2020 -  
  • Advised school directors on providing support, webinars, professional development for faculty and Spanish speaking families. - Socios Comunitarios Education Subcommitee, Shelby County Schools - Spring 2020 - present -  
  • Bienestar 901 (Facebook page). Produced content on mental, emotional, and physical health and wellness in response to COVID 19 and social distancing for Latinx families. - Socios Comunitarios Mental Health Subcommittee - Spring 2020 -  
  • Abrazos (Podcast). Produced content on mental, emotional, and physical health and wellness in response to COVID 19 and social distancing for Latinx families. - Socios Comunitarios Mental Health Subcommittee - Spring 2020 - present -  
  • RED (Rhythm, Exercise, Dance) Fitness (Facebook Page). - Socios Comunitarios Mental Health Subcommittee - Spring 2020 - present -  
  • Music and Dance Activities (Latin America and Global Rhythms) - Ronald McDonald House - Fall 2019 -  
  • Information Table, Women's Health - Francisco Lara, Desayuno con Libros, Gaisman Community Center - March 2019 -  
  • Latin American music performance with Francisco Lara for Campus School Intersession, "Tiger Olympics" - Campus School, Francisco Lara - March 5, 2019 -  
  • Afro-Ecuadorian Bomba Music and Dance Performance for Afro-Latino Night - CazaTeatro, Evergreen Theatre, Redobles de Cultura - February 9, 2019 -  
  • Latin American Folkloric Music and Rhythm Performance for Desayuno con Libros - Francisco Lara, Desayuno con Libros, Gaisman Community Center - January 26, 2019 -  
  • Latin Rhythms and Dance - Hutchinson High School - October 2018 -  
  • Guest presenter (via Skype), Spanish for the Professions, Memphis, Tennessee. - Gompers Preparatory Academy, San Diego, CA - March 2017 -  
  • Instructor, Latin Dance/Zumba with David Quarles (as part of CruCES project), Language Fair, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - David Quarles, the Department of World Languages and Literatures, - March 2017 - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant
  • Instructor, Medical Spanish Interpreting Workshop, Columbus, Ohio. - Heritage Learners from Colombus, Ohio area high schools - March 3, 2017 -  
  • Instructor, Muevelo (Latin dance workshop), World Thinking Day, Girl Scouts, Memphis, Tennessee. - Girl Scouts - February 2017 -  
  • Instructor, Muevelo (Latin dance workshop), University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - Spanish Club - February 2017 -  
  • Organizer and coordinator, CruCES, Community Leaders, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis and Caritas Village - 2015 - 2016 - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant
  • Recruiter, CruCES Community Leader Recruitment, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis and Caritas Village - 2015 - 2016 - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant
  • Organizer, CruCES Community Leader Workshops, Caritas Village, Memphis, Tennessee. - Caritas Village & Community Leaders - 2015-2016 - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant
  • Organizer, CruCES Entrepreneurship Presentations, Caritas Village, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis and Caritas Village - Fall 2016 - University of Memphis Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant
  • Interpreter - Mid-South Mission of Mercy - Spring 2016 -  
  • Instructor, Latin Rhythms (dance workshop), University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis (dorm activity coordinated by resident director) - November 2016 -  
  • Faculty Supervisor, Books for Kids by Kids, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures and Shelby County Schools - Spring 2016 -  
  • Interpreter, Health Fair, Memphis, Tennessee. - Healthy Tennessee - March 2016 -  
  • Coordinator and Volunteer, Community Arts Fair, Caritas Village, Memphis, Tennessee. - Caritas Village and Centro Cultural Latino de Memphis - December 2015 - Capacity Building Grant, University of Memphis (CruCES project)
  • Organizer and Facilitator, World-Cafe Workshop, Caritas Village, Memphis, Tennessee. - Caritas Village and Centro Cultural Latino de Memphis - October 2015 - Capacity Building Grant, University of Memphis (CruCES project)
  • Producer, supervisor, and organizer, Creating Communities, Engaged Scholarship (CruCES) Service Learning Project, Memphis, Tennessee. - Centro Cultural Latino de Memphis and Caritas Village - Fall 2015 - Strengthening Communities Capacity Building Grant, University of Memphis ($18,500)
  • Volunteer, Annual Tamale Festival, Memphis, Tennessee. - Centro Cultural Latino de Memphis and Caritas Village - July 2015 -  
  • Organizer, Annual Tamale Festival, Memphis, Tennessee. - Centro Cultural de Memphis and Caritas Village - Spring 2015 -  
  • Grant writer, service learning project in conjunction with El Centro Cultural Latino, Caritas, and Dr. Richard Lou (Chair, Department of Art, University of Memphis). - Centro Cultural Latino, Caritas Village, Dr. Richard Lou - 2015 -  
  • Member, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center Board. - Mid-South Peace and Justice Center - 2014 - 2015 -  
  • Member, El Centro Cultural Latino Steering Committee, Memphis, Tennessee. - El Centro Cultural Latino, Caritas Village - Fall 2014 - 2019 -  
  • Translator, Informational brochures, Memphis Charter Schools, Memphis, Tennessee. - Memphis Charter School - Fall 2014 -  
  • Supervisor, “Folk Stories of the Day of the Dead,” organized and performed by students in SPAN 4703 and Cazateatro, Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the Hattiloo Theater. - Cazateatro - 2014 -  
  • Volunteer and interpreter, Red Cross Disaster Relief, Memphis, Tennessee. - Red Cross, Hispanic families in Memphis affected by flooding - Summer 2014 -  
  • Supervisor, student service learning projects, SPAN 4703, First Class Montessori School, Memphis, Tennessee. - First Class Montessori, students from Span 4703 - 2014 -  
  • Coordinator, “Caperucita Roja,” bi-lingual play involving students from SPAN 4703 and Cazateatro, performed November 24, 2014 at the University Center. - Cazateatro, students from SPAN 4703 - 2014 -  
  • Coordinator, student altar projects, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, organized by the Memphis Day of the Dead Committee, Saturday, October 25. - Memphis Day of the Dead Committee, students in SPAN 4703 - 2014 -  
  • Interpreter, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, organized by the Memphis Day of the Dead Committee, Saturday, October 25. - Memphis Day of the Dead Committee - 2014 -  
  • Volunteer, First Class Montessori, Memphis, Tennessee. - First Class Montessori - 2014 -  
  • Collaborator, Nambija Project, Universit of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis Faculty and the National Government of Ecuador - 2014 -  
  • Translator and interpreter, Nambija project Ecuadorian collaborator campus visit, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - University of Memphis Faculty and National Government of Ecuador - 2014 -  
  • Volunteer, YWCA of Greater Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. - YWCA - 2012 - present -  
  • Organizer, coordinator, and supervisor, student volunteer and service learning opportunities (SPAN 4703). - Latino Memphis, Cazateatro, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, YWCA, Mujeres Trabajando Juntas, Memphis Day of the Dead Committee, Red Cross, Centro Cultural Latino, Caritas Village - 2012 - present -  
Service
  • University of Memphis - Faculty Advisor, University of Memphis Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism. - Fall 2020 - present
  • University of Memphis - Remote ad hoc committee member (WL Department) - Summer 2020 - Present
  • University of Memphis - Travel Fund Committee - Spring 2020
  • University of Memphis - Outstanding Senior Award Committee - Spring 2020
  • University of Memphis - Led Student Study Abroad to Cahuita, Costa Rica as part of Honors program course, UNHP 4901 - Spring 2020
  • University of Memphis - Co Chair, Engaged Scholarship Committee - Fall 2019 - present
  • University of Memphis - CAS Graduate Council Committee - Fall 2019 - 2021
  • University of Memphis - Hispanic Heritage Month, Pizza with Prof, film screening of "Más allá del fútbol" - October 11, 2018
  • University of Memphis - Poetry Judge for Language Fair - March 24, 2018
  • University of Memphis - Led Zumba Workshop for Language Fair - March 24, 2018
  • University of Memphis - SACS Learning Outcomes Committee - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Literacy Center Advisory Board - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Reviewed Nominations for Faculty Excellence in Engaged Scholarship Award - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Coordinated visit by Ann Abbott to the University of Memphis - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Assisted with visit by Henry Medina to the Department of Foreign Languages - 2016
  • TnCIS - Summer Study Abroad, Cuba program - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Engaged Scholarship Conference Travel Fund Award Review Committee - 2016
  • University of Memphis - Engaged Scholarship Committee - 2014 - present
  • University of Memphis - Mary Pettus Thomas Memorial Scholarship Committee (for student study abroad grants) - 2014 - present
  • University of Memphis - Serve as a professional consultant for Rosetta Stone on developing language learning software for Spanish for the Professions, specifically Spanish for medical communication and interpretation. - 2014 - 2018
  • University of Memphis - Comprehensive Exam Committee - 2014 - present
  • University of Memphis - Advisory Council Committee for Foreign Languages - 2014 - present
  • University of Memphis - Spanish Club Council - 2014 - present
  • University of Memphis - Engaged Scholarship Travel Fund Award Review Committee - 2014
  • University of Memphis - Engaged Learning Fellowship Proposal Review Committee - 2014
  • University of Memphis - Designed brochure for the Spanish for Specific Purposes courses for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. - Spring 2014
  • University of Memphis - La Casa Hispana Committee - 2014
  • University of Memphis - Judge, 26th Annual Student Research Forum, March 31, 2014 - Spring 2014
  • Rhodes College - Collaborated with the Rhodes College Latin American Studies department for the screening of "Latino Americans," a PBS documentary. - Spring 2014
  • University of Memphis - Served as consultant on Nambija Project, coordinated by Brian Waldron (Civil Engineering, University of Memphis; created IRB proposal and questionnaires, translated and interpreted). - 2014
  • University of Memphis - Co-Advisor, Hispanic Students Association (HSA) - 2012 - present
  • University of Memphis - Faculty Program Director for Summer Study Abroad Programs (Salamanca, Spain & San Jose, Costa Rica). - Summer 2013
  • University of Memphis - Engaged Scholarship Faculty - Spring 2013 - present
  • University of Memphis - Promote and Recruit for International Study Abroad Programs (language fair and study abroad fair events on campus). - 2012 - present
  • University of Memphis - Promote Department and recruit students (Campus Day and language fair events on campus). - Fall 2012 - present
  • University of Memphis - Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS) Faculty Affiliate - Fall 2012 - present
  • Global Advances in Business Communication Journal - Editorial Board Member - 2022 to present
  • Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters - Certified Medical Interpreter Spanish (CHI-Spanish) - 2021
  • Tucson Language Justice Collective - Training in Interpreting for Social Justice - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Designing Gamified Learning Environments - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Creating an Interactive Syllabus - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Data Stories: An Introduction to Data Visualization - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Neuro, Cognitive, and Learning Sciences, Part I: Bringing Theory to Practice - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Blended Learning: Applying Best Practices into Course Design - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Neuro, Cognitive and Learning Sciences, Part II: Applying Theory to Practice - 2021
  • OLC Workshop - Designing Game-Based Learning - 2021
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) - Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) - 2021
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Institute - Certificate in Instructional Design Mastery Series, See https://www.credly.com/badges/5730c947-e9b4-4578-ad9b-b190c58bb119/public_url - July 2021
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) - Steering Committee member, OLC Innovate 2022, Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and MERLOT Annual Conference - Summer 2021-present
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) - Subcommittee Co-Chair for Speed Networking, OLC Innovate 2022, Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and MERLOT Annual Conference - Summer 2021-present
  • Online Learning Consortium (OLC) - Member - 2020 to present
  • Journal of Spanish as a Heritage Language - Peer Reviewer - Spring 2020
  • Journal of Teaching and Teacher Education - Peer Reviewer - Spring 2020
  • AATSP - Chair, Special Interest Group (SIG) on Community Engagement - 2019 - present
  • Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNAE) - Associate Investigator, National Foreign Language Policy - 2019
  • National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters - Certified Medical Interpreter, CMI-Spanish - 2019
  • ACTFL - Rater, Spanish Test, ACTFL Assessment of Performance (AAPPL) Toward Proficiency in Languages - 2019
  • Sabio Books - Co-Host, Worldlanguages21 Podcast (on LSP): www.worldlanguages21.com/podcast - 2018
  • Revista Cientifica Kronos - Editorial Board Member - 2017 to present
  • Revista de lenguages para fines especificos - Peer Reviewer - 2016
  • Hispania - Peer Reviewer - 2014 - present
  • Georgetown University Press - Manuscript Reviewer - 2016
  • Boren Fellowship Review Panel - Research Proposal Reviewer, Latin American Review Panel - 2016
  • College Board - AP Reader, Spanish Language and Culture - 2015 - present
  • TBR Foreign Language Faculty - Web Streaming Coordinator - 2014 - 2015
  • Imagining America - Assessing the Practices of Public Scholarship (APPS) Team Member - Spring 2014 - present
  • Modern Language Association (MLA) - Member - Fall 2012 - present
  • American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) - Member - Fall 2012 - present
  • American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) - Member - Fall 2012 - present
Consulting
  • Translation for a BPI Packaging, LLC and BPI Coating, LLC - Summer 2020
  • Reviewer/Translator, "Together" Website, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - 2019 - present
  • Fort Hays University Department of Modern Languages - Fall 2019
  • Rosetta Stone - Fall 2014 - present
Books Published
  • Ruggiero, D., & Alaniz, J. (2023). Corazón y Mente: A Journey to Mental Wellness for Latinx Women. OER Commons. https://oercommons.org
  • Ruggiero, D. M. (2022). A Guide to Medical Interpreting: DEI and Healthcare. https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/oer/2/
  • Diana Ruggiero and Steven Sacco co edited the Special Issue: Global Advances in Business Communication (GABC) World Languages for Specific Purposes: The Future is Blended, Current Volume: Volume 10 (2022)
  • Ruggiero, Diana. Teaching World Languages for Specific Purposes: A Practical Guide. Washington DC: Georgetown University Press, 2022.
  • Galarreta-Aima, Diana, Gabriela Segal, and Diana Ruggiero. Intermediate Medical Spanish: A Healthcare Workers’ Guide for Communicating With the Latino Patient. Irvine: Brown Walker Press, 2021.
Journal Articles
  • Dube AR, Ortega P, Hardin DM Jr, Hardin K, Martinez F, Shah M, Naimi BR, Esteban-González AI, Dickmeyer J, Ruggiero D, Abraham V, Diamond LC, Cowden JD. Improving Assessment and Learning Environments for Graduate Medical Trainees to Advance Healthcare Language Equity. J Gen Intern Med. 2023 Dec 13. doi: 10.1007/s11606-023-08527-3. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38093027.
  • Diana Ruggiero and Wilson Chiluiza Vasquez’ s article “EVA PERON A TRAVES DE LENGUAS CON FINES ESPECIFICOS: Identidad, habla y corporalidad humana” has been published at the Revista Científica Educ@ção 7.12 (2022): 1442-1452
  • Diana Ruggiero, Steven J. Sacco and Martha Pereszlenyi-Pinter’s article "Any Time, Any Place, Any Path, Any Pace:" A Curricular Design for the Teaching of Languages for Specific Purposes in the Pandemic Era and Beyond" has been accepted into Global Advances in Business Communication for publication on November 29th, 2022.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “A Significant Learning Approach to WLSP and its Impact on Student Perceptions of the Field and its Definition.” Cuadernos de ALDEEU 33, (2019): 21-52.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Toward a Framework for Heritage Learner Service Learning in Languages for Specific Purposes.” Revista Signos 52, no. 101 (2019): 931-949.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Toward Collaborative, Equitable, and Sustainable Community Service Learning Projects in Languages for Specific Purposes." In  Languages for Specific Purposes: Curriculum Design and Community-Based Applications, edited by Barbara Lafford and Carmen King de Ramirez, 259-286. Springville: Sabio Books, 2018.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Lessons from the CruCES Project: Community Service Learning and Intercultural Sensitivity in the Foreign Language Classroom." In AAUSC 2017 Volume: Engaging the World: Social Pedagogies and Language Learning, edited by Stacey K. Bourns et al., 64-86. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2018.  
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Toward an Integrated Curriculum: Progress and Challenges in the Integration of Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) and Community Service Learning in Foreign Language Programs after 2007.” ADFL Bulletin 44, no. 2 (2018): 121-124.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Community Service Learning, Learning by Design, and Heritage Learners: A Case Study.”  In Multiliteracies Pedagogy and Language Learning: Teaching Spanish to Heritage Speakers, edited by Gabriela Zapata and Manel Lacorte, 129-147. New York: Palgrave MacMillan, 2018.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Body Language Awareness: Teaching Medical Spanish Interpreting.” In Translation, Globalization and Translocation: The Classroom and Beyond, edited by Concepcion Godeva, 185-206. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2017.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "The CruCES Project: A Consideration of Service Learning and Intercultural Sensitivity Among Heritage Learners." Revista de Lenguages para Fines Especificos (LFE) 23, no. 1 (2017): 45-62.
  • Lara, Francisco, and Diana Ruggiero. “Highland Afro-Ecuadorian Bomba and Identity along the Black Pacific at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century.” Latin American Music Review (LAMR) 37, no. 2 (2016): 135-164.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "The Creating Communities, Engaged Scholarship Project (CruCES): Findings of a Study on Intercultural  Sensitivity and Community Service Learning." In Beyond the Universe of Languages for Specific Purposes, edited by Mary Frances Litzler, Jesús García Laborda and Cristina Tejedor Martínez, 59-64. Alcalá de Henares: Universidad de Alcalá, 2016.       
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Volunteers Needed: Bridging Latino Immigrants and Local Communities through Community Service Learning and Critical Analytic Practice Ethnography." Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship (JCES) 9, no. 1 (2016): 41-45.
  • Ruggiero, Diana, and Sean Hill. “New Trends in 21st Century Civic Engagement and Foreign Languages: Technology, Translation, and Social Justice.” Journal of Languages for Specific Purposes (JLSP), no. 3 (March 2016): 51-62.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Bridging The Community and Institution Gap: A Sample Course with Civic Engagement and Language for Specific Purposes Combined." Journal of Languages for Specific Purposes, no. 2 (March 2015): 35-48. 
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Más allá del fútbol: Teaching Highland Afro-Ecuadorian Culture and Engaging Race & Racism through Documentary Film." Hispania 98, no. 3 (2015): 594-606.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Lo Global en Lo Local: Afro Ecuatorianos, Fútbol y Literatura." Kañina 39, no. 1 (2015): 161-176.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Más allá del fútbol: Validating Afro-Latino Culture and Decolonizing the Curriculum through Film and Filmmaking."  Visual Ethnography 4, no. 1 (2015): 25-46.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Graduate Courses in Languages for Specific Purposes: Needs, Challenges, and Models." Global Business Languages 19, (January 2014): 55-69.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "Hybrid Spanish: Succeeding in First Year College Foreign Language Class Through Metacognitive Awareness." Currents in Teaching & Learning 5, no. 1&2 (Spring 2013): 79-93.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. "La Bomba: Music, Race, and Globalization in Ecuador’s Chota-Mira Valley." Perspectivas Latinoamericanas 7, (March 2010): 44-57.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Teaching Spanish as a Native Speaker: Philosophy of Teaching Statement.” In The Teacher' s Handbook for UCLA: Resources for Training TAs, edited by Jack Bishop, 52-62. Los Angeles: UCLA Press, 2008.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Role Play: Medical Interview.” In Connecting World Language Curriculum to Workplace Skills, edited by Mary Risner, 25-26. Gainesville: University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies, 2021.
  • Ruggiero, Diana. “Consecutive vs. Simultaneous Interpreting Exercise.” In Connecting World Language Curriculum to Workplace Skills, edited by Mary Risner, 27-28. Gainesville: University of Florida Center for Latin American Studies, 2021.
Presentations

  • Dr. Diana Ruggiero was an invited speaker at the Online Learning Consortium's Global Leadership Impact Summit, held in December 2023, where she significantly contributed to discussions on global collaboration and leadership in the evolving landscape of online and blended learning.

  • On November 29th, 2023, Dr. Ruggiero conducted a professional development workshop titled “Shaping the Future of Education: Integrating World Languages for Specific Purposes (WLSP) in Language and Culture Programs” for the CERCLL Center for Educational Resources in Culture, Language and Literacy.

  • On November 2nd, Diana Ruggiero and J. Elliott Casal presented “Ayúdame! Multilingualism, Access, and Health Disparities: The Importance of Spanish Proficiency in the US Healthcare System." This program was a part of the University Libraries' NEDtalks series

  • On Thursday, October 19th, The Southern College of Optometry invited Dr. Diana Ruggiero to discuss Hispanic culture and patient care, sponsored by the National Optometric Student Association. Dr. Ruggiero's points were invaluable for their professors and students regarding improving treatment for Spanish-speaking patients, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare. 

  • Diana Ruggiero and Trish Lange presented virtually “An instructional designer, a faculty member and a student walk into a bar: Demystifying faculty lack of buy-in and connecting across roles to improve overall online experiences “ at the OLC accelerate conference, November 1, 2022.
  • Diana Ruggiero presented virtually “Transform your course into Languages for Specific Purposes one activity at the time”, at the XXXI CILH conference, on october 22nd, 2022.
  • Attended 2022 We All Rise Conference, as part of the OER medical interpreting course redesign grant, October 19-20, 2022, Murfreesboro, TN
  • “Transform your course into Languages for Specific Purposes one activity at the time”, at the XXXI CILH virtual conference, on October 22nd, 2022.
  • "All Wellness Dimensions: SDG 3- Good Health and Well Being", Invited to serve as a guest speaker for the 2022 Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) Global program, October 12th, 2022
  • “Community Engagement SIG Business Meeting.” Invited Meeting Organizer as Chair of this SIG. American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) 2022 Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 10, 2022.
  • “Inclusivity in Higher Education.” Organized and gave this invited presentation as part of a panel presentation put together by the Community of Research Scholars (CoRS) at the University of Memphis, April 4th, 2022.
  • “Building Community through Zoom Background Antics.” Invited workshop facilitator for the Virtual Speed Networking Lounge at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Innovate 2022 Conference, March 28th, 2022.
  • "How Hispanic/Latino Culture Impacts Health." Invited presentation given at the Medical Spanish Forum Cultural Humility, UTHSC College of Medicine, Memphis, Tennessee, January 14, 2022.
  • “The Future is Blended: Ideas, Achievements, and Challenges.” Invited presentation given at the SYNCH 2022 virtual conference: Going the Distance. John Tyler (becoming Brightpoint) Community College, January 6, 2022.
  • “Exploring EFE Innovations for Professional Purposes in the United States.” The Second Latin American Meeting EFE (Spanish for Specific Purposes), Chile-USA, Pontificia Católica de Valparaíso University, December 10, 2021.
  • "Implementing LSP activities in the classroom.” Workshop on Languages for Specific Purposes sponsored by the Dedman College Interdisciplinary Institute's Research Cluster on Global Literacy and Languages for Specific Purposes, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, November 12th, 2021.
  • “Listen Linda, PechaKucha, and Other Ways We Learned to Get Students' Attention Online During the Pandemic” and “Studying or recording for TikTok? Perceptions and patience during Pandemic Teaching.” The OLC (Online Learning Consortium) Accelerate Conference, September 29, 2021.
  • “Microaggressions in Modern Family Towards the Latinx Identity” and “Spanish for Fitness, Wellness, Sports and Health/Healthcare.” Southeast Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures, Statesboro, GA, September 24, 2021.
  • “Building Pathways to Community Engagement Series(Section 2): Partnering with Community-Based Organizations.” Panelist for virtual panel hosted by The University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy and Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Friday, September 24, 2021.
  • “Deciphering Dialects: When Words Vary Amongst Spanish Speaking Populations.” Panelist for a virtual panel hosted by the Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity at UT Health Science Center, September 22, 2021.
  • “Community Engagement SIG Business Meeting.” Invited Meeting Chair. American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) 2021 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, July 10, 2021.
  • “E-Poster: Online Classroom Tools: What Worked Amazingly and What did Not.” Invited E-Poster Presenter. American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) 2021 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, July 9, 2021.
  • “Community Engagement Abroad: Doing a Documentary on Afrochotenos.” Invited Presenter. American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) 2021 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, July 9, 2021.
  • “El Futuro del SSP: Los Puestos de Trabajo, El Mundo Virtual, Y Nuevas Estrategias de Reclutamientos.” Invited Presenter. American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) 2021 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, July 8, 2021.
  • “Create Impactful Learning Experiences: Leading Through Change During a Global Pandemic." Invited interview for the virtual Winter Summit at the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, December 3rd, 2020.
  • "Linguistics and Dissecting the Various Spanish Dialects - Why We Should/Shouldn't 'Police' the Grammar.” Invited presenter and discussant alongside Iván Ortega Santos and Manuel Duran (journalist, Memphis Noticias) for Shelby County School's Podcast “Voces de SCS,” October 7, 2020.
  • “Significant Learning and Spanish for Specific Purposes in Three Areas.” Invited presenter for live, online international webinar on the teaching of Spanish for specific purposes, hosted by Editorial Difusiones and sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). February 20, 2020.
  • “Teaching Day of the Dead.” Invited remote presentation given for the Center for Latin American Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, October 26, 2020.
  • “Memphis Latinas: A Woman’s Perspective.” Invited presenter and discussant on Memphis Latino culture, Café Conversation, Latino Memphis, October 14, 2020.
  • “Educandonos sobre el racismo.” Organizer and facilitator of online panel co-produced with Cazateatro on Afro-Latinx Identity, Race and Racism, and Black Lives Matter, Memphis, TN, July 8,, 2020.
  •  “Body Language Awareness: Teaching Medical Spanish Interpreting.” Paper co-presented with Joanna Orozco, Mariel Cunha de Souza, and Jonathan Jones Edwards at the 5th ISLSP-CIBER Language Conference, UNC Charlotte, March 6, 2020.
  •  “Translation and Interpreting Across the Spanish Curriculum.” Panel moderator. 5th ISLSP-CIBER Language Conference, UNC Charlotte, March 6, 2020.    
  • “Teaching World Languages for Specific Purposes (WLSP): Practical Strategies and Models for Integrating WLSP into the World Language Classroom.” Pre conference workshop given at the 5th ISLSP-CIBER Language Conference, UNC Charlotte, March 5, 2020.
  • “Integrating Cultural Competence as World Languages for Specific Purposes into the Classroom: The Day of the Dead, Daring to Make Mistakes, and Significant Learning: A World Café Workshop.” Invited presentation given at the Center for Latin American Studies, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennesse, October 4, 2019.
  • “World Languages for Specific Purposes.” Invited keynote presentation for Conference on World Languages for Specific Purposes at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, September 20, 2019.  
  • “A Foreign in your own Foreign Languages Department: Otherness and Marginalization in the Field of World Languages for Specific Purposes (WLSP) and an Invitation to Change.” The MLA International Symposium, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal, July 25, 2019.
  • “Race and Place in Latin America.” Panel presented with John Thomas Maddox IV and Thomas M. Stephens at the at the 2019 annual AATSP conference, San Diego, CA, July 10, 2019.
  • “What’s Next in World Languages for Specific Purposes? Ideas for the Future and an Invitation to Approach the Field Regardless of Background” Panel presented with Carmen King de Ramirez  and Barbara Lafford at the 2019 annual AATSP conference, San Diego, CA, July 10, 2019.
  • “Foundational Curricular and Methodological Issues in Spanish for the Professions and Specific Purposes.” Presented with Michael Doyle and Enrica Ardemagni at the 2019 annual AATSP conference, San Diego, CA, July 10, 2019.
  • “Re-Conceptualizing Professional Development & Networking Opportunities through an Interactive Podcast Series.” Presented with Carmen King de Ramirez at the 2019 annual AATSP conference, San Diego, CA, July 8th, 2019.
  • “Healthcare Interpreting in the Language Classroom: A Future Professional Choice for your Students.” Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association (TFLTA) West Tennessee Regional Mini-Conference, April 6, 2019.
  • "Invitation to teach World Languages for Specific Purposes: significant learning, activity/course design and assessment." Workshop given for the Department of World Languages and Literatures, University of Memphis, April 5, 2019.
  • Workshop and Presentation, III Taller Experiencias Metodológicas de la Investigación y Escritura de Artículos Científicos, Instituto Académico de Idiomas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, March 6 – 8, 2019.
  • “Teaching World Languages for Specific Purposes in the Twenty-First Century” Invited presentation, Spanish 8390: Teaching Spanish for the Professions, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, The Ohio State University, January 23, 2019.
  • “RED (Rhythm, Exercise, Dance) Fitness: Harnessing Creativity and Building Meaningful Partnerships through the Needs Assessment.” Invited Ignite presentation, Community Engagement Conference, The Ohio State University, January 23, 2019.
  • “Más Allá del Fútbol.” Invited documentary film screening and Q & A, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 7, 2018.
  • “The Making of Más allá del fútbol.” Invited presentation, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 7, 2018.
  • “Teaching Spanish for Specific Purposes and Health.” Invited presentation, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 7, 2018.
  • “Afro-Ecuadorians and Identity in Latin America.” Invited presentation, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 6, 2018.
  • “Power Dynamics in Latin America.” Invited presentation, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 6, 2018.
  • “World Languages for Specific Purposes: State of the Field and Applications for the Future.” Invited presentation and workshop, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 5, 2018.
  • “Spanish for Healthcare: Interpreting and Translating in a Medical Encounter.” Invited presentation, Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Literatures, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, Nov. 5, 2018.
  • “Choose Your Own Adventure: ‘Multiple Choices’ Assignments for Heritage/Non-heritage Learners in Languages for Special Purposes.” Presented with Christina Garcia for the 100th Annual Conference of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), Salamanca, Spain, June 26, 2018.
  • “Afro-Ecuadorian Bomba: Sounding Blackness at the Margins of the Black Pacific.” Invited presentation with Dr. Francisco Lara for the University of Alabama Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, March 26, 2018.
  • "Toward a Socially Responsive LSP: Reconsidering the Scope and Objectives of LSP for the Twenty-First Century." Session Panelist. IV International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes (ISLSP)/CIBER Business Language Conference. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, February 24, 2018.
  • “Service Learning Research: Achievements, Opportunities, and Challenges.” Session Panelist. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) 2017 Annual Convention and World Language Expo. Nashville, Tennessee, November 18, 2017.
  • “Beyond Soccer: The Life and Music of the Afro-Ecuadorians.” Film screening and presentation of the documentary film Más allá del fútbol, dir. Diana Ruggiero. University of Memphis Alumni Association Hispanic Council, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee November 7, 2017.  
  • Invited Workshop Presentation. Medical Spanish. Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee, October 27, 2017.
  • "Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Spanish as a Professional Language." Colloquium Panelist. Second Language Research Forum. The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, October 14, 2017.
  • Invited Faculty Speaker. Hispanic Student Association's Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Dinner. University of Memphis,  Memphis, Tennessee, September 14, 2017.
  • "Documenting Student Transformations through Digital Media in Community Engagement." Memphis in May Student Affairs Conference (MIMSAC), University of Memphis, Tennessee, May 19, 2017.
  • "Creating Communities Engaged Scholarship (CruCES) Project Findings." Poster presented with Kerry Johnson for the open house of the National Undergraduate Research Conference (NCUR), The University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, April 6, 2017.
  • "Teaching Languages with a Purpose to Diverse Students." Paper presented with Joy Heath and Teresa Montano for the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association (TFLTA) West Regional Conference, Rhodes College, Tennessee, March 25, 2017.
  • "Languages for Specific Purposes and Community Engagement." Invited research presentation, The Ohio State University Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Columbus, Ohio, March 3, 2017.
  • "Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) Pedagogy." Invited workshop presentation, The Ohio State University Department of Spanish and Portuguese, Columbus, Ohio, March 3, 2017.
  • "Spanish in the U.S.: Heritage Learners and Spanish for the Professions." Invited presentation given with Kim Potowski. Denison University, Granville, Ohio, March 3, 2017.
  • "Graduate Courses in Languages for Specific Purposes." Modern Language Association Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 6, 2017.
  • "Toward an Integrated Curriculum: Progress and Challenges in the Integration of Languages for Specific Purposes and Community-Service Learning within Foreign Language Programs Post 2007." Modern Language Association Convention, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 5, 2017.
  • “Rethinking Spanish for the Professions and Service Learning.” Session presented with Sean Hill. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Annual Convention and World Languages Expo, Boston, Massachusetts, November 18, 2016.
  • “Relación de la Ayuda Comunitaria con la Higíene y Seguridad en el Trabajo en el Área de las Artes.”  Invited lecture presented for the Facultad de Informática, Ciencias de la Comunicación y Técnicas Especiales (FICCTE), Universidad de Morón, Buenos Aires, Argentina, July 4, 2016.
  • "The Creating Communities, Engaged Scholarship Project (CruCES): Findings of a Study on Intercultural  Sensitivity and Community Service Learning."  XV International Conference of the European Association of Languages for Specific Purposes (AELFE), Universidad de Alcala, Guadalajara, Spain,  June 24, 2016.    
  • “Incorporating Service Learning, Dance, and Traditional Folkloric Music in the Spanish Classroom.”  Presented with Francisco Lara, TFLTA West Tennessee Regional Workshop, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, April 19, 2016.
  • “Where’s the Community in Languages for Specific Purposes?” Roundtable discussant with Anne Abbott, Lourdes Sanchez-Lopez, and Barbara Lafford,  3rd International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes/CIBER Business Language Conference, Arizona State University, March 19, 2016.
  • “Designing a Spanish SL Course: A Community Model and Leadership Development.”  Workshop presentation with Sheri Spaine Long, 3rd International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes/CIBER Business Language Conference, Arizona State University, March 17, 2016.
  • “Medical Spanish for Heritage Speakers.” 97th Annual AATSP Conference, Denver, Colorado, July 2015.
  • "In an Acapulco Hotel: 'The Manager has Personally Passed all the Water Served Here' and Other Missed-Translations; How We Translate Body Language?" Translation vs. Globalization Symposium, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina,  February 21, 2015.
  • "On Collaboration: Hybrid Spanish, Metacognition, Language Acquisition, and Civic Engagement with the Latino Community." Brown bag presentation, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, April 28, 2014.
  • "Focus: The Need for and Value of Language for Specific Purposes at the Graduate Level." 16th Annual CIBER Business Language Conference, Park City, Utah, April 24-26, 2014.
  • "Mindfulness in Higher Education: A Rocky Mountain Regional Dialogue." Invited World Café workshop participant, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, April 19, 2014.
  • "Teaching Century: Methodological Approaches to Teaching Spanish for Business, Healthcare and Social Services Professionals" Panelist, 2nd International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, April 19, 2014.
  • “Imagining America: Disruption in Higher Education and Ideas to Better Our Engagement Experience.”  Invited report on the Imagining America conference, presented for the Engaged Scholarship Committee, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, November 13, 2014.
  • “Assessing Student Intercultural Competence in Spanish: Creative Analytical Practice Ethnography in LSP (Language for Specific Purposes) Combined with CSL (Community Service Learning)” Opening plenary presentation, Imagining America 2014 national conference, Atlanta, Goergia, October 9, 2014.
  • “Send Your Students to the Hospital! A Hybrid Spanish Course for Medical Communications and Interpretation.” ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo, San Antonio, Texas, November 21-23, 2014. 
  • “Hybrid Spanish: Metacognition, Foreign Language Instruction and Virtual Studying Abroad.” ACTFL Annual Convention and World Language Expo, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 16-18, 2012.
  • Invited workshop participant, New Realities Beyond the Classroom and the Teaching of Spanish in the 21st Century: Workshop on Fostering Collaboration and Exchanging Ideas, Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin, April 13-14, 2012.
  • Invited workshop participant, FaCE Value: Advances Through Collaboration, FaCE (Faculty Career Enhancement) Project,  Colorado College, Colorado, October 28-30, 2011.
  • “Hybrid Spanish: Metacognition, College Foreign Language Instruction, and Virtual Study Abroad.” Language Symposium 2011, Foreign Languages as a Global Skill, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, April 15-16, 2011.
  • “Hybrid Spanish: Metacognition and Student Faculty Collaboration.” ACM Workshop on Models for Undergraduate Research, Chicago, Illinois, April 2-3, 2011.
  • Invited workshop participant, Information Literacy in the Foreign Languages: A Collaborative Workshop Exploration, Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, September 24-25, 2011.
  • “From the Margin to the Center: How Bomba and Soccer Re-shaped Racial Prejudices in Today’s Ecuador.” International Luncheon, Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois, October 27, 2010.
  • Invited conference participant, Understanding Student Learning, A Conference Highlighting the ACM-Teagle Collegium on Student Learning and Other ACM Faculty Inquiries into Learning, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota, October 1-3, 2010.
  • “Beyond Soccer in Ecuador: Bomba and Black Ethnic Identity in the Chota Valley.” Presentation given with Francisco Lara, School of Music Lectures in Musicology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, November 17, 2008.
  • “La Bomba and the Chota Mira Valley.” Latin American Colloquium of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, November 30, 2008.
  • “La historia detrás de la Salsa, Merengue y Capoeira: Resistencia en forma oral y escrita.” Interdisciplinary Colloquium on Hispanic/Latin American Literatures, Linguistics, and Cultures, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, October 11, 2007.  
  • “Caramuru - A Invenção do Brasil: encuentro romántico entre dos culturas.”  Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Honolulu, Hawaii,  January 12, 2007.
  • “Modernidad y género en Cien años de Soledad.” Conference on Hispanic and Lusophone Literatures, Cultures, and Linguistics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, May 14, 2005.  
  • “Mercano el Marciano: Argentinean First Digital Cartoon as a way to Express Economic Crisis.” Graduate Conference on Hispanic Film and Literature, Letropolis, SUNY Stony Brook, New York, New York, October 14, 2006.
  • “Creating Modules with Dreamweaver.” Spring Colloquium on Humanities and Computing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, May 2, 2003.
  • “How to Write a Bilingual Article and What is Lost in Translation.”  Invited presentation, Nuestro Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, March 10, 2005.
  • “Learning Spanish within the Latino Community in Ohio.” Invited presentation, Spanish 689, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, June 11, 2005.
Creative/Artistic Works
  • Más allá del fútbol. QueSeYo Productions, 2008.
  • Los II juegos autóctonos y popular de los pueblos indígenas, montubios y afro ecuatorianos. QueSeYo Productions, 2008.