Profile for

Hannah R. Leonard

Ph.D. Student

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics, Hannah Rachelle Leonard brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the East Texas A&M community. As a U.S. Air Force veteran with a background in security studies, she transitioned from a military-oriented career to language education after seeing firsthand the power of communication in geopolitics. She is currently an English Instructor for a private tutoring company in France, though she travels frequently as a digital nomad, having navigated and taught in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

A conversation with Hannah

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending East Texas A&M?

While online education has made significant advances over the past few decades, it is still all too difficult to find institutions that genuinely strive to provide a solid education by distance. As someone who frequently travels and lives abroad, this has always been a pressing issue for me, as I remain very passionate about continuing my academic career. So when I learned about the Applied Linguistics program at East Texas A&M, it honestly felt like a godsend. It was clear from the start that I would be studying under a faculty with world-class expertise while also benefiting from the advantages of asynchronous classes. I honestly can't recommend this university enough if you're looking for a place that prioritises your education and freedom in equal measure.

Why did you choose your major/what draws you to your discipline?

The simple answer is I was drawn to applied linguistics because of my background in language learning and the social sciences. The slightly more complicated answer is that I became obsessed with language as a unique natural phenomenon that really only starts to make sense when examined through scientific study. Each time I learn something new about language through linguistic theory, I am given another reason to delve deeper into my studies.

Describe a project you are working on or have completed.

I'm a big advocate of using memory techniques to improve your studying habits, and I believe one particular technique called “spaced repetition” is particularly suited towards language learning. Many educational language software use Spaced Repetition System (SRS) algorithms. However, their use is typically limited to strengthening reading and listening skills. My current project, Anki Write, aims to apply the benefits of SRS to productive skills, such as writing. To summarize it in one sentence, it's a software prototype that helps learners practice their L2 writing skills with an algorithm that prompts them to use target words at optimized time intervals.

What are your career goals and how does your degree program fit into your career goals?

My primary career goal is to transition into higher education, where I can teach English as a Second Language (ESL) or introductory Linguistics at the university level. I am particularly drawn to academic environments because personal experience has made it clear to me that I thrive within their structure. At my core, I'm a teacher as much as a student, so I seek out academia because it allows me to mentor others while also satisfying my perpetual curiosity through research. Through a similar vein of logic, beyond the classroom, I also feel driven towards creative authorship as I believe there are certain aspects of life that are best explored and expressed through literature.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., English, Applied Linguistics, East Texas A&M University, Current
• M.A., Global Security, Arizona State University
• B.S., Homeland Security, Trident University International
• ASS, Liberal Arts, Gavilan College