Profile for

Yassin Hennawy

Ph.D. Student

Yassin Alhennawy is a Ph.D. student in English with a concentration in Applied Linguistics at East Texas A&M University. He currently teaches English as a Second Language with the San Diego Community College District and serves as a Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at Cuyamaca College. He is also an Institutional Review Board member. His research interests include second-language writing, generative artificial intelligence, language pedagogy, and the relationship between AI-assisted writing and learners' long-term independent writing development. His goal is to connect research with classroom practice in ways that support both language teachers and multilingual writers.

A Conversation with Yassin

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

Applied linguistics allows me to connect two areas that have shaped my professional life: language and teaching. After many years of working with multilingual learners, I became increasingly interested not only in how we teach language but also in why particular approaches work and how research can improve classroom practice. I am especially interested in second-language writing and the rapidly changing role of artificial intelligence in language education. I want my research to contribute to a better understanding of how technology can support language learners without replacing the cognitive and linguistic work necessary for genuine language development.

Tell us about an accomplishment you are proud of.

One accomplishment I am particularly proud of is completing two master's degrees in closely related but distinct fields while continuing my work as an educator. I earned an M.A. in English with Distinction from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA and an M.A. in General Linguistics from San Diego State University with a 3.9 GPA. Each program gave me a different perspective on language, writing, and research and ultimately helped prepare me for doctoral study in applied linguistics.

Describe a project you are working on or have completed.

My developing research focuses on generative AI and second-language writing. I am particularly interested in what happens to learners' writing abilities over time when tools such as generative AI become part of their writing process. Much of the current conversation focuses on what AI can do for students immediately, but I am interested in the longer-term question: How does repeated AI-supported writing influence students' ability to write independently? I am also interested in the teacher's role in developing students' linguistic competence, AI literacy, and responsible use of emerging technologies.

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

I would encourage prospective students to think about graduate education as more than earning a degree. It is an opportunity to become part of a scholarly community, learn from faculty members with different areas of expertise, and gradually develop your own identity as a researcher. My experience at East Texas A&M has challenged me to read more critically, ask better questions, and think carefully about the kind of contribution I hope to make to applied linguistics.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your East Texas A&M experience?

Returning to graduate study while maintaining a full teaching schedule has required discipline, persistence, and careful time management, but it has also made my doctoral experience especially meaningful. I am able to bring questions from my own classrooms into my academic work and, at the same time, take ideas from my doctoral studies back into my teaching. For me, that connection between research and practice is one of the most valuable parts of studying applied linguistics.

Education Background

• Ph.D., English – Applied Linguistics, East Texas A&M University, in progress
• M.A., General Linguistics, San Diego State University, 2025
• M.A., English with Distinction, Arizona State University, 2024
• B.A., English
• Cambridge DELTA, Modules 1–3
• Cambridge CELTA
• TESOL Certification
• Neurolanguage Coaching Certification
• American Accent Training Certification
• Train the Trainer Certification

Topic of Dissertation

My dissertation topic has not yet been finalized. My current research interests focus on generative artificial intelligence and second-language writing, particularly the long-term effects of GenAI use on L2 writers' development and independent writing abilities. I am also interested in the role of teachers in helping students develop both linguistic competence and responsible AI literacy.

Honors and Awards

1. Global Teacher Award, 2021
2. M.A. in English with Distinction, GPA 4.0, Arizona State University
3. M.A. in General Linguistics, GPA 3.9, San Diego State University
4. Master AI Wayfinder Badge, East Texas A&M University, 2026
   • awarded for demonstrated knowledge of responsible and effective AI use

Professional or Student Organizations

• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Member at SDCCD
• CATESOL San Diego Chapter – Committee Member
• CATESOL conference presenter
• TESOL and applied linguistics professional community involvement

Current Job

I currently teach English as a Second Language with the San Diego Community College District and serve as a Professor of Rhetoric and Composition at Cuyamaca College in San Diego, California.