Speakers

Detailed Bio

Dr. Cecilia Zhao, an Associate Professor at the University of Macau, is a leading scholar in language assessment with a focus on L2 writing and academic literacy. Holding a Ph.D. from New York University and an M.A. from The Ohio State University, she has published extensively in top journals like TESOL Quarterly and Language Testing. Her research informs the development of fair and effective writing assessment tools for ELT. Zhao’s leadership roles, including Secretary of the Asian Association for Language Assessment, have strengthened regional testing standards. Her work equips educators with innovative methodologies to support students’ academic writing, enhancing ELT globally.

Impact Story:

In 2022, Dr. Cecilia Zhao’s research led to the adoption of a new L2 writing assessment tool at the University of Macau, used by 1,500 ESL students. The tool, piloted over a semester, improved students’ academic writing scores by 20%, according to faculty data. A lecturer noted, “Cecilia’s framework made feedback more targeted and effective.” Zhao’s work has empowered educators across Asia to refine writing assessments, ensuring students receive equitable evaluations, aligning with her commitment to advancing academic literacy through fair testing.