Experts in English Language Teaching and Learning
ELC instructors and directors are applied linguists who focus on the real-world English-language needs of the Vanderbilt University community and who make scholarly contributions to our professional community.
Director's Welcome
On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to the VU English Language Center (ELC). The ELC has internationally-recognized English-language programs devoted to helping you become more fully integrated in our university community and meeting your academic potential. We strongly believe one aspect of academic success and cultural adaptation lies in language instruction when you first arrive and throughout your studies. Our center offers high academic standards, a stimulating learning environment, and excellent resources.
You are an integral part of this university community, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals as well as relieve some of the stress and anxiety that comes from performing in English in a highly competitive academic setting. Whether you are facing challenges due to your language proficiency or are working toward mastering your command of English, we are here to support you.
Please take a look at our course offerings and see how we may assist you during your time with us at Vanderbilt University.
Staff
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Susan M. Barone, PhD
Director
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Jim Cracraft, MS
Associate Director
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Estephanie Lopez Contreras, PhD
Assistant Director
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Romy Frank, MA
Senior Language Teaching Specialist
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Victoria Donato, MA
Senior Language Teaching Specialist
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Madelyn Kloske, MA
Language Teaching Specialist
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Carly Sommerlot, PhD
Language Teaching Specialist
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Rongchao Tang, PhD
Language Teaching Specialist
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Abby Mack, MA
Language Teaching Specialist
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Lailuma Sayed, BA
Administrative Specialist
Internships
The ELC offers internship opportunities for Vanderbilt graduate, professional, and undergraduate students. To learn more about internship opportunities, see the Internships page. To inquire about internship opportunities, contact the ELC at elc@vanderbilt.edu.
Interns are integral to the ELC’s daily operations.
Student Interns and Coaches
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Basak Cermikli Ayvaz
Basak is a doctoral candidate at Peabody College, in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Diversity at Vanderbilt University. She is infinitely fascinated by languages and how multilingual identities are becoming in formal and informal learning contexts. Başak has been teaching English as a foreign and second language for 15 years and has experience in teacher training. She is currently working with pre-service English language teachers in Türkiye for her dissertation.
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Henry Sui
Henry is an undergraduate student majoring in Economics and Public Policy. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he is passionate about supporting others in learning English by drawing on his own language-learning journey. In his free time, Henry enjoys playing badminton, drumming, and going to concerts with friends. He also loves keeping up with current events and reading political memoirs.
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Roy Vyizavyijuru
Roy is a Junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Economics and Climate & Environmental Studies. He is excited to serve as an academic coach at the English Language Center, where he looks forward to supporting multilingual students in strengthening their writing and speaking skills. Roy values creating a welcoming and encouraging environment, and he is passionate about helping students build confidence in their academic journey. Outside of academics, he enjoys community work, mentoring, and exploring new cultures.
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Hafsa Tanveer
Hafsa is a junior at Vanderbilt University majoring in Economics and Medicine, Health & Society. She was born in Lahore and has lived in multiple cities, which has shaped her love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. At the English Language Center, Hafsa is excited to support students in building confidence in their English skills and fostering cross-cultural communication. Outside of academics, she enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning through shared stories and experiences.
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Naznin Rima
Naznin is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Naznin was born and raised in New Jersey, but grew up with Bangladeshi immigrant parents, and speaks fluent English and Bengali. Naznin loves listening to music, going on walks, baking, and hanging out with friends.