Wang is just one of two doctoral students from the U.S. chosen to participate in this research internship.
(April 8, 2019) -- Yangting ‘Tina’ Wang, a doctoral student in the UTSA Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, was recently selected to participate in a research internship this summer with the WIDA Consortium, the largest consortium in the country that develops language assessments. She was one of two doctoral students from across the United States chosen to participate.
“I feel very excited to receive the internship offer,” said Wang. “The selection process is highly competitive. I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to participate and collaborate with WIDA researchers to conduct rigorous research on k-12 language assessments.”
For 10 weeks this summer, Wang will work on a special research project related to speaking assessments for English language learners (ELLs). She will work with Mark Chapman and Alicia Kim, research scholars at WIDA, on a study design, data analyses, literature review, and the presentation of findings.
“I hope to learn more about WIDA’s Access for ELLs and I wish to strengthen my research methods and enrich my working experience through this summer internship,” said Wang. “WIDA’s mission in serving linguistically diverse populations is also my research passion. Since my research specialization is language assessment, the internship will greatly help me with my doctoral studies.”
Her advice to students interested in pursuing similar opportunities is to be persistent.
"This was not the first time that I applied for the internship,” said Wang. “I applied last year and was on the short list. I was invited for an interview but was not selected. I did not give up and applied again this year.”
Research experience, Wang said, is also important.
“I had the opportunity to assist my advisor, Dr. Becky Huang with various research projects such as the Bilingual Children’s Language and Literacy project and the ETS TOEFL Junior project at the Language Learning and Assessment Laboratory,” she said. “The research experience greatly helped me with the WIDA interview.”
This past month, Wang also received a 2018-2019 Who’s Who award from the university.
“I would like to thank Dr. Huang for her mentorship and the peer support I received from members of our Language Learning and Assessment lab,” said Wang. “I also thank Drs. Juliet Langman, Patricia Sanchez, and Lucila Ek for their wonderful support in my doctoral study and internship. I am very grateful to have these wonderful professors in the College of Education and Human Development to guide and support me. I am also thankful for the help I received from the UTSA Career Center.”
Learn more about the UTSA College of Education and Human Development.
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This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
