Casilde A. Isabelli holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She completed her dissertation on “The impact of a study-abroad experience on the acquisition of L2 Spanish syntax: The null subject parameter.” Her educational journey also includes a Master’s degree in Hispanic Linguistics and Literature and a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Mathematics (Computer Science) and Spanish.
Research Focus
Isabelli’s research primarily focuses on Spanish linguistics and second language acquisition, particularly within study-abroad contexts. She has explored topics such as the development of the Spanish subjunctive, the acquisition of complex syntactic structures, and the linguistic behaviors of heritage language learners. Her work often involves investigating contextual effects, language variation, and language proficiency outcomes.
Professional Journey
Isabelli’s professional journey spans over two decades, starting from her roles as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at various universities to her current position as a Professor of Spanish at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Throughout her career, she has held teaching, administrative, and leadership positions, including Chair of the Department of World Languages and Literatures and Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at UNR.
Honors & Awards
Isabelli has received several honors and awards for her contributions to language education and research. Notably, she was recognized as the World Languages Teacher of the Year by the Professional Language Association of Nevada. Additionally, she has been nominated for the Nevada Regents’ Teaching Award and has received grants to support her scholarly activities.
Publications Noted & Contributions
Isabelli has made significant contributions to the field of Spanish linguistics through her publications, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and edited volumes. Her research addresses a wide range of topics, from linguistic variation in Spanish-speaking communities to language program assessment and curriculum development. Isabelli has also been actively involved in organizing international conferences and securing research grants to support her work.
Generative SLA in the Age of Minimalism: Features, interfaces, and beyond. Selected proceedings of the 15th Generative Approaches to Second Language Acquisition Conference
- Authors: T Leal, E Shimanskaya, CA Isabelli
- Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
- Year: 2022
What Is the Impact of Study Abroad on Interlanguage?
- Authors: CL Isabelli-GarcĂa, CA Isabelli
- Journal: Researching Second Language Acquisition in the Study Abroad Learning …
- Year: 2020
Student Learning Outcomes in Online and In-Person Spanish Language Program
- Author: C Isabelli
- Conference: Conference Proceedings. The Future of Education 2022
- Year: 2022
Generative SLA in the Age of Minimalism
- Authors: T Leal, CA Isabelli, E Shimanskaya
- Year: 2022
Contextual effects in processing OVS constructions in Spanish
- Author: CA Isabelli
- Book: Research on Second Language Processing and Processing Instruction: Studies …
Research Timeline
Isabelli’s research timeline showcases the progression of her scholarly endeavors over the years, from her early investigations as a graduate student to her current projects as a seasoned researcher and academic leader. This timeline illustrates the evolution of her research interests, the milestones in her career, and the impact of her work on the broader field of linguistics and language education.
