Meet the Staff

Chris Vasquez-Wright, Ph.D.

New Director of CMLL LL&RC

Hello CMLL! I'm the new Director of the Language Laboratory & Research Center. I'm also an alumnus of TTU; I earned two MA degrees here (in Spanish and applied linguistics). Recently I earned a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary program called Second Language Acquisition and Teaching (SLAT) at the University of Arizona. Now I'm back and happy to work with the great people of CMLL.

As the Lab Director, my job is to serve CMLL by identifying solutions that effectively meet the ever-changing logistical and technological needs of students and faculty. Basically, I'm here to provide support in all instructional, technological, and research aspects possible. I welcome any of your feedback and good ideas.

As a researcher, I am mostly interested in language learner identity. I use both social and psychological perspectives to explore language learner autonomy and investment. Another area of my research defends the creative use of all the artistic modes to inquire the role emotions/instincts play in the trajectory of learning a second language. In other words, I'm also a scholar-artist, open to the possibilities of arts-based research to deeply explore the heart of learning a new language and culture (e.g., the role of belongingness, play, humor, and falling in love).

When I'm home, I love to spend time with my wife and kids. If I have free time, I enjoy charcoal drawing, playing guitar, and performing close-up magic. I also love watching Star Trek.

Farewell to David Villarreal

David Villarreal served as Director of the Language Learning Lab and Research Center since July 2013. During in tenure at Texas Tech in the Department of Classical & Modern Languages & Literatures he worked tirelessly to update and enhance the resources offered in the center. He and his wife and one of his daughters moved to Montgomery, Alabama in late August where he will be working at the Air University, Maxwell AFB.

"We're excited about our move, but a little sad that I will be leaving an amazing place (Texas Tech University). A while ago, TTU was listed as one of the best universities at which to work. In my opinion, it should have been ranked #1. I have had a great experience and I will miss the staff and faculty at CMLL.", David shared at a farewell party on August 16, 2018.

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