Associate Professor Weifeng Han
I am an interdisciplinary researcher and Certified Practising Speech Pathologist working across speech pathology, applied linguistics/TESOL and inclusive education. Holding dual PhDs in Linguistics and Speech Pathology, I examine how language, communication and literacy develop across culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and how professionals can distinguish language difference from language disorder in multilingual children and adults. A central focus of my work is improving culturally responsive assessment, diagnosis and intervention while addressing the structural, policy and workforce conditions shaping equitable access to health and education. My research also investigates interprofessional practice, teacher and clinician capability, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and the use of virtual and augmented reality in language, literacy and cognitive assessment. I am particularly interested in research connecting clinical evidence with educational practice and policy, including projects involving multilingual learners, disability and inclusion, autism, developmental and acquired communication disorders, and partnerships among families, educators and allied health professionals. I welcome HDR candidates from health, linguistics/TESOL and education backgrounds. Projects may use evidence synthesis, qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, co-design or implementation-focused approaches to produce rigorous research with practical and policy relevance.
Research Interests:
- Multilingual and culturally and linguistically diverse language development
- Language difference and language disorder
- Bilingual and multilingual speech-language assessment and intervention
- Culturally responsive and culturally safe practice
- Developmental and acquired communication disorders
- Speech, language, literacy and cognition across the lifespan
- Applied linguistics and TESOL
- Second and additional language learning
- Inclusive education and disability
- Autism and neurodiversity
- Teacher and clinician capability
- Interprofessional and collaborative practice
- Family–professional partnerships
- Digital technologies, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and augmented reality in health and education
- Early language and literacy policy
- AI/XR facilitated speech and language assessment and intervention.