Welcome to the Spanish Heritage Language LAB at the University of Florida!!

The SHL Lab is an interdisciplinary research group dedicated to exploring questions related to Spanish as a heritage language (and its speakers) through different approaches and methods.  Some of our current research projects include:

• Epiphenomenal effects of SHL teaching/learning
• Heritage language anxiety
• The relationship between SHL teaching/learning and identity development in the context of the US
• Spanish heritage language acquisition
• Best practices in SHL teaching​
• Linguistic aggressions and normativity

The SHL lab, located on the first floor of Dauer Hall, is heavily invested in the academic and professional development of students of all stages. Undergraduates and graduate students alike are integral to the work that we do.

Meet the current members of the Lab:​

• Marina Cuartero is a fourth-year PhD student of Hispanic Linguistics in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies at the University of Florida. She holds a B.A. in Languages and Translation from the University of Alcalá, Spanish and an M.A. in Spanish from Auburn University, Alabama. Her current research interests include heritage language acquisition, language contact, language variation, endangered languages, language revitalization and bilingualism. ​
• Daniela Nuñez de Alvarez Stransky is a third year PhD student of Hispanic Linguistics. Her academic interests include formal and applied approaches to heritage language acquisition, teaching, and learning.
• Gabriela Rivera Marín
• Jade Sierra is a second year MA student of Hispanic Linguistics.
• Diana Velázquez is a fourth-year PhD student in Hispanic Linguistics. She has a B.A. in English Studies from The University of Cádiz, and a M.A. in Hispanic Linguistics from The University of Florida. Her main research interests include second and heritage language acquisition, phonetics and phonology, and computer assisted language learning.​

I am very proud of ALL of my former students. After their graduation, they have all gone to do great things. See where some of the Lab alumni have gone for their next academic adventure:

Former PhD students

• Leire Echevarría, PhD, 2022 (co-chair); Accepted tenure track position at Maryville College
• Paola Guerrero, PhD, 2021; Accepted tenure track position at Texas Tech University
• Josh Prada, PhD, 2018; Accepted tenure track position at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

Former MA students

• Alejandro Acero Ayuda  (MA, 2021); Went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oregon

• Crispin A. Beyogle (MA, 2021); Went on to pursue graduate studies at Georgetown University
• Noah Verboon (MA, 2021); Accepted Lecturer position at Texas Tech University

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact me directly, dpascual@ufl.edu

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