XINA JIN | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 02/07/202502/07/2025 by Academic Excellence

Ms. XINA JIN | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. XINA JIN, Victoria University Of Wellington, New Zealand

Dr. Xina (Hina) Jin is a multilingual scholar specializing in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Academic Reading, Corpus Linguistics, and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, supported by the prestigious Wellington Doctoral Scholarship. With diverse teaching and research experience across South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, Dr. Jin brings a global and interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experience of international students, especially in English-medium contexts. She has authored impactful publications and presented at international conferences, focusing on language education, policy, and student success. Dr. Jin’s active memberships in various linguistic and educational associations further illustrate her dedication to advancing the field. Her research continues to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in higher education globally.

Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Xina (Hina) Jin

Xina Jin is a highly promising early-career researcher whose academic journey and research contributions strongly align with the criteria of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Currently pursuing a PhD at Victoria University of Wellington, Xina’s research focuses on critical areas such as Academic Reading, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), and Corpus Linguistics. These fields have high societal relevance, especially in globalized education contexts where EAL (English as an Additional Language) students face unique academic challenges. Her ongoing research on pathways to academic success for EAL international undergraduates in New Zealand reflects a significant contribution to educational equity and inclusivity.

Xina has a robust record of scholarly publications in well-regarded journals and book chapters, demonstrating her capability in conducting rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. Her recent publication in the Journal of English for Academic Purposes and contributions to Cambridge University Press highlight her growing influence in the field. Moreover, her research presentations at international conferences such as ALAA/ALANZ/ALTAANZ and participation in applied linguistics forums emphasize her active engagement with the academic community.

Education

Dr. Jin is currently enrolled as a full-time Ph.D. student at Victoria University of Wellington (2023–present), where her research focuses on the academic success of international students studying in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) contexts. Previously, she earned a Master of Education degree from Korea University (2013–2016), one of South Korea’s premier academic institutions. During her time at Korea University, she was awarded multiple scholarships for outstanding performance, including the Graduate School Scholarship for International Students and two Excellent Performance Scholarships. These academic milestones built a solid foundation in applied linguistics, education policy, and second language acquisition. Her educational trajectory showcases a blend of East Asian and Western academic influences, giving her a unique comparative perspective in educational research and language instruction. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence positions her as a rising academic in the social sciences and applied linguistics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Jin has accumulated a broad range of academic and instructional experience in multilingual environments. Currently, she serves as a part-time Research Assistant at Victoria University of Wellington (2024). Previously, she worked as a Teaching Assistant (2020–2023) and Research Assistant (2019–2020) at City University of Hong Kong, contributing to curriculum development and academic research in English language education. She also held teaching roles in China and South Korea, including English Instructor at Sesame Street English (2017–2019) and Mandarin Chinese Teacher at Choisunsaeng Language Academy (2016–2017). Earlier, she was a Teaching Assistant at Korea University’s International Language Institute. Her teaching activities have involved developing academic writing, visual literacy, and student self-assessment. Dr. Jin’s experiences highlight her adaptability, commitment to student-centered teaching, and strong research capabilities across diverse educational and cultural landscapes. Her expertise positions her as a valuable contributor to the global dialogue on language and education.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Jin’s scholarly dedication has been recognized through several prestigious honors. She is the recipient of the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship (2023–2026), awarded for academic excellence and research potential. In 2021, she was honored with the Outstanding Academic Performance Award for Research Degree Students during her tenure at City University of Hong Kong. Her exceptional performance also earned her two consecutive Excellent Performance Scholarships in 2014 and 2015 while pursuing her Master’s at Korea University. She was also awarded the Graduate School Scholarship for International Students at Korea University from 2013 to 2015. These recognitions not only highlight her academic merit but also reflect her ability to consistently excel in rigorous international academic environments. Her work stands out for its relevance, rigor, and social impact in the field of applied linguistics and education. These awards validate her ongoing contributions to the scholarly community and her promising future in academic leadership.

Research Skills On Social Sciences

Dr. Jin possesses a robust skill set in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with a special focus on path analysis, corpus linguistics, and lexical inference strategies. Her work bridges theory and practice in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), particularly in the context of science education and international student success. She is adept at using educational data to inform teaching strategies and curriculum design, contributing to policy discussions on global English education. Dr. Jin is also skilled in academic writing, instructional material design, and mixed-methods research. Her analytical proficiency is matched by her cultural competence, having conducted cross-national research in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, and New Zealand. Through active participation in professional associations and international conferences, she continually updates her research methodologies. Her dynamic research portfolio underscores her capability to address complex educational challenges in multilingual, multicultural settings.

Publication Top Notes

From entry to excellence: Exploring relationships between admission pathways, disciplinary areas of study, and EAL international undergraduate students’ academic success in New Zealand
- Authors: Xina Jin, Rachael Ruegg, Averil Coxhead
- Citation: Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 2025, May
- Year: 2025
English medium of instruction in science learning: A path analysis
- Authors: Jack Pun, Xina Jin
- Citation: System, 2022, October
- Year: 2022
Learning from Struggle: The Use of Technology in English Medium Education (Book chapter)
- Author: Xina Jin
- Citation: Book chapter in Learning from Struggle, 2022, June 7
- Year: 2022

Chee Tan | Social Sciences | Academic Endeavor Award

Posted on 04/06/202504/06/2025 by Academic Excellence

Mr. Chee Tan | Social Sciences | Academic Endeavor Award

Mr. Chee Tan, University of Stirling, United Kingdom

Dr. Victor C. S. Tan is a responsible, adaptive, and motivated professional with over a decade of experience in special education and counseling. He began his career as a Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he led curriculum development and managed multidisciplinary teams. Over the past three years, he has taught at the University of Stirling, contributing as a field research assistant, peer reviewer, and tutor in Sociology and Social Policy. He holds an Associate Fellowship with Advance HE (AFHEA) and is an allied member of the Singapore Association of Counseling. Dr. Tan is passionate about bridging research and practice to improve outcomes for individuals with special needs. His interdisciplinary approach combines behavior therapy, positive behavior support, and applied behavioral analysis, making him a sought-after researcher and educator. He actively collaborates with international colleagues, publishes in peer-reviewed journals, and mentors emerging scholars.

Professional Profile

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Suitability Summary for Research for Academic Endeavor Award

The candidate, Victor Tan, demonstrates a strong and well-rounded profile that aligns closely with the spirit of the Research for Academic Endeavor Award, which typically recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding commitment, impactful research, and academic contributions in their field.

With over a decade of experience in special education, counseling, and therapy, combined with several years in higher education teaching, Victor has shown sustained dedication to advancing academic knowledge and practical applications within social sciences and education. His active engagement in research, highlighted by his current doctoral studies in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling, further underscores his commitment to deepening understanding and expanding the boundaries of knowledge.

Victor’s research portfolio includes recent impactful publications that intersect technology, education, and social policy, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach and adaptability to contemporary academic challenges. His work on professional understanding in special needs education and the sociological implications of AI tools in language learning demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset and responsiveness to evolving educational landscapes.

Education

Dr. Tan completed his Bachelor of Counseling (2010–2013) and Master of Counseling (2013–2015) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), where he focused on therapeutic approaches for children with special needs. He then pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education (2016–2018) at the National Institute of Education (NIE), developing expertise in adapted physical education and inclusive teaching strategies. Currently, he is a Doctoral candidate in Applied Social Research at the University of Stirling (2021–present), investigating sociological perspectives on technology’s role in education and society. Throughout his studies, he has maintained high academic standing and contributed to research projects examining interdisciplinary interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum. His academic journey reflects a commitment to blending practical counseling skills with rigorous research methodologies. Dr. Tan’s educational background equips him to design evidence-based interventions and inform policies that enhance inclusion in educational settings.

Professional Experience

From 2011 to 2020, Dr. Tan served as Teacher/Educator and Subject Head at Pathlight School for Autism, where he developed the Health and Outdoor Education curriculum, led a team of 12 staff members, and participated in the Crisis Response Team for student management. At Cheers Learning and Assessment (2015–2021), he worked as a Counsellor/Educational Therapist, delivering targeted therapy and counseling services for children aged 3–10 and adolescents aged 9–20, specializing in anxiety and anger management. Since 2021, he has been affiliated with the University of Stirling, initially as a field research assistant on the “Games of Stones” project (2022–2023), then as a peer reviewer for SPARK (Stirling International Journal of Postgraduate Research). Concurrently, he has tutored Sociology and Social Policy (SPCU901–SPCU9PA) and Criminology (CRMU9T4) modules (2021–2024), guiding undergraduate and postgraduate students in research and academic writing. His roles reflect a blend of hands-on therapeutic practice, curriculum leadership, and higher-education teaching.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Tan holds multiple certifications and honors recognizing his expertise and commitment to professional excellence. He earned a Certificate in Autism (CIA) and a qualification in Adapted Physical Education, underscoring his dedication to specialized instructional methods. He is First Aid trained and certified in the Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA), equipping him to handle crisis situations safely and effectively. As a Member of the Interdisciplinary Research Network, he collaborates with scholars across fields to advance inclusive research. He is also an Allied Member of the Singapore Association of Counseling (E0099), demonstrating his standing within the counseling community. In 2023, he was awarded Associate Fellowship (AFHEA, PR290136) by Advance HE, recognizing his contributions to teaching and learning in higher education. Dr. Tan’s memberships and credentials highlight his dual focus on evidence-based practice and academic leadership within the social sciences.

Research Skill On Social Sciences

Dr. Tan’s research expertise spans Behavior Therapy (BT), Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Positive Behavior Support (PBS), enabling him to design and evaluate interventions for individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges. He applies these methodologies in both educational and clinical settings, tailoring approaches to meet diverse learner needs. His leadership and organizational skills facilitate large-scale collaborative projects, such as the “Games of Stones” field research at the University of Stirling. He is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including survey design, thematic analysis, and statistical modeling. Dr. Tan’s experience as a peer reviewer for SPARK and contributor to interdisciplinary research networks reflects his ability to critically appraise and disseminate scholarly work. He leverages technology—such as language generative AI tools—in his investigations into educational innovations. His research portfolio demonstrates a commitment to translating empirical findings into practical strategies for inclusive education and social policy.

Publication Top Notes

Education in the Technological Age: The Conflux of Technology, Education, and Science

Author: Chee Shien Tan
Year: 2025

A Sociological Take on Language Generative AI Tools

Author: Victor Tan Chee Shien
Year: 2024 (published on 2024-09-24)

Professional Understanding of a Special Needs Educator: Roles, Expectations, and Implications

Author: Chee Tan
Year: 2023 (published on 2023-06-07)

From The Future To The Present: Socioecological Transformation

Author: Chee Tan
Year: 2022 (published in October 2022)

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