Zhao’s research interests focus on second language writing and the literacy development of multilingual students in diverse social contexts. Her dissertation work has explored how adolescent international students from China study in U.S. high schools, examining the cognitive and social aspects of their academic writing experiences.

Prior to joining Duke Kunshan, she served as a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, where she taught academic English to multilingual students. She also gained extensive experience as a writing center consultant at the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing at The Ohio State University. Beginning her teaching career in 2009, Yanan started as a college English language instructor at China Agricultural University in Beijing. Her extensive background as a transnational educator spans various institutions and reflects her dedication to teaching and supporting students in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

Yanan Zhao has an M.A. in TESOL from Warwick University, U.K., and a Ph.D. in foreign, second and multilingual education from OSU.