Akiko Kashiwagi-Wood

Professor Akiko Kashiwagi-Wood is recognized for excellence in the field of Japanese language education and second language acquisition. As an Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Oakland University, she has been a dedicated educator since 2011. Her academic journey is marked by a Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Literatures from The Ohio State University, which laid the foundation for her profound research interests in second language acquisition, Japanese/foreign language pedagogy, and sentence processing. Professor Kashiwagi-Wood is deeply committed to enhancing the learning experience for her students. She is actively involved in collaborative learning programs with universities in Japan, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and enriching the educational landscape. Her role as a faculty advisor for Japanese majors and the Japanese STEP program underscores her dedication to promoting the visibility and importance of Japanese language education. In addition to her teaching and advisory roles, Professor Kashiwagi-Wood is a passionate advocate for innovative teaching methodologies. Her research in sentence processing and language pedagogy contributes to the development of effective strategies for language acquisition, benefiting both students and educators. Her work not only advances academic understanding but also has practical implications for language teaching practices. Through her efforts, Professor Kashiwagi-Wood continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, making significant contributions to the field of modern languages and literatures. Her commitment to education and research exemplifies the values of academic excellence and cultural exchange, making her a respected figure in her field.