Chin-Sook Pak

Chin-Sook Pak is an esteemed Associate Professor of Spanish at the Department of Modern Languages and Classics at Ball State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Romance Linguistics from the University of Michigan, where she developed a profound expertise in bilingual education and community engagement. Her academic journey is marked by a dedication to enhancing the educational experiences of second language and heritage language students of Spanish. With over two decades of experience in the field, Professor Pak has been instrumental in integrating service-learning components into Spanish language courses. Her innovative approach has not only enriched the curriculum but also led to numerous publications that highlight the significance of culturally relevant community-based learning. Her work has been pivotal in demonstrating the positive impact of service-learning on students, both academically and personally. Professor Pak's contributions to teaching and scholarship have been recognized with several prestigious awards. Her commitment to excellence in education has earned her accolades from renowned organizations, including the American Association for Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. These honors reflect her dedication to advancing the field of bilingual education and her influence as a thought leader in service-learning. In addition to her teaching and research, Professor Pak is actively involved in community engagement initiatives. She collaborates with local organizations to create meaningful opportunities for students to apply their language skills in real-world contexts. Her efforts have not only benefited her students but have also strengthened the ties between the university and the surrounding community. Professor Pak's research interests continue to evolve, with a focus on exploring new methodologies in bilingual education and service-learning. Her work remains at the forefront of educational innovation, inspiring both her colleagues and students to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors.