Karen V Zapata López
karen.zapata@upr.edu
Office # AJBR 344
Extension # –
Karen Zapata López teaches and coordinates the Intensive level course program in the department. With a decade of experience in language education, she holds an EdD in Curriculum and Teaching (TESL focus) from UPR, along with an M.A. in TESL and a B.A. in French Literature (honors). Her research explores linguistic equity in higher education, and her dissertation focused on medical and nursing students’ language needs. Previously, she directed a $3M U.S. Department of Education grant (ALCE Project), publishing on Hispanic student retention, and trained dozens of educators through federally funded initiatives. Actively engaged in faculty development, she has presented at national and international conferences and co-teaches graduate courses through interdisciplinary collaborations. Committed to vulnerable student populations, she leads a pilot program for intensive English learners. Recognized for teaching excellence, she brings passion to advancing language education in Puerto Rico.