ÌÇÐÄTV

Profile

Hey everyone, welcome to my zone 🙌 ! My name is Yanyan Li, an Early-career Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Study. I completed my PhD in Applied Linguistics from University of ÌÇÐÄTV. I have been awarded the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and was Fellow of the ÌÇÐÄTV International Higher Education Academy (WIHEA).

I have been selected as the Institutional Representative for University of ÌÇÐÄTV of the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN). I am currently co-leading the AI Equity and Sustainability Working and Discovery Group of ÌÇÐÄTV in the QS Responsible AI Consortium, with Dr Tom Ritchie (Chemistry) and Dr Jessica Savage (GSD).

I have been appointed as a Fellow of ÌÇÐÄTV Institute of Engagement (WIE). I have also been selected as a member of the Participatory Research Cohort at the ÌÇÐÄTV Impact Academy. Alongside my PhD in Applied Linguistics, I have developed my expertise, knowledge and skills in public and mental health, earning a series of qualifications in this field from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH).

My research interests cover multimodal communication, conversation analysis, human-human interaction, human-AI interaction, and AI in Higher Education. In my PhD research, I delved into the multimodal interactional processes where peers undertake relationship work during group interaction. I am an interdisciplinary researcher with recent interests spanning behavioural change theories, health interventions, digital and mental health, and research culture. My supervisors are Professor Tony LiddicoatLink opens in a new window and Professor Steve MannLink opens in a new window.

I am involved in several programmes and training initiatives across different departments at ÌÇÐÄTV. I am responsible for seminar teaching on the Spoken Interaction course and dissertation supervision for the MA TESOL programme in the Department of Applied Linguistics.

In addition, I work as a Facilitator for the Intercultural Training programme at ÌÇÐÄTV Student Opportunity and as an Associate Tutor for both the Department of Computer Science and ÌÇÐÄTV Medical School. I also serve as an Interdisciplinary Research Project Mentor for the Department of Chemistry, and a Postgraduate Mentor for Social Mobility Student Research Hub.

Previously, I worked as a Peer-to-Peer Tutor for On-Track Talk, the Academic Writing Station, and the Language Exchange Programme at ÌÇÐÄTV Library. I also worked as a ÌÇÐÄTV Library Student Partner, supporting and organising various events such as Research Refresh, PG Tips, and Undergraduate Open Day.

Academic Background

• 2025-2026：Early-career FellowLink opens in a new window, Institute of Advanced Study, University of ÌÇÐÄTV, UK
• 2021-2025：PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of ÌÇÐÄTV, UK
  • Nominated for the ÌÇÐÄTV Award for Public and Community Engagement (WAPCE) (Postgraduate Award Category)
  • Nominated for the Research Celebration Award (as part of the Journal of PGR Pedagogic Practice (JPPP) editorial team)
• 2024-2025：Postgraduate Award in Interdisciplinary Pedagogy, University of ÌÇÐÄTV, UK
  • Graduated with Distinction
• 2019-2020：MA in Applied Linguistics, University College London, UK
  • Graduated with Distinction
• 2015-2019：BA in English Language and Literature, Beijing Normal University, China
  • Graduated with First-Class Honour Equivalent
  • Excellence Training Exchange Programme, King's College London - Beijing Normal University (2018)
  • Awards
    • Outstanding Graduate of Beijing City, China
    • Outstanding Graduate of Beijing Normal University
    • First-class Scholarship (2016-2017, 2017-2018)
    • Merit Student (2016-2017)
    • Outstanding Student Leader (2015-2016, 2016-2017)
    • Top10 Volunteer (2017-2018)
    • Social Word Award (2015-2016)

Current Research

The intellectual question that drives my curiosity is: How do humans interact, and how does this interaction shape their connections?

My PhD project investigated the interactional architecture of multiparty peer interaction, focusing on how peers construct, maintain, breach, and restore relationships during group work. Using conversation analysis as my primary methodology, I examined interactional data to uncover these dynamics. Additionally, I incorporated multimodal analysis to explore how vocal and non-vocal behaviours shape participants' relationships as their interactions unfold. My PhD research provided insights into the relational aspects of group dynamics from an interactional perspective within institutional settings.

My recent research interests have expanded to include the development of health interventions for non-communicable diseases. I have completed the first phase of a digital mental health intervention development project and am now working on the second phase, a feasibility study in which our team is piloting the intervention we developed.

My recent research interests also involve research culture and creative methods for conducting and communicating research. I have been involved in two research culture projects, working to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for researchers of all kinds. I aim to ensure that various contributions to research are acknowledged and that researchers' needs for conducting research are supported.

Research Activity

• Postdoctoral Researcher (2025-present), ÌÇÐÄTV Medical School
  • ​A feasibility study of the InterDine intervention​
• Principal Investigator (2026), ÌÇÐÄTV's Interdisciplinary Research Spotlight
  • Exploring young adults' experiences of using conversational AI to navigate loneliness
• Principal Investigator (2026), ÌÇÐÄTV Research Culture

  • Creating Trauma-oriented Coping Strategies for Researchers Experiencing Vicarious Trauma Arising from Conducting Emotionally Challenging Research

• Co-Principal Investigator (2026), ÌÇÐÄTV Research Culture

  • FECAREER - Female Carers in Academia Working Towards a Career

• Project Lead (2025), ÌÇÐÄTV International Higher Education Academy

  • ​Understanding University Students’ Perceptions of Using AI to Enhance Study Skills: An Exploratory Study​

• Principal Investigator (2024), Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning
  • Action-based Research Skills Development: Implications of Spoken Language Data SessionsLink opens in a new window 
• Co-investigator (2024-2025), Research Culture

  • Towards More Inclusive Practices: Supporting Female PGRs and ECRs with Caring ResponsibilitiesLink opens in a new window

• PGR Student Researcher (2024-2025), ÌÇÐÄTV Medical School

  • MRC PHIND Reducing university student loneliness by supporting social connectedness via the 'LunchChat' app with a peer promotion element

• Project Co-lead (2025-present), ÌÇÐÄTV Innovations & Enterprise
  • Roles Behind Closed Doors: How Female Academics Feel Excluded in Workplace Communication
• Project Assistant (2024-2025), Research Culture

  • Countering silos and hierarchies through peer-to-peer research-in-progress conversationLink opens in a new window

• Research Assistant (2023), Centre for Applied Linguistics
  • the 2nd edition of 'Exploring professional communication: Language in action' by Professor Stephanie SchnurrLink opens in a new window

Grant

• (PI) £9996.4, Enhancing Research Culture Fund, University of ÌÇÐÄTV

• (Project Lead) £3000, Participatory Research Grant, ÌÇÐÄTV Impact Academy
• (PI) £1980, Interdisciplinary Health Research Spotlight Small Grant Scheme
• (Co-PI) £9988, Enhancing Research Culture Fund, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (Project Lead) £4500, WIHEA Student Fellow Strategic Fund
• (PI) £1500, Interdisciplinary Student-led Project fund, Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (PI) £300, Interdisciplinary Digital, Data Science & AI Spotlight Small Grant Scheme
• (Co-I) £9000, Enhancing Research Culture Fund, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (Project Lead) £3000, The Collaboration and Co-production Fund, Institute of Engagement
• (Project/Event Lead) £1500, ESRC Impact Acceleration Account
• (Project Lead) £2480, Lord Rootes Fund, ÌÇÐÄTV Innovations & Enterprise
• (Project Co-lead) £1600, Lord Rootes Fund, ÌÇÐÄTV Innovations & Enterprise
• (Organiser) £600, Institute of Advanced Study Conversations Fund
• (Event Lead) £300, Networking Fund, Doctoral College
• (Event Lead) £600, Conversations Fund, Institute of Advanced Study
• (Team member) £1000, Interdisciplinary Society and Culture Research Spotlight Small Grant Scheme

Publication

Peer-reviewed articles & book chapters

Li, Y. (2026, fc). Silent and delayed shared laughter in managing interactional trouble: a multimodal conversation analytic approach. In P. Mesinioti (Ed.), How to do multimodal analysis. Routledge.

Li, Y. (2026, fc). Humorous talk to manage relationship work in EFL classroom group interaction in China. In H. P. Bui & H. P. Hoai (Eds.), Sociocultural theory, interaction, and knowledge development in Asia. Springer Nature.

Li, Y. (2026, fc). The interdisciplinary condition: Navigating precarity, identity, and epistemic translation as an early-career researcher. Exchanges: The Interdisciplinary Research Journal.

Li, Y., & Yu, K. (2025). ‘Two Voices, Many Languages’: A Duoethnographic Look at Multilingual Identity in Teaching Spaces in a UK University. Journal of PGR Pedagogical Practice, 5(1), 1-18.

Chandler, L. A., Li, Y., Agarwal, D., Antkiewicz, J., Chike-Michael, J., Giacco, D., Jilka, S., Mensah, D., Saunders, I., Toro, C., & Tuomainen, H. (2026, fc). Eating together, eating alone: A cross-sectional survey of associations between social eating contexts, mealtime emotions, tenology use, and loneliness in UK university students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. (check the preprint: )

Karatepe, C., Li, M., Li, Y., & Gao, X. (2026, fc). ‘I always feel guilty when I’m not prioritising one thing.’: Co-constructed narratives of student-parenting and wellness of academic mothers. In S. Makoni & Y. S. Alabede (Eds.), Student-parenting, scholarship, and survival: Multilingual and decolonial perspectives on family, knowledge, wellness. Multilingual Matters.

Li, Y. (2025). From research to reach: A doctoral researcher’s experience in engaging the public through accessible research communication. Exchanges: The Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 12(3), 203–217.

Li, Y. (2025). On second thought: what can EFL teachers learn from research on student-student interaction? Link opens in a new windowELT Research: IATEFL Research SIG Newsletter. 40, 26-31.

Li, Y. (2025). AAALGrads Newsletter, 9(2), 18-21.

Zhuo, M., & Li, Y. (2024). Harnessing the power of peer dialogue to support GTAs’ professional development: Two reflective stories. Journal of PGR Pedagogic Practice, 4, 136-158.

Book reviews

Li, Y. (2025). Stephen J. Moody, Humor, identity, and belonging: Constructing the foreign in American-Japanese interaction. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton, 2024. Pp. 204. Hb. €115. Language in Society, 54 (3), 600–601.

Li, Y. (2026, fc). Jinhyun Cho, Multilingual practices and monolingual mindsets: Critical sociolinguistic perspectives on health care interpreting. London: Routledge, 2025. Pp. 162. Hb. £116. Language in Society.

Health intervention protocols

Chandler, L., Tuomainen, H., Li, Y., Saunders, I., Fowler, G., & Giacco, D. (2025, December 19). InterDine – Improving Student Wellbeing through Peer-Promoted Social Connections: A Feasibility Study.

Public engagement materials

Ritchie, T., & Li, Y. (2026). Students told us what GenAI guidance works. Here’s their advice. Times Higher Education.

Li, M., Karatepe, C., Li, Y., & Gao, X. (2026). Stop excluding carers! Seven ways to create an inclusive research culture. Times Higher Education.

Li, Y., Chen, Z., Shi, S., & Zheng, J. (2024). Talk & Echo. Jiang, Y. (Ed.). Retrieved from /fac/soc/al/events/talkandpoetryworkshop/talk_and_echo_poem_collection_1016.pdfLink opens in a new window

Qualification

• FHEA, Fellowship, Higher Education Academy
• CELTA, Cambridge Level 5 Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults
• RSPH Level 2 Award Supporting Climate-related Behaviour Change
• RSPH Level 2 Award Public Health
• RSPH Level 2 Award Encouraging Physical Activity
• RSPH Level 2 Award Encouraging Healthy Weight and Healthy Eating

• RSPH Level 2 Award Understanding Mental Wellbeing

• RSPH CPD Accredited Understanding Sleep

• RSPH CPD Accredited MECC for Mental Health
• CATTI, Certificate of Translator, China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters (Translation Level 2&3)
• NTCE, National English Teacher Certificate (Senior High School), China National Teacher Certificate Examination

Conference Presentation

• Exploring the methodological implications of researcher-participant relationships in qualitative research: a relational approach - AAAL2025 Conference (Symposium Organiser)
• Relationship Work in Group Interaction During Classroom Off-task Talk - BAAL Conference 2024
• 'Constructing Group Membership - The Socio-relational Function of Emergent Common Ground During Classroom Off-task Talk' - York Conference on Conversation Analysis 2024
• 'Manipulating Vocalisation and Timing of Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work Against Humor in Multiparty Peer Interaction - The 13th Humour Research Conference
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Face-threatening Acts During Multiparty Peer Interaction' - The 14th Symposium on Politeness (Symbol 2023)
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Classroom Group Work' - The 11th International Conference on Multimodality (ICOM-11)
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Multiparty Peer Interaction' - The 25th ÌÇÐÄTV International Conference in Applied Linguistics (WICAL2023)
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Multiparty Peer Interaction' - Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics 2023 (Abstract Accepted)
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Multiparty Peer Interaction' - The 13th International and Interdisciplinary Conference on Applied Linguistics and Professional Practice (ALAPP 2023) (Abstract Accepted)
• 'Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Multiparty Peer Interaction' - The 29th Annual Linguistics and English Language Postgraduate Conference, University of Edinburgh (LELPGC 23) (Abstract Accepted)

Invited Talk

• IHE Annual Conference 2025
  • 25 November 2025 - invited speaker of the panel discussion on AI in higher education
• Language Culture Matters Seminar SeriesLink opens in a new window
  • 14 June 2023 - Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work in Interactional Troubles During Multiparty Peer Interaction
  • 20 November 2024, Peer Relationship Work in Group Interaction During Off-task Talk in Second Language Classrooms

• WIHEA Connect Programme
  
  • 30 January 2025 - Student Panelist

• • 24 May 2023 - Shared Laughter to Manage Relationship Work During Delicate Interactional Moments
• International Conference of Undergraduate Research 2025
  • 9 May 2025 - Interdisciplinary Research Communication in Social Sciences

Teaching & Supervision

• Teacher, Confucius Institute for Schools, Institute of Education, University College London (2019-2020)
• Lecturer, ET9B9 Spoken Interaction, MA TESOL Programme (2025)
• Guest Lecturer, ET310 Artificial Intelligence and Applied Linguistics, BA English Language and Linguistics Programme (2025)
• Associate Tutor, MA TESOL Programme (2022-2025)
• Dissertation Supervisor, MA TESOL Programme (2023-2024)
• Associate Tutor, Research Methods, MSc Intercultural Communication for ÌÇÐÄTV Professions & MA TESOL (2023)
• Associate Tutor, Dissertation Writing, BA Language, Culture and Communication (2025)
• Associate Tutor, Community Values Education Programme (2022-2024)
• Associate Tutor, Department of Computer Science (2023-present)
• Associate Tutor, ÌÇÐÄTV Medical School (2023-2025)
• Course Mentor, Beyond Science: Collaborative Student-led Challenges, Department of Chemistry (2023-2025)
• Postgraduate Mentor, Social Mobility Student Research Hub (2024-2025)
• GTA CPD Workshop Designer and Tutor, Developing Interactional Competence in Teaching Space, ÌÇÐÄTV Postgraduate Teacher Community (2024)
• Facilitator, Intercultural Training Programme (2022-present)
• Peer-to-Peer Tutor, ÌÇÐÄTV Library (2023)

Professional Role & Activity

• Institutional Representative for University of ÌÇÐÄTV, British Academy Early-career Researcher Network (2025-present)
• Co-lead, AI Equity and Sustainability Working and Discovery Group, QS Responsible AI Consortium
• Founder & Session Convenor, ÌÇÐÄTV Interaction & Talk Research Group (WIT)Link opens in a new window (2023-present)
• Fellow, ÌÇÐÄTV International Higher Education AcademyLink opens in a new window (2024-2025)
• Postgraduate Research Teacher Champion, ÌÇÐÄTV Postgraduate Teaching CommunityLink opens in a new window (2024)
• Organising Committee, Building Bridges: A Symposium on Human-AI InteractionLink opens in a new window
• Organising Committee,
• Organising Committee, 24th ÌÇÐÄTV International Conference in Applied LinguisticsLink opens in a new window and 25th ÌÇÐÄTV International Conference in Applied LinguisticsLink opens in a new window
• Associate Editor, Exchanges: The Interdisciplinary Research Journal () (2025)
• Co-organiser, Language Culture Matters Seminar Series (2023)
• Project Ambassador & PGR Student RepresentativeLink opens in a new window, EUTOPIA Alliance (2024-2025)
• Short Courses Trip Leader, Department of Applied Linguistics (2023-2024)
• Library Student Partner, ÌÇÐÄTV Library (2023-2025)
• , BALEAP Conference 2023Link opens in a new window

Public Engagement

Podcast Series

Featured Media Coverage

• Women's Health (circulation: 79k)

• Yahoo (OTS: 1 Million)

• Hinton Lifestyle (OTS: 9405k)
  
• Mirage News (OTS: 1458)
  

• Health & Wellbeing
  
• Samachar Central

• Phys.org
  
• ÌÇÐÄTV News & Events
  
  • laughter_really_is (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window
  • Laughter really is the best medicine research finds - News (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window
• MIT Technology Review
  

Initiative

• Talk and Echo - Uncovering The Structure of Conversations and Social Life Through PoetryLink opens in a new window
• Conversations and Connections Through PoetryLink opens in a new window (in collaboration with Emilie Lauren Jones, Coventry Poet Laureate, Criterion Theatre and Positive Images Coventry)

Featured Event

• (Event Lead) Wits and Treats: WIT End-of-year Gathering, funded by Doctoral College
• (Organiser) Spoken Data Analysis Workshop, funded by IATL
• (Event Manager) Pint of Science 2023 in Coventry & ÌÇÐÄTVshire, sponsored by Institute of Engagement, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (City Coordinator & Event Manager) in Coventry & ÌÇÐÄTVshire, sponsored by Institute of Engagement, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (City Coordinator & Event Manager) Pint of Science 2025 in Coventry & ÌÇÐÄTVshire, sponsored by Institute of Engagement, University of ÌÇÐÄTV
• (Speaker)

For me, life is far more than academia. It's also about capturing the beauty and serendipity of the world around me. Thus, photography has become one of my passions.

Cooking and baking are my go-to ways to unwind, so they've become another passion of mine.

Being a gym rat, I work out to feel the burn in my muscles and get stronger.