Hispanic Studies

B.A. - Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador
M.A. and TESOL Certification - Illinois State University

Instructor of French and Spanish; Coordinator of the Basic Language Sequence (101–102, 201) and the Language Resource Center.

Her work focuses on applied linguistics, project-based language learning, immersive and experiential learning, intercultural programming, less commonly taught languages, and technology-mediated tools for language acquisition. She designs interactive, multimodal courses that encourage students to connect, experiment, and gain confidence in using an additional language. With Prof. Nadeau, she developed the May Term Travel Course to Ecuador, A Journey of Language and Culture. She has also introduced virtual reality (VR) immersive programs for all languages taught at IWU except ASL, and virtual exchange for French 102 and 201 courses with francophone speakers through the Language Resource Center. This program allows students to practice real-life conversations in global environments, and is currently developing a hybrid beginner Spanish course that incorporates VR platforms.

Recent professional activities include a conference presentation at EUROCALL (August 2025), Enhancing Student Motivation and Autonomy through Immersive Language Learning Virtual Reality Experiences. She will be featured in the “Designing PBLL MOOC” developed by the Center for Language & Technology and the National Language Resource Center, University of Hawai‘i and is currently working with them on various materials and media.

Cristina integrates her background in ecotourism and sustainability into language instruction, fostering environmental awareness alongside linguistic and cultural learning. Her interests also include indigenous languages and intercultural competence.

As Coordinator of the Basic Language Sequence, she oversees the foundational curriculum in beginning language courses across Spanish and French, ensuring alignment and continuity throughout the program; she serves as Director of the Language Resource Center, a core campus resource offering tutoring, conversation practice, audiovisual support, VR experiences and experiential learning opportunities for multiple languages (her role supports both academic and community engagement in language learning); as a faculty associate with the International and Global Studies Program, Almeida Velez contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives and the promotion of global language education university wide; she plays an active role in organizing and speaking at campus events during Hispanic Heritage Month, using her platform to elevate awareness of language, culture and identity; she has organized and led pedagogy workshops for faculty and staff focused on student well-being, inclusive teaching, and strategies for cultural equity in language learning; she also presented at the AATSP (American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese) conference in Puerto Rico, showcasing creative experiential programming and multilingual learning initiatives.