Meet the team

Dr Amy Devine
Senior Research Manager

Amy manages research supporting the validation of Cambridge English examinations and products, including digital learning and assessment tools, examinations for young learners, and impact research.

Dr Angeliki Salamoura
Head of Operational Research

Angeliki is Head of Operational Research at Cambridge English, leading on research related to Learning Oriented Assessment (LOA), language learning, impact and the CEFR.

Dr Edmund Jones
Senior Research Manager

Edmund holds a PhD in Computational Statistics from Bristol University. As a member of the English Research Group, he focuses on computer-based tests, automated assessment, and detection of malpractice. He provides expertise in quantitative methods and statistics as part of projects focusing on product development.

Elaine Schmidt
Senior Research Manager

Elaine obtained her PhD from Cambridge on bilingual language acquisition and has subsequently worked as a Postdoc in Sydney, Australia, and Cambridge on cognitive processes in speech perception and reading. Her research at Cambridge Assessment focusses on the cognitive processes in language learners using eye-tracking and EEG.

Jane Lloyd
Senior Research Manager

Jane’s main responsibilities are leading on standard setting for Cambridge exams, working on large-scale educational reform projects with ministries and NGOs, and working for the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). Her work for ALTE is to support other national language test providers. This includes: statistical analysis of items, analysis of rater performance, research into exam and language use at regional and national level, courses and training in assessment, preparation for audits, and training for item writers, test designers and raters. She has a degree in Linguistics, a DELTA, an MA in Linguistics and TESOL, and an MA in Language Testing. She is currently studying for a PhD in Language Testing at CRELLA.

Dr Evelina Galaczi
Director of Research

Evelina leads a modern and dynamic team of experts in the field of language learning, teaching and assessment, who provide in-depth domain knowledge and robust research expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods of enquiry. Her team works cross-functionally and with external experts to support research and development initiatives, ensure excellence in learning materials and tests for millions of English learners and test-takers globally, and deliver thought leadership to a range of audiences including teachers, parents, learners, and high-level decision makers. In her leadership role she supports strategic decision making and oversees the delivery of a responsive and innovative research agenda.

Ewa Stearn
Research Support Administrator

Ewa provides support for the Research and Thought Leadership Division. As part of her role, Ewa manages the consultancy engagement process and the coordination of internal research events.

Dr Jing Xu
Head of Propositions Research

Jing is Head of Propositions Research at Cambridge English. His current research focuses on automated English language assessment, computer-assisted language learning and validity theory.

Dr Hye-won Lee
Senior Research Manager

Hye-won holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University (USA), where she specialized in computer-assisted language assessment, argument-based validation and quantitative research methods. As a Senior Research Manager in the English Research Group, she leads research projects related to improved or next generation assessments and learning products, and provides research-based evidence to validate quality.

Dr Tony Clark
Head of IELTS Research

Tony Clark is the Head of IELTS Research at Cambridge English, managing research on the IELTS test. Since joining Cambridge English in 2018, he has been responsible for the IELTS Joint-funded Research Programme and the Caroline Clapham Master’s Award, acted as Permanent Secretary/Chair of the IELTS Joint Research Committee, and led on a number of high profile cross-partner research projects.

Jess Jamet
Research Operations Coordinator

Jess coordinates the Research Support Team, ensuring there are sufficient resources available for the English Research Group to progress research and thought leadership activities. Jess also works closely with the ALTA Institute and Dr Nick Saville, Director of Thought Leadership.

John Savage
Publications Assistant

John Savage is the Publications Assistant for Research and Thought Leadership. He coordinates the schedules, copy-editing, proofreading and production of various publications, including Research Notes and reports on projects such as curriculum reform in Malaysia and IELTS test development.

Graham Seed
Senior Research Manager

Graham specialises in multilingualism and the operationalisation of the CEFR in language assessment. He is the Secretariat Manager of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE), as well as working on different international research projects. He moved to the English Research Group in 2017, having previously been a Senior Assessment Manager in the Assessment Division.

Dr Carla Pastorino
Senior Research Manager

Carla obtained her PhD in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics from the University of Cambridge, where she specialized in the cognitive processes involved in second or additional language acquisition. Within the English Research Group, she manages research projects related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), ethics and the validation of new technologies for language assessment. Her research interests also include the cognitive and affective variables that may affect a learner’s language acquisition and performance and the nature of the constructs evaluated in language testing.

Mariangela Marulli
ALTE Coordinator

Mariangela coordinates the activities of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). She organises conferences, courses, and events for the Association, liaising with European organisations in the field of language testing.

Safiatú Lopes
Research Analyst

Safi is the principal Research Analyst for the RTL Division, having previously worked as a Validation Analyst. Safi provides quantitative analysis support to the Research Managers for on-going research studies, which includes work such as training/impact evaluation and predictive validation studies.

Nicholas Glasson
Senior Research Manager

Nick is currently studying for a PhD at the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment focused on exploring the interactional features elicited in an online speaking task.

Dr Sylwia Macinska
Senior Research Manager

Sylwia is a Senior Research Manager specialising in quantitative research methodologies. She leads research that drives the development of evidence-based language learning and assessment products, with a focus on learning analytics, automated feedback, and adaptive learning.

Dr Yasin Karatay
Senior Research Manager

Yasin holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University (USA), and an MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from Bilkent University (Türkiye). His research focus includes computer-based language testing, spoken dialogue systems, automated writing evaluation, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) teacher training, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP).