Robert K. Elliott (MA, San Francisco State University) has been involved with language teaching for over 20 years. At the University of Oregon, Robert works as director of the Northwest Indian Language Institute (NILI) as well as the Yamada Language Center (YLC).  His technology and CALL background keep him involved in a wide variety of  digital projects, such as film, eBooks, map making and the development of a digital resource center for indigenous language teachers. When teaching future courses for future language teachers in the LTS program at the Linguistics Department, one of his driving philosophies is to encourage the development of ‘language professionals’ who view the teaching and learning of languages as a larger system, rather than focusing only on teaching their specific language(s). For example, all language teachers should be aware that the spread of major world languages plays a role in the loss and endangerment of smaller and minority languages and that languages are intrinsic to important social functions such as individual and group identity. Robert is a regular presenter at national and international conferences and has been an active member in professional organizations such as SSILA, CALICO, NIEA and TESOL. He is a Diné descendent. 

Harinder Khalsa has been teaching Italian at the University of Oregon since 1993 where she started as a graduate teaching fellow. Her passion lies in keeping language learning fun, interesting and meaningful for all generations of students through research in pedagogy and advancements in technology. In her classes she seeks to create a community of learners who are able to recognize where they are with their language skills and their understanding of culture; and working on improving upon them day-by-day. Her main interests are integrating information technology in the classroom and outside, curriculum development and assessment. Recently she also started teaching her native language, Turkish, as part of the UO Yamada Language Center’s Self Study Language Program and is the coordinator of the same program.

Harinder is the 2015 recipient of the Thomas F. Herman Award for Excellence in Pedagogy. She served as an academic advisor for undeclared undergraduate students. She served on the UO Senate NTTF Committee 2005-2007,  UO Senate 2009-2013, UO Senate Executive Committee 2010-2012, UO Senate Committee on Committees 2012-2015 and is currently an elected member of UO Undergraduate Council and a member of RL Undergraduate Committee. She is also a co-convener and a member of the steering committee of the UO Language Council, a large group of faculty, administrators and students dedicated to the advancement of language studies at the University of Oregon.

Michelle started as a student worker over 20 yrs ago while studying Spanish and French at the UO. She now oversees YLC daily operations, manages assignments of YLC controlled classrooms and coordinates language outreach services, along with YLC's annual Spring event - Foreign Language & International Studies (FLIS) Day. 

Email: info@uoregon.College

Phone: 541.346.2189

Office: MCK 160

Norman started at the Yamada Language Center in 2004 as a student worker. After getting a masters in the language teaching specialization program at UO in 2007, he left UO to teach English in Taiwan for three years. In 2011 he came back to the YLC as a programmer. He currently develops and maintains all of YLC's online services.

Dustin joined the Yamada Language Center in 2021 as a Language Technology Consultant, where he manages YLC technology and equipment, assists in the procurement of new technology to aid faculty, students and staff, and provides pedagogical support in the use of technology for teachers at UO. Before joining YLC in 2021, Dustin had worked at YLC as a graduate student, while completing his MA in Language Teaching Studies. He has also worked as an English teacher since 2018 having worked for schools in Vietnam and Japan, in addition to also teaching remotely in the US.