Who We Are
LCLC Staff
Elizabeth Dolly Weber, Ph.D has been directing the LCLC since 2010. In addition to working with faculty and graduate students to help find the appropriate technology for each situation, her particular interest is in projects that provide opportunities for student choice, creativity, and collaboration in and beyond the classroom: mapping for language, literature,and culture classes; wikis for writing and note-taking; blogs to foster interest and engagement. She is also Language Program Director for the French Basic Language Program in the Department of French and Francophone Studies.
Cheyenne Otto (LCLC Program Assistant) obtained her MA in Germanic Studies from UIC in Spring 2025, as well as a BA in History in Fall 2022. Her research interests include imperialism, the creation of the self, and the presentation of power in media. Outside of academia, she can be found drawing, playing video games, and discussing media with her friends.
Katerina Neskoska (LCLC Program Assistant) earned her MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in 2011, specializing in TESOL. She has extensive experience teaching academic writing and communication, tutoring students through writing and communications centers, and supporting both native and multilingual learners. Katerina has contributed to the development of writing support services and is committed to helping students succeed both academically and personally. In addition to instruction and tutoring, she guides students in navigating university life and connecting with resources such as the LCLC’s language tutoring program and other academic support services.
Martha Popescu (LCLC Research Assistant) is a MA student in Polish, Russian, and Lithuanian Studies. Previously, Martha completed a BA in Anthropology of the University of Louisville in Kentucky. She has studied in Granada, Spain and Krakow, Poland. Her current research interest focuses on the intersection of contemporary political movements, national literature, and urban youth culture in Poland. Outside of class, Martha enjoys making, collecting, and listening to electronic music.
Patrick Cook-White (LCLC Research Assistant) is a PhD Candidate in Germanic Studies. Patrick previously completed a BA in Political Science, Sociology, and History at the University of Leipzig, Germany, and subsequently an MA in Political Science and Sociology. Patrick studied in Dresden, Germany and Lisbon, Portugal as well.
His current research focuses on the economic function of the literary figure of the “gypsy” in 19th century German-language literature, and draws on methodologies from Economics, Psychoanalysis, and Political Theory, among others. Aside from academia, Patrick is busy being a father, husband, record collector, passionate cook, and traveler.
Sam Wadas (LCLC Research Assistant) is a PhD student in Hispanic Studies. Previously, Sam completed a BS/BA in Aeronautical Engineering Technology and Spanish at Purdue University. She completed her MA in Linguistics through Hispanic Studies at UIC. Her current research interests focus on second and third language acquisition as well as phonology and tones. Outside of academia, Sam enjoys reading (fantasy and anything fiction), walking with her dog, and crocheting.
Will Franke (LCLC Research Assistant) is a MA student in French and Francophone Studies. Will completed his BA in French at the University of Oklahoma and participated in the Teaching Assistant Program in France. His current research interests include Language Acquisition and Early European History. Will also spends time reading, crocheting, and cooking.