Meet the team

Dr Amy Devine
Senior Research Manager

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

Dr Angeliki Salamoura
Head of Operational Research

Angeliki has over 25 years of experience in the field of English education, as a teacher, researcher, research manager and assessment and learning specialist.

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.

Elaine Schmidt
Senior Research Manager

Elaine’s background is in psycholinguistics and language acquisition. She 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.

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).

Dr Jing Xu
Head of Propositions Research

Jing holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University (USA). As Head of Propositions Research, he oversees research into new product and capability development using cutting edge technologies.

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.

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, focusing particularly on IELTS.

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.

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).

Dr Carla Pastorino
Principal Research Manager, IELTS Propositions

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.

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.

Dr 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
Head of AI Research for Learning

Sylwia is the Head of AI Research for Learning specialising in technology-enhanced learning and quantitative research methods. She leads research that informs the development of AI-based language learning and assessment products, ensuring they are grounded in evidence-based practices, with a focus on learning analytics, automated feedback, and adaptive learning.

Szilvia Papp
Senior Research Manager

Szilvia Papp holds a PhD in Second Language Acquisition from Edinburgh. She rejoined the English Research Group in September 2025. Her current research focuses on validating digital and AI-based assessment tools, including spoken dialogue systems and conversational AI, and exploring their role in enhancing teaching and learning.

Dr Leyla Karatay
Senior Research Manager

Leyla holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics and Technology and an MA in Teaching English as a Second Language from Iowa State University (USA). As a Senior Research Manager, she collaborates with various teams within the English Research Group, focusing on listening assessment, artificial intelligent, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).