Dr. Bret Zawilski is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric & Composition in the English Department at Appalachian State University. He specializes in modern rhetorical theory, the rhetoric of science, digital composing, and writing pedagogy. He regularly teaches a range of writing classes designed to help undergraduate students negotiate the kinds of written texts they will encounter in both their academic careers and professional lives. His research focuses on how students transfer their writing practices and knowledge across different contexts and the role of digital writing technologies in creating public discourse. Dr. Zawilski is an Associate Editor for the online open-access journal Kairos and also serves as the Coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Rhetoric & Composition at Appalachian State University.
Dr. Xiaorong Shao is a Professor and Information Literacy Librarian at Appalachian State University. Dr. Shao is a co-director of the American Cultural Center between Appalachian State University and Northeastern University, Shenyang, China. She has been involved in many international activities and research projects on campus and beyond. Dr. Shao was a reviewer for three international journals. She has published more than 20 articles in several major academic journals during recent years. Dr. Shao earned four degrees from three countries in the fields of soil science, chemistry, curriculum and instruction, information and library science.
Prof. Allan Scherlen is a Professor and Social Sciences Librarian at Appalachian State University. He has co-managed the American Cultural Center grants with Dr. Shao for the last four years and has been active in other international exchange programs. He currently serves as an editorial board member for the journals, Library Collections, Acquisitions, & Technical Services and North Carolina Libraries. For five years he was the co-editor of the Balance Point section of the international journal Serials Review. Allan has published over thirty articles in major academic journals on topics related to libraries, scholarly publishing, and international issues.