Jennifer Wain was a senior instructional designer in the AI Research Labs in the Research & Development division at ETS until June 2022. Her research at ETS focused on the development of language learning prototypes and capabilities for global and domestic English learners of all ages. Her primary areas of interest included pragmatics and intercultural communication. She was also particularly interested in user experience research and design thinking and the use of empathy and user data to drive product development. She worked as the content lead and designer for numerous projects while at ETS, developing language learning materials for young learners (e.g., targeting reading skills and formative assessment) and university age students (e.g., tools to raise pragmatic awareness, improve speaking proficiency, and prepare for international study abroad programs; innovative assessment methods for advanced speaking skills).
Prior to working at ETS, Wain taught English and academic skills to international undergraduate and postgraduate students in the UK as well as general English and conversation skills to young learners and adults in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She received her M.A. in applied linguistics from the University of Sussex (Falmer, UK) in 2009, her CELTA teaching certificate (grade A) from Sussex Downs College (Eastbourne, UK) in 2008, and her B.A. (cum laude) in French from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA) in 2003. Also, she received a diplôme in programme international (Sciences-Po) from the L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Paris, France) in 2003.