Dr. Helen Toraskar completed her doctorate in Education at the University of Hong Kong in 2015, specialising in English Language and Literature. She has an M.A. in Applied Linguistics (The University of Hong Kong), an M.Sc. in Education (The University of Pennsylvania, USA) and a B.A. in Sociology (McMaster University, Canada).

Prior to joining Centennial College (The HKU Group), Helen’s teaching experience includes Community College and public school teaching in the USA and in Hong Kong. She has taught English to students of all ages and proficiency levels. Helen also has experience in course coordination, syllabus design, course material development and assessment for young adults. She has taught courses in Academic Writing and Speaking, EAPP, IELTS Preparation as well as content courses such as Language, Identity and Society and Discourse and Persuasive Power. She has received awards such as the HKU SPACE Community College Staff Performance Award and Outstanding Teacher Award.

Helen is currently conducting research in EFL teaching/learning and EFL teacher professional development. Her broader research interests include both EFL Academic writing and Speaking in Higher Education.