Bio
Mahdi Duris is currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of English at Iowa State University, where his work bridges Applied Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He earned his Bachelor’s in Management from George Mason University, his Master’s in TESL from Saint Cloud State University, and his PhD in Applied Linguistics and Technology from Iowa State University. His postdoctoral research will focus on the role of generative AI in language use, particularly in contexts where AI replaces or enhances human communication, advice-seeking, learning, and expressions of empathy, reasoning, and professional judgment. With over 15 years of ESL and EFL teaching experience in the US and Saudi Arabia, he has also led pedagogical training and mentorship initiatives for language educators.