Aurora Lixinhao Gao is a PhD candidate in Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the psychology of language learning and multilingualism. Aurora earned a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree with Distinction from the University of Cambridge, where she was awarded the Best Dissertation Award and the Master’s Prize. Prior to her graduate studies, she majored in Spanish Philology and minored in Applied Psychology, achieving First-class Honours degrees and receiving the Best Dissertation Award. Aurora also serves as a Research Assistant at the Research for Equitable Access and Learning Centre at the University of Cambridge and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Beyond academia, Aurora passionately dedicates her life to the art of violin performance and the mastery of multiple languages.

Scholarships and Prizes:

• Best Dissertation Award, University of Cambridge
• Master’s Prize, University of Cambridge
• Postgraduate Research Grants, Newnham College
• H.M. Chadwick Fund, University of Cambridge
• National Scholarships, Ministry of Education of the PRC
• Shanghai Outstanding Graduate Award, SMEC
• Top 1 Exchange Student Scholarship, Antonio de Nebrija University
• Annual First-class Scholarships for Academic Excellence, ECNU
• Best Dissertation Award, ECNU

Fellowships:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)