Kevin (Kun) Sun

Kevin (Kun) Sun

He/him

Tenured Full Professor

Teaching

🎓 Teaching & Mentorship

Over 18 years of teaching experience across multiple universities and countries, covering computational linguistics, NLP, digital humanities, and language pedagogy. Passionate about integrating cutting-edge research with practical education.

18+
Years Teaching
50+
Students Supervised
3
Universities
2
Countries

🏫 Current Teaching — Tongji University (2025/2026)

Winter & Summer

Introduction to Computational Linguistics

Foundational course covering core concepts in computational approaches to language, including formal grammars, statistical methods, and language modeling.

Winter & Summer

Advanced Natural Language Processing

Advanced topics in NLP including transformer architectures, large language models, sequence labeling, and multi-modal language understanding.

Winter & Summer

Methods in Language Sciences

Research methodology for language sciences covering experimental design, statistical analysis (GAMM, Bayesian), eye-tracking, and corpus methods.

Winter & Summer

Project-based Digital Humanities

Hands-on project course applying computational methods to humanities research, including distant reading, text mining, and data visualization.

📚 Teaching History

Tongji University, China
Tenured Professor · School of Foreign Languages · 2025–present
  • Introduction to Computational LinguisticsCore concepts in computational approaches to language analysis
  • Advanced Natural Language ProcessingTransformer architectures, LLMs, and multi-modal language understanding
  • Methods in Language SciencesExperimental design, statistical analysis, eye-tracking, and corpus methods
  • Project-based Digital HumanitiesHands-on computational methods applied to humanities research
University of Tübingen, Germany
Assistant Professor & Research Scientist · Computational Linguistics · 2017–2025
  • Transformer-based Language Models (2023 Winter)Large language models, attention mechanisms, and neural architectures
  • Quantitative Methods in Experimental Linguistics (2022 Summer)Statistical methods, experimental design, and data analysis for linguistic research
  • Language Changes & Variations (2021 Summer)Historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and computational approaches to language change
  • Computational Models in Linguistic Research (2020 & 2021 Summer)Machine learning and statistical modeling for linguistics
  • Text Linguistics and Discourse Processes (2019/2020 Winter)Discourse analysis, text processing, and computational discourse modeling
Zhejiang International Studies University, China
Associate Professor · English Department · 2013–2016
  • Contrastive Analysis of Chinese and English (2013–2015 Winter)Structural and functional differences between Chinese and English
  • Computer-aided Translation (2015–2016 Spring)Translation technology, CAT tools, and computational approaches
  • Corpus Linguistics (2016 Spring)Corpus methods, statistical analysis, and corpus tools
  • Language and Society (2015–2016 Winter)Sociolinguistics, language variation, and social aspects of language
  • English Reading & Writing (2014–2016)Academic writing and critical reading skills
Taizhou University, China
Lecturer · English Department · 2007–2013
  • Introduction to Linguistics (2008–2009 Spring)Phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics
  • L2 Learning Strategies (2007–2008 Winter)Second language acquisition theories and practical learning strategies
  • English Reading & Writing (2007–2009)Core English language skills for undergraduates

👨‍🎓 Student Supervision

50+
BA & MA Students
2
PhD Co-supervised
**Recent Thesis Topics Supervised:** - Computational approaches to Chinese discourse structure - Machine learning methods in translation quality assessment - Cross-linguistic analysis of discourse markers - Corpus-based studies of language variation - Statistical modeling of psycholinguistic phenomena

🏆 Teaching Recognition

"The Outstanding Teacher" · Zhejiang ISU (2014) Second Prize "Teaching Achievement" · Zhejiang ISU (2016) "Advanced Research Worker" · Zhejiang ISU (2015–2017)
**Academic Service & Organization:** - **Conference Organizer:** International Morphological Processing Conference, Tübingen (November 2019) - **Academic Forum Organizer:** Zhejiang International Studies University (2013–2016) - **Temporary Coordinator:** Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhejiang University (2016–2017)

📖 Teaching Philosophy

🔬

Research-Informed

Integrating the latest research findings directly into classroom instruction

🛠️

Hands-on Learning

Practical skills with Python, R, and specialized computational tools

🧩

Interdisciplinary

Combining linguistics, computer science, and cognitive science

💡

Critical Thinking

Encouraging students to question assumptions and think analytically

🌍

International

Drawing from experience across multiple educational systems and cultures

🤝

Collaborative

Team-based projects mirroring professional research environments

🎯 Future Teaching Goals

- Developing new courses on **Large Language Models and AI Ethics** - Creating interdisciplinary programs bridging **linguistics and artificial intelligence** - Establishing international collaboration programs with European and North American universities - Mentoring the next generation of computational linguists and AI researchers - Promoting **open science** practices in linguistic education

"Teaching is not just about transmitting knowledge, but about inspiring curiosity and developing critical thinking skills that will serve students throughout their careers. My goal is to prepare students for the rapidly evolving landscape of computational linguistics and AI."

— Kun Sun