Bio
Dr. José Manuel Morcillo-Gómez is Associate Teaching Professor of Spanish at Florida International University (FIU), where he currently serves as Undergraduate Program Director for Spanish and Interim Director of the Maurice A. Ferré Institute for Civic Leadership. His academic and professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to language education, intercultural collaboration, and civic engagement.
Dr. Morcillo-Gómez earned his Ph.D. in Spanish from FIU, with a dissertation focused on masculinity and national identity in the works of Juan Goytisolo and Mario Vargas Llosa. His academic background also includes graduate studies in speech disorders, adult education, environmental studies, and international relations, completed in Spain. This interdisciplinary foundation informs his approach to teaching and curriculum development.
At FIU, Dr. Morcillo-Gómez has played a key role in expanding global learning opportunities. Since 2018, he has coordinated the Dual Degree Program in Spanish with Qingdao University in China, where he also taught for 7 years. His leadership in this initiative has helped foster cross-cultural academic exchange and introduced innovative pedagogical models, including task-based language teaching. His work in this area has been published in The Cambridge Handbook of Task-Based Language Teaching and other peer-reviewed journals.
In addition to his teaching and administrative roles, Dr. Morcillo-Gómez has contributed to research on digital pedagogy and teacher cognition, including studies using eye-tracking technology to explore attentional demands in online instruction. He has presented his findings at international conferences and continues to collaborate on projects that enhance language learning through technology.
Beyond the university setting, Dr. Morcillo-Gómez has extensive experience in professional training and civic education. In Spain, he worked with government institutions to deliver workshops on strategic communication, leadership, and public speaking. These experiences have shaped his interest in the intersection of language, civic identity, and social transformation.
Students in Dr. Morcillo-Gómez’s courses benefit from his global perspective and practical experience. He teaches a range of subjects, including Spanish for Business, Latin American Culture, and Advanced Grammar, often integrating digital tools and real-world applications. His classes are designed to help students develop not only linguistic proficiency but also cultural awareness and critical thinking skills.
Fluent in Spanish and English, and with working knowledge of Mandarin, Dr. Morcillo-Gómez exemplifies the multilingual and multicultural competencies he encourages in his students. His work reflects a belief in education as a bridge between communities and a catalyst for leadership and innovation.
Whether students are pursuing careers in international business, education, or public service, Dr. Morcillo-Gómez offers guidance rooted in academic rigor, global engagement, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of language.