Paola Vaz is an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne within the Faculty of Arts. Her work primarily focuses on discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, and the intersection of language and identity. With a robust academic background, Paola engages in research exploring how discourse shapes social phenomena and how language reflects cultural identities. Her contributions to the field have fostered a greater understanding of the dynamic interactions between language, society, and individual identity. She has authored numerous publications demonstrating her expertise in these areas, including both theoretical and applied research. Paola's academic journey includes an extensive engagement with interdisciplinary research, incorporating insights from linguistics, sociology, and anthropology to enrich her understanding of communicative practices. She is committed to advancing knowledge in her field and actively participates in conferences and workshops to disseminate her findings and collaborate with peers. Her educational background and professional experiences further reinforce her role as a leading figure in the study of language and identity within sociocultural contexts.