My native country is Russia, my native city Irkutsk, and my home and my work are now in St. Petersburg. My career began in Irkutsk, where I studied at the university. Since then I have taught Russian as a second language. I defended my dissertation at St. Petersburg University. My research interests focus on Russian syntax and the language of Mass Media, on which I have published several articles and instructional materials. I have taught Russian to foreigners in Russia and the United States for four years (at the University of Maryland and Middlebury College). I am currently a Visiting Professor in the Republic of Korea. When I have free time, I enjoy all kinds of activities: travel, swimming and fitness, theater, movies, literature, and handcrafts.