About
Hey, I’m Kiera🙋♀️! Thanks for stopping by.
I am a PhD student in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology, with a research focus on how constructionist tools and artistic expression can enhance computational thinking and problem-solving skills. My work explores the role of maker education, game-based learning, and culturally responsive design tools in fostering engagement and equity in computer science education.
With experience in instructional technology, UX research, and digital media, I have worked across education, technology, and media industries, designing interactive learning experiences and analyzing the psychological processes that sustain student interest in STEAM fields. I integrate design thinking with educational research to create engaging, accessible learning environments.
I am fluent in English and Chinese and thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary settings. Through my research, I aim to bridge the gap between art, computing, and education, contributing to innovative learning solutions that empower diverse learners.
Vita
Education
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Educational Technology(EPET) @ Michigan State University, 2029 (in progress)
- M.A. in Instructional Technology and Media @ Columbia University, 2024
- B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies @ Duke University, 2022
- B.F.A. in Media and Arts, Creative Practice Track @ Duke Kunshan University, 2022
Posters& Conference Presentations (Peer-Reviewed)
- Zhou, X. & Lachney, M. (2026), From Pattern to Pedagogy: Integrating Traditional Chinese Design into Anti-Racist Computer Science Education. 2026 Annual Meeting of the AERA, Los Angeles, CA, USA (link)
- Jee, H., Starks, B., Zhou, X, Lachney, M., Santo, R., & Ryoo, J. (2026), K-12 Student Agency in Addressing Ethics and Impacts of Computing: A Review of the Literature, Structured Poster Session, 2026 Annual Meeting of the AERA, Los Angeles, CA, USA (link)
- Starks, B., Jee, H., Zhou, X, Lachney, M., Santo, R., & Ryoo, J. (2026), A Systematic Literature Review of Ethical Frameworks in Computer Science for K-12 and Higher Education, Structured Poster Session, 2026 Annual Meeting of the AERA, Los Angeles, CA, USA (link)
- Zhou, X. & Akar Hozman, Y.N.(2025), Using Gamification to Tackle Challenges in Culturally Responsive Classrooms: A Case Study Approach for Pre-service Teacher Training. Roundtable Presentation at 16th Annual College of Education Graduate Student Conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL.
Research Experience
- Integrating Computational Thinking (iCT) Summer 2025
- Contributed to a summer professional development(PD) program that helps middle school Social Studies, Arts, or Language Arts teachers integrate computational thinking(CT) in classrooms.
- Supported a literature review on the role of CT in humanities subjects
- Assisted in activities and discussions during PD days.
- Contributed to a summer professional development(PD) program that helps middle school Social Studies, Arts, or Language Arts teachers integrate computational thinking(CT) in classrooms.
- Amplifying Social Impacts of Computing Standards (ASCIS) Spring & Summer 2025
- Contributed to a collaborative project with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) on revising national K–12 CS standards
- Supported a systematic literature review on ethical considerations in computer science education
- Assisted in the design and implementation of a survey targeting standards writers to inform the revision process
- Contributed to a collaborative project with the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) on revising national K–12 CS standards
- Technologists Talk Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Fall 2024
- Analyzed qualitative data from 15 in-depth interviews with educational technologists to explore how equity, inclusion, and diversity inform design practices
- Conducted memoing and generated analytical notes to support thematic analysis
- Participated in the development of research questions and carried out descriptive coding to identify cross-cutting themes
- Analyzed qualitative data from 15 in-depth interviews with educational technologists to explore how equity, inclusion, and diversity inform design practices
Teaching Experience
- CEP 817: Learning Technology through Design
- Co-instruct with Dr. Anne Heintz, Michigan State University, spring 26
- A design-based course built upon a design-thinking framework
- TE 150: Reflections of Learning
- Instructor of record, Michigan State University, FS24, SS 25, FS25 & SS26
- An introductory level course about educational psychology, for pre-service teachers and also non-major students
- MEDIART 212: Editing for Film and Video Seminar
- Teaching Assistant, Duke Kunshan University, SS22
- MEDIART 109 Visual Culture
- Teaching Assistant, Duke Kunshan University, SS20
Working Experience
- STE(A)M Program Site Manager
- Beam Center, New York City, NY. Jun 2023 – Aug 2023
Awards and Honors
Media Coverage
- Report: Version Control as a Mindset: Lessons From Collaborative Digital Making (link)
- DHnow – digitalhumanitiesnow.org, Nov 2025