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.

 
Always in the mood to share and listen. Let’s connect!   📨zhouxi66@msu.edu 

Vita

Education

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.
  • 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
  • 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

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

  • Summer Research Fellowship (SRF), $7000, Michigan State University, 2026
  • Cultural Heritage Informatics (CHI) Fellowship, $5000, LEADR, Michigan State University, 2025-2026
  • Summer Research Development Fellowship (SRDF), $7000, Michigan State University, 2025

Media Coverage

  • Report: Version Control as a Mindset: Lessons From Collaborative Digital Making (link)
    • DHnow – digitalhumanitiesnow.org, Nov 2025
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