Learning, Design, and Technology Students

Stephanie Bowles is a learning, design, and technology doctoral student. She received her B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Asian Studies from Florida International University and her M.S. in Foreign Language Education with a graduate certificate in Asian Globalization from the same school. Stephanie has over 7 years of TESOL experience in higher education and academies and is certified in iOS Development and Computer Science by the Bloomtech Institute of Technology. Her research interests include designing immersive technologies for learning and informal learning in online spaces.

Before coming to Penn State, Jen taught high school math and computer science and was a district-wide secondary instructional technology coach. In addition to getting a Ph.D. in LDT, she is working on a graduate minor in Educational Leadership. She has a research interest in studying learning in school emergency preparedness. Specifically, she brings a sociocultural approach to educational leadership to study how leaders and educators conceptually and effectively make sense of emergencies.

Emre Dinç is a Ph.D. student specializing in learning sciences, and his research interests include mathematical reasoning, computer programming, and teacher learning. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in mathematics education from Turkey and a master's degree in educational technology from the University of Delaware. In the Ph.D. program, he was a graduate research assistant in an NSF-funded research project for two years. He is currently working as a graduate research assistant at the John A. Dutton e-Education Institute at Penn State.

I play the piano and violin and look at learning in classical music spaces; I am especially interested in diversity and equity issues within those spaces.

Lillyanna Faimon is a learning, design, and technology doctoral student. She received her B.S. in Cognitive Science from Indiana University and her M.S. in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State University. Her research interests focus on how the intersection of STEM and the arts, STEAM, and maker education can support interest development and learn in informal settings.

I am a designer with a background in architecture, interested in the impact of the design of physical and virtual learning environments on student learning. Another research area that intrigues me is design and architecture studios and the learning that happens within them.

Christina D. Reeves has taught secondary and higher education English and Communication courses. Additionally, she received her minor in Musical Theatre at Montclair State University. For this reason, creative expression is an essential aspect of her pedagogical identity. Her interests are digital interventions that facilitate interpersonal skill development and healthy communication climates in educational settings. One primary current research focus is the use of immersive stories to help build prosocial behaviors using immersive storytelling. To learn more about Chris's creative works and upcoming projects, please feel free to visit her website.

I'm a Ph.D. Candidate in the Learning, Design, and Technology Program at Penn State University. Drawing on sociocultural theories and equity-oriented learning designs, I'm interested in exploring alternative learning approaches to reduce poverty and economic inequality. In my research, I'm studying the relationship between financialization, financial literacy, and financial inclusion, developing a sociocritical approach to financial literacy.

A current educator with a focus on online learning. Research interests include teacher professional development and shifting teaching practices.

Ping Xu is a doctoral student in Learning, Design, and Technology. She received her B.S. in Psychology from China and her M.S. in Teaching and Curriculum from the University of Rochester. Her research interests include learning environment design, collaborative learning, and STEAM education in formal and informal settings.