About

Hi, I’m Kiera🙋‍♀️! Thanks for stopping by.

  • Researcher, designer, and problem-solver.
  • Passionate about the intersection of art, computer science education, and games.
  • Currently based in East Lansing, Michigan

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

Conference Presentations

  • 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

  • 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

  • TE150: Reflections of Learning
    • Instructor of record, Michigan State University, fall 24 & spring 25
  • MEDIART 212: Editing for Film and Video Seminar
    • Teaching Assistant, Duke Kunshan University, spring 2022
  • MEDIART 109 Visual Culture
    • Teaching Assistant, Duke Kunshan University, spring 2020

Working Experience

  • STE(A)M Program Site Manager
    • Beam Center, New York City, NY.  Jun 2023 – Aug 2023

Awards and Honors

  • Summer Research Development Fellowship (SRDF), Michigan State University, 2025
Scroll to Top