Certificate of recognition honoring Dr. Lu Lawrence for the Undergraduate Faculty Research Mentor of the Year Award. Dr. Lu Lawrence prioritizes undergraduate research and leadership at every stage and aspect of research, from grant writing to publication and presentation. Students consistently describe her as attentive and compassionate in their development as emerging researchers. Notably, three undergraduate researchers from her lab have been awarded ITLS Undergraduate Researcher or Scholar of the Year (2025, 2026), including Eva Jones, a student in Psychology, who won the 2026 CEHS Scholar of the Year award. Her impact is evident not only in the scholarly products her undergraduate students generate, but in the sense of belonging she cultivates for students. Her mentorship has a lasting effect on her students. We are delighted to note that Dr. Lawrence has also won the CEHS Undergraduate Faculty Research Mentor of the Year award this year.

Certificate of recognition honoring Dr. Lu Lawrence for the Faculty Community Engagement Award. In less than 4 years at USU, Dr. Lawrence has embedded herself in the community through research, teaching, and service. Dr. Lawrence’s research program is grounded in community engagement, focusing on a range of topics from sexual health education to artificial intelligence, and including a range of community voices: students, community partners, and other academics. These partnerships are not symbolic; community partners actively contribute to the research process and outcomes, resulting in co-authorship on research outputs and co-PI roles on grant submissions. Further, Dr. Lawrence ensures that research findings are returned to communities in actionable ways: a community action plan, a new makerspace afterschool program, community reports, student-designed zines handed out on campus. She also builds community engagement into her courses and serves on various university committees supporting community engagement, building lasting impact for USU and the communities it serves.

From student success to faculty recognition, Dr. Lu Lawrence is having a remarkable year 👏
Swipe to see both achievements, congratulations!

#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch #LearningInnovation

Congrats, Dr. Lisa Lundgren! 🎉 Your mentorship truly makes a lasting impact.

#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch #LearningInnovation

Congratulatory certificate honoring Dr. David Feldon for being selected as ITLS Teacher of the Year. The certificate includes his photo and a description: For many years, Dr. David Feldon has inspired students through his rigorous and thoughtful teaching. He has encouraged students on their academic journeys, opened their eyes to academic career possibilities, motivated their research and stirred their curiosity. These words come from students who nominated him for teaching and mentorship, perhaps the biggest statement about one’s teaching

Congratulations to Dr. Feldon on being selected as the ITLS Teacher of the Year! A well-deserved recognition of your dedication and impact
#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch #LearningInnovation

Digital flyer for an ITSA Workshop hosted by the Instructional Technology Student Association. The design has a dark blue background with diagonal line accents and bold white and gold text. It announces “A Workshop from our Alumni: Dallin Kay,” scheduled April 1, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM on Zoom. The flyer highlights a virtual ITSA Brown Bag session featuring alumnus Dallin Kay. The lower section shows a photo of Dallin Kay against a pink and blue gradient background, labeled with his name. Next to it is a QR code labeled “Scan Me” for the Zoom link. The flyer is presented by the USU Instructional Technology Student Association Council and invites students to “Learn tips and tricks from an ITLS AI expert.” The event description explains that Dallin Kay will discuss how his team uses AI in the ITLS field to do more with less and better, including tools, real-world applications, and challenges. It emphasizes that the session is especially valuable for instructional design students interested in AI from an industry perspective. The session will be recorded, but attendees are encouraged to join live to ask questions and network.

AI in ITLS? Join us April 1, 12–1 PM (Zoom only) for an ITSA Brown Bag with alum Dallin Kay. Scan QR for Zoom link.

#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess #IndustryConnections #AlumniSpotlight #InstructionalTechnology #ITSA

Flyer for an ITSA (Instructional Technology Student Association) workshop featuring alumni speaker Joe Androlicz. The event is scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM, located in EDUC 280 with both in-person and Zoom options. The design has a dark blue background with diagonal stripes, includes a headshot of the speaker, and a QR code labeled “Scan Me.” Text encourages attendees to “Listen to his experience and expertise!” and notes it is presented by the USU ITSA Council.

Hear from ITLS alumni Joe Androlicz on how to get a job and stay relevant in the ever-changing ITLS field
When: Mar. 25, 12-1 PM

Where: In-person at EDUC 280 and Zoom option

#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess #IndustryConnections

Congratulations certificate featuring Indu Garg’s name for the Legacy of Utah State Award. Indu Garg is naturally brings people together and builds community wherever she goes. She serves on the board for the International Students Program and is always inviting international students and others to get involved and feel welcomed. Indu consistently creates opportunities for connection, whether that means organizing group participation in campus events or bringing her lab together to volunteer. Her commitment to community also shows up clearly in her research. She has played a key role in community engaged projects with school districts, planning and facilitating co-design meetings and supporting partners in meaningful ways. Indu’s leadership, generosity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on Utah State University.

Big congrats to Indu Garg for the Legacy of Utah State Award! Your leadership and community impact are amazing! 🎉

#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious

Flyer for an ITSA workshop titled “A Graphic Design Workshop by Tommy Luce.” The online workshop will take place on March 18, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 PM on Zoom. The flyer includes a photo of Tommy Luce, Undergraduate VP of the USU Instructional Technology Student Association, and a QR code to join the event. The workshop focuses on basic graphic design tips to help create clearer and more engaging PowerPoint presentations.

Join our Zoom workshop on Basic Graphic Design Tips for PowerPoint!

🕡 6:30–7:30 PM
🔗 Zoom link in the QR code

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators #EdTechDegree #ITSA #Workshop

This is a congratulation certificate including Bonni Jones's photo, her name, and the award she has received: Community Engaged Student Award Explanation: Bonni Jones joined the doctoral program in Fall 2020 after working as a high school teacher, bringing years of classroom experience with her. She began pursuing her PhD because she wanted to create meaningful change by improving the education system beyond her own classroom. Throughout her program, Bonni has actively engaged with the broader community, meeting with state legislators and industry leaders to advocate for educational improvement. Most recently, she submitted a proposal to the Utah State Board of Education focused on increasing support for teachers and families as they help children build confidence in mathematics. Bonni’s commitment to connecting research, policy, and community needs makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

We’re so proud of this community. Congratulations, Bonni! Wishing you continued success and the best of luck.

#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess #IndustryConnections #AlumniSpotlight

This is a congratulation certificate including Rob Abney's photo, his name, and the award he has received: Masters Scholar of the Year Award Explanation: Rob Abney is a student who consistently pushes himself beyond what is required. He consistently goes above and beyond to deepen his understanding and push his own learning further. Rob approaches every assignment with curiosity and care, always looking for ways to grow his skills and connect ideas more thoughtfully. He is also an outstanding collaborator who actively supports his peers, sharing knowledge and helping strengthen the learning of everyone around him. Whether working independently or as part of a group, Rob brings a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a generous spirit to everything he does. His commitment to learning and collaboration makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Congrats, Rob Abney! Your curiosity, dedication, and generosity inspire us all.

#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch #LearningInnovation

The photo includes Mengying Jiang and the award she received: the Graduate Student Teacher of the Year Award, along with the award explanation: Mengying Jiang is the kind of TA every student hopes to have. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her students, fellow TAs, UTFs, and instructors with care and professionalism. Mengying is known for her thoughtful preparation, clear and detailed feedback, and genuine kindness in every interaction. She independently developed new instructional materials, created a system to check in weekly with students who might be falling behind, and made sure no one was overlooked. She also takes the time to mentor UTFs and actively looks for ways to improve the course as a whole. Mengying’s dedication, attentiveness, and warm presence make a real difference in students’ learning experiences and truly set her apart as an outstanding graduate teacher.

Congratulations, Mengying! You truly deserve it. Wishing you all the success and happiness ahead! #ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators #EdTechDegree

This photo includes Jared Arnell’s photo, his name, the award he got: ITLS Doctoral Student Researcher of the Year, and the description of the award: Jared Arnell stands out as a doctoral researcher who leads with both rigor and generosity. With a strong background in physics and a deep grounding in the learning sciences, Jared has led multiple research projects from start to finish, including study design, interviews, data analysis, and publication. His work has appeared in leading venues across physics education and instructional technology. Beyond his own research, Jared is a generous mentor and an active contributor to the ITLS community. He has supported newer PhD students, reviewed for major conferences and journals, and organized a writing workshop to help his peers strengthen their scholarly writing. His dedication, leadership, and collaborative spirit make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Congratulations, dear Jared. Wishing you lots of luck!

#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious

This is a congratulations post with Anna’s photo and explanation for her achievement: As an undergraduate researcher, Anna Oborn has contributed in significant ways to research projects, presented at three conferences, including state and university venues in the past year. She has worked on creating an afterschool makerspace at an elementary school, conducting a literature review and compiling resources and curriculum that integrated AI in makerspaces. Recently she has taken on a leadership role, leading an interview study with teachers and educators to inform the design of the program, from developing research instruments and navigating IRB to analyzing data. Her research is making a difference for students here in Cache Valley.

Keep up the great work, Anna!
#StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

Emma Griffin received the Scholar of the Year award. In this picture, we congratulate her. Emma Griffin is an aspiring law student with experience in research, bilingual communication, and cross-cultural collaboration. Emma has worked on research with Dr. Kristin Searle, including presenting research in several venues, including Capitol Hill where she presented on how cultural connections support inclusion and academic achievement in K–12 classrooms. Emma is committed to culturally responsive practice, client support, and high-quality scholarly work. Emma’s work with bilingual families and mentoring missionaries deepened her dedication to equity, empathy, and effective communication, values that guide both her academic and professional goals

Congratulations to Emma on receiving the ITLS Award! Keep up the great work! #StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning

Jasmine is a senior in the HEDI program at Utah State University and a dedicated member of the Honors Program. As an online student, she initially joined Honors for its flexibility, but what she discovered went far beyond that. Honors challenged her to think deeper, ask better questions, and embrace growth through meaningful academic work. Jasmine learned that Honors isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to push you, and that challenge became one of the most rewarding parts of her experience. Through the program, she connected with inspiring mentors, advisors, and peers who encouraged her to pursue her goals and step confidently into new opportunities. Their support has been instrumental in her academic and personal growth, shaping her desire to pursue meaningful work in the future. Her advice to students considering Honors? You have nothing to lose. It’s not about being “smarter”, it’s about thinking differently, embracing challenges, and building connections that truly matter. We’re excited to see where Jasmine’s journey takes her next! 💫

Meet Jasmine Banman 🌟 Honors student, and lifelong learner. Honors pushed her to think deeper, grow through challenges, and connect with mentors and peers. Excited to see what’s next! 💫

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators #EdTechDegree

sariah stands next to a large projection screen displaying her presentation. Her study is about AI as qualitative coders at the Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) 2025 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The conference theme , “Revolutionizing Decision-Making: Technology and Human Collaboration” , aligned closely with her work. For the past few years, Saríah has been examining how effective AI can be in qualitative data analysis, and her collaboration with Ruben Pacheco from Universidad Espíritu Santo of Ecuador applies these insights to support marketing researchers from a business perspective. 📊🤖✨

Sariah stands smiling in the lobby of the 2025 DSI Annual Conference venue, wearing a conference badge. Above her head is a large blue welcome banner that reads “Welcome to 2025 DSI Annual Conference , Revolutionizing Decision-Making: Technology and Human Collaboration.”

Sariah stands beside a large projector screen while presenting her study. She is explaining the methods section, describing how prompting ALMs are used for AI coding with binary outcomes, and how training sessions involve human coding with binary outcomes. Both sources feed into the study’s analysis and interpretation.

ITLS PhD student Saríah López-Fierro presented her AI-as-coder research at DSI 2025 in Orlando. 🤖📊
#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

headshot of Dr. Justis ITLS alum Dr. Nate Justis is leading Utah State University’s new Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership, created with support from the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation. After his Fulbright experience studying Singapore’s teacher-led learning teams, Dr. Justis proposed creating a June conference for early-career educators in Northern Utah, which became the Utah LEARNS (Learning for Educators and Researchers Through Network Systems) Conference. The LEARNS Conference connects elementary educators across Utah to share expertise, access research, and strengthen professional practice. Building on this success, the Collaboratory will provide mentorship, networking opportunities, statewide learning teams, observation days, and professional learning hubs to support early-career teachers and improve retention across Utah.

The group looks at sticky notes while another person explains the notes.

Dr. Nate Justis, ITLS alum, is leading USU’s new Collaboratory for Innovation in Teaching and Leadership and the Utah LEARNS Conference, a space for strengthening support for early-career teachers across Utah. ✨
#AggieAlumni #USUAlumni #CareerPathways #EdTechCareers #PhDCareer #GraduateSuccess

in the photo Stephen Kwame Ameko is presenting his study in a roundtable session to other people. His study is about “Bridging the Virtual Divide: Insights from Secondary Data on Technologies and Distance Learning in Ghana.” Drawing on Digital Divide Theory and a systematic review of studies from 2018 - 2025, Stephen unpacked how technologies like Learning Management Systems (LMS), video conferencing, and virtual simulations continue to shape, and sometimes deepen, inequalities in online education. Key findings highlighted that while digital platforms expand flexibility and engagement, barriers such as limited broadband access, digital literacy gaps, and uneven institutional resources still challenge Ghanaian distance learners. Stephen’s study calls for evidence-based interventions: digital skills training, affordable devices, hybrid learning models, and infrastructure investments to create a more inclusive and equitable distance education landscape in Ghana.

Stephen Kwame Ameko’s AECT research reveals how tech shapes both progress and inequality in Ghana’s distance learning, and why inclusive solutions matter.
#AECT#conference #StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

Shaf Ahmad stands at a podium presenting a research study he conducted with Sariah López. A presentation slide is projected behind him as he speaks to the audience at the AECT 2025 conference.

Sariah López and Shaf Ahmad conducted a study exploring how ChatGPT can support students’ emotional well-being through a Design-Based Research approach. Shaf ahmaf presented it at #AECT2025
#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech #ChooseITLS #FutureEducators

A photo of Dr.Walker with the learner engagement board at the AECT membership meeting

A selfie with Dr. Walker and Drs. Lili Yan, Chongning Sun, and Min Yuan (L-R)

A group of PhD students present their study in a round table session

Proud to see Dr. Andy Walker and our ITLS students presenting and connecting at AECT 2025!

#InclusiveLearning #CommunityMatters #Collaboration #Innovation #Motivation #ThinkPositive #StayCurious #LearningCommunity

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf present their team’s work during a roundtable session at the AECT conference, discussing ideas with other participants around a table

Zahra, Stephen, and Shaf (left to right) stand together smiling in front of a presentation screen displaying the word “AI” after their roundtable session at the AECT conference.

Awesome teamwork from ITLS PhD students on a project about ChatGPT and English learning! Presented by Zahra Jahani, Shaf Ahmad, and Stephen Ameko at AECT 2025. 💡👏
#ITLSFaculty #ResearchInEducation #AcademicResearch #InstructionalDesign #InnovationInLearning #HigherEdResearch #EdTechResearch

At the AECT conference event, Shaf Ahmad, a PhD student in ITLS, stands with another man while holding a certificate recognizing him as the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer. Bluesky: Congrats to ITLS PhD student Shaf Ahmad on the 2025 Outstanding Reviewer Award! 👏

Shaf Ahmad’s award certificate

We’re so proud of Shaf’s excellence in scholarly service and his contributions to advancing research in educational technology and learning sciences. 🌟

#Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

AILisia Dawkins, a PhD student in ITLS, has been selected as a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow for the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies & Research. The fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate student leaders who are committed to intersectional research and practice, supporting an equitable and inclusive climate across USU’s statewide campuses. Fellows can use the support to advance their research, leadership, and work with students and community initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

Big congratulations to AlLisia Dawkins, ITLS PhD student, for being named a 2025-26 Graduate Fellow at USU! If you want more, check the alt text.
#StudentLife #ITLSStudents #LearningMatters #HandsOnLearning #StudentExperience #CampusLife #InclusiveLearning #StudentSuccess

Bolaji completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on identity development, equity in informal science education, language socialization, and broadening the participation of youth in STEM. At the fellowship, she connected with science education peers, received mentorship from senior scholars, and refined her research ideas with valuable interdisciplinary feedback. She shared that preparing for the fellowship encouraged her to think about the real-world impact of her work, how to communicate it effectively to diverse audiences, and how to position her research for both scholarly advancement and meaningful community change. One of her key insights was realizing the value of learning from others who approach similar questions from different perspectives, which strengthened her own understanding of the importance and impact of her research in science education. Her advice to other doctoral students: take advantage of opportunities like the Abell Fellowship to seek feedback, mentorship, and encouragement these are invaluable for growth as an emerging scholar.

Bolaji just completed the Sandra K. Abell Emerging Scholars Fellowship at Northwestern! 🌟 A big step in her journey to advance inclusion in STEM.
#Scholarships #Internships #Workshops #ConferenceHighlights #ResearchOpportunities #LearningOpportunities #AggieEvents #AcademicOpportunities

On July 9, 2025, Dr. Deborah Fields helped open the national Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) meeting with a keynote on “Learning about Algorithm Auditing: How High School Youth Can Systematically and Critically Evaluate Machine Learning Applications.” 🎤✨ Over 1,200 teachers registered for the event! Algorithm auditing gives students (and all of us) a way to understand AI and machine learning by testing algorithms, spotting harmful bias, and seeing how these systems shape our lives. Dr. Fields shared lessons her team designed where students both audit and build machine learning systems, from TikTok filters to motion detectors. Want to explore more? 🌟 📄 Resources & videos: https://tinyurl.com/j9er5rur 📩 Lesson updates coming Fall 2025: https://tinyurl.com/mppjac5z

Please take a moment to check the alt text

 #CSTA #CSTA2025 #CSEducation #USUUpdates #ITLSNews #Award #Opportunities #StayCurious

Our ITLS and SPERC students had an amazing time at the Utah Conference on Community Engagement! Chasity Mayo shared how the Lawrence lab works side-by-side with community partners throughout the research process. Malin Scharmann, Anna Oborn, and Kara James led a thoughtful poster on how working on a co-design project helped them grow both personally and professionally. Big thanks to Dr. Lawrence for guiding the team

Our ITLS and SPERC students presented at the Utah Conference on Community Engagement.
To know more, check the alt text!
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study #Scholarship

Congrats to ITLS PhD student Rida Munir for presenting her research at the AAPT Conference! Her study explores how physics students connect concepts from physics and math, advancing Physics Education Research. 👏

#ITLS #InstructionalTechnology #LearningScience #STEMEducation #EdTech

Our ITLS + SPERC faculty & students, along with amazing IDRPP staff, wrapped up the year with a co-design game called Route to Success! Teams built routes and tackled roadblocks to help students with disabilities reach their post-school goals. Collaboration, creativity, and a whole lot of heart went into this final session with our school district partners!

Exciting news from Dr. Lu Lawrence’s team! Check the ALT text for more details.
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study #Scholarship

ISLS 2026 Annual Meeting will be in Irvine, CA, June 15-19! Early submission deadline: Oct 5, 2025.
Details: 2026.isls.org

#Research #Academic #Collaboration #Conference #AcademicMembers

What if teachers had the Elder Wand?
HEDI grad Malin Scharmann and Dr. Lawrence used this magical Harry Potter-inspired prompt to spark creativity in their co-design research with teachers.
Imagination fuels innovation in education.
#StudentLife #Students #StudentSuccess #LearningMatter #Study

Their paper, "Self-Determined Storytelling: Native Youths’ Digital Restorying Practices in an American Indian Education Summer Camp," was nominated for Best Paper at ISLS 2025. The research explores how Native youth use digital tools such as iPads, video editing apps, and stop-motion animation to reclaim and share their own cultural and personal stories. The study emphasizes self-determination, highlighting how youth chose how, whose, and what stories were told. This work contributes to culturally sustaining pedagogy and supports healing through storytelling and technology.

Congrats to Dr. Breanne Litts, Dallas Haws, Christina Morgan, Eileen Quintana, Analysa Allison, and Tifiny Mills on receiving the ISLS 2025 Outstanding Short Paper award 👏🌿 To learn more, check the alt text.
#USUUpdates #ITLSNews #Award #Opportunities #StayCurious