Professor Zheng Honored with AERA TICL Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award

Professor Juan Zheng, assistant professor in the Teaching, Learning, and Technology program, has been recognized with the Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award from the Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning (TICL) Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

Professor Zheng’s research lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), educational technology, and learning sciences, with a focus on integrating AI and computer simulations into STEM education. Her recent work explores how AI can enhance simulated learning environments to support students in engineering design. By combining think-aloud protocols, self-reports, computer trace data, facial expressions, and physiological sensors, she investigates the cognitive, metacognitive, and emotional processes that shape student learning.

Dean William Gaudelli praised Dr. Zheng’s innovative scholarship, noting her “novel endeavors to develop responsive and dynamic technology-rich learning environments that use AI technology.” Her research aims to provide real-time, adaptive feedback that helps students regulate their emotions and learning strategies—ultimately fostering more effective and independent learners.

A prolific scholar and collaborator, Professor Zheng has published over 40 journal articles and 13 conference papers, earning more than 1,200 citations. She has also partnered with institutions including the Concord Consortium, University of Florida, Nanyang Technological University, and Indiana University.