Meet our students
Our students come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, bringing their perspectives and expertise to each class session. Not only do our students excel in their coursework, but they also apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to professional contexts by pursuing fellowships and initiatives focused on teaching, learning, and student success.
Peem Winyasopit | Thailand
Interests
K-12 education | English Language Teaching | Advancing Equity and Accessibility in Education for Southeast Asian Students
“Driven by a deep commitment to addressing disparities in education, I am especially focused on Thai and Southeast Asian students who face challenges like poverty and limited access to quality educators and resources. My goal is to employ educational technology to create online learning platforms tailored to these students’ unique learning styles and cultural contexts. Through my studies in Learning, Design, and Technology, I have gained insights and tools to pursue these goals, empowering me to make a meaningful impact in accessible education across the region.”
Hernán Carvallo | Chile
Interests
Artificial Intelligence in K-12 Education | Teacher Support Tools | Innovation in Learning
“I chose Learning, Design, and Technology program because of its focus on cutting-edge technological innovation and its smaller group size, which fosters meaningful interactions with professors. As a K-12 educator passionate about integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms, I saw this program as the perfect opportunity to deepen my expertise. The courses are highly relevant to modern educational challenges, and the chance to collaborate with faculty on AI-related projects has been transformative. These experiences have not only enhanced my knowledge but also equipped me with tools to revolutionize teaching practices for students and educators alike.”
Albina Yildiz | Uzbekistan
Interests
Transformation of STEM Education through Innovation and Technology | Design of Learner-Centered Experiences | Teachers’ Empowerment through Technology
“I am passionate about improving STEM education, especially through technology, and I love exploring creative ways to make learning more engaging and effective. I chose the Learning, Design, and Technology program because it lets me craft a unique educational path tailored to my interests and career vision. LDT program allows me to explore both K-12 learning and higher education. So far, it’s been an eye-opening journey. I have been exposed to the theories that are helping create learner-centered designs, use digital tools, and rethink how spaces and technology can transform education.”
Tori Phillips | The United States
Interests
Accessibility | Educational Accommodations | Disability Research and Accessibility | College Access and Success | Higher Education | e-Learning and Accessibility
“I chose LDT because I wanted to combine my interests in student learning and accommodations with developing technology and innovations, with a focus on disability accessibility. The retention rate of students with disabilities in higher education is low, so I want to be a part of the solution to utilize technology to support those students in accomplishing their goals. As someone with a disability, I want to give others what I wish I had in my collegiate experience and fight the stigma towards the disability population.”
Jess Dowd | The United States
Interests
Higher Education | Systems Thinking | Transition Design | University Leadership, Management, & Operations
“If you were to ask me why I’m so drawn to higher education, I’d have a hard time articulating my reasoning – and I think that’s actually quite fitting. Higher education itself resists simple explanations. Through my decade-long practice in higher education administration and LDT focus on how universities navigate change, I’ve come to understand that universities thrive under leadership that integrates systems thinking, design thinking, and critical thinking while staying attuned to both human dynamics and technological innovation. Each day, in the classroom and workplace, I’m privileged to cultivate these essential mindsets in myself and others.”