About
Zhen Xu (pronounced as ‘Jen Shoo’) is a Ph.D. Candidate in Educational Technology in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida. Currently, she is also pursuing a minor in Research and Evaluation Methodology with focus on quantitative methods.
Zhen’s research experience includes design and development research (DDR), STEM education for underrepresented learners, Computer Science education, learning sciences and technology, and individual differences in technology-assisted learning environments. She is also skilled in applying quantitative methods including statistical modeling and psychometric measurement.
During her Ph.D. program, Zhen has actively participated in multiple projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). She has conducted multiple studies using a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Her scholarly activities in Educational Technology have resulted in publications and conference presentations at international and national conferences such as American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). The work she participated was selected for the best paper award at the AERA Annual Conference in 2018 and 2019.
Zhen has collaborated with scholars internationally and nationally. She also closely collaborates with public K-12 schools, after schools, and Alachua County School Board as a researcher, volunteer, and student leader to support underrepresented children’s education and their families.