Higher Education

Agentic Learning

Enhancing virtual medical training through human-centered design principles and data-driven learning strategy recommendations.

Summary
As part of the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, I conducted a strategic analysis of the Emotive Virtual Patient System, a mixed-reality platform aimed at improving doctor-patient communication training for medical students. I identified and synthesized design principles from relevant research and translated these into actionable system recommendations. The work culminated in my first academic lecture, presented at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society International Conference in 2021.

Role
NSF Research Fellow

Tools & Methods

  1. Literature Review

  2. Mixed Reality Systems Evaluation

  3. Learning Strategy Analysis Framework

  4. Peer & Instructional Feedback Design

  5. Natural Language Processing Considerations

  6. Academic Writing & Conference Presentation

Impact

  • Delivered a research-based learning strategy framework to improve system development.

  • Presented findings at a major academic conference, increasing visibility for the project and promoting evidence-based design practices.

  • Supported system refinement through a structured, research-informed recommendation table.

  • Developed practical insights into mixed-reality learning environments and learner engagement.

Reflection
This project was a turning point in my academic and professional development. It challenged my ability to distill complex research into actionable design strategies while navigating the intricacies of collaborative work with external stakeholders. Most significantly, presenting at the HFES Conference marked a milestone in confidence-building and public scholarship. It underscored the importance of communicating design insights clearly and persuasively—an essential skill that continues to inform my work in human-centered learning systems today.

Redesigning a Leading EdTech Platform: Enhancing Usability and Visual Flow for Modern Learners

UX redesign of a widely used academic learning platform to improve navigation, visual clarity, and content accessibility—aligned with a broader product ecosystem.

Summary
During a user experience internship with a global leader in educational technology, I proposed a redesign for an interactive IT learning platform used in college-level coursework. The existing interface—while functionally rich—was visually outdated and lacked centralized access to critical tools like simulators, assignments, and e-textbooks. Drawing inspiration from the organization’s newly launched digital ecosystem, I reimagined the platform’s layout and visual identity to provide a more cohesive, intuitive experience across products.

Role
Research & Design Intern

Tools & Methods

  1. Rapid Prototyping (Microsoft PowerPoint)

  2. Visual Consistency Alignment

  3. Interface Heuristic Review

  4. Navigation & Flow Mapping

  5. Familiarity & Recognition Design Principles

  6. Low-Fidelity Wireframes

  7. Product Ecosystem Cohesion Strategy

Impact

  • Created a fully restructured homepage layout that centralized key tools—assignments, simulators, and textbooks—into a single, accessible interface.

  • Refined the user journey by reordering content flow and emphasizing frequently accessed features like grades and calendars.

  • Improved user engagement and usability by aligning visual elements with the company’s newly launched digital platform.

  • Delivered a scalable visual direction that could be applied consistently across product lines, strengthening overall brand identity.

Reflection
This project was a formative experience in applying user-centered design principles at scale. With limited tools, I focused on flow clarity, visual hierarchy, and the psychology of user familiarity to drive decision-making. It was particularly meaningful to design for a platform that impacts thousands of students, knowing that small UX improvements can make a significant difference in learning outcomes. Working within the design language of a newly launched product line also taught me how to harmonize innovation with established brand systems—a skill I’ve carried into my work on larger enterprise learning ecosystems.