Planning Team

Introducing our wonderful VirtuaTELL 2025 Planning Team!

(Names listed alphabetically by last name)

Jeongsoo Kim

I’m a visiting scholar at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) from March 2025 to February 2026 and an elementary school teacher from Korea with over 10 years of experience. I’m a doctoral candidate in educational administration and sociology at Gyeongin National University of Education in Korea. I previously led a Korean as a Second Language (KSL) classroom, supporting immigrant students’ language development and school adjustment. My research focuses on digital game-based learning for students with learning challenges, including ADHD, behavioral issues, and multilingual backgrounds.

Md Mamunur Rashid

I am a Ph.D. student in Education specializing in Teaching, Curriculum, and Change at the Warner School of Education, University of Rochester. I also work as a doctoral research assistant at the Center for Learning in the Digital Age (LiDA Center). I am a trainee in the NSF Ph.D. Research Traineeship (NRT) program on AR/VR; a Breadth Teaching Fellow in the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program; and a LEND Fellow at the University of Rochester Medical Center. My research interests include AI in education, multimodal learning, language education, and immersive learning with AR/VR.

Anastasia Shikanova

I am a PhD researcher in Learning Technologies at the Ohio State University, with a focus on how emerging tools, especially Generative AI, can transform education. My work explores how technology can support learner motivation, autonomy, and personalized learning experiences across diverse educational settings. With a background in instructional design and a passion for innovation in teaching, I bridge research and practice to help educators use AI responsibly and effectively. I am especially interested in how adaptive technologies can create more inclusive, engaging, and learner-centered environments.

Claire Singh

Claire found her passion for teaching English as a New Language through her work at the public library. Through her BA of English Education, Masters of Library Science, Masters of Teaching and Curriculum, and library career, she has gained extensive training and experience in teaching English to diverse learners in multiple contexts, event management, and programmatic design.

Jialin Yan

Jialin Yan is a Ph.D. student in Teaching and Curriculum at the University of Rochester. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence in education, critical literacy, and equity-centered educational policy. She investigates how AI and digital tools shape student voice, teacher–student relationships, and institutional practices across K–12 and higher education.

Liz Yao

Liz Yao holds a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from Stony Brook University and recently earned her Master's degree from the University of Rochester, with New York State certifications in TESOL and World Language Education (Chinese). She will begin her role as a kindergarten Mandarin immersion teacher in St. Louis City this fall.

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