About Us

In the School of Teaching and Learning (STL) at University of Florida, Marc’s research interests include technology integration in K-12 and higher education, immersive learning, and inclusive design of e-learning. Specifically, he is interested in how emerging learning technologies, such as virtual reality can be used to promote inclusive practices for children and young people of diverse identities and cultural backgrounds. Before joining STL, Marc earned his bachelor’s degree in school administration from Université Quisqueya and his M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from University of South Carolina. 

Congzhi was born in Tianjin, China, and earned his bachelor’s degree in English Translation and Interpretation from Binhai School of Foreign Affairs of Tianjin Foreign Studies University. He earned his M.A.E in ESOL/Bilingual Education from the University of Florida. Congzhi has two years of teaching experience in English in China and the United States. As a Doctoral student in the School of Teaching and Learning at the College of Education at the University of Florida, he focuses on Educational Technology in applied contexts. His research interests lie in integrating emerging technologies such as virtual reality with language learning in the higher education context, especially spoken languages and communication skills. 

Talar graduated with degrees Physics and Math from Davidson College in May '24, and is now a graduate student at the University of Florida studying Educational Technology.  She has a strong passion for advocacy, especially in educational spaces.  Talar's experiences with research in Physics, STEM Education, and neurodiversity (as well as her life experiences as an autistic individual) have provided her with a vast, diverse knowledge of the educational sphere and the ways in which it is in need of improvement, particularly in the encouragement and inclusion of marginalized groups to participate and engage in STEM subjects.

As a Computer Engineering student at the University of Central Florida, Zachary Larson has always had a passion for STEM topics and for helping those with Autism. For years, he has volunteered with Amazing Child, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping autistic children learn social skills. Zachary’s experience as an autistic individual, as well as his extensive knowledge of computer engineering, provide him profound insight into the nuances of technology and its relationship with disabilities.  He plays a central role with the ELTL, advising and supporting our STEM outreach activities.     

Ashley is a 4th year communication sciences and disorders major, with a minor in education studies at the University of Florida. Her research interests include extending technology-based education materials to diverse populations that could benefit from their use. She has an interest in using these technologies to teach an array of subject areas and making them more mainstream to benefit a wider range of learners and students. 

Hannah is a second-year student at the University of Florida, pursuing a major in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis and minoring in Disabilities in Society. She is passionate about expanding her knowledge of diverse perspectives and advocacy. Her research interests involve exploring how technology can support students from diverse backgrounds and influence their well-being. She is interested in learning how psychology can contribute to developing new ways to assist individuals with disabilities.

Zurii is a third-year undergraduate student at UF. She is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minoring in Deaf and Hearing Sciences. Her research interests include extending technology to diverse populations in multiple settings with the aim of supporting or empowering them. Also, she has interest in how new technologies could apply to speech pathology and hearing sciences.