About me
Meina Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Learning Design and Technology program and Ajunct Associate Professor at the Institute for AI and Data Science at Wayne State University. I received my Ph.D. degree in the Instructional Systems Technology program at Indiana University Bloomington.
My scholarship is situated in the fields of Learning Design and Technology. I am dedicated to investigating how technology can be harnessed to enhance teaching and learning and address important issues and challenges in education. In general, my scholarship focuses on two interrelated areas: (1) self-directed learning/self-regulated learning in digital environments, (2) AI for learning and teaching, and (3) AI literacy, STEM education, and educator capacity building. These lines of inquiry contribute to a broader vision of human-centered educational innovation in which technology enhances, rather than replaces, human learning, teaching, and professional growth. My current work on AI and Data Science Education is funded by a federal grant.
My scholarly efforts have resulted in more than 70 peer-reviewed journal publications (including top-tier journals, such as Educational Technology Research and Development, British Journal of Educational Technology, The Internet and Higher Education and Distance Education), one book, three book chapters, and seven proceedings articles. Due to these contributions to the field, I have received the Indiana University School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025, Early Career Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning (TICL) SIG, in 2021, the Rising Star Award (Gold level) from the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) in 2023, and Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Bruce N. Chaloux Scholarship for Early Career Excellence award in 2023. I am on the prestigious list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists published by Stanford University for Years 2023-2025.