Zichun Xia
Pittsburgh
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Designer (Graduate Projects)
CMU
01.2025 - Current
- Life Design & Entrepreneurship Course: Developed a 10-week curriculum for adult learners using Backward Design (UbD). Engineered a Socratic AI-coaching tool to facilitate "Just-in-Time" instruction, moving learners from passive "knowledge telling" to active "knowledge building" via reflective dialogue.
- E-Learning Developer (Prompt Engineering): Conducted Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) to identify 6 critical Knowledge Components (KCs). Authored data-driven modules in OLI Torus, applying Mayer’s Multimedia Principles to minimize cognitive load. Validated efficacy through an In-Vivo A/B experiment.
- Learning Experience Designer (City of Bridges HS): Led a contextual inquiry to identify engagement barriers for introverted students. Prototyped a dual-modality "Emotion Aura Map" and digital "Learning Gallery" to turn silent participation into visible data.
Research Assistant, Materialities Lab and Sound Studies Group
Southern University of Science and Technology
03.2024 - 07.2024
- Built a digital archive using CNNs to detect anthropogenic traces in 160+ assets and 210+ scanned material samples.
- Prototyped customized PCBs (Arduino/ESP32) and curated a hybrid installation for SZ Design Week using Max/MSP and Touchdesigner for an audience of 400+.
Teaching Assistant, 3D Design (Grade 12)
Stell International School of Arts
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Coached 12 students through iterative design cycles aligned with B-TEC international standards. Lectured on foundational 3D software and managed assessment rubrics.
Director & Video Editor (Documentary: "Rebirth of Ruins")
Sugar Factory Project
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Produced a 26-minute historical documentary in collaboration with artist Xu Tan, screened for 100+ attendees.
Publicity Manager & Peer Mentor
International Student Program, Wheaton College
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Increased social media engagement by 30% via strategic video production. Mentored 8+ international freshmen on socio-academic transitions and facilitated monthly cultural workshops.
Education
MS - Educational Technology and Applied Learning Science (METALS)
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA08.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art; Minor in Psychology
Wheaton College
Chicago, IL01.2023
Design Discovery Program - Architecture & Urban Design Focus
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design
Cambridge, MA01.2022
Skills
- ID: Backward Design (UbD), Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA), Knowledge Component (KC) Mapping, Multimedia Learning Principles, UDL, Scaffolding
- Research & Testing: Contextual Inquiry, Think-Aloud Testing, Speed Dating, Affinity Mapping, A/B Testing, In-vivo Experimentation, Qualtrics
- ID Tools: Articulate 360, Canvas, OLI Torus
- Design: Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (After Effects, Premiere, Illustrator), LLM Orchestration
Websites
Timeline
Instructional Designer (Graduate Projects)
CMU
01.2025 - Current
Research Assistant, Materialities Lab and Sound Studies Group
Southern University of Science and Technology
03.2024 - 07.2024
Teaching Assistant, 3D Design (Grade 12)
Stell International School of Arts
09.2023 - 12.2023
Director & Video Editor (Documentary: "Rebirth of Ruins")
Sugar Factory Project
06.2023 - 08.2023
Publicity Manager & Peer Mentor
International Student Program, Wheaton College
01.2020 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Studio Art; Minor in Psychology
Wheaton College
Design Discovery Program - Architecture & Urban Design Focus
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design
MS - Educational Technology and Applied Learning Science (METALS)
Carnegie Mellon University