Zichun Xia
Pittsburgh
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Designer (Graduate Projects)
CMU
Pittsburgh, PA
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
Shenzhen, China
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
Shenzhen, China
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
Zhuhai, China
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
Chicago, IL
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