The Instructional Psychology & Technology (IP&T) department is proud to recognize five remarkable students whose research is already making a meaningful difference in classrooms, online learning environments, and instructional design practices. These award recipients, Qi Guo, Lily Hobson, Karina Jackson, Hayley Nickels, and Stephanie Sorensen, exemplified the heart of the IP&T mission: utilizing research to enrich the lives of learners everywhere.
Stephanie Sorensen - PhD Student Researcher of the Year
Sorensen’s research explored whether students can have meaningful spiritual experiences in online and blended learning environments. Her findings confirmed that spiritual growth can occur in every modality, though the way it is facilitated varies depending on the instructional setting. Her work is already influencing how religion courses are designed and is helping faculty strengthen teaching practices that support spiritual outcomes across all learning formats.
Qi Guo - PhD Student Researcher of the Year
Guo’s research centers on improving learner engagement in K–12 online education. Using the Academic Community of Engagement framework, she examined how parent and school involvement can better support student success. Her work led to the development of an assessment tool now used by online schools to identify areas where parents need additional support. Guo continues to expand her research into technology-enhanced learning and decision-based learning models that help students remain motivated and engaged.
Lily Hobson - Teacher Award
Hobson contributed to the Design Psychology course by helping students approach learning from a user-centered perspective. She played a key role in developing course materials, leading discussions, and integrating spiritual connections into the curriculum. Hobson’s work demonstrates how understanding human behavior and perception can lead to more meaningful, effective learning experiences for students from a variety of disciplines.
Karina Jackson - MS Student Researcher of the Year
Jackson conducted a case study on the department’s transition to Open Educational Resources. Motivated by a desire to increase access and reduce costs for students, she interviewed faculty and analyzed the collaborative culture and technology tools that made OER adoption possible. Jackson’s research highlights the importance of collective effort, shared purpose, and innovation in making education more affordable and accessible to learners everywhere.
Hayley Nickels - Best Project Award
Nickels combined instructional design, technology, and student-centered innovation to create an interactive 3D model of the human eye. The tool allows students to explore anatomical structures from multiple angles, leading to dramatic improvements in recognition and retention. Nickels made the tool openly available to ensure access for all learners, reflecting her dedication to high-impact, inclusive educational design.
These award winners exemplify the innovation, compassion, and dedication at the heart of IP&T. Their research not only advances academic knowledge but also directly improves the lives of learners. As they continue their journeys, their work will undoubtedly shape the future of education for years to come.