2023 Graduates

Words from Faculty


felicia smiling
Dear MST Graduates,

On behalf of the MST faculty and staff, CONGRATULATIONS!! Can you believe how fast the academic year has flown by! Imagine the first day you came to campus to start your program and take classes and the excitement you felt. I imagine you are feeling the same way right now. Completing your program—whether it took you one year, two years, three years, or a bit longer than that, is a major achievement worth the excitement, celebration, and feelings you are experiencing right now. We look forward to celebrating with you over the next couple of weeks and at the official graduation ceremony. Know that you can come back to campus and experience a new first day again—the first day you come back to visit us as a TC alum! We are so very proud of you! We celebrate you!

View the graduation gallery and celebrate alongside your fellow MST peers who have done amazing work and made valuable contributions to our collective learning as a remarkable department. We know you will continue to do great things to improve the world around you-- you're MST Alum! Thank you for spending part of your lives with us in the Mathematics Education program area, the Science Education fourth floor of Zankel, and the CMLTD program open space in Thompson. Please keep in touch; we love hearing from our alumni!

Sincerely,

Felicia Moore Mensah

Chair, Department of Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Congratulations Class of 2023


Updated MST 2023 Grads Graphic
Alan Carvalho Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: A case study of an innovative assessment design to measure the competence of empathy in Portuguese students of ages 10 and 15 years

I am immensely grateful to all the faculty, peers, sponsors, and friends that supported me throughout this learning journey. It was a blast! Glad to get to know and learn from you!

 

 
Andrea Chen Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Constructionism Curriculum Design: Building Culturally Relevant Visual Art Education in Harlem

YAY WE MADE IT! Congrats everyone! Also here is your daily reminder to drink more water and smile:)
Anita Henry Portrait
Mathematics Education, EdM
Thank you TC for providing me with the opportunity to expand my math educator tool box!! I will be taking so much knowledge with me along my career journey. Special thank you to all the amazing professors in the Math Education department for challenging me in the best ways possible to get me out of my comfort zone. The pedagogical practice and content expertise really made me feel so honored to have studied here!
Aoqing Feng portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Thank you TC, and wish everyone has a bright future

Ashley Yoon portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, EdM

Project Title: An Interdisciplinary Poetry Writing Project: A Way to Include English Poetry in Korean High School Literature Class

Congratulations to everyone who made it! Many thanks to MST professors and fellows for supporting me throughout this journey.

 

 
Blake Danzig Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Adventures in Collaborative Biomaterial Exploration

I am truly grateful for the collaboration and inspiration provided by my colleagues and professors in the CMLTD department. Their mentorship and support have been invaluable in my personal and professional growth.

 

Brett Schechter Portrait
Science Education, MA

A big thanks to the wonderful TC faculty who have empowered me to grow both in my teaching practice and passion for education research. I'm excited to transform my own classroom through the intersection of research and practice, all while spreading the true joy and gift of teaching.

Chenyou Wu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Building Partnership for Tech-enabled Pedagogy Innovation in Higher Education

The TC journey was fruitful and memorable. A super big thank you to all the supportive community members and inspiring faculty. Best of luck and congratulations to the amazing class of 2023!

 

Chloe Wang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA
With gratitude in our hearts, let us embrace the future with unwavering ambition. Congratulations to the Class of 2023. Here's to our success, to the future of AI and Web 3+, and to the remarkable journey ahead. Let's go forth and make a difference in the world. Thank you, Columbia!
Daniel Zhang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Investigating the Influence of Nonverbal Communication on Student Motivation in online and in-person Education

Enjoy the journey...
Elliot Hu-Au portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, EdD

Dissertation: Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality as a Tool for Connecting Sub-micro and Macroscopic Chemistry Knowledge.

Congratulations to all of my fellow MST and CMLTD graduates. Thank you to all of the faculty and administrative staff of the MST department. Your brilliance and warmth were the energy I needed during my doctoral journey. Thank you especially to Dr. Sandra Okita and Dr. Joey Lee! You both know how instrumental you were in my success and I will be forever indebted to you. Thank you to all of my friends over the years in the CMLTD program. I look forward to seeing the wonderful things you all will achieve in the future.
Ethan Bookstein Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: NutriScope: An AR application design for promoting better nutrition amongst youths

Whether it was class assignments, INA design competitions, or Friday game nights, it's truly been a phenomenal two years spent with both fellow students and faculty. I want to especially give special thanks to Jin, Joey, Dr. Chang, and Elliot!
I've learned quite a lot through newfound experiences + opportunities at TC, and hope to be able to stay in touch with many of you fine folks post graduation!
Grace Choi Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Project 유관순: A Youth Workshop in Asian Futurism

Thank you, CMLTD and MST, for a transformative student experience. As a non-profits administrative professional with an arts background, your courses, research opportunities, and community have truly changed the way I see and interact with everything and everyone around me. Cheers especially to the hard work and care the CMLTD faculty and staff have dedicated to informing and challenging us in what we do, why, and for whom. Here's to better futures, one tech-integrated solution at a time!

Hanna Vanya Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, EdM

Project Title: Reimagine The Learning Design of Professional Development For Public Policy Professionals in Indonesia: Case Study of Think Policy

I just want to appreciate all the great people I have met during two years of my graduate school journey. All the dialogues, discussions, connections, papers, researches, memories, and all the fun from people I've met are what kept me alive and survive the brutality and chaos of New York City.
Heidi Halsted Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MS

Project Title: Our Town: An Interactive Guide to Design Thinking

Thank you to all of those who supported me through this journey! It has been a long ride, but one that will positively impact the way I continue to approach education. Cheers to the Class of 2023, CONGRATS!
Hilary Ferguson Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, EdM
My time at TC has been WILD! Worthwhile, Inspiring, Loaded with Love and Dynamic! Expressing heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the persons who have been a part of making my TC journey a WILD one - to my professors, classmates and the entire MST department. You all continue to inspire me everyday. Special shout out also to the MASCLab, CTSC and TC Community Choir - thank you for keeping me grounded throughout this journey. Cheers and congratulations to all graduates! 

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good” ~ Wicked The Musical
Jada John-Ali Portrait
Mathematics Education, EdD

Dissertation: The Effects of Professional Development on Teaching for Conceptual Understanding in Algebra I: An Action Research Study

Dedicated to the late Dr. Cynthia M. John, my inspiration and my motivation. I hope that I continue to make you proud. Until we meet again
Jingjing Bao Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Faculty Training on Designing Accessible Online Learning for Students with Special Needs in Higher Education

It was an enriching and challenging journey while in MST. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities this program has afforded me, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills I have gained will be of use to me in my future endeavors.

Leana Peltier Portrait
Science Education, PHD

Dissertation: “I found a science family!” Elementary Teachers: Structures and Agency in Vertical Science Professional Learning Community, Moving Beyond Silos

I am grateful for the rich learning experiences afforded to me during my time at TC. What I have learned has informed and transformed the way I view the world. And I have gained some lifelong friends along the way.
Lei Jin Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: What are the best practices for how to use AI-based tools like ChatGPT for more effective personalized learning?

I am incredibly grateful for the time I've spent studying in the MST. It has not only allowed me to make strides in my academic pursuits and acquire valuable knowledge and skills, but it has also empowered me to make significant life decisions and discover my career path. Throughout the past two years, our focus has been on the forefront of AI technology, delving into the ways to effectively merge these advanced technologies with education and societal advancement, ultimately driving human progress forward.

Never wait or hesitate! Love you, Columbia!

Mara Danoff Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Magical Girl Kato presents: Conquering Middle School!

I couldn't be where I am today without the wonderful people I met during this program. While I will miss my days at TC, I know know we will all go on to do great things!

 

Megan Henderson Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Media & Me: A digital workbook for parents and young children to engage with media as a tool for promoting diversity and inclusion

So grateful for my time at TC! Thank you to the entire CMLTD community for fostering not only a culture of learning but also a culture of inclusion. The past two years have been hugely transformational for me, so many learnings and experiences I'll pull from and treasure both professionally and personally. Thank you to our stellar faculty and congrats to all graduating!!
Miao Liu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: A Virtual Journey to Wellness

Studying at TC has been a truly wonderful and meaningful experience. I am incredibly grateful to all the faculty and friends who have made it so special. I will miss everyone dearly and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

 

Nicole Aberg Cobo Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Providing accessible learning opportunities for children with disabilities: examining how cultural beliefs foster exclusion in mainstream schools in Argentina

From Zoom classes to meeting in-person just weeks before graduation. It's been a wonderful journey! Thank you to all my classmates and professors, especially to Jin Kuwata for the amazing opportunity to be part of the TC community.
It has been a transformative experience, one I will always cherish.
Congratulations class of 2023 and all the best!
Novia Anditya Portrait
Mathematics Education, MS

Project Title: Understanding the Branches of Mathematics at the Secondary to College Level

Thank you, Indonesian' government, for the support to experience a high-quality higher education at TC! And thank you to all professors and staff for your hard work in teaching, supporting, and inspiring us in many ways. Congratulations everyone!

Peixuan Ren Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script.

Qianying He Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MS
Thanks to all the teachers, classmates, and friends I met at TC. It's because of you guys that I had such an enriching journey.

 

 
Qingyun Chen Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Xiaohongshu's User's Online Advocacy for Women's Issues in China

Graduating from TC has been a significant accomplishment for me, and I feel blessed to have had such incredible mentors, teachers, and friends who have guided me throughout this journey.

 

 
Qinya Xu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Using Live-streaming Technology to Bridge the School-to-work Gap for Postsecondary Students in China

Congratulations to all 2023 graduates! Thanks TC for the amazing experience. Looking forward to starting the new journey!!!
 
Regina Wright Portrait
Mathematics Education, EdD

Project Title: Re-Designing Our Schools: A Constructivist, Intentional, Interdisciplinary, Holistic Approach to Professional Development

I am so thankful to everyone who made this amazing journey possible. Thank you to all of my wonderful professors, advisor, and peers. I also would like to thank the small but loving tribe of people who supported me each day with kind words, a space to brainstorm, knowledge, and guidance when I need it. Most of all, I would like to thank my daughter for being the most loving, kind, smart and patient toddler there ever was! This is for you, Zemora. Mommy loves you!

 

 
Ruihan Zhang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MS
Love is the beginning.
Sara Suh Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Thank you Dr. Meier and Dr. Hakim for your hard work and dedication throughout the school year! I can't wait to implement all that I've learned from MSTU courses in my own school and see the radical change!

Valerie Wang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Design Language Learning App Features for ESL Learners from Educational Perspectives to Improve Effectiveness of English Learning Through Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL).

Dear Valerie, congratulations! Six years! You made it!!!!! From now on it's a new and bright beginning. "Fate favors the brave." You are brave and smart!!! and beautiful!!! You can achieve anything you want. Write your own story and shine. You deserve the best! I love you so much, Mom and Dad:) 爸爸妈妈我爱你们~毕业快乐wst永远快乐
Siheng Liang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Social-emotional Learning (SEL) in Film Education for Youth in China

Congrats everyone! Best of luck on our future journey and may our heart be filled with courage and hope!
Soungchul Cho Portrait
Science Education, MA

Project Title: Transforming into an Effective Science Educator

Completing my master's program at Teachers College, Columbia University has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. I owe my success to my amazing family, especially my supportive wife, Cheri, who stood by me throughout my studies and gave birth to our daughter, Irene. Teachers College has truly transformed me, enhancing my capacity to handle greater workloads and responsibilities. I am grateful to my professors, particularly Dr. Riccio, for their guidance not only during the program but also for my future career. Graduating from the top-ranked education school in the US is a great honor. I am proud to be associated with Teachers College and confident that the skills I've acquired will pave the way for a successful career as an educator.
Tai Ishikawa Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: A speech recognition AI application for bringing the science of reading into daily home practices

Congratulations, Class of 2023! I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family, friends, and the exceptional faculty at TC, who supported me along the journey. These past two years at TC have been nothing short of extraordinary. It has been a privilege to be a part of this remarkable community, and I am forever grateful for the experiences. Thank you for making the experience at TC so special and unforgettable, and I extend my best wishes to everyone for a bright future ahead.

Tiansong Wang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Enhancing Employee Engagement in Corporate Training: A Gamification-Based Platform Design Approach

Thank you Teachers College for allowing me to become a true educator and to know my friends here. They are not just friends, they are my family in New York!
Tianze Yu Portrait
Mathematics Education, MS

I really appreciate all my professors, friends and anyone who have helped me during my time in TC. Best wishes to all of you!

Tippi Pasuk Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Design and Delivery of an Introduction to Personal Finance Online Training for Early Career Employees

It took many hands for me to graduate. I am very grateful to all :D
titus chen portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Gym Folk

 

Akio Goya Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: A Hands-on ConstructioNIST Workshop for Teacher Training

You made TC like home. TLTL Dr Paulo Blikstein, Livia, Jonathan, Yipu, Renato, Tamar, Diana, Marina; TC: Jerry Vezzuso, José Baidas, Maria Czech, Julio Mendez, Selene; CMLTD Dr Chang, Dr Literat, Dr Meier, Dr K2, Dr Gorski, Dr Kuwata, Dr Lee, Dr Okita, Dr Holbert, Dr Vasudevan, Blake, Utty, Xiaoyan, Zhanlan, Helen, Andrea, David, Sameen, Megan, Namita, Shoshana, Isabel, Elliot, Jordan, Grace, Tai, Pam, Shreya, Wajahat, Kelly, Vanya, Hengzhi, Titus, Daniel, Mara, Keying, Ethan, Stella; LARC: Rony, Nanae, Nelson, Mayara; PFI: Renata, Danilo, Marcella, Amanda, Flavia, Juliana, Izabela, Angelo, Welton, Luciane, Ana, Daniela, Fernanda; Fellows: Isadora, Sami; New Yorkers: Hyungoo, Zé, Miguel, Odara, Gaia; and my beloved wife Tatiane Tamayose.
Wuyuan Liu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

When I look back on my journey at MST, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. TC has played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the world. Engaging in diverse perspectives and thought-provoking discussions has broadened my horizons, revealing education as a powerful force that knows no boundaries and empowers individuals. This realization has sparked a passion within me to advocate for equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for all. Moreover, the friendships I have forged within the MST community are truly invaluable. I want to thank me friend Bellas and Chelsey who also graduated from MST from supporting me through the ups and downs.

Xinyi Wu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: CUBICLE: The Design of a Self-Paced Learning Management Platform

Sapere aude. Best of luck to all of us!

 

 
Yiran Ma Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Combating Eurocentrism and stereotypes held towards Asian people through a multiplayer board game

Congratulations everyone! It's my great pleasure to spend this two-years journey with you all :)

Yixuan Zhu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

The future is ahead. We're the best. Thank to my family, thank to my friends, thank you to the people I love and love me. Everyone's support is my motivation. We did it. Happy graduation. 请继续保持那一份热爱,那一份冲动,去奔赴下一场山河花海!未来可期! 毕业快乐!

Yizhe Wu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA
To my family, friends, and mentors: Thank you for shaping who I am today.
Yuchen Yin Portrait
Mathematics Education, MA

Project Title: Analysis of Alternative Mathematics Instruction Method and Curriculum Design with Inspiration from COVID

After all, tomorrow is another day.
Yue Hu Portrait
Mathematics Education, MA

Project Title: Continuing Professional Development by video-recorded self-reflection and peer review

Create a place of your own at Teachers College with your love for education and explore with creativity.

Yue Liu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA
Project Title: Song of Pipa – An Application Aiming to Support Beginners in Learning Pipa in a Performance Way
I am genuinely grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment TC has provided and the opportunities that have enabled me to reach my full potential. This is the best two years of my life!
Yue Zhang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Design: A job-seeking app for Chinese college students

Thanks for everything I encountered at Columbia University. Next, I will be committed to applying the knowledge and concepts I have learned here to the development of education.

 

 
Yuejie Gu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Congratulations to Class of 2023! I'll miss the wonderful time at TC. May we all have a bright future!

Zexin Lyu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Reatopia

Go with the flow
Zhanlan Wei Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: How Could We Use Assistive Technology to Enhance the Proprioception of Professional Athletes, Support Their Rehab, and Prevent Potential Injury?

Thank you everyone for making the experience at TC so meaningful and memorable!! Wishing everyone a bright future!
Zhixun Zhang Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, MA

Project Title: Y.A.S. --- App for learning English slang

Take a small step on this brand new day
Zhuoda Wu Portrait
Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design, EdM

Project Title: Towards a Design Framework that Facilitates Collaborative Learning through Digital Technologies

I will never forget the way Professor Kuwata always asks in class: "Why is that important?", "Why do you think it matters?". Beyond all the learning theories and frameworks, my biggest takeaway from my two-and-half-year journey at TC is that "asking the right questions will lead to the right answer." I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the faculty at TC who have helped me discover what has become my guiding principle in life, as I will always try to ask the "right" question that matters.

Wish all my fellow graduates the best of luck in discovering what you are truly passionate about, and may we all make a meaningful impact in this world by applying what we have learned here at TC.

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