Cindy Hmelo-Silver

Cindy Hmelo-Silver serves as Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Development at Indiana University Bloomington's School of Education, affiliated with the Department of Learning, Design and Adult Education and the Center for Research on Learning and Technology.

Her research centers on technology-mediated learning of complex phenomena, with expertise in problem-based learning, collaborative knowledge construction, and computer-supported collaborative learning. Current investigations include scaffolded support for inquiry learning, video-based pedagogy, complex systems understanding, and AI-driven adaptive environments for collaborative engagement. Her work bridges cognitive science and educational design to optimize technology-enhanced learning experiences.

As co-Principal Investigator of the NSF Institute for Engaged Learning, she leads major federally funded research initiatives while advising graduate students in Learning Sciences programs. Her grant portfolio emphasizes collaborative inquiry frameworks and game-based learning environments.

She maintains active research operations through the Center for Research on Learning and Technology, where interdisciplinary teams develop and test technology-supported learning interventions.