LuEttaMae Lawrence

Dr. LuEttaMae Lawrence serves as an Assistant Professor in the Instructional Technologies and Learning Sciences program within Utah State University's College of Education and Human Services, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches from learning sciences, design, and human-computer interaction to co-create equitable learning environments with communities.

Her academic foundation includes advanced degrees in Curriculum and Instruction with specialization in Digital Environments for Learning, Teaching, and Agency:

• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• MA in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• BFA in Graphic Design, Iowa State University

Dr. Lawrence's research investigates community-centered co-design of learning technologies addressing social justice, collaboration, and playful learning. She partners with educators, students, families, and organizations to develop environments that honor community values while examining scalability of design research outcomes and tools supporting dynamic transitions between learning modes. Her methodological approach integrates design-based implementation research with qualitative analysis.

Analysis of her 2019-2022 publications reveals consistent focus on orchestration tools for collaborative learning across K-12 and engineering education contexts, with increasing emphasis on AI-supported teacher assistance and pandemic-responsive remote learning solutions. Key thematic threads include classroom management during activity transitions, instructor intervention strategies, and co-design processes with teaching assistants.

Her scholarly contributions have received significant recognition:

• Best Design Paper Award at International Conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) 2022
• Best Design Paper Nominee at CSCL 2021

Dr. Lawrence actively recruits graduate students for research in co-design, social justice, and technology-enhanced collaboration, prioritizing lab culture and ethical practices. Current externally funded initiatives demonstrate her commitment to community impact:

• Project UNITE: Improving transition services for students with disabilities
• Emergency Contraception Access Evaluation on university campuses
• Community-Engaged Strategic Planning with Swaner Preserve & Eco-Center
• Bear River Region LGBTQ+ Community Coalition for health equity
• Community Justice Advocate Program expanding legal service access

She leads a collaborative research lab that partners with diverse community stakeholders to develop contextually relevant learning solutions, emphasizing researcher wellbeing and inclusive design principles throughout the co-creation process.