LuEttaMae Lawrence

LuEttaMae Lawrence is an Assistant Professor in the Instructional Technologies and Learning Sciences program at Utah State University's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. As a learning scientist and design researcher, she collaborates with communities to co-design equitable learning environments that address social justice through participatory methodologies.

Her educational background includes:

• 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

Prior to USU, she completed postdoctoral fellowships at Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute and UC Irvine's School of Education. Her research focuses on Design-Based Research, Design Justice, and Participatory Design to create collaborative learning environments that center community needs while addressing systemic inequities through educational technology.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal three dominant trends: development of AI orchestration tools for dynamic classroom transitions, responsive teaching frameworks for theory-building activities, and community-engaged design justice projects addressing reproductive health and LGBTQ+ equity. Her work increasingly integrates generative AI with human-centered design principles while maintaining critical focus on ethical implications.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Best Design Paper Award at CSCL 2022 for co-designing AI orchestration tools with middle school teachers
• Best Design Paper Nominee at CSCL 2021

Dr. Lawrence actively recruits graduate students for her lab, emphasizing collaborative culture and ethical research in co-design, social justice, and technology. Current projects include:

• PROJECT UNITE: Improving disability transition services with Canyons School District
• Emergency Contraception Access evaluation on USU campus
• Kids' Ethical Sensemaking in AI/Robotics afterschool makerspace
• Bear River Region LGBTQ+ Community Coalition for health equity
• Community Justice Advocate Program training social workers
• Rural Utah sexual health educator cultural navigation study

Her lab operates through interdisciplinary partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and community organizations, prioritizing wellbeing and inclusive research practices while scaling design-based solutions from local contexts to broader educational applications.