Pi-Sui Hsu

Pi-Sui Hsu is a Professor in the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment at Northern Illinois University's College of Education. She is actively engaged in research on technology integration in science education, maker-centered learning, and equity in STEM. Her work emphasizes collaborative scientific argumentation and engineering identity development among non-dominant youth.

Educational Background:

• Ph.D. in Instructional Systems, The Pennsylvania State University
• M.A. in Instructional Technology and Media, Teachers College, Columbia University

Her research focuses on leveraging technology to enhance science learning, particularly through Making and argumentation in informal and formal educational settings. She investigates how equity pedagogy and inclusive design in makerspaces can positively influence youth attitudes toward science. Her recent work explores online course design during the pandemic using the Community of Inquiry framework and the development of gamified learning tools for middle schoolers.

The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend in using Making and technology-infused environments to foster scientific engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups. Her work spans informal (summer camps, after-school programs) and formal (classroom, online courses) learning contexts, with a consistent emphasis on collaboration, identity, and equity in STEM education.

Scientific Contributions:

• Lead developer of a gamified learning tool for middle school students
• Designer of online engineering courses using community of inquiry models
• Researcher on gender dynamics in collaborative science argumentation
• Advocate for equity in maker-centered STEM learning

Dr. Hsu advises graduate students and leads the Hsu Lab, where she mentors emerging scholars in educational technology and science education research. Her collaborative work with students and colleagues demonstrates strong mentorship and team-based research. While specific grants are not listed, her sustained research output suggests active external funding. Her leadership in designing innovative learning environments reflects a commitment to improving science education through technology and inclusive pedagogy.

Laboratory and Research Team:
She leads the Hsu Lab, which focuses on technology-enhanced science learning, maker education, and collaborative argumentation. The lab supports graduate research and interdisciplinary collaboration in educational technology.