Susan Pedersen

Susan Pedersen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Her work focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes across K-16 environments, particularly through game-based instruction and instructional design. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin (2000), an M.Ed. from Harvard University (1991), and a B.A. in American Studies from Tulane University (1981).

Research Interests

• Design of educational technologies and video games for learning
• E-learning applications and digital resource development
• Student engagement strategies in technology-mediated environments

Her research projects include initiatives funded by the National Science Foundation, such as BIMcraft (2020-2021) and ENGAGE-DS (2019-2023), which explore digital systems education through video games. She has authored/co-authored over 50 publications, including books like Discourse Indicators of Culture in Online Courses (2008) and peer-reviewed articles in journals like IEEE Transactions on Education and Computers & Education.

Awards & Leadership

• Adobe Design Achievement Award (2011)
• Chair, CEHD Faculty Advisory Committee (2017)
• Consulting Editor, Education Technology Research and Development (2001)

Advising & Grants

• Advised 12 doctoral students since 2003
• Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on 15+ grants totaling over $10M, including NSF-funded projects on STEM education and digital systems learning

Her work bridges educational theory and practice through collaborations with scientists, educators, and instructional designers, emphasizing virtual environments and professional learning communities.