April Tan

April Tan

apriltan@iastate.edu   |   (515) 771-1293

Profile

Mixed-methods researcher with 4+ years of end-to-end research design experience in computer-assisted language learning and VR development. Skilled in transforming statistical data into powerful narratives for diverse stakeholders and collaborating across cross-functional teams. My objective is to tie theory, design, and user-needs in the implementation of technology.

Education

Ph.D. Student in Human-Computer Interaction, 2020 – Present
Iowa State University (ISU), Ames, IA                                                
Co-Major: Applied Linguistics and Technology
Tentative graduation: Spring 2024

M.A. in TESL/Applied Linguistics, 2018-2020
Iowa State University (ISU), Ames, IA
GPA: 3.93/4.0
Thesis: “Transfer of suprasegmental improvements to novel sentences and segmental accuracy using real time audiovisual pitch training”
Major Professor: Dr. John Levis

B.A. in Creative Advertising, 2013-2016
Drake University, Des Moines, IA
GPA: 3.89/4.0
Thesis: “The equation to effective advertising”
Advisor: Dr. Maria Clapham
Honors: University Honors
Minor: Graphic Design

Experience

Dissertation Project, May 2022 – Present
VRhetoricLab: The Social Dimension of Writing

  • Spearheading a two-phase exploratory & evaluative research on a VR initiative using interviews, contextual inquiry, and thematic analysis with 20 users to determine learner needs
  • Developing first-ever VR environment for research writing containing 10+ unique features and 3 learning tasks; implemented prototype in the Oculus Quest 2 using Unity3D, C#, and OculusXR
  • Leading a cross-discipline team of 3 in analyzing data from prototype testing, semi-structured interviews, and user behavior to inform product development strategy  

UX Researcher and Developer, Aug 2021 – Present
Center for Communication Excellence Website

  • Directed semi-structured interviews and usability testing ~15 stakeholders; developed 3 user personas and identified 3 major pain points
  • Designed and A/B tested 3 interactive prototypes for architecture and design on Figma with ~6 users
  • Headed visual redesign of website using HTML/CSS and JavaScript serving ~5,500 students and faculty
  • Ensured website responsiveness for all devices per WCAG AAA accessibility standards

Lead UX Researcher and Developer, June 2021 – December 2021
Pitch Noodle: An Intonation Learning App

  • Executed research design and evaluation of user-centered interface by independently conducting a 6 month end-to-end research study
  • Independently developed an audio-visual application interface in 3 months using Python
  • Conducted usability, efficacy, and user satisfaction testing with ~15 users using semi-structured interviews in NVivo and A/B testing in R
  • Increased learning efficiency and user satisfaction by 12% and 52% respectively compared to existing systems

Graduate Writing Consultant, 2020 – Present
Center for Communication Excellence, Graduate College, Ames, IA

  • Led one-one-one consultations with graduate students via Zoom and WebEx
  • Developed online writing materials and needs-based resources for graduate students 
  • Conducted online thesis/dissertation seminars ~ 30 graduate students/postdocs
  • Evaluated learning materials using semi-structured interview and user behavior methodologies to determine learner satisfaction and knowledge transfer ~15 students
  • Researching emerging technologies such as VR to implement novel solutions for writing development

Teaching Assistant, 2018 – 2020
Department of English, Iowa State University, Ames, IA

  • Primary instructor of first-year multimodal composition courses ~50 undergraduate students
  • Primary instructor of 200-level rhetoric classes ~50 undergraduate students
  • Developed novel pedagogical approaches to foster critical thinking and collaborative learning
  • Created a gamified learning experience with the use of in-class multimedia technologies
  • Held individual feedback sessions twice a semester along with office hours
  • Average instructor evaluation of 4.75/5.0

Programming Instructor, 2018 – 2019
Youth Enrichment League, Des Moines, IA

  • Taught basic programming logic to children grades 1-7 using Scratch ~50 student
  • Supervised projects and tailored the difficulty of each level to students’ capabilities
  • Facilitated final video game project showcase for parents and classmates

Graphic Designer, 2016 – 2019
TRIO Agency, Grimes, IA

  • Headed multiple design projects with budgets of over $10,000
  • Developed graphic design materials for print, digital, and video
  • Created custom logos and branding packets based on unique identity of the client’s company
  • Experience with wireframes, sprints, and mockups

Skills

Research Methods

  • Usability testing 
  • A/B testing
  • Semi-structured interviews
  • Heuristic evaluation
  • Cognitive walkthrough
  • Affinity diagramming
  • Task analysis
  • Prototyping
  • Secondary research

Programming Languages

  • HTML/CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • C#
  • MATLAB
  • RStudio
  • C++

Software

  • Unity 3D
  • Figma
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro)
  • GitHub
  • Qualtrics
  • Miro

Conferences and Publications

Genre-based L2 Research Writing: SLA-CALL Interfaces for Prototyping an Interactive Virtual Reality Environment
Tan, A., Cotos, E., Dorneich, M. C. (forthcoming). Genre-based L2 research writing: SLA-CALL interfaces for prototyping an interactive virtual reality environment. Frontiers in Computer Assisted Language Learning.

Comparing Team Performance Constructs Involved in Ground Combat and a Ground Combat Simulator
Wilson, G., Farah, Y., Dorneich, M., Gilbert, S., Furukawa, V., Tan, A. (2022, August). Comparing Team Performance Constructs Involved in Ground Combat and a Ground Combat Simulator. 2022. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). Atlanta, Georgia.

Pitch Noodle: A computer assisted pronunciation training application for intonation and pitch learning
Tan, A. (2022, August). Pitch Noodle: A computer assisted pronunciation training application for intonation and pitch learning. 2022. European Association of Computer Assisted Language Learning (EUROCALL). Virtual

WordScape: A Virtual Reality Language Learning Vocabulary Game
Sollier, N., Tan, A. (2022, May). WordScape: A Virtual Reality Language Learning Vocabulary Game. 2022. Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO).

Study Intonation: A mobile-assisted pronunciation training application
Tan, A. (2021). Study Intonation: A mobile-assisted pronunciation training application. Teaching English as a Second Language Electronic Journal (TESL-EJ), 25(3). https://tesl-ej.org/pdf/ej99/m3.pdf

A ground-breaking PBLL application for teaching, learning, and assessment with success
Sollier, N., Alharthi, A., Tan, A., Beckett, G.H., Beck, J., Guskaroska, A., & Zawadzki, Z.(2021, August). A ground-breaking PBLL application for teaching, learning, andassessment with success. Eurocall, 2021. Virtual.

Delivering English speaking assessment through a web-based rater platform
Tan, A., Cotos, E., Compton, L. (2021, October). Delivering English speaking assessment through a web-based rater platform. 2021. Midwest Association of Language Testers (MwALT). Virtual

The role of face coverings on native and nonnative raters’ perception of speech
Guskaroska, A., Dux Speltz, E, Tan, A., Goodale, E., & Kurt, S. (2021, October). The role of face coverings of native and nonnative raters’ perception of speech. 2021. Midwest Association of Language Testers (MwALT). Virtual

Grants

ALT/TESL Small Grant, Spring 2022
Project Title: WordScape: A Virtual Reality Language Learning Vocabulary Game
Sponsor: English Department, Iowa State University
Funding Awarded: $255
Primary Investigators: Sollier, N., Tan, A.
Role: Primary investigator

English Department Research Grant, Spring 2022
Project Title: WordScape: A Virtual Reality Language Learning Vocabulary Game
Sponsor: English Department, Iowa State University
Funding Awarded: $500
Primary Investigators: Sollier, N., Tan, A.
Role: Primary investigator

English Department Graduate Student Research, Spring 2021
Project Title: “Say that again?” An exploratory study of face coverings and speech perception for native and nonnative speakers of English”
Sponsor: English Department, Iowa State University
Funding Awarded: $350
Role: Idea development, drafting, and editing; Project investigator

Service and Leadership

Pre-Beginning English Instructor, 2019 – 2020
Lutheran Services of Iowa, Des Moines, IA      

  • Taught basic literacy skills to refugees new to Des Moines and the U.S.
  • Worked with translators to gauge and assess learners’ linguistic needs
  • Integrated Project Based Learning pedagogy into curriculum
  • Built curriculum around communicative goals to give learners practical skills for life in Des Moines
 

International Peer Mentor Academic Program Advisory Founder, 2017 – 2019
Drake University, Des Moines, IA      

  • Founded a departmental division within the international center for developing sustainable leadership in diversity
  • Received an annual budget of $2000 for program development
  • Developed pilot training programs in sustainable leadership
  • Facilitated the execution of international orientation ~150 undergraduate students

Languages Spoken

  • English (Native fluency)
  • Mandarin (Native fluency)
  • Malay (Highly proficient)
  • Taiwanese (Highly proficient)
  • Spanish (Lower intermediate)