Qi Sun

Qi Sun is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the ASU Learning Engineering Institute. As an interdisciplinary researcher, her work lies at the intersection of AI-enhanced learning, educational psychology, learning sciences, and cognitive and developmental sciences. Her research examines how generative AI and interactive technologies mediate human learning, cognition, and learner agency across educational contexts.

Her current research focuses on LLM-based large-scale learning assessment, exploring how large language models can support scalable, process-oriented assessment of complex learning and higher-order cognitive competencies, such as critical thinking, that are difficult to capture through traditional measures. Drawing on computational, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, she investigates how AI interaction data can serve as new forms of evidence for critical thinking, self-regulated learning, metacognition, and cognitive development in authentic learning environments.

Beyond her research, Qi is passionate about bringing evidence-based and emerging AI-supported approaches into teaching practices in online, in-person, and hybrid learning settings. Across her research and teaching, she seeks to advance human-centered AI in education by developing technologies and learning experiences that make learners’ thinking more visible while strengthening learner agency and meaningful engagement.