Nova Ebrahimi

I am a PhD candidate in the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My research focuses on the design and engineering of virtual learning environments, investigating how design pattern taxonomies can democratize access to advanced education. I develop multi-dimensional pattern frameworks that identify effective spatial, behavioral, and interface approaches across desktop virtual worlds, augmented reality, and virtual reality platforms. Currently developing an AI co-designer system that provides educators with adaptive design guidance while maintaining human agency in the design process. I employ mixed methods that combine qualitative research with computational analysis to translate expert knowledge into practical frameworks. My work addresses the technical complexity barrier that prevents many educators from creating immersive learning environments, aiming to make these technologies available to a broader range of educational settings.

News

Nov 2, 2025	I am attending the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, where I will present a paper on effective teaching strategies in virtual worlds for engineering and computing education. This research is part of my ongoing work on design patterns aimed at enhancing learning experiences in virtual worlds. I look forward to engaging with educational innovation research and reconnecting with scholars from last year’s conference. I am attending the IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee, where I will present a paper on effective teaching strategies in virtual worlds for engineering and computing education. This research is part of my ongoing work on design patterns aimed at enhancing learning experiences in virtual worlds. I look forward to engaging with educational innovation research and reconnecting with scholars from last year’s conference.
Oct 5, 2025	I am attending Democon 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida, where I will present three research papers examining qualitative comparative studies of educational practices in virtual worlds and video conferencing platforms. I am honored to be one of only two students selected to receive travel funding for this conference based on my research contributions and academic CV. I look forward to sharing my findings with the educational technology community and engaging with fellow researchers who are advancing the future of digital learning. I am attending Democon 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida, where I will present three research papers examining qualitative comparative studies of educational practices in virtual worlds and video conferencing platforms. I am honored to be one of only two students selected to receive travel funding for this conference based on my research contributions and academic CV. I look forward to sharing my findings with the educational technology community and engaging with fellow researchers who are advancing the future of digital learning.
Jul 1, 2025	Our paper has been published in the Virtual Worlds Journal. I am honored that my work introducing the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model for conceptualizing learning in virtual worlds is featured on the front page of the journal. Our paper has been published in the Virtual Worlds Journal. I am honored that my work introducing the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model for conceptualizing learning in virtual worlds is featured on the front page of the journal.