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LearnerX Lab

Our Work

Design, Development, Implementation, and Impact of Personalized & Innovative Learning Resources in Life Sciences Education on Academic Achievement and Student Engagement

Interests

  • Self-Assessment & Tool Design
    Research focused on developing user-friendly, evidence-based tools that help individuals evaluate their skills, reflect on their experiences, and support continuous personal and professional growth.
  • Experiential Learning through Immersive Digital Simulations (Scenario-based learning) & Gamification. We design immersive, scenario-based digital simulations that help students apply knowledge in real-world contexts. 

    Our work also emphasizes continuity—transforming student projects into learning resources that benefit future cohorts. Trailer

 

Grants

 

  • BoilerPrep: Brightspace Exam Navigator & Study Coach. (2026) Beatriz Castro, Ph.D*; Ramses Martinez. An interactive planner and learning coach that centralizes course resources into structured, spaced study sessions for exam success. Funder: Brightspace Innovation Program Grant

  • Optimizing Course Creation: Leveraging AI for Efficiency, Personalized Learning, and Increased Engagement. Ramses Martinez*, Ph.D; Beatriz Castro, Ph.D; Stephanie M. Gardner, Ph.D; Ayush Bansal; Carla Hernandez. Purdue Hub Innovation, 2025.

  • "From Classroom to Line of Duty: Empowering Firefighter Preparedness with BIOL204-Honor Contract Students and LearnerX Lab's Innovative Learning Tools." (2025) PI: B.Castro. In collaboration with undergraduate students: Ayush, Alana, and Carla. Funder: Office of Experiential Education, Purdue University.
  • Integrating Human Physiology and Industrial Robotics through Smart Textiles and Immersive VR Experiences. (2025 BGR Entertainment Challenging). Ramses V. Martinez (Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering) and Beatriz Castro (College of Sciences).
  • “Engaging Students in Renal Physiology with Interactive Study Tools and Scenario-based Case Studies”. PI: B. Castro. In collaboration with Prof. Stephanie Gardner, Prof. Lisa Hilliard, and Dr. Daniel Guberman. Funder: Hub Innovation Grant, Purdue University, 2024
  • Premium Lecture Learning Digital Materials Package" for BIOL203 & BIOL204 students. Principal Learning Resource Developer and Supervisor: B. Castro. These materials include interactive microlearning modules (Rise360), HTML flashcards, and H5P-based homework and quizzes. Funder: Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University (2024-2025).

 

Recognitions/Awards

  • Excellence in Instruction Award for Lecturers (Purdue University, 2026)
  • Purdue Focus Award (2026). Awarded annually during Indiana’s Disability Awareness Month, the Focus Awards recognize those affiliated with Purdue University who have made an outstanding contribution to the furthering of Purdue University’s commitment to disability accessibility. 
  • Purdue Teaching Academy Fellow (since April 2025)
  • Teaching Leadership Award Fellow (2025/2026)
  • Professional Achievement Award. 2025 College of Science, Purdue University. 

 


  • IMPACT Festival of Teaching and Learning Recognition Award (2025) 
  • IMPACTful Audience Choice Award, at the IMPACT and SoTL Fellows Poster Session (2025) 

Faculty member (center) with four LearnerX Lab students seated together in an office with laptops showing anatomy and simulation materials.

Carla Hernandez, Wojciech Kielbus, Beatriz Castro (faculty lead), Ayush Bansal, Alana Diedrick

 Scaling Office-Hour Instruction with Interactive Video Design: Developing Concept Video Explorer for BIOL203.

Three LearnerX Lab students standing beside a research poster on interactive video design and student engagement at Purdue University.

 C. Hernandez, G. Conjelko, S. Johnson, M. Munoz, and B. Castro*

  • Class of 1922 Outstanding Teaching Innovation Award (Purdue University, Spring 2024) for "Beyond One-Size Fits-All: Tailoring a Large Enrollment STEM Course to Boost Engagement and Foster Success" (BIOL203/BIOL204), leading to increased student satisfaction and exam performance.
  • IMPACT Festival Teaching & Learning Award (Purdue's Center for Instructional Excellence, Spring 2024) for developing innovative learning materials including HTML flashcards, an interactive infographic syllabus, and an interactive digital scenario-based learning experience about Parkinson's disease.

  

Disseminating Educational Experiences

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS/SHOWCASES

  • Enhancing Concept Integration in Renal Physiology: An Interactive Nephron Learning Tool with Integrated Customized Retrieval Practice, Scholarship Teaching Session. 32nd Annual Scholarship of teaching and learning SUMMIT. B.Castro.(Fall 2025)
  • Beyond the Text: Transitioning to Interactive, Digital AI-Enhanced Scenario-Based Learning in A&P, HAPS virtual conference, Fall 2025. Poster. Authors:  G. Conjelko, S. Johnson, and B. Castro.
  • Transforming Large-Enrolment Classes. Festival of Teaching and Learning. John Martinson Honors College. Purdue University, 2024.
  • Fostering Engagement and Success in a Large STEM Course through Tailored Learning Resources. SABER Mid-West Annual Conference, 2024. Poster. B.Castro 

 

PUBLICATIONS

  • Beatriz Castro, PhD, Gabriella G. Conjelko, and Samantha L. Johnson. (2026) A Pilot Evaluation of AI-Enhanced Interactive Digital Case-Based Learning in Human Anatomy and Physiology Education. HAPS Educator (accepted for publication in Spring 2026 edition).
  • Castro, B., Hernandez, C., Bansal, A., & Diedrick, A. (2026). A scalable and practical model for transforming student engagement from passive consumption to active co-creation. International Journal for Students as Partners, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v10i1.6738
  • Castro, B; Smart, K., & Strom, S. (2024). Synergizing perspectives: A dual student-instructor partnership in transforming STEM recitation experiences in large enrollment courses. International Journal for Students as Partners, 8(2), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v8i2.5759