About
Hi, I’m Riya.
I’m an instructional designer shaped by classrooms, technology, and different cultures.
I began my career teaching in a rural school through Teach For China. That experience changed how I understand learning. I realized that when students are not well-behaved, it is often their way of asking for help. They need support for both academic performance and mental health well-being. That is why, in my later design work, I intentionally integrate empathy and encouragement into knowledge delivery.
Working in an under-resourced environment also opened my eyes to educational inequality. Geographic location and socioeconomic status should not impede a child’s access to high-quality educational resources.
That realization motivated me to move into EdTech, where well-designed digital content can scale and reach learners who might otherwise be underserved.
I later studied Education Policy and Analysis at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
There, I experienced a learning environment that encouraged exploration, expression, and creation. I felt supported in this psychologically safe learning environment. That experience deepened my belief that strong learning design combines scientific rigor with humanity.
After that, I worked at BrainCo and MassDOT, where I had the opportunity to design hands-on STEM learning projects and employee training programs. These positions provided the opportunity to translate the instructional theories I studied at Harvard into practical professional applications.
I feel fortunate to work with teams that value not only what I do but also who I am, which motivates me to extend that same respect and trust to the learners I design for.
Learning broadens my perspectives and builds a growth mindset. I believe that a well-designed learning experience does more than transfer information; it transmits power, which helps us find inner richness and self-achievement.
We live in a rapidly changing world where lifelong learning has become a natural part of how we thrive. It is exciting to see how AI is rebuilding education by improving efficiency and expanding access to information. As Moore’s Law drives technology to evolve at an exponential rate, I often find myself reflecting on a core challenge: how can we use the knowledge of yesterday to support the learners of today and prepare them for the needs of tomorrow?
To me, the path forward involves focusing on the core nature of learning. This means prioritizing universal skills that apply across different fields, fostering the motivation to keep growing, and cultivating supportive environments where we can maintain our identity in a changing world.
At the same time, we must remember to advocate for those whose voices are often unheard. By applying accessibility and inclusive design standards, we can ensure that learning works for everyone. I aim to leverage AI and emerging technologies to make high-quality resources reachable to all learners, regardless of their background.
Let’s bring our curiosity and cheer for the unknown journeys together!