October 29, 2024

From international student to a global leader, Dr Susan Zhang celebrates PhD in EdTech

How a serial entrepreneur’s research into educational influencers is set to advance Generative AI in Higher Education Digitalisation

Dr Susan Zhang’s résumé is almost unbelievable. She helped TikTok go global from China, she is ex-Google, Canva and Amazon, a published author, a TEDx speaker and mentor to young entrepreneurs. Dr Zhang is recognised as a global technology serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist where she led seed and series A investments in startups of EdTech, smart logistics and consumer apps. 

Always at the leading edge of innovation, Dr Zhang is driven by a passion for technology and a keen interest in creative education technology. A self-confessed “old soul” she has already lived many lives and stellar careers all before the age of 30. 

When she first arrived in Sydney, standing in International Terminal 1 with oversized luggage packed full of toilet paper by her worrying parents, she was picked up by the University of Wollongong (UOW) airport shuttle and heard the Aussie slang greeting, ‘G’Day’, for the first time. She had no friends and no family but a dream. 

“I remember countless nights spent in Building 3 labs, putting three swirling chairs in a line with a couple of peers working to meet our midnight deadline. Through the coffee we took turns bringing to each other the next morning, we didn’t mind each other's funky body smells,” Dr Zhang said.  

“I made lifelong friends. Learned so much C++ and Java, craved many pepperoni pizzas at iPhone workshops, and free international BBQ sausages with the ‘mystery meat’.” 

In the next three years, she completed a dual bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Zhengzhou University and UOW, and a Master of Information and Communication Technology from UOW. 

As a lead creative technologist in Google UK, Dr Zhang made an international name for herself crafting innovative data-driven solutions and global award-winning campaigns utilising advanced AI technologies. 

While transitioning her career from software engineer to corporate leadership roles, Dr Zhang also completed her Executive MBA, sponsored by TikTok and a ‘women in leadership’ scholarship offered by the Columbia University.  

In 2019, the Australia China Alumni Association named Dr Zhang the Young Australia China Alumni of the Year, and in 2022, she received a Judges’ Commendation in the Australian Ambassador's Award for Women in Leadership. 

Despite all the accolades she still never imagined a PHD was possible, admitting that when she completed her master’s degree she thought that would be it for her academic career.  

It was the global pandemic that saw people flocking to e-learning platforms and remote working that sparked the idea of a research proposal on educational influencers in 2020, amid COVID. 

“Just as the Kardashians are the first generation of influencers for luxury goods, and celebrity lifestyle, I was intrigued by the potential of educational influencers,” Dr Zhang said.  

“Sal Khan for example, he started by tutoring his cousins in mathematics. Due to the demand he uploaded those videos on YouTube and now it has blossomed into Khan Academy educating students globally.”  

^{Dr Susan Zhang with her husband, young daughter and father at Graduation.}

Yesterday (Tuesday 29 October) Dr Zhang graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from UOW’s School of Computing and Information Technology. 

Dr Zhang received the Examiners’ Commendation for Outstanding Thesis for her thesis, E-Learning Engagement and Perceived Outcomes with Educational Key Opinion Leaders. 

“My research aims to investigate the relationship between learners’ perceived outcomes, motivation, and the selection preferences of education influencers.” 

An ‘Edu-KOL’, a phrase first coined in 2020 by her published paper, refers to a brand ambassador or an instructor of an online learning platform or mobile app, who is a domain expert in a knowledge field and has public recognition, followers, and even a celebrity-like status.  

Dr Zhang believes her research can play a key part in harnessing the capabilities of AI-driven education influencers at the intersection of e-learning technology and pedagogy transformation. As the Head of Creative and EdTech, Digital Trade for the British Government based in Sydney, her research also aligns with the Australian Government's strategic priority to advance GenAI in Higher Education.

“It introduces a novel, community-oriented approach aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of campuses, employing a human-centred design that leverages the influence and expertise of Edu-KOLs.” 

She said the research has been eye-opening as a mother too. Having her first daughter while completing her PhD, she has been able to see the research from the perspective of a parent.  

Dr Zhang cherishes her time at UOW and has been an avid supporter since she first stepped foot on Wollongong Campus.

^{Dr Zhang with UOW Chancellor Michael Still, as the Mace Bearer, at UOW’s fifth Chancellor Installation Ceremony, August 2024.}

In 2023, Dr Zhang was appointed to the UOW Council in the postgraduate position, voted in by her peers. It came at an interesting time for the sector amidst the changes to international student caps, curriculum, online learning and the other impacts being felt across the tertiary sector. She said she has found the last two years on UOW Council humbling.  

She hopes her research and experience can help inform the future of tertiary education.  

“My future projects seek to enhance existing teaching and learning platforms by customising them to support content creation, streamlined delivery of educational materials, and secure data management, specifically addressing the needs of Generation Z and life-long learners, who expect a high-quality, right on point, digitally driven education journey.”    

This week, with her husband, young daughter, father and friends by her side, she embarked on the next exciting chapter. With baby number two only days away, Dr Zhang isn’t slowing down.  

“One of my friends said you should probably write another book on ‘how you do 1,000 things simultaneously and do them well’. I'm like, ‘I don't do them well, I struggle as well’. 

“I hope I don't give people the illusion that everything is perfect, nothing is perfect in my life. To do research work, you have to really love it. I tend to choose courage over comfort, and I hope to continue to explore outside my comfort zone.”