About
I am a Ph.D. researcher in Educational Psychology at the USC Rossier School of Education, affiliated with the USC Center for Generative AI & Society. My research examines how people learn with and from AI, with particular attention to AI literacy development, equitable access to AI tools in educational settings, and the behavioral and motivational patterns that shape learner engagement with generative technologies.
I am advised by Dr. Stephen Aguilar and co-advised by Dr. Erika Patall. Alongside my doctoral work, I am completing an Applied Data Science certificate at USC, which supports a methodological orientation that combines quantitative modeling with computational approaches.
Research Interests: AI Literacy Development · GenAI & EdTech in Post-Secondary Education · Educational Data Science · Learning Analytics · Digital Equity · Bilingual Learners
Methods: Structural Equation Modeling · Item Response Theory · Multilevel Modeling · Regression · Mixed Methods · Python · R · Stata
Selected Publications
Aguilar, S., Xiu, R. L., Junjunia, M., Al-Sulaiti, R., & Talha-Jebril, S. (2025). Perceptions and pathways to AI integration. WISE & USC Center for Generative AI & Society. PDF
Aguilar, S. J., Nye, B., Swartout, W., Macias, A., Xing, Y., & Xiu, R. L. (2025). How students and teachers worldwide are adapting to AI. OSF Preprints. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/wr6n3_v1
Xiu, L. (2025). Research on the design of modern distance education system based on agent technology. Pinnacle Academic Press Proceedings Series, 2, 160–169.
Xiu, L. (2025, March). Analyses of online learning behaviour based on linear regression algorithm. 2025 IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Energy Systems and Power Engineering (EESPE), 1333–1338.
Xiu, L. (2024). Integration innovation of big data analysis and artificial intelligence in the field of education. International Journal of Social Sciences and Public Administration, 5(2), 175–182. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijsspa.v5n2.21
Xiu, L. (2024). The challenges and approaches of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to promote educational innovation. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology, 4(3), 400–407. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijcsit.v4n3.45
Xiu, L. (2024). Exploring the approaches to learning of bilingual students in online upper elementary mathematics classes: A mixed-methods investigation (Publication No. 31329773) [M.A. thesis, University of California, Los Angeles]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Current Projects
WISE Multi-Country Teacher Study — Co-led analyses of 2,000+ K-12 teacher survey responses across 40+ constructs (AI literacy, attitudes, ethics, access) spanning the US, India, Qatar, Colombia, and the Philippines.
Systematic Literature Review — Instructor-led GenAI interventions compared with unstructured student-initiated use in post-secondary education.
USC Internal Research Grant (2025–2026) — Cross-national differences in K-12 teachers’ generative AI adoption: United States and China.
Meta-Analysis — Prosocial STEM interventions and learning outcomes.
Background
Ph.D., Educational Psychology — USC Rossier School of Education (2022–Expected 2028)
M.A., Human Development and Psychology — UCLA (2022–2024) Thesis: Approaches to Learning of Bilingual Students in Online Upper Elementary Mathematics Classes
B.A., Creative Writing & Education — University of Washington (2018–2022)