top of page
3.jpg

Heather Thach

PhD Student | UX & Usability | Learning Experience Design | Inclusive Systems

Email:

heather.thach@missouri.edu

Jump to:

Professional Summary

I am a UX- and research-driven learning technologist with experience conducting usability studies, performing task and needs analyses, designing accessible learning environments, and applying evidence-based frameworks to improve digital experiences. My work integrates user research, instructional design, accessibility practices, and systems thinking to create usable, inclusive, and effective solutions. I bring expertise in translating complex user needs into clear design requirements, building prototypes, running evaluations, and supporting diverse stakeholders in higher education and public-facing systems.

Education

2022-2027 (Anticipated)

PhD, Information Science & Learning Technologies
University of Missouri

  • Research focus: UX and usability in digital learning environments; accessibility and inclusive design with an emphasis on neurodivergent learners; emerging technologies such as generative AI; and the cognitive, motivational, and emotional factors that shape user interaction.

  • Teaching & research assistantships: Support for instructional design, natural language processing (NLP) projects, and information systems research, including course development, applied UX inquiry, and evaluation of digital learning tools.

2022-2025 (Anticipated)

Graduate Certificate, User Experience & Usability
University of Missouri

  • Coursework in front-end analysis of systems, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, prototyping, interaction design, and user-centered analysis

  • Integrated into doctoral research and portfolio projects (PATH, Missouri Archives, Pavlov’s Reader)

2019

M.Ed., Learning, Design & Technology
University of Georgia

  • Concentration in instructional design and development

  • Coursework included multimedia design, learning theory, assessment, and digital environments

2013

B.S., Biological Sciences (Teacher Licensure)
Minor: Religion
Lee University

  • Prepared for designing learning experiences in diverse K–12 settings

  • Integrated instructional planning, differentiation, and student-centered pedagogy

Professional Experience

2023-Present

Learning Technology Specialist

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Walker Center for Teaching & Learning

  • Guide faculty in implementing inclusive UX, accessibility, and learning experience design across digital course environments.

  • Designed and launched UTC’s first AI Teaching Certification focused on ethical, human-centered, and accessible use of AI.

  • Developed Online Teaching Certification Levels 1 and 2 grounded in usability, accessibility, and user-centered design.

  • Contribute to institutional strategy through service on the AI Core Team and Web Accessibility Task Force.

  • Collaborate across Academic Affairs and IT to align UX, accessibility, and pedagogical support initiatives.

2015-2023

Curriculum & Instruction Manager

Village Virtual LLC – Chattanooga, TN

  • Oversaw hiring, training, and evaluation of 30+ instructors, emphasizing equitable and accessible online learning.

  • Led curriculum evaluation and redesign grounded in usability principles and accessibility standards.

  • Designed online courses using backward design, cognitive load strategies, and inclusive pedagogical approaches.

  • Ensured implementation of IEP/504 accommodations within virtual learning workflows.

  • Facilitated cross-stakeholder UX communication among parents, counselors, administrators, and partner schools.

2023–Present

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Missouri

  • Redesigned graduate coursework with improved navigation, accessibility, and learner-centered UX.

  • Maintained and enhanced the usability and information architecture of a scholarly biographical directory.

  • Conducted NLP research including data cleaning, preprocessing, and large corpus analysis.

  • Contributed to research on game user motivation, digital reading, and AI-mediated information systems.

2016–Present

Instructional & Teaching Roles (Selected)

University of Missouri; Village Virtual LLC

  • Taught undergraduate technology courses integrating usability, accessibility, and learner experience principles.

  • Provided user-centered online instruction with structured support and data-informed interventions.

  • Leveraged LMS and SIS tools to enhance student performance and learning navigation.

Skills

UX Research

  • Usability testing (moderated & unmoderated)

  • Task analysis & hierarchical task analysis

  • Needs assessment

  • Personas & scenarios

  • Heuristic evaluation

  • Mixed-methods data collection

  • Affinity diagramming & thematic analysis

​

Design & Prototyping

  • Figma (low- and high-fidelity prototyping)

  • Interaction design principles

  • Wireframing & workflow mapping

  • Cognitive load-aligned design

  • Instructional and system design frameworks (ADDIE, Gagné)

  • Accessibility-driven interface decisions

Accessibility & Inclusive Design

  • WCAG & Section 508 principles

  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

  • Screen reader compatibility

  • Cognitive accessibility (CLT, multimedia learning, ADHD-informed design)

  • Inclusive language, content structure, and interaction patterns

  • PDF remediation and accessible course design

​

Technical & Analytical

  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)

  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis

  • Data visualization

  • Canvas LMS & DesignPlus

  • Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

  • AI-powered tools for UX & learning design

©2025 by Heather Thach.

bottom of page