About Me
I hold a PhD in AI Education, with a strong focus on quantitative analysis and learning analytics. I have over 5 years of experience applying Bayesian statistics, machine learning, and mixed methods to complex educational data. My background spans Mechatronics, Computer Science, and Educational Technology, bridging theoretically-sound models with rigorous technical execution for strategic, data‑driven outcomes.
I am committed to translating insights into action. I have designed and evaluated learning programmes across Mexico and Hong Kong, developed culturally relevant curricula, and taught at the university level. I bring advanced analytical skills (R, Python) together with a deep understanding of how people learn. This combination allows me to contribute effectively to quantitative research, program evaluation, and the design of impactful learning experiences.
Education
Ph.D. (AI Education)
The University of Hong Kong, 2021–2026
Thesis: Culturally‑Based Approaches for Artificial Intelligence Education with Music for Secondary School Students
M.Sc. Computer Science
Tecnológico de Monterrey, 2018–2020
M.Ed. Educational Technology and Innovation
Universidad del Valle de México, 2018–2020
B.Eng. Mechatronics
Tecnológico de Monterrey, 2011–2016
Skills
Languages & Tools
R (tidyverse, brms, lme4, bnlearn, Shiny), Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn), Git, LaTeX, Excel.
Statistical Methods
Bayesian Inference (MCMC, Hierarchical Modeling), A/B Testing, Hypothesis Testing, Regression, Time Series, Causal Inference, Bayesian Networks.
Domain Expertise
Learning Analytics, Educational Data Mining, Sequence Process Mining, AI/ML Ethics, STEAM Education.
Learning & Development
Curriculum and Assessment Design, LMS workflows, Microsoft Office (Advanced Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Languages
Spanish (native), English (fluent), German (basic), Mandarin (basic).
Research
Research Methods
Bayesian & Statistical Modeling
Bayesian inference (MCMC, regression, hierarchical models), hypothesis testing, regression analysis, causal inference, and A/B testing.
Machine Learning & NLP
Classification, topic modeling, sentiment analysis, and clustering using Python (Scikit-learn) and R, applied to educational and textual data.
Sequential & Process Mining
Sequence analysis, process mining, and pattern detection to model learner behaviors, interaction flows, and temporal dynamics in digital environments.
Qualitative & Mixed Methods
Thematic analysis, semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and mixed-methods designs that integrate quantitative findings with rich contextual insights.
Research Interests
AI (in) Education
Designing equitable access for learning about AI while exploring how AI can enhance teaching and learning experiences.
Learning Analytics
Developing data‑driven approaches to understand students’ learning processes and enhance outcomes, acknowledging cultural context.
Culturally Relevant Education
Investigating how educational technologies can be designed to incorporate and honour diverse cultural perspectives.
STEAM Education
Examining approaches that integrate arts into AI education to foster creativity, innovation, and engagement.
Current Projects
Equitable ICT Education for Secondary School Students
In partnership with SEED Foundation and Impact Analytics, this longitudinal study examines the long‑term effects of ICT education on youth digital skills and opportunities.
Culturally‑based AI Education for Secondary School Students
My Ph.D. thesis investigates the effect of culturally relevant and cross‑cultural learning on students’ AI learning outcomes.
Publications
Journal Articles
Collaborating with classmates and AI to create music pieces: A topic modeling and sentiment analysis approach
BJET (In preparation)
Ng, D.K.T., Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Interaction Patterns in AI Education: A comparison of two contexts
Under review, 2025
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X., Wang, C., Ng, D.K.T.
Computing Education Meets the Arts: Insights from a Systematic Review
Review of Educational Research, Under Review
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Conference Proceedings
Insights from Culturally Relevant AI Education Programme for Secondary School Students
Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED), 2025
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X., Ng, D.K.T.
WekiMusic: Machine Learning Music Activities to Foster Constructionist AI Education
IEEE ICALT, 2025
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Perceptions of Learning Analytics Dashboard and Their Associations with Online Professional Learning Outcomes for College Teachers in the Global South
IEEE ICALT, 2025
Wang, C., Hu, X., Hernández López, N.P.
Culturally Relevant Artificial Intelligence Education with Music for Secondary School Students
AIED, 2024
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Preliminary Evaluation of Learning Analytics Dashboard for College Teachers' Online Professional Learning
IEEE ICALT, 2024
Wang, C., Ng, J.T.D., Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Needs Analysis of Learning Analytics Dashboard for College Teacher Online Professional Learning in an International Training Initiative for the Global South
LAK, 2024
Wang, C., Hu, X., Hernández López, N.P., Ng., J.T.D.
What Can Students Learn From Their Own Data? Data Literacy With Student-Facing Learning Analytics
ISLS Annual Meeting, 2023
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Student-facing Learning Analytics for Data Literacy: Findings from an Integrative Review
LAK, 2023
Hernández López, N.P., Hu, X.
Book Chapters
Understanding Learning in Culturally Relevant Artificial Intelligence Education
LASI Europe 2024 DC, 2024
Hernández López, N.P.
Razonamiento Estadístico (Statistical Reasoning)
Conocimiento y Razonamiento Computacional, 2019
Estrada Real, A., Hernández López, N.P.
Teaching
Teaching Philosophy
I draw on constructionism and culturally responsive pedagogy to design project‑based learning that makes knowledge meaningful and accessible . My goal is to create a learning environment where every learner feels capable, curious, and confident to apply what they have learned.
Teaching Qualifications
Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
The University of Hong Kong, 2022
- Completed a formal programme covering course design, active learning, assessment for learning, and inclusive pedagogy.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant
MLIM7351: Information System Analysis and Development (Master’s level) – The University of Hong Kong, Spring–Fall 2024
- Led special sessions on database design and SQL.
- Provided individual consultations and graded assignments with detailed feedback.
Private Online Tutor
Computer Science & Mathematics – Students aged 8–14, 2021
- Provided one‑to‑one tutoring, breaking down complex concepts into intuitive explanations.
- Tailored instruction to each student’s learning style and maintained regular parent feedback.
Curriculum Designer
Aerobot Planet – Mexico, 2016–2020
- Co‑created a summer‑camp and extra‑curricular robotics and coding curriculum for 8–14 year olds.
- Designed project‑based learning activities and formative assessments.
Selected Projects
Culturally Relevant AI Literacy Programme
2024 – Mixed‑Methods Evaluation, R (sequence analysis, Bayesian modeling, NLP), Qualitative Interviews
- Designed and delivered a 4‑week AI curriculum to 400+ secondary students in Mexico and Hong Kong.
- Applied thematic analysis and NLP to student reflections, sequential analysis to student interactions with the WekiMusic platform, and used and Bayesian regression to model knowledge and sequences relationships.
- Published at AIED 2024 and 2025; findings informed programme refinement.
WekiMusic: Machine Learning Music Activities
2024 – Constructionist AI Education, Weka, JavaScript, OSC
- Developed an interactive tool where students use Machine Learning models to experiment with music.
- Conducted usability testing with secondary school students to measure engagement and learning outcomes.
- Presented findings at IEEE ICALT 2025.
Learning Analytics Dashboard for Teacher Training
2024 – Data Visualisation & Evaluation, Pre‑/Post‑test Analysis
- Co‑developed an interactive dashboard for college teachers in the Global South to monitor engagement and learning outcomes.
- Performed needs analysis and statistical evaluation (t‑tests, effect sizes) to measure professional learning gains.
- Published at LAK 2024.
Contextual Hybrid Bayesian Recommender System
2020 – Master’s Thesis, Bayesian Networks, Hybrid Recommendation, R/Python
- Built a Bayesian network model encoding user preferences, item attributes, and contextual factors (time, location, mood).
- Designed a two‑stage hybrid architecture (collaborative + content‑based) to produce recommendations under data sparsity.
- Validated the model with expert knowledge and real‑world user data; conducted a usability study showing improved practical usefulness over a state‑of‑the‑art baseline.
Service & Outreach
Public Talks & Presentations
SCAPE Seminar: AI in Education
The University of Hong Kong (March 2025)
Shared insights on culturally relevant AI tools for developing student creativity. Audience: faculty and students from HKU Education.
Panel de Discusión: El Papel de la Mujer en la Ciencia
Consulate General of Mexico, Hong Kong (March 2023)
Panelist discussing challenges and opportunities for women in science abroad.
TALE 2022 Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Student Forum
IEEE TALE (November 2022)
Presented doctoral research in a round‑table format. Recipient of 2nd Runner Up Award.
Forum for Social Experiments for AI in Education
Peking University, China (October 2022)
Shared insights on integrating arts into computer science and AI education.
Professional Learning
Doctoral Consortiums
- AIED 2024 – Recife, Brazil
- LASI Europe 2024 – Jeréz de la Frontera, Spain
Learning Analytics Summer Institute
- LASI 2023 – Singapore (Erik Duval Travel Scholarship)
- LASI 2022 – Canada (online) (Erik Duval Travel Scholarship)
Volunteering (Conferences)
AIED 2025
Italy (July 2025)
- Assisted with registration, supported chairs and speakers.
JCDL 2024
Hong Kong (December 2024)
- Assisted with registration, logistics, and poster session facilitation.
AIED 2024
Brazil (July 2024)
- Supported registration and in‑person sessions.
ISMIR 2022
India (online, December 2022)
- Supported online sessions.
Contact
Get in Touch
Location
Hong Kong