Service | Linalee Loyola

Service (2025-2026 Academic Year)

Design Department Website Update

Initiated the substantial task of updating the Design Department's student portfolio showcase website, which had become significantly outdated with student work from several years prior.

Challenge Being Addressed:

The department website serves as a crucial recruitment and showcase tool, but maintaining it requires extensive coordination with students, collection of current work, and technical updates—a time-intensive undertaking.

Work in Progress:

Currently updating Interactive Design site
Collecting and curating recent student work
Target completion by February 2026 for use in spring recruitment cycle

Expected Impact:

An updated showcase website will directly support:

Prospective student recruitment by showing relevant, current work
Alumni visibility through professional presentation
Department reputation and contemporaneity in the design education community

This work represents essential departmental service with direct impact on the department's external image and student recruitment.

NASAD Accreditation Website Support

Serving as technical liaison for the department's NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accreditation process, specifically managing website updates required for compliance.

Role & Responsibilities:

Obtained direct website editing permissions from university web services
Serve as intermediary between department needs and technical implementation
Gather departmental requirements and translate them into website modifications
Ensure website content meets NASAD accreditation standards

Service Value:

This role fills a critical gap by providing technical expertise that enables the department to maintain accurate, compliant web presence without depending on delayed institutional web services. The position requires both technical skill and understanding of accreditation requirements.

Industry Connection Initiative: Louisiana UX Network Development

Launched an initiative to map and connect with UX/UI companies and professionals across Louisiana to strengthen industry connections for Interactive Design students.

Objectives:

Enhance educational quality through industry partnerships and guest speakers
Facilitate internship and employment opportunities for students
Build sustainable relationships between Loyola Design and Louisiana's growing tech sector
Provide students with realistic career path information and professional networking

Activities:

Researching and compiling comprehensive database of Louisiana-based UX/UI companies
Initiating contact with industry professionals for potential partnerships
Exploring opportunities for student projects, internships, and mentorship programs
Building foundation for long-term industry advisory relationships

Strategic Importance:

Louisiana's tech sector is growing, but academic-industry connections remain underdeveloped. This initiative positions Loyola's Interactive Design program as proactive in preparing students for regional career opportunities while contributing to the state's technology workforce development.

2024

Service to the Academy

Review Editor

I am currently serving as a Review Editor on the Editorial Board of Environmental Psychology, where I was invited to coordinate the peer review of an article on designing interactive technologies (AR, VR, Tangible, and Gesture based interaction), Human factors, and Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

Additionally, I continue to serve as a Review Editor on the Editorial Board of the Korean Institute of Interior Design ,a role I have held since 2022

Journal Paper Reviewer

Staying connected to the broader academic community is essential for maintaining relevance and contributing to the advancement of my field. As a journal reviewer, I critically evaluate research submissions to assess their quality, rigor, and alignment with current trends in design and UX. My role demands careful analysis and constructive feedback to help authors refine their work and ensure their contributions meet the highest standards of academic excellence.

Completed Reviews

"The Well-Being Benefits of Virtual Art Galleries: Examining the Roles of Emotion, Immersion, and Individual Differences." International Journal of Wellbeing.

"GestGPT: Investigating the Potential of Large Language Model for Gesture Elicitation." the ACM Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems

"Exploring the Use of Generative AI for Material Texturing in 3D Interior Design Spaces." the ACM Transactions on Interactive Intelligent Systems

Under Review

"Older Adults’ Perspectives and Experiences toward Home Adaptation and Assistive Products in the Rural Community of Northern Thailand: A Mixed Methods Study" Journal of Housing and the Built Environment

"A New Era of Interaction: Insights into Multimodal Systems and HCI" ACM Computing Surveys

"Experiences of Digital Transitions in Health and Social Care Services in Later Life: Findings and Reflections from a Collaborative" the journal Social Sciences

Impact of My Contributions

University Service

University Senate Committee – Serving Since 2022

As a member of the University Senate Committee since 2022, I contribute to the discussions and decision-making processes that shape the policies and strategic direction of our academic institution. The committee meets monthly, providing a forum for addressing university-wide initiatives, challenges, and priorities. My role involves offering insights and representing the interests of the College of Music and Media, ensuring that decisions align with the educational goals, values, and mission of Loyola University.

College Service

Recruitment Efforts: Fri-Yay Workshops

February 24, 2024 – St Augustine
March 4, 2024 – Patrick Taylor
March 14, 2024 - international High School
September 27, 2024 - Patrick Taylor
October 11, 2024 – Satellite Center
October 25, 2024 - The Willow School
November 8, 2024 - Destrehan High School
November 22, 2024 - Ben Franklin

Promoting our design and UX program to prospective students is a vital part of building the department’s future. I have actively contributed to recruitment initiatives, particularly through Fri-Yay workshops designed for high school students. These workshops offer engaging, hands-on activities that introduce students to the exciting possibilities within the fields of design and UX.

This academic year, I conducted eight workshops, each carefully crafted to showcase the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of our program. During these 15-minute sessions, I demonstrated various aspects of the field, including screen-based interactive prototypes, augmented reality (AR), gesture-based drawing systems, games, and physical computing. These interactive workshops provided participants with the opportunity to explore and engage directly with working prototypes created by our students, offering a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic and creative possibilities within our college.

Through these workshops, I aim to foster interest and enthusiasm among prospective students, highlighting the diverse and forward-thinking approach of our program. By offering an immersive introduction to design and UX, the Fri-Yay workshops play a key role in inspiring the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators.

Department Service

Advising

As the primary advisor for UX majors, I play a critical role in guiding students through their academic and professional journeys. Advising sessions extend beyond course selection to include discussions about internships, career paths, and personal goals. I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their aspirations and challenges. Through personalized guidance, I ensure that each student remains on track to meet their academic requirements while also preparing for the dynamic and evolving demands of the design industry.

Graduate School Support and Recommendation Letters

This academic year, I had the privilege of supporting two exceptional UX majors, Jada McGhee and Gabriela Zannier Trejo, as they successfully gained admission to prestigious graduate programs. My involvement went beyond writing recommendation letters, as I provided tailored guidance throughout their application processes, helping them select suitable programs, prepare for interviews, and present themselves effectively.

Jada McGhee was accepted into two graduate programs: the Digital Humanities MA program at Loyola University Chicago and the University of Iowa's Master of Arts program.
Gabriela Zannier Trejo was admitted to the Master of Creative Computing program at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.

These accomplishments underscore the transformative impact of personalized mentorship. By fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with each student, I aimed to empower them to navigate the challenges of the graduate school application process with confidence and clarity. My approach focused on understanding their unique goals and strengths, ensuring they could articulate their potential to admissions committees effectively.

The success of Jada and Gabriela reflects the importance of building relationships that inspire students to pursue their aspirations. It is deeply rewarding to see their hard work and dedication culminate in such significant achievements, and I am honored to have played a role in their journeys toward the next phase of their academic and professional lives.

Independent Study in Design Education, Spring 2024

For the Spring 2024 semester, Isa Davis and Kiya Tucker will participate in an independent study focused on design education, aligning with our departmental service initiatives. This independent study is designed to provide them with a deep understanding of the principles of design education and practical experience in teaching and mentoring.

As part of the study, Isa and Kiya will prepare to serve as Teaching Assistants for the Interactive 2 class. Their role will go beyond typical TA responsibilities, as they will receive tailored guidance on effective communication with students, offering constructive critiques, and developing a holistic understanding of the UX design process. This mentorship will not only prepare them to support Interactive 2 students but also provide valuable skills for their professional development.

Additionally, the independent study will emphasize hands-on training in Figma prototyping. This practical focus will enable Isa and Kiya to assist students proficiently, applying their skills to facilitate learning and problem-solving during the course. Under my guidance, they will actively engage in the UX design process, integrating their experiences into a broader framework of design education principles. This independent study aims to benefit the Interactive 2 class while fostering Isa and Kiya’s growth as future design educators and practitioners.

Attending ConveyUX 2024: Advancing UX Education Through AI and Emerging Trends

In February 2024, I attended the ConveyUX conference in Seattle, a premier event focused on advancing user experience design and research. The conference emphasized the intersection of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, with UX design principles. Key themes included leveraging AI to enhance user experiences, creating inclusive and human-centered designs, and addressing the evolving challenges in the design field.

Following the conference, I presented my key takeaways to our faculty during a departmental meeting. My talk highlighted the growing influence of AI in user experience design and its implications for our curriculum. This effort aimed to ensure that our program remains aligned with industry trends and equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for the rapidly changing design landscape.

Monthly UX Lab Meetings

As part of my departmental service commitment, I engage in monthly informal meetings with four UX major students. These sessions are dedicated to checking their academic progress and fostering discussions about ideas for their upcoming capstone projects in the Spring 2024 semester.

The informal nature of these meetings creates a comfortable environment for open dialogue, allowing for a holistic assessment of the students' academic journeys and providing a platform to explore creative concepts for their capstone projects. This initiative underscores my dedication to supporting the academic and professional development of UX majors within the department.

Student Relationships

2023

Service to the Academy

Review Editor

Additionally, I continue to serve as a Review Editor on the Editorial Board of the Korean Institute of Interior Design ,a role I have held since 2022

Lee, L.L. (2024, January). Reviewer: "The Well-Being Benefits of Virtual Art Galleries: Examining the Roles of Emotion, Immersion, and Individual Differences." International Journal of Wellbeing.

University Service

University Senate Committee

I serve as a member of the University Senate Committee, contributing to discussions and decision-making processes that shape the overall direction and policies of our academic institution. The committee convenes once a month. My role involves offering insights and perspectives to ensure the alignment of these policies with the educational goals and values of our university community.

University Open house

October 20, Monroe 151
November 3, Monroe 151

I actively contributed to university outreach efforts on October 20 and November 3 by participating in the open house events. On these occasions, I presented the title 'UX is Everywhere' and showcased student projects in the field of User Experience (UX). This engagement aimed to introduce prospective students and their parents to the diverse and impactful area of UX, playing a key role in recruitment efforts and fostering awareness about the significance of UX within our university community

College Service

Syllabus Committee

Within the College Syllabus Committee, I play a role in the review and refinement of course syllabi to meet educational standards and the evolving needs of our student body. The committee held its most recent meeting on November 30, 2023. This active involvement contributes to maintaining the academic rigor and relevance of our college curriculum, fostering an environment conducive to student success and engagement.

Fri-Yay

October 27 - Destrehan High School (40 students) - Two workshop sessions
November 17 - Ben Franklin (60 students) - Four workshop sessions

As part of our college service initiatives, I actively contributed to the FriYay recruitment events. On October 27, we engaged with 40 students from Destrehan High School, conducting two workshops. On November 17, we extended our outreach to 60 students at Ben Franklin with four workshop sessions. During these sessions, I prepared and conducted 15-minute workshops, demonstrating various aspects of our field, including screen-based interactive prototypes, augmented reality (AR), gesture-based drawing systems, games, and physical computing. The workshops provided students with a hands-on experience, allowing them to explore and interact with working prototypes created by their peers. These interactive demonstrations aimed to showcase the diverse and dynamic aspects of our college's offerings, fostering interest and engagement among prospective students.

Department Service

Advising

Advising a cohort of 34 students has been a dedicated focus over a two-week period, spanning from October 23 to November 5. During this time, I provided personalized guidance and support to students, addressing academic and career-related queries. The advising sessions aimed to assist students in making informed decisions about their educational journeys, fostering a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

Independent Study in Design Education, Spring 2024

For the Spring 2024 semester, Isa Davis and Kiya Tucker will engage in an independent study focused on design education as part of our departmental service initiatives. In this capacity, I will guide them in developing a comprehensive understanding of design education principles.

Throughout the independent study, Isa and Kiya will be prepared to serve as Teaching Assistants for the Interactive 2 class. The focus will extend beyond routine TA responsibilities; they will receive tailored guidance on effective communication with students, providing insightful critiques, and gaining a holistic understanding of the UX design scope.

Moreover, the independent study will emphasize hands-on experience with Figma prototyping, enabling them to assist students proficiently. Under my oversight, Isa and Kiya will actively engage in the UX design process, ensuring that their newfound knowledge contributes not only to the Interactive 2 class but also enhances their overall understanding of design education principles.

Discussion on UX Area

I actively facilitated departmental service through insightful discussions aimed at enhancing the overall understanding of the UX area within our academic community.

Student Inquiry (Tulane University)

I am planning a dedicated session to comprehensively address questions, fostering cross-institutional learning without establishing formal collaboration.

Student Interview (News Producing Class)

Responding to a request for an interview about the UX Design major for a news-producing class, I actively participated in the discussion. During this session, I provided valuable insights and future projections, contributing to a broader understanding of Loyola's UX Design program within the academic community.

Monthly UX Lab Meetings

2022

Service to the Academy

Guest Editor

My service to the HCI (Human Computer Interaction) and UX (User Experience) Design academy, I served as a special guest editor of the Special Issue "Age-Friendly Technologies: Interaction Design with and for Older People" of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. As guest editors, Dr. Maher from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and I are responsible for managing the papers and for the quality of the content. We manage the review process, not only securing articles from authors, but also reviewing them, working with authors to make necessary revision, and arranging for review.

Dr. Maher and I have reviewed a least 38 manuscripts, Up till now, this special issue has been published 10 journal articles, 2 under processing.

University Service

My service includes participation at the department, college, university, and community levels as well as involvement and leadership in professional organizations.

Currently, I am serving on the Search Committee for the Tenure-track Graphic Design Position.I have actively participated in recruiting for the position and evaluating applicants. We have reviewed 11 candidates, narrow down to 3 finalist. I will participate in the interview process and meet candidates during campus visits. I am serving as the Design Department representative to the Faculty Senate.

I have been working extensively on the development and restructuring of the UX design curriculum. I have developed a 4 year plan for UX majors. I also have designed new courses, Interactive 1, Interactive 2, UX Rapid Prototyping, UX Design, and Human-Centered Design. Beyond curriculum development, I have been active in recruiting efforts for the Department of Design. I have led numerous UX Design workshops and lectures for the various high school groups that have visited the School of Communication and Design. In summer 2022, I have participated as faculty in SCD Experience which is the summer camp program for high school students. I also have led the workshops in 3D printing, Virtual Reality (VR), Game Design using Unity, Design Thinking exercises. Since the Spring 2022, I have advised 41 graphic and UX majors. I have participated in end-of-semester studio reviews for juniors and seniors.