Ji Yun Son

Ji Y. Son, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, where she also directs the Learning Lab. Along with Jim Stigler, she has contributed to the development of CourseKata's research-informed textbooks, in-class materials, and professional development programs. Ji’s research sits at the intersection of cognitive science, learning science, and educational technology. Her research focuses on how to design data-rich, technology-enhanced learning environments that foster deep understanding and transferable skills—particularly for students who are often marginalized in traditional math classrooms. She studies how learners develop conceptual insight, how educators can support sensemaking with modern data tools, and how systems can scale effective instruction equitably.

At CourseKata, Ji helps bridge the gap between theory and practice—ensuring that every aspect of the curriculum and platform design is informed by how people learn. Her work drives CourseKata’s mission to make statistics and data science accessible, engaging, and empowering for all students in today’s data-driven world.