Jhansi Chagalakonda joined the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Biomedical Sciences Graduate School in February 2025 as an Instructional Designer for the Biomedical Sciences PhD Program. In this role, she brings a wealth of expertise in course development, student engagement, and leveraging technological tools to enhance the student experience on Canvas.
With over eight years of experience spanning both higher education and K-12 environments in the United States and her home country of India, Jhansi has a unique perspective on education. Her educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in information technology, followed by a master’s in computer science. She then transitioned to Educational Technology for her PhD, a move that allowed her to merge her passion for education with her technical expertise. As she puts it, "I was able to blend my technology knowledge and my educational passion, enabling me to venture into a fascinating new realm where education and technology work together seamlessly."
Jhansi’s PhD from Indiana State University deepened her understanding of digital technology in higher education, specifically its potential to meet students' needs. Most recently, she worked with Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where she focused on supporting online programs. She collaborated with faculty across the U.S. to develop, review, publish, and support their courses, ensuring a smooth deployment and effective teaching experience.