Mel Hyeri Yang

About Mel Hyeri Yang

Education researcher studying how AI reshapes teaching, learning, and power in K-12 classrooms, with a particular focus on what gets lost, and what becomes possible, when algorithmic systems enter education.Nine years across Latin America, the Caribbean, South Korea, and Hong Kong have taught me that education policy looks very different from inside a classroom. I started as a fifth-grade teacher under South Korea\'s Ministry of Education, where I learned what it actually means to teach, before moving into research and policy work that tries to honor that reality.Currently at the Inter-American Development Bank, I lead education initiatives at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, and equity across the region. As a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Michigan, my research examined how young people navigate data systems that shape their lives, often without their knowledge or consent.I believe AI in education is not primarily a technology question. It\'s a question about what we value, who we trust, and what kind of future we\'re building for children. That belief drives everything I do.Starting Fall 2026, I\'ll be pursuing my PhD at Harvard Graduate School of Education, studying how teachers negotiate AI systems they cannot interpret, and what that means for the future of teaching.

Experience

1. Education Consultant

   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo

   Mar 2023 — Present · DC, US

   Conducted cross-country policy and data analysis for 26 countries for the IDB’s institutional Thematic Framework Document in Skills, supporting strategic priorities in education trajectory, quality learning, and system governance (forthcoming)- Conducted descriptive and meta-analyses using mixed methods to develop an Evidence Gap Map and systematic review of articles on social-emotional learning (SEL), preschool education, and sports for development (forthcoming)- Authored 8 policy briefs and 3 blogs to guide national reforms aligned with 21st-century skills and SDG 4- Led monitoring and evaluation of $4.2M+ in pilot operations, supporting foundational learning and digital transformation, and advised governments and multilateral partners on localizing policy recommendations through participatory consultations- Led the Korea–IDB education collaboration strategy, securing $1.7M+ in donor funding and establishing partnerships with the Korea Trust Fund and education ministries to advance digital transformation, led an IDB–LAC government delegation to Korea to strengthen bilateral cooperation- Supervised CLIC, a regional public good for 21st-century skills assessment and certification (including SEL and digital skills) to promote labor market preparedness, and developed a regional socio-emotional learning skills assessment inventory- Convened regional ministerial events, including a high-level forum on 21st-century skills, engaging 100+ stakeholders from government, academia, and civil society.

Education

• University of Michigan

  Master of Arts - MA, Educational Studies

• Daegu National University of Education

  Bachelor of Education, Elementary education

  2012 — 2017

• The Education University of Hong Kong

  Exchange program

  2015 — 2015