Zülal Melek is a fifth-year PhD student in Educational Technology. She completed her B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics Education at Middle East Technical University in Türkiye. After three years of K–12 teaching experience, she began her Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Iowa State University, where she is also pursuing a co-major in Human–Computer Interaction. Zülal’s research focuses on the creative teaching of K–12 mathematics with technology, with a particular interest in teacher creativity and how digital tools can support more innovative mathematics instruction. Since starting her doctoral studies, she has worked as a teaching assistant for educational technology courses for preservice teachers at ISU. She serves as a senator representing the School of Education in the GPSS for the 2025-2026 academic year.