About Me:
Once upon a time, I worked in a unit that believed effective training meant hefty 400-page manuals and PowerPoint marathons—100 slides, each with ten bullet points and 8-point font. But deep down, I knew students deserved more than “chewing wood.” So, I went back to school to become a learning designer.
This path equipped me with the tools and wisdom to collaborate with instructors across various disciplines to create thoughtful learning experiences. Over the years, I’ve supported the college’s World Campus portfolio, and then—call me crazy—I went back to school to learn about educational psychology. Now, when we discuss learning design, it’s not just aesthetics; it’s about understanding what’s happening in our students’ brains as well as their learning environments.
And here’s the thing: I thrive on conversations with others in this space. I love exploring every nook, cranny, and intriguing side road of instructional challenges and strategies. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for classroom excellence, but together, we can infuse authenticity and meaning into our courses. Through this center and this community, I can’t wait to see what kind of collaborative magic we can make happen!
Why is learning design important?
Learning design is the key ingredient that enhances educational experiences. Our college boasts experts in diverse fields, from quantum mechanics to liquid chromatography, but it's thoughtful design that serves as the conduit between specialized knowledge and its effective delivery. By partnering with a learning designer, you can craft content that resonates with diverse audiences, sparks curiosity, and meets learners where they are. Together, we can optimize learning outcomes and streamline your instructional efforts. Through interactive elements, multimedia integration, and clear objectives, we can find ways to boost knowledge retention while ensuring your students are learning exactly what they need to know. We all know diverse perspectives bring added dimension to a singular point of view. Working together, we can weave together experiences and materials into compelling educational experiences that foster a love for science and cultivate a sense of belonging within the scientific community.
Ask me about: learning design, cognitive load, educational tools, pedagogy, multimedia, representations in science, belonging, universal design for learning, online science labs, online learning, social media, connecting you to others, reflection, self-regulation, learning strategies, cognitive engagement, habits, generative learning, learning theory, Innovation Showcase
Fun fact about me: Music has been a constant in my life since I was a kid. During my time at Penn State getting my biology degree, I worked part-time as a country music DJ. A highlight was meeting and introducing Garth Brooks at the 1990 Centre County Grange Fair. While Garth is just one part of my musical journey, my love for music continues. These days, you might find me singing at the piano in the American Ale House and Grill on some weekends, still building out the soundtrack to my life.
