Presenters

Dr. Irina Ivliyeva

Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Russian; Chair of Arts, Languages, and Philosophy

Missouri S&T

Dr. Irina Ivliyeva – panel organizer and moderator– is a Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Russian and chair of the Arts, Languages, and Philosophy Department.
Prior to coming to S&T in 1997, she taught for eight years at the Moscow Power Engineering University (MPEI). She holds a Ph.D. in linguistics from the Russian Academy of Sciences, and a master’s degree in philology from the Moscow State University. Ivliyeva’s research interests include Russian word formation synthesis, comparative semantics, teaching with technology, second language acquisition, and active learning. More information can be found her faculty webpage.

Manon Allard-Kropp

Instructional Designer III

Missouri Online

Dr. Brianna Anderson

Assistant Director; Center for Teaching and Learning

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Brianna Anderson is an Assistant Director in Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She primarily oversees Student Support Programming, including the Supplemental Instruction and Active Learning Assistants programs, and encourages faculty to consider new ways to engage students in learning.

Dr. Abram Book

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies & Modern Languages

Southeast Missouri State University

My research interests include crisis communication, renewal rhetoric and media ecology–particularly within churches and religious organizations. I also find AI fascinating and recently completed four short courses on generative AI offered by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). In the spring of 2024, I presented remotely at the College of Charleston’s (South Carolina) 8th Annual Teaching, Learning, & Technology Conference on using AI to create case studies.

Dr. Kris Bruckerhoff

Assistant Teaching Professor of Business and Information Technology

Missouri S&T

I am an Assistant Teaching Professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology. My academic/research interests include scenario-based learning and teaching with technology.

Dr. Elizabeth Cudney

President

Cudney Consulting, LLC

&

Professor of Data Analytics

Maryville University

Dr. Elizabeth Cudney is President of Cudney Consulting Group, LLC, and a Professor of Data Analytics in the Simon School of Business at Maryville University. She received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from North Carolina State University, master’s in mechanical engineering and MBA from the University of Hartford, and doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri–Rolla. Dr. Cudney received the 2024 Book of the Year award from the International Lean Six Sigma Institute and the 2023 Masing Book Prize from the International Academy for Quality (IAQ) for her book on Lean Sustainability. She received the 2022 ASQ Crosby Medal and the 2021 Bernard R. Sarchet Award from ASEE EMD for lifetime achievement in engineering management education. She received the 2021 Masing Book Prize from IAQ for her book on Lean Six Sigma. In 2018, Dr. Cudney received the ASQ Crosby Medal for her book on Design for Six Sigma. She also received the 2017 Yoshio Kondo Academic Research Prize from IAQ for sustained performance in exceptional published works. She is an ASQ Fellow, IISE Fellow, and ASEM Fellow. In 2010, Dr. Cudney was inducted into IAQ. She received the 2008 ASQ Feigenbaum Medal and the 2006 SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineering Award. She has published 14 books and over 130 peer-reviewed journal papers. Dr. Cudney is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. She holds eight ASQ certifications, including ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, Manager of Quality/Operational Excellence, and Six Sigma Black Belt, amongst others.

Dr. Alexander Douglas

Assistant Teaching Professor of Mining and Explosives Engineering

Missouri S&T

Dr. Alexander Douglas is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Mining and Explosives Engineering Department at Missouri S&T. His research areas include mine automation, heavy equipment fleets, mine safety, training, and continuing education.

Dr. Corrie Dudley

Associate Professor of Nursing

Southeast Missouri State University

Dr. Corrie Dudley, an Associate Professor of Nursing at Southeast Missouri State University, is a practicing family nurse practitioner with extensive experience in both clinical and academic settings. Her research focuses on enhancing student learning and improving classroom instruction to foster better educational outcomes. Dr. Dudley has been recognized for her innovative teaching strategies and dedication to advancing nursing education.

Hunter Dyar

Assistant Professor of Immersive Media

Chatham University

Hunter Dyar is an assistant professor of Immersive Media. He is a creative technologist, VR/Game designer, software developer, and photographer whose academic research is focused on creating open educational resources and interactive learning experiences.

Tami Ensor

Assistant Professor of Education

Westminster College

Laura Foley

Instructional Designer III

Missouri Online

I lead Missouri Online’s core support for accessible learning, providing advocacy and training for inclusive and accessible teaching. I serve on the University of Missouri System digital accessibility committee, which wrote the UM System Digital Accessibility Policy (passed in 2022) and is responsible for implementation and communication.

Kate Glass

Aspen University

Amanda Gowin

Associate Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Westminster College

Dr. Dushanthi Herath

Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Maryville University

Dr. Dushanthi Herath is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Maryville University. She teaches math and data science courses at Maryville University.

Dr. Josh Hutchison

Writing Center Director

Logan University

Dr. Josh Hutchison is the Writing Center Director for Logan University, an avid AI user and facilitates opportunities for student writing success through embedding opportunities for student collaboration within the online courseroom.

Dr. Jikhan Jeong

Assistant Professor of Economics

Missouri S&T

I am an Assistant Professor of Economics at Missouri S&T, with a keen interest in the applications and implications of AI/ML in economics

Dr. Lijun Jiang

Kummer Endowed Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Missouri S&T

Dr. Lijun Jiang is a Kummer Endowed Professor at Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology. He received Ph.D. degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and had extensive experiences in academies and industries. He is an IEEE Fellow and ACES Fellow. He has received the IEEE Technical Achievement Award, IBM Research Technical Achievement Award, UIUC Y.T.Lo Outstanding Research Award, HP STAR Award, etc. His research interests include heterogeneous electromagnetic modeling methodologies, high speed electronic physical design and EDA solutions, machine learning for SI/PI and EMC/EMI, microwave material engineering, and optics, etc.

Logan John

Director of the Center for Faith and Service

Chaplain of the College

Instructor of Religious Studies

Westminster College

Logan John is a scholar-practitioner currently serving as the Westminster College Director of the Center for Faith and Service, Chaplain of the College, and Instructor of Religious Studies. His work focuses on the theory and practice of meaning-making across religious, philosophical, and spiritual traditions. When not behind on grading papers, he enjoys walking in the woods with his beloved bernedoodle, Nashi.

Dr. Mike Kiener

Professor of Rehabilitation Counseling

Maryville University

Dr. Kiener is a professor of rehabilitation counseling with a strong interest in teaching and learning research. Dr. Kiener leads the Maryville University Scholarship of Teaching and Learning seminars.

Dr. Vinay Kanth Rao Kodipelly

Assistant Teaching Professor

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Vinay Kanth Rao Kodipelly is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, specializing in introductory mathematics and statistics. With extensive experience in math education and technology integration, he has developed and taught innovative courses incorporating AI to enhance teaching and learning. He is passionate about using AI tools to support both instructors and students in achieving academic success. As a speaker and educator, Vinay focuses on practical strategies to incorporate emerging technologies into math classrooms.

Rachel Kohman

Assistant Dean of Entrepreneurship Education

Missouri S&T

Focused on improving the co-curricular student experience and supporting student learning beyond the classroom. Focuses on adaptive leadership and developing the entrepreneurial mindset for students and faculty on campus.

Emily Litle

Learning Analytics Coordinator

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Emily Litle is the Learning Analytics Coordinator in the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She has a Master’s in English Composition from Western Illinois University with a post-bacc certificate in Media Studies. She spent her time before her current role as both a faculty member and department chair, teaching English Composition and Film courses. She continues that work in UMSL’s CTL by assisting with program assessment and faculty consultations for how they can reflect on feedback and transform their teaching.

Becky Lopanec

Senior Instructional Designer

Maryville University

Becky Lopanec is a Senior Learning Designer and Collective Knowledge Professional Development Specialist at Maryville University, where she specializes in instructional design, competency-based education, and the effective, ethical use of artificial intelligence to enhance teaching and learning. With over a decade of experience, Becky leads professional development initiatives that empower educators to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences.

At Maryville, she drives efforts to implement active learning ecosystems and collaborative tools like Canvas, Slack, and AI-powered platforms, helping faculty transform how they teach and connect with students. Having presented at Missouri S&T’s Innovation in Teaching and Learning Conference back in 2010 and 2011, Becky is thrilled to return and share what she’s learned along the way. Whether it’s exploring AI in education or reimagining how we teach, she’s excited to bring fresh insights, practical strategies, and a deep enthusiasm for the future of learning to this year’s conference.

Dr. Jen McKanry

Assistant Director

Center for Teaching and Learning

University of Missouri-St. Louis

I have worked for over twenty years in educational administration including providing instructional guidance and faculty development for educators wanting to improve their teaching. In addition to teaching classes at UMSL, I work in the Center for Teaching and Learning. Currently my work focuses heavily on degree program assessment and the value of bringing student voice and equitable practices to assessment. Previous to moving to St. Louis I supported medical clerkships, residencies and fellowships, including running the pediatric simulation lab for the Medical College of Wisconsin. And yes, I am an unabashed Packer’s fan! I recently finished my PhD in Educational Psychology at UMSL studying memory and learning and the effects of technology on that process. I have had a lifelong passion for education and supporting the learning process. And I geek out big time when I have a chance to share this passion with others. So careful what you ask, you might get an avalanche of information!

Dr. Lisa Merideth

Associate Professor of Education

Maryville University

Dr. Merideth is an assistant professor of education with a strong interest in teaching and learning research.

Molly Meyer

Assistant Professor

St. Charles Community College

I am committed to fostering a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative independent thought. I believe that understanding the rationale behind medical actions, rather than simply memorizing steps or protocols, empowers students to become thoughtful and adaptive healthcare professionals. My goal is to cultivate life-long learners who not only think critically, but also integrate context and ethical considerations into their decision-making processes.

While developing critical thinkers is a shared goal among educators, I recognize that finding the right tools and strategies to support that development can be a challenge. As a presenter, I am excited to share my approach to teaching in allied health education and explore innovative, practical methods that enhance student engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote a mindset of continuous learning.

Dr. Vahe Permzadian

Assistant Professor of Psychological Science

Missouri S&T

Dr. Vahe Permzadian is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological Science at Missouri University of Science and Technology. His primary areas of research are in the domains of adjustment and socialization of organizational newcomers, goal setting and motivation in work and achievement settings, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Ana Quiring

Learning Innovation Specialist

Center for Teaching and Learning

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Ana Quiring is the Learning Innovation Specialist in the Center for Teaching and Learning at University of Missouri – St. Louis, where she runs development programming for faculty and graduate students. With a background in English literature, she loves building community and conversation in the classroom.

Elizabeth Reardon

Instructional Designer III

Missouri S&T

Becky Rose

Aspen University

Dr. Lindy Rossow

Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Maryville University

Lindy Rossow, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science in the Walker College of Health Professions at Maryville University where she teaches a variety of on-ground and online courses such as Exercise Physiology and Introduction to Exercise Science. Her interests include exploring active learning methods both on-ground and online and in determining how to optimally engage students within a course or class session.

Dr. Karalin Sanders

Library Media Specialist

Mansfield R-IV Schools

Dr. Karalin Sanders is the Library Media Specialist at Mansfield R-IV Schools in Mansfield, MO. She enjoys fostering a sense of wonder and a love of reading in her students.

Dr. Andrea Scharf

Assistant Professor of Biological Science

Missouri S&T

Dr. Andrea Scharf an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on the impact of life history traits, such as aging, on population dynamics and pollution-induced premature aging. Teaching is one of her top priorities, and she is actively developing new tools to enhance student understanding and success in her genetics classes.

Dr. BJ Shrestha

Associate Teaching Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Missouri S&T

The presenter has been teaching various courses since 1996 to the present at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology. Striving for excellence in teaching by way of innovative approaches is his passion.

In 2020, Missouri S&T faculty were invited to join in a new professional development program for teaching effectiveness offered through a collaboration among the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), the UM System, and the S&T Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence called “Scaling Instructional Excellence for Student Success.”

The 2-semester long (Fall 2020 through Spring 2021) training program, offered the “Effective Teaching Practices” course, which, upon successful completion, resulted in the nationally recognized Certificate in Effective College Instruction. The presenter not only received this nationally recognized certificate, but he was also selected to be one of the speakers at the pinning ceremony for his dedicated participation in the cohort discussions.

Outside of Educational innovation research, his discipline-based research interests are in the field of image processing, specifically as applied to skin cancer diagnosis, neutron and photon transport, Monte Carlo Simulations.

Previously, he presented a talk on “Building Expectations” in the Teaching and Learning Technology (TLT) Conference during (March 12-13, 2015) Conference, on “Learning to Learn” (TLT) Conference during (March 17-18, 2016) Conference, on “Striving for Excellence in Teaching Circuit” (TLT) Conference during (March 16-17, 2017) Conference, on “Literacy in S.T.E.M. Education” (TLT) Conference during (March 15, 2018) Conference, on “Assessment” (TLT) Conference during (March 14, 2019) Conference, on “Innovation in Teaching and Learning in the context of the vision of Fred and June Kummer to make S&T the leader of S.T.E.M. Education” Innovation in Teaching and Learning Conference (ITLC) during (March 17, 2022) Conference, on “Baseline Observation to determine Quantitative Metrics to improve the clarity of Student Expectation for Assignments in EE3120 – Electronics (II)” Innovation in Teaching and Learning Conference (ITLC) during (March 16, 2023) Conference, and on “Quantitative metrics to improve the expectation for assignments in EE3120 – Electronics (II)” Innovation in Teaching and Learning Conference (ITLC) during (March 14, 2024) Conference.

Laura Schumpert

Southeast Missouri State University

Dr. Michelle Schwartze

Associate Teaching Professor of Education

Missouri S&T

Do you want to engage students more during the lecture? Peardeck and Nearpod are two easy ways to take your lecture notes and incorporate student participation. I will share with you how to create a presentation using these two applications.

Dr. April Taylor

Vice President of the College of Health Sciences

Logan University

Dr. April Taylor is the vice president of the college of health sciences at Logan University. Her interest is in promoting opportunities for student success.

Dr. Jeff Thomas

Teaching Professor of Civil, Architectural, & Environmental Engineering

Missouri S&T

Dr. Thomas has taught classes at Missouri S&T for 29 years. He experiments with teaching methods and educational media. His products are used by approximately 67,000 people for 530,000 hours each year.

Dr. Natalie Ulrich

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Maryville University

Dr. Natalie Ulrich, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Maryville University – Natalie Ulrich is an assistant professor of chemistry at Maryville University in St. Louis. Natalie works to incorporate active learning and real-world applications of chemistry in her courses, and she conducts chemical education research to study deep vs. surface student problem-solving behaviors.

Dr. Guang Xu

Robert H. Quenon Endowed Associate Professor of Mining and Explosives Engineering

Missouri S&T

Dr. Guang Xu is the Robert H. Quenon endowed associate professor in the Department of Mining and explosives Engineering at Missouri S&T. Before joining Missouri S&T in 2019, he worked six years as a faculty member at Curtin University in Australia. Over the years, he has obtained various educational certificates and applied what he has learned to his classrooms. He has been awarded multiple teaching awards at Missouri S&T. His research focus is to address atmospheric hazards associated with mining activities, including air quality and fire safety. He has research funding with his own share of over $2 million from both federal agencies (NIOSH, NSF, EPA) and prominent industry sponsors (BHP, Anglo American, Caterpillar). He has published over 80 peer reviewed journal papers with total number of citations amounts to 2800. Dr. Xu also has strong industry connections evidenced by his active engagement in the mining community, including hosting multiple workshops to promote best practices in mining and his role as the SME St. Louis section chairman. His research has been featured prominently, including as the top story on the American Society for Engineering Education e-newsletter and highlighted by the newsletter of the Critical Materials Institute.