Conference Speakers
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
A.I. FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Dr. Jason Gulya
Professor of English
Berkeley College
Dr. Jason Gulya is Professor of English at Berkeley College. He teaches writing and the Humanities. Increasingly, he has turned his focus on how to teach writing and critical thinking by using Generative Artificial Intelligence programs like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. He has worked with hundreds of educators on incorporating AI into their classrooms and has worked with more than a dozen colleges and universities.
Presentation
Active Learning with Simulations
Dr. M. Elizabeth Azukas
Associate Professor
East Stroudsburg University
mazukas@esu.edu
https://www.melizabethazukas.com/
Dr. Elizabeth Azukas is currently an Associate Professor in Education Leadership at East Stroudsburg University and has been an educator for more than 25 years. Her career has focused primarily on leading change and innovation in education with the goal of increasing equity and access for all students as well as promoting authentic personalized learning. Dr. Azukas’s research is focused on change leadership, systems thinking, simulations for teacher and leadership preparation, online learning and leadership.
Mr. Ken Spero
President and Founder
SchoolSims
Pronouns: he, him, his
kspero@schoolsims.com
Ken Spero is President of SchoolSims, and uses simulations to build resilience, leadership skills, and decision-making capacity. Ken works to strengthen leadership and teacher pipelines using Neuroscience and Learning Science. Ken was also an instructor in the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Ken developed the Experience Design Process for simulation development that enables practitioners to articulate their own experiences so they can be effectively shared with others.
Presentation
Creating, Learning, and Researching with Generative AI
Naomie Nyanungo, PhD
Associate Provost for Learning & Teaching Innovation
West Chester University
HNyanungo@wcupa.edu
Naomie Nyanungo, PhD leads the team in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) at West Chester University. The TLC is dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and celebrating excellence and innovation in teaching.
James Park
Student
West Chester University
jp1014506@wcupa.edu
A native of West Chester, James Park is a rising senior in the undergraduate Computer Science program at WCU and student worker with IS&T department. Having had a decades long career in organic farming, he is passionate about AI and the future of work.
Andrew Snyder
Associate Professor
West Chester University
asnyder@wcupa.edu
Avid thrifter, flannel enthusiast, and associate problem finder, Andrew Snyder is a Towson University MFA graduate, WCU Community Clay Founder, and Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award recipient. You can usually find Professor Snyder mixing clay in the ceramics studio or trying to fix something that should be replaced.
William H. McGrory
Technical Lead for Technical Support Services
West Chester University
WMcGrory@wcupa.edu
Analog Enthusiast living in a Digital World, William McGrory is a Technical Lead for Technical Support Services at WCU. Always looking to find a balance between Nature, Technology and People.
Presentation
I need to know what?: Using the Assessment of Technology Needs Tool
Dr Dana Kemery
Director Innovative Course Design
Drexel University
dck28@drexel.edu
Dana Kemery, EdD is an Associate Clinical Professor and Director of Innovative Course Design and Technological Infusion at Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions. Dana's work spanned the Drexel community as a University Online Fellow, supporting learning online and digitally enhanced educational environments for 5 years including through the COVID pandemic. Dana regularly presents at educational conferences focusing on novel technology use in synchronous and asynchronous environments.
Presentation
Implementing Virtual Reality to Enhance Student Learning Experiences
Dr. Laura Ramp
Director of Center for Teaching Excellence
Penn State Harrisburg
lkr102@psu.edu
https://cte.psu.edu
Dr. Laura Ramp has been working in education for more than 20 years, with experience in K-12 and higher education. In her current role, Laura leads a team of instructional designers, and technology and multimedia specialists who support faculty with course development and preparation. Laura has a PhD from Florida State University in education policy and evaluation, and she has a M.Ed. in elementary education from West Chester University.
Ms. Jennifer Eichenmiller
Instructional Designer
Penn State Harrisburg
jxe5222@psu.edu
Prior to joining Penn State Harrisburg, Jen spent a decade working in K-12 schools as a special education teacher and instructional designer. Most recently, Jen worked as an instructional designer for Commonwealth Charter Academy where she developed content for synchronous and asynchronous courses. Having earned Masters' degrees in both special education and instructional design, Jen is particularly interested in inclusive design.
Presentation
Importance of Data-Driven Approach in Higher Education
Mr. Digant Jani
Banner Developer II
West Chester University
djani@wcupa.edu
@galelion
djani.concoctmonarchy.com
I am a skilled software developer, website developer, and data science professional with expertise in enterprise software management and data analysis. Holding a Master of Science in Analytics and Computer Science, I am proficient in various programming languages and frameworks, alongside a strong grasp of analytics tools and BI/reporting platforms. With a focus on innovation and problem-solving. I work as a Banner Developer II at West Chester University.
Mrs. Shereen Majeeth
Solutions Developer II
West Chester University
smajeeth@wcupa.edu
Shereen Assmi Majeeth is a seasoned professional with a strong background in software development, data science, and website development. With expertise in various programming languages and analytics tools, Shereen is dedicated to leveraging data-driven approaches to drive innovation and enhance business operations in the technology sector. She has worked in West Chester University for 6 years.
Presentation
Integrating Career Center Tools for Career-focused Learners
Jesse Piersol
Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
jpiersol@wcupa.edu
@TheRhetPurp
Jesse Piersol teaches Public Speaking, Business and Professional Speech Communication, and First Year Experience courses. In addition to supporting her students in their quest for rhetorical excellence, she thrives on using her extensive professional experience beyond the classroom to connect students with jobs and internships.
Kate Shellaway
Associate Director
Twardowski Career Development Center
West Chester University
kshellaway@wcupa.edu
In her role within the career education team of the department, Kate provides services and resources to develop the career readiness of students by supporting them in their short- and long-term goals. In addition, she works closely with faculty and staff to provide guidance on integrating career elements into the curricular and co-curricular student experience.
Adam Rainear
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
arainear@wcupa.edu
Adam Rainear is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media. He primarily teaches courses in media campaigns, media literacy, and digital production. Dr. Rainear’s research examines communication during times of weather crises. He recently co-authored a book chapter on AI use during times of risk and crisis.
Presentation
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Education: Strategies and Solutions for the
Digital Era
Dr. Dana Mason
Adjunct Professor
New Jersey City University
dmason@njcu.edu
@clarinetmagic
www.steamlearninglounge.com
Dr. Dana Mason is an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University, and is a passionate global STEAM educator. She blends her background of the arts with her love of technology to develop creative solutions to learning environments for educator professional development. She enjoys sharing her research with other educators through writing, presenting, and collaborating with creative education professionals. In her spare time she volunteers with organizations committed to lifelong learning for all ages.
Dr. Douglas Koch
President
North East Digital Learning Association
douglas.koch@nedla.org
Dr. Douglas J. Koch is the President of the Northeast Digital Learning Association and an accomplished education in the field of medical education.
Presentation
RISE: A Comprehensive Student-Staff Evaluation Experience
Dr. Adriane Reilly
Associate Director
Sykes Union and Student Activities
West Chester University
areilly@wcupa.edu
Adriane Reilly, Ed.D., is the Associate Director of Sykes Student Union at West Chester University. Adriane's work experiences include student activities, student unions, fraternity and sorority life, international student services, and career services. Adriane's dissertation focused on the role of the college union in fostering sense of belonging. Adriane passionately believes in the role of the college union and how student employment in the union contributes to career readiness.
Barrett McGee
Associate Director
Sykes Union and Student Activities
West Chester University
bmcgee@wcupa.edu
Barrett is the current Associate Director of Student Activities at West Chester University within the Sykes Union and Student Activities department. Barrett hails from Louisiana where he attended Centenary College of Louisiana. Barrett achieved his master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education at Central Connecticut State University. Barrett is a certified Mental Health First Aid facilitator and trainer and is currently pursuing an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.
Presentation
Unveiling "Good" Undergraduate Research: Strategies, Student Experiences, and Barriers
Emily Miller, Mx.
Student
West Chester University
EM977984@wcupa.edu
Emily Miller is a student researcher at West Chester University focusing on computer science education and disparities within technological learning across underrepresented groups. They have completed research on climate change & grief in undergraduates, reproducibility in computer science, and a content analysis of the Rochester AIDS Poster Collection to assess stigma and discrimination in posters during the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Presentation
Using Creativity to Enhance Student Engagement & Development: A New Paraprofessional
Training Model
Megan Waldrop
Assistant Director of Student Activities
West Chester University
mwaldrop@wcupa.edu
Megan Waldrop (she/her), M.S. '23 is the Assistant Director of Student Activities at Sykes Student Union. In this role, Megan supervises the Student Activities Council, co-chairs the Ramboree spring festival committee, serves on the Homecoming planning committee, and participates on the Welcome to Borough committee. Megan enjoys continuing her education and giving back to her student affairs community by volunteering on the ACUI Regional Leadership Team as the Membership Experience Coordinator.
Jayna Suter
Assistant Director of Sykes Student Union
West Chester University
jsuter@wcupa.edu
Jayna Suter is an Assistant Director at Sykes Student Union, who manages departmental and external reservations. As a WCU HEPSA alumna, she works to put her education to practice whilst supervising a team of ~25 building managers. She enjoys building meaningful connections in her work, volunteering at campus events, and values professional development opportunities to expand her knowledge in the field.
Presentation
Using Generative A.I. in Teaching
Tom Pantazes
Instructional Designer
West Chester University
tpantazes@wcupa.edu
Tom Pantazes, Ed.D. is an Instructional Designer with the Teaching & Learning Center at West Chester University who loves helping instructors integrate technology and robust learning pedagogy. His research interests include digital instructional video, extended reality, content interactivity, and simulations. If he is not cheering on Philly sports teams, camping or building Legos, you can catch him as a cohost of the ODLI on Air podcast.
Andy Famiglietti
Associate Professor
West Chester University
afamiglietti@wcupa.edu
Andy Famiglietti is an Associate Professor of English. He teaches courses on digital rhetoric, digital composition, and digital humanities and currently serves as director of West Chester’s Digital Humanities and New Media program. His research has been featured in First Monday, Critical Point of View: A Wikipedia Reader and is forthcoming in the collection What We Teach When We Teach DH.
Eryn Travis
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
ETravis@wcupa.edu
Eryn Travis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media. A former crisis communication spokesperson and public relations specialist, she teaches courses in crisis communication, public relations, and media writing. Her research examines relational aspects of crisis communication. She is a Ragan certified AI Strategic Communicator and frequently presents to academic and professional groups on topics such as Generative AI 101 and crafting human-centered messages with and without the use of AI.
Adam Rainear
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
arainear@wcupa.edu
Adam Rainear is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media. He primarily teaches courses in media campaigns, media literacy, and digital production. Dr. Rainear’s research examines communication during times of weather crises. He recently co-authored a book chapter on AI use during times of risk and crisis.
Presentation
Within Reach: Fostering success in the classroom through equitable access to technology
Theresa Friedman
Assistant Director
Technical Support Services
West Chester University
tfriedman@wcupa.edu
Theresa Friedman is the Assistant Director of Technical Support Services at West Chester University. Theresa began her 20-year career, developing and supporting technology in the manufacturing industry. She later found her passion in Higher Education, providing the technology tools that students and educators need to be successful. Her experience includes support, infrastructure, virtualization, and systems administration. She currently oversees technology management and software virtualization at West Chester.
Michael Ogoe
Help Desk Manager
West Chester University
mogoe@wcupa.edu
Michael Ogoe is an Alumni and IS&T Help Desk Manager at West Chester University. Mike’s Help Desk Manager role includes the development of ServiceNow, managing asset inventory, and deploying devices to our campus community. His most recent project has been managing the Moonshot for Equity student loaner laptop program, which ensures all WCU students maintain access to efficient technology needs despite financial circumstances. Mike has worked at WCU for 18 years and is fully committed to student success.
poster presentation
5-minute warmup: journaling in the age of a.i.
Emily Southerton
Assistant Professor of Learning Sciences, Educational Foundations & Policy Studies
College of Education & Social Work
West Chester University
esoutherton@wcupa.edu
Bio Coming Soon.
POSTER PRESENTATION
embedding campus resources into first year
Adam Rainier
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
arainear@wcupa.edu
Adam Rainear is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication and Media. He primarily teaches courses in media campaigns, media literacy, and digital production. Dr. Rainear’s research examines communication during times of weather crises. He recently co-authored a book chapter on AI use during times of risk and crisis.
poster presentation
creating simulations using vts and a.i.
Nancy Barker
Associate Professor, Nursing Chair
West Chester University
nbarker@wcupa.edu
Dr. Nancy Barker is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Nursing at WCU. Dr. Barker’s research interests include active learning and student engagement as well as the integration of virtual reality technology in nursing education. Her research interests also include NCLEX preparation for undergraduate nursing students.
Danielle Yocom, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
West Chester University
dyocom@wcupa.edu
Dr. Danielle Yocom is an Associate Professor of Nursing at West Chester University (WCU). She also serves as the WCU RN to BSN Program Director. Dr. Yocom's scholarly interests include grant writing, experiential learning with a focus on clinical judgment and critical thinking, incorporating extended reality across the curriculum, and quality care of chronically ill older adults.
Michelle Kaulback, EdD, RN, FNP-BC
Associate Professor, Department of Nursing
West Chester University
mkaulback@wcupa.edu
Dr. Kaulback is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing at West Chester University of Pennsylvania who teaches in the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Her research focus is on teaching and learning strategies, NCLEX success initiatives, curriculum development, and facilitation of program outcomes.
poster Presentation
Incorporating AI Tools to Enhance Information Literacy and Critical Thinking in First
Year Medical Students
Dr. James Martin II
Assistant Professor
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
martiniij@rowan.edu
Dr. James Martin is an educator, microbiologist and oncologist. He has conducted research on antibiotic resistance and pancreatic cancer, discovering new drugs and understanding how tumors evade treatment. He has also been a STEM mentor for young students and a research scientist at multiple biotech startups. Currently, he is serving as a facilitator for the PBL program for first year medical students and also serves as an instructor for the Biochemistry courses for graduate students.
Mercedes Byrd
PBL Education and Information Services Librarian
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
byrdm@rowan.edu
As the problem-based learning (PBL) librarian, I strive to improve the information literacy of Rowan’s medical students through 1:1 and group instruction of library resources and curriculum integration. I am also currently working toward the greater integration of library resources and the PBL curriculum to help ensure successful academic outcomes.
poster presentation
When the writing is on the wall: using Padlet as an alternative to D2L discussion
boards
Dara Dirhan, EdD, MPH, RDN, LDN
Associate Professor of Nutrition and DPD Director
West Chester University
ddirhan@wcupa.edu
Dr. Dara Dirhan is an Associate Professor of Nutrition and DPD Director at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She received her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University where she studied changes in dietary habits and behaviors of college students. Aside from teaching in higher education, she has professional experience in the corporate wellness sector, providing nutrition counseling and health education to corporate clients. Dr. Dirhan’s research experience centers on best practices in teaching and learning pedagogy, including game-based learning, and studying student outcomes among undergraduate nutrition students. Her current research agenda is focused on studying mindfulness in undergraduate nutrition students, intuitive eating, presence among educators, and advocating for the inclusion of nutrition as a general education course requirement in the undergraduate curriculum.
Poster presentation
Empowering Teams: Social Committees and Inclusive Team-Building
Mr. Joshua Eckenrode
Senior, Learning Experience Designer
National University
jeckenrode@nu.edu
A life-long educator spanning over twenty years of teaching experience in K-12 and adult learning. Through these years in higher education, I focused on designing coursework and worked with individuals to create and improve hundreds of online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. His previous role was to develop engaging, self-paced micro-credential offerings for workforce development with combined interests in implementing XR technology. Currently, he is a Senior Learning Experience Designer and develops courses for multiple subject areas.
Mrs. Melissa Wells
Manager, Learning Experience Design
National University
mwells3@nu.edu
As a seasoned manager, instructional designer, and educator, I contribute a broad spectrum of skills to the education sector. My proficiency spans e-learning, educational technology, instructional design, curriculum development, and public speaking. Grounded in a solid educational background, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Education for Biology and Chemistry from Calvin College and a Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University.
Poster presentation
Histematics on YouTube: A Tool to Increase Math Outcomes Among African-American Students
Mr. Akil Parker
Adjunct Professor
West Chester University
allthismath@gmail.com
@allthismath
www.allthismath.com
Professor Akil Parker has been an adjunct professor of math at Cheyney University since 2019. He began his teaching career in 2005 as a high school mathematics teacher in Philadelphia, PA. In 2017, he founded All This Math, LLC, an educational services company devoted to improving the relationship between mathematics and the Black community at large. His company offers math tutoring, educational consulting, printed and online resources for the community.
poster Presentation
How to Implement a Pedagogy of Kindness in Online Courses
Dr. Iliana Pagán-Teitelbaum, , West Chester University
Associate Professor
West Chester University
ipagan@wcupa.edu
@ilianapagan
https://ilianapagan.com
Iliana Pagán-Teitelbaum is an Associate Professor of Languages and Cultures at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She has a BA from the University of Puerto Rico, MA and PhD degrees from Harvard University, and was a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on media and inequality. She received the Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grant for her film Twin Tongues/Lenguas Gemelas, a nonfiction film about bilingualism and migration (in post-production).
POSTER Presentation
incorporating service-learNing
Gerardina Martin
Associate Faculty & Chair
West Chester University
gmartin@wcupa.edu
Dr. Gerardina L. Martin is a full-time Associate Faculty member, Assistant Director,
Assessment Coordinator, and Chair of the Honors College at West Chester University.
She teaches Stewardship and Civic Engagement and Capstone courses, which incorporate
service-learning to assist students in asking the right questions and being inquisitive
of and helpful to their future communities. Through strong support of diversity and
inclusion, students navigate together through non-profit organizations and their functions
within society to become forces of positive social change.
poster Presentation
leveraging tlc initiatives for course improvement
Jaeyong Choi
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
jchoi@wcupa.edu
Jaeyong Choi, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at West Chester University. He has received teaching and research awards, including the 2023 Roslyn Muraskin Emerging Scholar Award from the Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences, the 2020 Junior Faculty Research Award from the Korean Society of Criminology in America, and the 2018 Teaching Award from the Center for Teaching Excellence at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of immigration and criminal justice, cybercrime, criminological theory, and comparative research. His recent work can be found in Criminal Justice & Behavior, Crime & Delinquency, Deviant Behavior, Journal of Criminal Justice, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Police Quarterly, Policing & Society, and Prison Journal.
poster presentation
podcasts as texts
Anne Gill
Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education
West Chester University
agill@wcupa.edu
Anne Gill is an Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education at West Chester University in the Department of Secondary Education and K12 Health and Physical Education in West Chester, PA. She comes from a background in K-12 public education, specializing in history, special education, and humanities leadership. Anne’s research interests focus on innovative teaching methods, such as incorporating social media and media texts in instruction. She is also passionate about promoting critical media literacy in the social studies classroom, specifically focusing on media analysis and integrating multiple perspectives.
poster Presentation
Own Your Process: Elevating The Software Procurement Process By Using A Service Now
Workflow And Asking The “Who, Who, Who, What, What”
Terrence Cahill
Technical Manager
West Chester University
tcahill@wcupa.edu
Terrence was born in Philadelphia, PA and has 20 years of experience in information technology within higher education. He also has an education background in business as well as digital arts.
poster presentation
STUDENT/FACULTY TEACHING COLLABORATION PROGRAM
Tom Andrews
West Chester University
tandrews@wcupa.edu
Bio coming soon.
poster presentation
TEACHING CIRCLE - GRADING PRACTICES
Rick Howard, DSc, CSCS *D, RSCC E, FNSCA
Associate Professor, Sports Performance Coordinator
West Chester University
rhoward@wcupa.edu
Bio coming soon.
Meghan Ramick, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology
West Chester University
mramick@wcupa.edu
Bio coming soon.
Ashley Patriarca
Associate Professor of English, Director, First-Year Writing
West Chester University
apatriarca@wcupa.edu
Bio coming soon.
poster presentation
THE FUTURE OF OER AT WCU
Marc Drumm
West Chester University
mdrumm@wcupa.edu
Bio coming soon.
poster Presentation
Using App-Enabled Advanced Feedback CPR Manikins to Enhance Real-Time Student Performance
Dr. Dan Baer
Assistant Professor
West Chester University
dbaer@wcupa.edu
Daniel Baer has been a faculty member and athletic trainer in the West Chester University Department of Sports Medicine since 2009. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in sports medicine, Dr. Baer is an athletic trainer with WCU football and clinical education coordinator for the MS program in athletic training. Dr. Baer’s research areas include barriers and facilitators to concussion reporting in sports, inequities in athletic trainer access, and athletic training clinical education.