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Karen Fassenfeld Kolb directs the Faculty Center’s efforts by providing evidence-based guidance at the institutional, departmental, and individual levels. Karen broadens The Center’s reach by working with faculty of all stages and designing / developing professional development opportunities that align with their needs and goals (teaching, research, creative work, service). Karen is a proponent of holistic teaching and learning and a strong ally in the University’s efforts to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into all facets. With more than 25 years experience in teaching and training, applying learning frameworks, and integrating technology, Karen leads our faculty and FCPE staff in high quality, student-centered course design and delivery methodologies. Her research interests include Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, online teaching and learning, intrinsic motivation and student engagement, and Andragogy and other adult learning theories.
Rui Huang supports faculty in creating effective learning experiences by integrating pedagogy and technology tools to meet the diverse learning needs of students. An area of Rui’s expertise includes optimizing online courses with rich media using Captivate, simulations, and animations. Rui also performs much of the online quality assurance reviews for FCPE and, as the longest standing member of the online team, can articulate best practices nationally, as well as how Adelphi Online contributes to this body of work. Rui’s strengths straddle all sides of the course development process— design, implementation, and delivery.
Andrew MacDonald has spent the last several years producing instructional videos on art and design. Prior, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses on introductory design and digital media. His academic journey includes roles as a professor, graphic designer, video editor, and educational technologist, always striving to bring real-world relevance into the classroom. Andrew’s teaching philosophy centers on blending creativity with emerging technologies, ensuring students are prepared for industry demands. Andrew has a deep passion for digital storytelling and continually seeks new ways to enhance course delivery. Andrew is particularly focused on integrating technologies and media into the learning process in a seamless and engaging way, making content accessible and improving learning outcomes.
Leeann Mello is the second member of the video media team. She works directly with faculty fulfilling video requests such as filming, editing, and video training, and excels in video post-production. Leeann also records live events on campus, such as conferences, that are used as educational content or relate to faculty research. As editor of the FCPE Newsletter, Teaching @ AU, Leeann storyboards, writes and films profiles of faculty teaching excellence. She is committed to highlighting faculty accomplishments throughout the university, and helping faculty further their research through the use of video. Leeann was promoted from Student Media Technologist to full time Video Editor after receiving her degree in communications with a concentration in journalism.
Kevin Mobbs has held a diverse collection of positions including music professor, director of online learning and faculty development, LMS administrator, and instructional designer, and even a stretch as a chicken farmer. His education includes a doctoral degree in music and an educational specialist degree in educational technology. Kevin strives to develop courses via a freely collaborative instructional design process to bring forth a course-vision which is focused upon learning and success. Drawing upon over 30 years of experience in academia, he is adept at solving course design issues in unique fashion. Kevin is particularly interested in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Learning Experience Design (LX) which have the power to provide more acoustic learning experiences such that technology fades into the background.
Vic Muntean is the Instructional Technologist and Learning Commons manager, overseeing our student-workers and providing support to faculty and staff. Vic’s background, steeped in developing innovative systems of operation and streamlining processes, ensures individual and organizational success for instructors and students alike. Equally passionate about teamwork and project-based learning, he strives to create an engaging space for collaboration through meaningful learning experiences.
As a Teacher turned Instructional Designer, Marilena is led by her curiosity. Before joining the FCPE, Marilena worked abroad as an ESL teacher and, later, as a teacher for Blind and Low Vision students, cultivating a passion for accessibility across diverse learning environments. She is interested in work that both promotes collaboration between students and educators and also addresses Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in online education. Marilena strives to foster meaningful connections within learning spaces so that educators and students can embrace their own curiosity in online experiences.
Prior to joining the Faculty Center, Jennifer Southard taught undergraduate composition writing courses and provided academic support to post-secondary students of varying skill levels and backgrounds including those with ADHD and learning/language-based disabilities such as dyslexia, as well as adult learners. Thus, Jennifer strives to design and develop courses which are not only rooted in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) but also utilize assistive technology such that all learners are given equal access to robust learning opportunities. Jennifer is also interested in best teaching practices related to Multimedia Learning Theory and its impact on student achievement.
After receiving his degree in film studies and 8 years of work experience in broadcasting, Vincent Sun heads the video media team, as an Interactive Learning Designer for Video. Vincent specializes in video and audio production, assisting faculty with creating media content such as educational videos, faculty profiles, course introductions, research reels, event recording and live streaming, podcasts, etc. Furthermore, he provides faculty with media training on how to create their own media content for their teaching. Vincent also films and produces the video vignettes in the FCPE newsletter. His portfolio includes digital video filming, video editing, motion graphics, and digital photography.