Grenmarie Agresar

Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Grenmarie Agresar earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Scientific Computation from the University of Michigan in 1996. After completing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (also from the University of Michigan), she switched majors to accommodate the courses that would best prepare her for her interdisciplinary thesis. Her professional path then took her from academia and research (with Post Doctoral appointments at the University of Michigan Medical School, and the Max Planck Institute in Tuebingen, Germany), to secondary education, where she taught engineering principles, physics, and computer science. This path included earning an M.A. in Education from the University of Michigan in 2009. As a teacher, she most enjoyed exploring high-leverage instructional practices and collaborating with peers to develop curricula that utilized such methods. Most recently, she led three-week workshops to train teachers in a project-based, computer science, and engineering curriculum. She is excited to combine her engineering background with her passion for innovative teaching as an instructional consultant at CRLT-Engin.

Ronit Ajlen

Associate Director, Coordinator of GSI Initiatives

(734) 763-2880

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Ronit Ajlen earned her B.S. in Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by her Masters and Ph.D. in Psychology at U-M in the Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Area. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses both as a graduate student instructor (GSI) and as a primary instructor, and her prior research focused on graph comprehension and its instruction. In her current role at CRLT, Ronit's work broadly includes GSI training and development, instructional technology, and assessment. For example, Ronit leads the center's GSI Team, including offering high-level support for CRLT's GSI Teaching Orientation and Graduate Student Instructional Consultant (GSIC) programs, leading the U-M Graduate Teacher Certificate program, and managing the Graduate Student Mentor (GSM) Seminar Series. She regularly consults with faculty, graduate students, and administrators on a wide range of teaching and learning concerns and facilitates a variety of workshops and programs for instructors. Ronit also serves on multiple campus and national committees, including the U-M Teaching and Technology Collaborative and the Professional Organizational Development (POD) Network's Graduate Student, Professional Student, and Postdoctoral Scholar (GPPD) special interest group.

Jeanne Andreoli

Associate Director, Focus on Biological, Physical, and Health Sciences

(734) 764-8181

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Jeanne Andreoli joined the CRLT team in 2018 to focus on biological, physical, and health sciences teaching and learning initiatives at the University of Michigan. She has a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Wayne State University's School of Medicine, and a B.S. in Biology and Communications from the University of Michigan. She brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, in both faculty and administrative roles. Her research interests are grounded in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, including learning theory, pedagogy, and assessment. She has worked closely with the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) to scale up and institutionalize efforts to transform undergraduate STEM learning environments, primarily through facilities planning, faculty development, leadership development, and curricular design and development. She has been involved in several major cross-institutional initiatives, including ReBUILDetroit, an NIH- funded initiative aimed at improving opportunities for underrepresented students in biomedical research.

Sara Armstrong

Director, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 615-8309

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Sara Armstrong is the Director of the CRLT Theatre Program. A theatre artist with over twenty-five years of experience as a performer, playwright, director, arts administrator, and educator, Sara establishes strategic priorities for the theatre program that align with the Players’ commitments to advancing equity in higher education spaces via performance-centered professional development. In her role, she writes scripts, directs new pieces, and designs and facilitates sessions for university instructors and academic leaders. In addition to her work with the theatre program, she also serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CRLT, the advisory board of the Inclusive History Project, and was a founding member of ADVANCE’s RISE committee. Sara earned a Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama program at Northwestern University. Her dissertation focused on the role operating theories of embodiment play in privileging and marginalizing particular student bodies in performance learning spaces.

Audra Baleisis

Assistant Director for Core Programs, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Audra Baleisis earned a B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Illinois in 1995, an M.Phil. in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 1996, and an M.S. in Astrophysics and a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Arizona in 2000 and 2009, respectively. She spent 2009-2016 living in Zurich, Switzerland where she worked in the Physics Education group at ETH University and as Academic Platform Coordinator for the Swiss National Science Foundation PlanetS exoplanet research program. She joined CRLT-Engin in 2016 as the ETC Program Coordinator, helping experienced Engineering Teaching Consultants provide CoE GSIs with instructional support.

Blair Beuche

Associate Director, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Blair Beuche holds a B.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and M.A. and Ph.D. in Education at the University of Michigan. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Blair’s background spans teaching, educator development, educational research, and curriculum development. She began her career as a high school teacher in Baltimore and has since held positions in instructional coaching, consulting, teaching, research, program management, and school-based administration across the U.S. and the K-12 and higher education sectors. Blair’s professional and research interests focus on approaches to support communities, systems, and educational institutions to build equitable learning environments to enable all students to thrive-- now and in their future endeavors. At CRLT, Blair works on the Foundational Course Initiative as an Associate Director. Her areas of expertise include, pedagogical training and programming, qualitative assessment, student-centered pedagogies and assessment design, and large-course design.

Jacqui Blue

Casting Directing Practitioner

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Jacqui Blue earned her bachelor's degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis on Voice (soprano) at the University of Louisville. She established herself as a beloved local singer-songwriter and performer and held a position as an Artistic Associate at the Commonwealth Theatre Center in Louisville, Kentucky. While there she worked with young actors pre-K - 12th with their Blue Apple Outreach program and the Walden Conservatory before joining the CRLT Players in 2022. Jacqui brings to the Players a wealth of experience in performing, directing, music, and advancing equity both in and through the arts. In her current, role she manages the recruitment and casting of performers and musicians, as well as rehearsal coordination, and directing plays for CRLT Players’ sessions.

Andy Burkhardt

Instructional Technology Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-3613

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Andy Burkhardt’s focus is to bring a human-centered perspective to technology in the design of learning experiences as an Instructional Consultant for the Foundational Course Initiative. Before joining CRLT, Andy consulted with, trained, and supported faculty and staff at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health in the use of educational technologies. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, he was the Assistant Director for Digital Strategy at the Champlain College Library in Burlington, VT where he managed library technologies and taught numerous inquiry-based information literacy sessions as part of the undergraduate Core Curriculum. He received his M.A. in Library and Information Studies from UW-Madison and his B.A. in Philosophy at St, John’s University in Collegeville, MN.

Liz Caverly

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 647-4765

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Liz Caverly earned her B.A.A. in Recreation and Event Management from Central Michigan University. As a recreation enthusiast, an active community member, and an avid sports fan, she started her career in the sports industry, supporting and coordinating community outreach programs and initiatives for the Detroit Red Wings. Liz plans and executes a variety of events for CRLT.

Anoff Nicholas Cobblah

Instructional Consultant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Anoff Nicholas Cobblah completed his doctorate in English Language & Literature at the University of Michigan. He also holds a B.A. in English and B.S. in physics from the University of Missouri. He combined these interests in his doctoral study: an analysis of nineteenth-century British science writing, which illustrated the benefits that Victorian scientists found by bringing playfulness into their teaching and research. Nick brought a similar enthusiasm for interdisciplinarity to his years of teaching writing courses at U-M, encouraging students to study the writing of various disciplines. His interest in educational and professional development arose while he was a graduate student, assisting CRLT’s Preparing Future Faculty Seminar. He returned to U-M in 2023 and currently supports Graduate Student Instructor training, acts as co-lead for the Graduate Student Instructional Consultants program, consults with faculty and graduate students, and develops resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His current research interests include interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and playful pedagogies.

Tazin Daniels

Associate Director

(734) 615-9266

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Tazin Daniels received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2016. Her dissertation was an ethnographic exploration of prescription stimulant use among American college students and was supported by a grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. Tazin came to CRLT with experience in multiple areas of higher education including programmatic assessment and research, online instruction and design, educational technology, interdisciplinary curriculum development, and international GSI training. During her time at MSU, she received three teaching awards and published several pieces on how to teach effectively in digital spaces. As an instructional consultant at CRLT, Tazin runs programs and consults with UM faculty and GSIs on how to improve student learning. Additionally, she is an instructor for the online postdoc short course “High Impact Principles and Practices for STEM education” and helps to run the Graduate Teaching Certification program, GTC+, which focuses on teaching with digital media. Tazin also works closely with faculty from the health sciences and the Center for Interprofessional Education (IPE) through the fellows program, curriculum committee, and other IPE events. She currently serves on the CRLT blog team and runs the Twitter account @UM_CRLT.

Malini Dasgupta

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 764-2960

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Malini Dasgupta earned her B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Linguistics from the University of Michigan in 2019. She has previously worked in event planning for the non-profit organization Books for a Benefit, where she was involved in the development of K-12 school and community outreach programs and enjoyed facilitating literacy workshops for students.

Mishelle Dimitrova

Administrative Assistant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 936-3837

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Mishelle Dimitrova earned her B.A. in Communications and Hispanic Studies with a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Michigan- Dearborn. She has nearly eight years of work experience in event management, administration, and communications. During her college years, Mishelle worked at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Industrial Engineering department where she served as an executive assistant to the department chair, supported faculty and staff, and managed events. In her most recent role, Mishelle was an Events Coordinator at CRLT where she took on an extensive role in various programs and demonstrated a hard work ethic and dependability.

Martha Epperson

Instructional Consultant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Martha Epperson earned her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan where she studied Teaching and Teacher Education. During her graduate studies, she worked on research projects examining teacher professional development in a variety of contexts. As a graduate student and later lecturer in the School of Education, she taught a range of courses such as Schooling in a Multicultural Society, Critical Perspectives on the Global Role of English, and Educational Linguistics. Prior to arriving in Michigan, Dr. Epperson was a Senior English Language Fellow in Chile, a fellowship funded by the US State Department. She worked closely with the Chilean Ministry of Education on teacher professional development initiatives, designing and delivering workshops remotely and in-person throughout the country. Her research interests focus on the intersection of teaching, curriculum, and marginalized communities. 

Denise Galarza Sepúlveda

Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 615-9281

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Denise Galarza Sepúlveda was a member of the faculty at Lafayette College for twelve years in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures where she also chaired the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. She received her Masters from Purdue and her Ph.D. from Emory University. Throughout her career, she led various initiatives designed to promote transformative learning and has received awards for her teaching and course design. At Lafayette, she was awarded the Excellence in Diversity Education Award and the Woman of Distinction Award by the Association of Black Collegians “in recognition for the immeasurable hours dedicated to the continued success of marginalized groups on campus.” Her research focused on the forging of eighteenth-century proto-national identities during periods of economic and social instability and has appeared in the top journals in her field, including Revista de Estudios Hispánicos and Revista Iberoamericana. Prior to joining CRLT, Denise was the inaugural director of the office of Community-Engaged Academic Learning, where she built strong collaborations with faculty, students, and departments around high-impact learning opportunities for LSA undergraduates. As Director of the Foundational Course Initiative, she provides strategic leadership for this campus-wide presidential initiative, which aims to create a 21st-century model for teaching at scale in ways that are inclusive and innovative. A native of Puerto Rico, she volunteers as a teacher in En Nuestra Lengua, a Saturday Spanish school dedicated to promoting Spanish literacy, cultural enrichment, and the academic success of Latino children in Southeast Michigan.

Victoria A. Genetin

Associate Director, Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Interim Coordinator of DEI Initiatives

(734) 763-2878

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Victoria A. Genetin completed her Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University in 2012. She also holds her M.A. in Women’s Studies from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a B.S.W. and M.S.W. in Social work from the University of Akron. Victoria taught several undergraduate and graduate courses, served as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor, and worked as a writing consultant in the Writing Across the Curriculum program at The Ohio State University before joining CRLT in 2014. She currently serves as the Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where she supports faculty and graduate student instructors in their teaching through one-on-one consultations, and classroom observations, as well as collecting and synthesizing student feedback, particularly around questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She directs Inclusive Teaching at Michigan May Series (IT@M) and the Leo Lecturers Inclusive Teaching Program. Additionally, Victoria develops and facilitates customized programming focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the university and the medical school.

Michelle Getchell

Chief of Staff

(734) 936-0641

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Michelle Getchell is the Chief of Staff (COS) at CRLT and contributes to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). She joined the Center in 2016. In her role as COS, Michelle collaborates with the Executive Director and SLT to develop and implement the Center’s strategic plan, driving the organization’s strategic initiatives. She oversees daily operations, ensures alignment with strategic priorities, and manages key Center-wide projects. Michelle holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), a bachelor's degree in Business Management (BSM), and an associate's degree in Human Services from Cornerstone University. With over twenty-five years of leadership and management experience, she optimizes SLT meetings, fosters effective communication and collaboration, and supports staff through tailored coaching sessions. Michelle is committed to continuously improving the Center’s operations and impact while fostering a collaborative and effective work environment. Michelle is also dedicated to community service, exemplified by her role as Executive Director for Twinless Twins Support Group International.

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia

Director of Operations and Events

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Wayne State University. She rejoined CRLT in 2022 as the Operations and Events Coordinator and is currently the Director of Operations and Events (O&E). In this role, she manages the O&E staff and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Hayley Heaton

Assistant Director

(734) 615-9267

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Hayley Heaton earned a B.A. in Psychology from Emory University, an M.A. in English from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in Linguistics at the University of Michigan. After completing her Ph.D., she worked as a lecturer in the Linguistics department and assisted with multiple research projects at the university, including “Undergraduate Education in the Third Century” and the “Climate Survey of Linguists and Language Researchers.” She joined CRLT in 2019, where she uses her classroom experience and her skills as a sociolinguist to inform her work in assessment. In her current role, she works with faculty and staff to assess a wide range of questions at the program and course levels. She has built and analyzed assessments of unit and university programming using quantitative and qualitative methods and has facilitated workshops on equitable assessment practices.

Waleed Helweh

Assessment Specialist

(734) 647-7306

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.
[email protected]

Dr. Waleed Helweh received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) in 2023. His doctoral dissertation examined the impact of structural factors on the energy transfer and migration dynamics of materials for solar energy conversion. He has also completed a B.A. in Chemistry at Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) in 2017. Throughout his education, Waleed has put great emphasis on the value of inclusive and equitable teaching practices and how they particularly relate to the STEM disciplines. He has previously served on several diversity, equity, and inclusion committees where he aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Waleed joined the CRLT in 2023 as an Assessment Specialist where he will be using his educational background as well as his experience in inclusive pedagogy to inform his assessment work

Rhonda Holton

Instructional Consultant, CRLT in Engineering

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Rhonda K Holton is a lifelong learner and STEM educator with a passion for people. After earning her B.A. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Colorado in 2012, she worked primarily as a classroom instructor across multiple educational realms, from college to community college to K-12 and public outreach. In 2023, Rhonda earned an M.Ed in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University and joined CRLT-Engin as an Instructional Consultant in 2024. She collaborates with CAEN, NEXUS, and the CoE on topics like flexible instructional delivery, personalized learning, and research-informed technology integration. The swift change in technological tools over the past decade has widened the gap between education research and classroom practice, and generative AI has demonstrated the importance of a human-centered, equitable approach to technology integration in the classroom. Rhonda wants to empower both instructors and learners to take control of these tools and of their learning data, using them to support decision-making, spur self-reflection, and connect with the learning community.

Ryan Hudson

Assistant to the Executive Director, Managing Director, and the Senior Leadership Team

(734) 763-0159

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Ryan Hudson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Carleton College and the University of Michigan, respectively. Certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language by the University of Liverpool, she did so in Prague from 1989 to 1991. As a GSI, she received teaching awards from Rackham and the department of political science. From 2006 to 2015, Ryan led CRLT's event planning team and provided general research and editing support. In 2016, she became Matt's assistant, and she also supports the teaching award competitions.

Patricia Jaimes

Assistant Director for Student-centered Instruction & Academic Excellence, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615- 0848

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Patricia Jaimes earned a B.S. degree in 2015 in Earth Science from Northeastern Illinois University, and a dual Ph.D. in 2021 in Geological Sciences and Environmental Science and Policy from Michigan State University (MSU). She is a STEM Education scholar, and her research focuses on exploring the career trajectories of scientists from underrepresented groups using anti-deficit and critical race frameworks. Dr. Jaimes was a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow and a co-recipient of an NSF-INTERN grant which allowed her to intern for the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. In 2018, she was recognized by the Cafe Bustelo Scholarship committee as one of the nation's most driven Latinx students for her advocacy and scholarly work. In 2019, she received an Excellence in Diversity Award from MSU's Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. Joining CRLT-Engin as an Instructional Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Dr. Jaimes supports the College in implementing the CoE’s DEI cultural shift goals and initiatives.

Matthew Kaplan

Executive Director

(734) 763-0159

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Matthew Kaplan was appointed as CRLT's Executive Director in 2015. He joined CRLT in 1994 and was Managing Director from 2007-2014 and Interim Director from 2014-2015. Matt leads new initiatives on teaching and learning and represents both CRLT and the broader University community on those topics. He also runs professional development programs for University of Michigan department chairs and associate deans, as well as international higher education leaders. He collaborates with the Artistic Director of the CRLT Players on theatre projects and with CRLT’s professional staff on meeting the needs of the university’s instructional community. Matt received his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked at UNC’s Center for Teaching and Learning for three years before joining CRLT. He has published articles on the academic hiring process, the use of interactive theatre as a faculty development tool, and the evaluation of teaching, and he co-authored a chapter ofMcKeachie’s Teaching Tips on technology and teaching. He has co-edited The Scholarship of Multicultural Teaching and Learning(Jossey-Bass, 2007), a volume of New Directions for Teaching and Learning, and edited two volumes of To Improve the Academy(New Forums Press, 1998, 1999). With former Executive Director Connie Cook, Matt elite advancing a Culture of Teaching on Campus: How a Teaching Center Can Make a Difference (Stylus Publishing, 2011), a book describing CRLT programs and strategies authored by them and their CRLT colleagues. He was a member of POD’s Core Committee from 1998 to 2001.

Anthony King

Instructional Technology Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-3616

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Anthony King earned his B.S. in Secondary Science and Math Education in 2003, and after spending time as a science and math teacher, he earned his Master's in Digital Media and Education in 2012, both from the University of Michigan. His research during graduate studies included curriculum and game development for teaching about the climate system and climate change’s impact on biodiversity, with scaffolded support around critical thinking, argumentation, and complex systems for students. Prior to joining CRLT, he worked as a network consultant for Network Services Group, LLC, and in the UM College of LSA as a Senior Instructional Consultant and member of the UM Teaching and Technology Collaborative committee and the Enriching Scholarship planning and keynote committees, and chaired the LSA Technology Services Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as the DEI Advocate. Anthony’s past consultation has focussed on issues around the use of technology in large courses, including alternative assessment tools, in-class active learning assignments, and on and offline discussions, as well as evaluating and piloting scalable, equitable, and inclusive options for instructional tools, and general instructional technology training, support, and documentation. With the FCI team, Anthony consults and collaborates with large foundational course faculty and GSIs about their technology issues as part of the course redesign process.

Brian Konz

Business Administrator

(734) 763-6939

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Brian Konz earned a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. He joined CRLT as the Business Administrator in 2017. He has over 10 years of experience working in the financial and administrative areas at the University of Michigan that includes working at Business and Finance, The Office of the Provost, the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID), and The Detroit Center. He is responsible for the management of the budget, human resources, financial analysis and reporting, and procurement activities.

Carol Lagemann

Financial Specialist & Event Planner, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Carol Lagemann earned a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Music from Truman State University, in 2006 and 2008, respectively. She also studied Music at the University of Michigan from 2011-2012. Carol previously worked for U-M in the Mechanical Engineering department in the College of Engineering. In her current role, Carol supports CRLT in Engineering programs, maintains the program’s social media, and supports the CRLT-Engin Director.

Linda LaNoue

Program and Event Administrator, CRLT in Engineering

208 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Linda LaNoue earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science with a concentration in Community Governance & Advocacy from Michigan State University in 2013. She earned her M.A. in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2020. As the Program and Event Administrator for CRLT-Engin, she supports the organization and logistical aspects of programming especially the Engineering GSI Teaching Orientation, Engineering Teaching Consultants, and HTML communications.

Deborah Lichti

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Deborah Lichti earned her B.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at Purdue University and her M.S. and Ph.D. at East Carolina University in Biological Sciences specializing in coastal ecology. While completing her doctoral studies, she redesigned the second-semester introductory biology laboratory, integrating authentic research experiences using citizen science. After joining the University of Delaware in the Interdisciplinary Science Learning Laboratories, she continued developing authentic learning experiences for students in her integrated biology and chemistry course. Debbie has also created pedagogical training programs for graduate assistants teaching lab courses and mentored both undergraduate and graduate students interested in teaching. Her areas of expertise include qualitative and quantitative assessment, STEM curriculum development, and graduate student training.

Elizabeth Mann Levesque

Assistant Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-1248

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Elizabeth Mann Levesque earned her B.A. and Ph.D. in political science at the University of Michigan. After completing her undergraduate degree, Elizabeth taught middle school social studies in Miami, FL as a Teach for America corps member. She returned to Michigan for her graduate studies where she specialized in American politics and political institutions and engaged in research on early childhood education and K-12 education policy. Her dissertation on presidential policymaking at the state level was recognized with a Rackham ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, and as a Graduate Student Instructor Elizabeth received a John W. Kingdon Teaching Award from the Department of Political Science. Subsequently, as a fellow at the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, she studied a wide range of education policy issues, including civics education, employer and community college workforce development partnerships, and federal regulation related to the Every Student Succeeds Act. At CRLT, Elizabeth works on the Foundational Course Initiative as a student support and classroom climate consultant.

Malinda Matney

Managing Director for Educational Development and Assessment Services

(734) 936-1135

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Malinda Matney is Managing Director, Educational Development and Assessment Services at CRLT. In this capacity, she works with U-M's faculty and academic units on the assessment of student learning, evaluation of educational initiatives, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Her research and teaching interests include the assessment of program outcomes and analysis of trends in student behaviors and expectations. Her recent studies have included examinations of the undergraduate first-year experience, Millennial and Global Generations, social networking for faculty and students, first-generation student issues, and climate for students, faculty, and staff. She co-authored the 2014 book, The influence of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement: A Critical Analysis of Research (1996-2013), and contributed a chapter to the 2018 book, Hazing: Destroying Young Lives. Outside CRLT, Malinda serves as a speaker on generational trends, risk management trends, and values-based leadership. She has served as National President of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the first female to do so, and was a foundational member of the Board of Directors of HazingPrevention.Org. Malinda earned her bachelor's degree in music from Wichita State University, her M.Mus. in music literature from the University of Colorado, her Ed.S. in higher education administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and her Ph.D. in higher and postsecondary education from the University of Michigan.

Deborah Meizlish

Associate Director

(734) 763-2396

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Deborah Meizlish earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan. In her role at CRLT, she consults with administrators, faculty, and GSIs on course and curricular issues, including assessment; plans university-wide programs on teaching, learning, and academic leadership; and conducts seminars on a wide variety of pedagogical topics. Deborah leads CRLT's curriculum team and serves on CRLT's assessment and GSI teams. Deborah regularly works with faculty and administrators across U-M, with a particular focus on LSA and professional school programs in the social sciences. She was part of the inaugural team for the LSA Teaching Academy and continues to direct it.  She also co-facilitates the LSA Large Course Initiative, a faculty learning community for large-course instructors in LSA. She was co-principal investigator on “The Impact of Meta-Cognitive Strategies within Writing in the Disciplines: Experiments to Improve Writing and Critical Thinking,” funded by the Teagle and Spencer Foundations.  Deborah’s research and writing focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning, academic hiring, preparing future faculty developers, and academic integrity.  Her most recent article, entitled  "How search committees assess teaching: Lessons for CTLs" and co-written with colleagues from Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center, was recently published in To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

Bethany Morrison

Assistant Director

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Bethany N. Morrison consults with instructors on a wide range of teaching topics including classroom engagement and in-class activities, course and assignment design, and instructional technology. She co-directs the Large Course Initiative, a faculty learning community for large-course instructors in LSA, and the Preparing Future Faculty Seminar, a multi-week program for doctoral candidates that focuses on the academic job search and teaching in one’s first faculty role. At CRLT, Bethany seeks out assessment projects, which provide an opportunity for her to use the research design and data analytic skills she developed as a quantitative social scientist. Prior to joining CRLT, she worked at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at Wake Forest University, supporting faculty in the unprecedented shift to pandemic teaching. Bethany has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Emory University and teaches courses on American politics, policy-making, and the judiciary. 

Tershia Pinder–Grover

Director, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering

208 Gorguze Family Laboratory

Dr. Tershia Pinder-Grover earned a B.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1999, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2002 and 2006, respectively. She joined CRLT in August 2005 and became the director of CRLT-Engin in 2016. In this role, she leads a team focused on advancing engineering education in the College of Engineering (CoE) through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and cultivating individual relationships. In collaboration with the Associate Deans in the CoE, she provides leadership on educational priorities, especially as it relates to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She also works closely with department chairs to create customized programming to meet the needs of their faculty. Her current research interests focus on the adoption of inclusive teaching practices for engineering instructors.

Heather Rypkema

Head of Learning Analytics and Assistant Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-7868

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Heather Rypkema is a founding member of the Foundational Course Initiative team and has served as an Assessment & Analytics specialist since 2018. She earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Physics, M.A. in Chemistry, and Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, all from Harvard University. After her postdoc at Stanford University, Heather held faculty appointments at the University of Louisville (Chemistry), Purdue University (Chemistry), and University of Michigan (CLASP). She has more than 20 years of experience as an instructor in higher education, having taught as an undergraduate, graduate student, postdoc, and faculty member. As part of her FCI portfolio, she has leveraged Learning Analytics to develop evaluative tools that inform course design and promote equitable teaching practices. Her analytics work incorporates course-specific surveys and data about student engagement with instructional technology platforms as well as Canvas data and the Learning Analytics Architecture database (LARC). In 2022, Heather took on the inaugural role of Head of Learning Analytics, in order to lead the Center’s growing efforts to provide analytics services to enhance teaching across the entire University.

Christine Simonian Bean

Associate Director, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 764-8215

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Christine Simonian Bean (she/her) is the Associate Director of the CRLT Theatre Program. She earned her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama from Northwestern University in 2016. She also holds an M.A. in Theatre Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a B.A. in Drama from the University of California, Irvine; and a certificate in Acting from the Stella Adler Conservatory, NYU. She has taught classes in acting, theatre history, and critical race and gender theory; and has worked as both a dramaturg and a performer. Previously, Christine was an Assistant Director for Faculty Programs and Services at Columbia University's Center for Teaching and Learning and a Graduate Associate at Northwestern University’s Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching. At CRLT, Christine provides strategic direction for the CRLT Theatre Program; integrates programming into college and campus initiatives; and designs, facilitates, and assesses sessions and curricula that promote a more equitable higher education community. She has published work in The Journal of Faculty Development, Theatre Journal, Theatre Survey, and Theatre Topics.

Megan Stowe

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Megan Stowe received her Ph.D. in English from the University of South Florida in 2022. Her research focuses on empathy and kinship as models for climate solutions in Black American, Indigenous, and Post-Colonial literatures. She holds a graduate certificate in Technical and Professional Communication, with an M.A. (Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature) from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English from SUNY Stony Brook. She brings over 15 years of experience in education from K-12 to higher ed. Her most recent work includes program management for honors living-learning communities, academic advising for honors engineering and pre-health students, curricular design for English service courses, and teaching experiential learning courses on the intersections among literature and social justice. She is passionate about equity and justice in education and empowering students to thrive in their personal and professional goals.

Liesl Topy

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 936-1360

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Liesl Topy joined the CRLT team as an events coordinator in 2022. She has previously worked in event planning roles for Conlin Travel, Michigan Municipal League, and Marriott International, planning a variety of events from small training to multi-day conferences. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Pennsylvania State University and has a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Event Industry Council.

Michael Trevithick

Administrative Assistant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Michael Trevithick earned his B.A. in Communications from the University of Michigan - Flint and his M.S. in Sports Media from Valparaiso University. At Valparaiso, he worked as the graduate assistant for the esports program, managing day-to-day operations and a team of student employees. He previously provided administrative and operational support for the Crim Fitness Foundation non-profit organization. At CRLT, Michael oversees student assistants, contributes to the GTC program, and supports grant administration.

Linjue (Jade) Wang

Instructional Consultant, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 763-2974

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Linjue (Jade) Wang recently received her Ph.D. in Engineering Education and M.S. in Industrial Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University (2022). Her doctoral research focused on 1) how engineering students develop empathy during community-based learning (e.g., service-learning) and 2) how engineering educators can integrate empathy into their teaching. Before studying in the U.S., Linjue (Jade) earned her B.E. in Building Environment and Energy Engineering from the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University in China (2017). As the instructional consultant, she supports CRLT-Engin's initiatives focusing on faculty and lecturer development within the College of Engineering.

Stella Weinberg

Events Coordinator

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Stella Weinberg earned her B.A. in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies from Michigan State University. She has previously served as a College Adviser with the Michigan State University College Advising Corps at West Ottawa High School in Holland, MI, where she assisted first-generation and underrepresented students as they applied to college and other post-secondary opportunities.

Jonathan West

Company Manager, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 936-0646

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Jonathan West (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan (U-M), his Master of Fine Arts from Full Sail University, and has worked as a producer since 2003. Originally an Educational Producer with U-M’s College of Engineering, he co-founded and co-managed three independent film companies and recently was a COVID Safety Manager for the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, MI, while also working as a Data Safety Analyst. Having performed for the past 15 years throughout the state and the nation on stage, for film and television, and as a voice artist, Jonathan is represented by Olga Denysenko through P+ and is studying at Edge Studio out of New York. He currently liaises on behalf of company members with the Actor’s Equity Association, acts as a 2nd Director for various CRLT film productions, and manages the scheduling, logistics, and finances of The Players theatrical performances held virtually, at all U-M campuses, and at institutions and conferences all over the U.S. and abroad.

Esther Grace Witte

Instructional Consultant: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Esther Grace Witte (they/them/theirs) joined CRLT full-time in 2022, after several years of involvement as a Graduate Student Instructional Consultant, GSITO facilitator, and occasional research assistant. Dr. Witte specializes in anti-racist pedagogies, accessibility in teaching and learning, and the teaching of writing. Their current priorities include consultation and course development for LSA’s Race and Ethnicity Requirement (R&E), and building CRLT’s workshop and consultation offerings on Teaching for Accessibility. Having received their Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan in 2022, their dissertation presents a theory of anti-oppressive writing pedagogy, using concepts of metaphor (trope), access, and journal-keeping to develop tools for transformative classroom practice. They completed their B.A. (English and Theater) in 2010 at the University of Rochester (NY).

Ina Zaimi

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Ina Zaimi received her B.S. in Biomolecular Science and English, M.S. in Chemistry, and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan. Ina also received her secondary education certification in Chemistry and English from the State of Michigan. Humanizing chemistry incited her transition from teaching English, to teaching chemistry, to qualitatively researching the teaching and learning of chemistry. Her research explored organic chemistry students’ reasoning, from tasks designed and conducted in a research setting to activities and assignments designed and implemented in a classroom setting. Design does not (and should not) equate implementation, so her research explored how chemistry graduate student instructors implement instructional materials and facilitate organic chemistry students’ reasoning in the classroom. Therefore, her research combined the learning and teaching of organic chemistry and proposed how research can be transferred into instruction. Ina has been a Graduate Student Instructor for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and first-year writing, and she has received awards for her teaching. Furthermore, Ina has been a Graduate Student Instructional Coach in the Chemistry Department and a Graduate Student Instructional Consultant in the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, and she has received awards for her leadership. Her positions have been framed by her commitments to teaching with subjectivity and empathy and training for equity-focused teaching.

Sarah Zelner

Assistant Director

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Sarah Zelner (she/her) completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. She holds a Master's Degree of Public Health from Columbia University and a BA in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College. After completing her PhD, Sarah came to UM as a postdoc in the Sociology department, where she taught several undergraduate courses at the intersection of urban inequality and health, provided instructional consulting to GSIs through CRLT, and served as a facilitator for several CRLT pedagogical trainings. Prior to joining CRLT in 2023, she served as an instructional consultant on the revision of the MPH core curriculum at UM School of Public Health. Sarah provides consultations to faculty and departments on curriculum design or redesign, on developing or improving individual courses, and is particularly interested in applied and experiential learning opportunities. 

Matthew Kaplan

Executive Director

(734) 763-0159

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Matthew Kaplan was appointed as CRLT's Executive Director in 2015. He joined CRLT in 1994 and was Managing Director from 2007-2014 and Interim Director from 2014-2015. Matt leads new initiatives on teaching and learning and represents both CRLT and the broader University community on those topics. He also runs professional development programs for University of Michigan department chairs and associate deans, as well as international higher education leaders. He collaborates with the Artistic Director of the CRLT Players on theatre projects and with CRLT’s professional staff on meeting the needs of the university’s instructional community. Matt received his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked at UNC’s Center for Teaching and Learning for three years before joining CRLT. He has published articles on the academic hiring process, the use of interactive theatre as a faculty development tool, and the evaluation of teaching, and he co-authored a chapter ofMcKeachie’s Teaching Tips on technology and teaching. He has co-edited The Scholarship of Multicultural Teaching and Learning(Jossey-Bass, 2007), a volume of New Directions for Teaching and Learning, and edited two volumes of To Improve the Academy (New Forums Press, 1998, 1999). With former Executive Director Connie Cook, Matt edited Advancing a Culture of Teaching on Campus: How a Teaching Center Can Make a Difference (Stylus Publishing, 2011), a book describing CRLT programs and strategies authored by them and their CRLT colleagues. He was a member of POD’s Core Committee from 1998 to 2001.

Sara Armstrong

Director, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 615-8309

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Sara Armstrong is the Director of the CRLT Theatre Program. A theatre artist with over twenty-five years of experience as a performer, playwright, director, arts administrator, and educator, Sara establishes strategic priorities for the theatre program that align with the Players’ commitments to advancing equity in higher education spaces via performance-centered professional development. In her role, she writes scripts, directs new pieces, and designs and facilitates sessions for university instructors and academic leaders. In addition to her work with the theatre program, she also serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CRLT, the advisory board of the Inclusive History Project, and was a founding member of ADVANCE’s RISE committee. Sara earned a Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama program at Northwestern University. Her dissertation focused on the role operating theories of embodiment play in privileging and marginalizing particular student bodies in performance learning spaces.

Denise Galarza Sepúlveda

Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 615-9281

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Denise Galarza Sepúlveda was a member of the faculty at Lafayette College for twelve years in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures where she also chaired the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. She received her Masters from Purdue and her Ph.D. from Emory University. Throughout her career, she led various initiatives designed to promote transformative learning and has received awards for her teaching and course design. At Lafayette, she was awarded the Excellence in Diversity Education Award and the Woman of Distinction Award by the Association of Black Collegians “in recognition for the immeasurable hours dedicated to the continued success of marginalized groups on campus.” Her research focused on the forging of eighteenth-century proto-national identities during periods of economic and social instability and has appeared in the top journals in her field, including Revista de Estudios Hispánicos and Revista Iberoamericana. Prior to joining CRLT, Denise was the inaugural director of the office of Community-Engaged Academic Learning, where she built strong collaborations with faculty, students, and departments around high-impact learning opportunities for LSA undergraduates. As Director of the Foundational Course Initiative, she provides strategic leadership for this campus-wide presidential initiative, which aims to create a 21st-century model for teaching at scale in ways that are inclusive and innovative. A native of Puerto Rico, she volunteers as a teacher in En Nuestra Lengua, a Saturday Spanish school dedicated to promoting Spanish literacy, cultural enrichment, and the academic success of Latino children in Southeast Michigan.

Michelle Getchell

Chief of Staff

(734) 936-0641

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Michelle Getchell is the Chief of Staff (COS) at CRLT and contributes to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). She joined the Center in 2016. In her role as COS, Michelle collaborates with the Executive Director and SLT to develop and implement the Center’s strategic plan, driving the organization’s strategic initiatives. She oversees daily operations, ensures alignment with strategic priorities, and manages key Center-wide projects. Michelle holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), a bachelor's degree in Business Management (BSM), and an associate's degree in Human Services from Cornerstone University. With over twenty-five years of leadership and management experience, she optimizes SLT meetings, fosters effective communication and collaboration, and supports staff through tailored coaching sessions. Michelle is committed to continuously improving the Center’s operations and impact while fostering a collaborative and effective work environment. Michelle is also dedicated to community service, exemplified by her role as Executive Director for Twinless Twins Support Group International.

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia

Director of Operations and Events

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Wayne State University. She rejoined CRLT in 2022 as the Operations and Events Coordinator and is currently the Director of Operations and Events (O&E). In this role, she manages the O&E staff and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Brian Konz

Business Administrator

(734) 763-6939

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Brian Konz earned a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. He joined CRLT as the Business Administrator in 2017. He has over 10 years of experience working in the financial and administrative areas at the University of Michigan that includes working at Business and Finance, The Office of the Provost, the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID), and The Detroit Center. He is responsible for the management of the budget, human resources, financial analysis and reporting, and procurement activities.

Malinda Matney

Managing Director for Educational Development and Assessment Services

(734) 936-1135

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Malinda Matney is Managing Director, Educational Development and Assessment Services at CRLT. In this capacity, she works with U-M's faculty and academic units on the assessment of student learning, evaluation of educational initiatives, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Her research and teaching interests include the assessment of program outcomes and analysis of trends in student behaviors and expectations. Her recent studies have included examinations of the undergraduate first-year experience, Millennial and Global Generations, social networking for faculty and students, first-generation student issues, and climate for students, faculty, and staff. She co-authored the 2014 book, The influence of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement: A Critical Analysis of Research (1996-2013), and contributed a chapter to the 2018 book, Hazing: Destroying Young Lives. Outside CRLT, Malinda serves as a speaker on generational trends, risk management trends, and values-based leadership. She has served as National President of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the first female to do so, and was a foundational member of the Board of Directors of HazingPrevention.Org. Malinda earned her bachelor's degree in music from Wichita State University, her M.Mus. in music literature from the University of Colorado, her Ed.S. in higher education administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and her Ph.D. in higher and postsecondary education from the University of Michigan.

Tershia Pinder–Grover

Director, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering

208 Gorguze Family Laboratory

 

Dr. Tershia Pinder-Grover earned a B.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1999, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2002 and 2006, respectively. She joined CRLT in August 2005 and became the director of CRLT-Engin in 2016. In this role, she leads a team focused on advancing engineering education in the College of Engineering (CoE) through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and cultivating individual relationships. In collaboration with the Associate Deans in the CoE, she provides leadership on educational priorities, especially as it relates to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She also works closely with department chairs to create customized programming to meet the needs of their faculty. Her current research interests focus on the adoption of inclusive teaching practices for engineering instructors.

Malinda Matney

Managing Director for Educational Development and Assessment Services

(734) 936-1135

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Malinda Matney is Managing Director, Educational Development and Assessment Services at CRLT. In this capacity, she works with U-M's faculty and academic units on the assessment of student learning, evaluation of educational initiatives, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Her research and teaching interests include the assessment of program outcomes and analysis of trends in student behaviors and expectations. Her recent studies have included examinations of the undergraduate first-year experience, Millennial and Global Generations, social networking for faculty and students, first-generation student issues, and climate for students, faculty, and staff. She co-authored the 2014 book, The influence of Fraternity and Sorority Involvement: A Critical Analysis of Research (1996-2013), and contributed a chapter to the 2018 book, Hazing: Destroying Young Lives. Outside CRLT, Malinda serves as a speaker on generational trends, risk management trends, and values-based leadership. She has served as National President of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the first female to do so, and was a foundational member of the Board of Directors of HazingPrevention.Org. Malinda earned her bachelor's degree in music from Wichita State University, her M.Mus. in music literature from the University of Colorado, her Ed.S. in higher education administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and her Ph.D. in higher and postsecondary education from the University of Michigan.

Ronit Ajlen

Associate Director, Coordinator of GSI Initiatives

(734) 763-2880

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Ronit Ajlen earned her B.S. in Psychology at the Georgia Institute of Technology, followed by her Masters and Ph.D. in Psychology at U-M in the Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience Area. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses both as a graduate student instructor (GSI) and as a primary instructor, and her prior research focused on graph comprehension and its instruction. In her current role at CRLT, Ronit's work broadly includes GSI training and development, instructional technology, and assessment. For example, Ronit leads the center's GSI Team, including offering high-level support for CRLT's GSI Teaching Orientation and Graduate Student Instructional Consultant (GSIC) programs, leading the U-M Graduate Teacher Certificate program, and managing the Graduate Student Mentor (GSM) Seminar Series. She regularly consults with faculty, graduate students, and administrators on a wide range of teaching and learning concerns and facilitates a variety of workshops and programs for instructors. Ronit also serves on multiple campus and national committees, including the U-M Teaching and Technology Collaborative and the Professional Organizational Development (POD) Network's Graduate Student, Professional Student, and Postdoctoral Scholar (GPPD) special interest group.

Jeanne Andreoli

Associate Director, Focus on Biological, Physical, and Health Sciences

(734) 764-8181

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Jeanne Andreoli joined the CRLT team in 2018 to focus on biological, physical, and health sciences teaching and learning initiatives at the University of Michigan. She has a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Wayne State University's School of Medicine, and a B.S. in Biology and Communications from the University of Michigan. She brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, in both faculty and administrative roles. Her research interests are grounded in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, including learning theory, pedagogy, and assessment. She has worked closely with the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) and Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) to scale up and institutionalize efforts to transform undergraduate STEM learning environments, primarily through facilities planning, faculty development, leadership development, and curricular design and development. She has been involved in several major cross-institutional initiatives, including ReBUILDetroit, an NIH- funded initiative aimed at improving opportunities for underrepresented students in biomedical research.

Anoff Nicholas Cobblah

Instructional Consultant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Anoff Nicholas Cobblah completed his doctorate in English Language & Literature at the University of Michigan. He also holds a B.A. in English and B.S. in physics from the University of Missouri. He combined these interests in his doctoral study: an analysis of nineteenth-century British science writing, which illustrated the benefits that Victorian scientists found by bringing playfulness into their teaching and research. Nick brought a similar enthusiasm for interdisciplinarity to his years of teaching writing courses at U-M, encouraging students to study the writing of various disciplines. His interest in educational and professional development arose while he was a graduate student, assisting CRLT’s Preparing Future Faculty Seminar. He returned to U-M in 2023 and currently supports Graduate Student Instructor training, acts as co-lead for the Graduate Student Instructional Consultants program, consults with faculty and graduate students, and develops resources related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. His current research interests include interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and playful pedagogies.

Tazin Daniels

Associate Director

(734) 615-9266

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Tazin Daniels received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2016. Her dissertation was an ethnographic exploration of prescription stimulant use among American college students and was supported by a grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research. Tazin came to CRLT with experience in multiple areas of higher education including programmatic assessment and research, online instruction and design, educational technology, interdisciplinary curriculum development, and international GSI training. During her time at MSU, she received three teaching awards and published several pieces on how to teach effectively in digital spaces. As an instructional consultant at CRLT, Tazin runs programs and consults with UM faculty and GSIs on how to improve student learning. Additionally, she is an instructor for the online postdoc short course “High Impact Principles and Practices for STEM education” and helps to run the Graduate Teaching Certification program, GTC+, which focuses on teaching with digital media. Tazin also works closely with faculty from the health sciences and the Center for Interprofessional Education (IPE) through the fellows program, curriculum committee, and other IPE events. She currently serves on the CRLT blog team and runs the Twitter account @UM_CRLT.

Martha Epperson

Instructional Consultant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Martha Epperson earned her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan where she studied Teaching and Teacher Education. During her graduate studies, she worked on research projects examining teacher professional development in a variety of contexts. As a graduate student and later lecturer in the School of Education, she taught a range of courses such as Schooling in a Multicultural Society, Critical Perspectives on the Global Role of English, and Educational Linguistics. Prior to arriving in Michigan, Dr. Epperson was a Senior English Language Fellow in Chile, a fellowship funded by the US State Department. She worked closely with the Chilean Ministry of Education on teacher professional development initiatives, designing and delivering workshops remotely and in-person throughout the country. Her research interests focus on the intersection of teaching, curriculum, and marginalized communities. 

Victoria A. Genetin

Associate Director, Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Interim Coordinator of DEI Initiatives

(734) 763-2878

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Victoria A. Genetin completed her Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University in 2012. She also holds her M.A. in Women’s Studies from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a B.S.W. and M.S.W. in Social work from the University of Akron. Victoria taught several undergraduate and graduate courses, served as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor, and worked as a writing consultant in the Writing Across the Curriculum program at The Ohio State University before joining CRLT in 2014. She currently serves as the Associate Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where she supports faculty and graduate student instructors in their teaching through one-on-one consultations, and classroom observations, as well as collecting and synthesizing student feedback, particularly around questions of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She directs Inclusive Teaching at Michigan May Series (IT@M) and the Leo Lecturers Inclusive Teaching Program. Additionally, Victoria develops and facilitates customized programming focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion across the university and the medical school.

Hayley Heaton

Assistant Director

(734) 615-9267

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Hayley Heaton earned a B.A. in Psychology from Emory University, an M.A. in English from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. in Linguistics at the University of Michigan. After completing her Ph.D., she worked as a lecturer in the Linguistics department and assisted with multiple research projects at the university, including “Undergraduate Education in the Third Century” and the “Climate Survey of Linguists and Language Researchers.” She joined CRLT in 2019, where she uses her classroom experience and her skills as a sociolinguist to inform her work in assessment. In her current role, she works with faculty and staff to assess a wide range of questions at the program and course levels. She has built and analyzed assessments of unit and university programming using quantitative and qualitative methods and has facilitated workshops on equitable assessment practices.

Waleed Helweh

Assessment Specialist

(734) 647-7306

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.
[email protected]

Dr. Waleed Helweh received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) in 2023. His doctoral dissertation examined the impact of structural factors on the energy transfer and migration dynamics of materials for solar energy conversion. He has also completed a B.A. in Chemistry at Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT) in 2017. Throughout his education, Waleed has put great emphasis on the value of inclusive and equitable teaching practices and how they particularly relate to the STEM disciplines. He has previously served on several diversity, equity, and inclusion committees where he aimed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Waleed joined the CRLT in 2023 as an Assessment Specialist where he will be using his educational background as well as his experience in inclusive pedagogy to inform his assessment work

Deborah Meizlish

Associate Director

(734) 763-2396

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Deborah Meizlish earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan. In her role at CRLT, she consults with administrators, faculty, and GSIs on course and curricular issues, including assessment; plans university-wide programs on teaching, learning, and academic leadership; and conducts seminars on a wide variety of pedagogical topics. Deborah leads CRLT's curriculum team and serves on CRLT's assessment and GSI teams. Deborah regularly works with faculty and administrators across U-M, with a particular focus on LSA and professional school programs in the social sciences. She was part of the inaugural team for the LSA Teaching Academy and continues to direct it.  She also co-facilitates the LSA Large Course Initiative, a faculty learning community for large-course instructors in LSA. She was co-principal investigator on “The Impact of Meta-Cognitive Strategies within Writing in the Disciplines: Experiments to Improve Writing and Critical Thinking,” funded by the Teagle and Spencer Foundations.  Deborah’s research and writing focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning, academic hiring, preparing future faculty developers, and academic integrity.  Her most recent article, entitled  "How search committees assess teaching: Lessons for CTLs" and co-written with colleagues from Carnegie Mellon's Eberly Center, was recently published in To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development.

Bethany Morrison

Assistant Director

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Bethany N. Morrison consults with instructors on a wide range of teaching topics including classroom engagement and in-class activities, course and assignment design, and instructional technology. She co-directs the Large Course Initiative, a faculty learning community for large-course instructors in LSA, and the Preparing Future Faculty Seminar, a multi-week program for doctoral candidates that focuses on the academic job search and teaching in one’s first faculty role. At CRLT, Bethany seeks out assessment projects, which provide an opportunity for her to use the research design and data analytic skills she developed as a quantitative social scientist. Prior to joining CRLT, she worked at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at Wake Forest University, supporting faculty in the unprecedented shift to pandemic teaching. Bethany has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Emory University and teaches courses on American politics, policy-making, and the judiciary. 

Esther Grace Witte

Instructional Consultant: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Esther Grace Witte (they/them/theirs) joined CRLT full-time in 2022, after several years of involvement as a Graduate Student Instructional Consultant, GSITO facilitator, and occasional research assistant. Dr. Witte specializes in anti-racist pedagogies, accessibility in teaching and learning, and the teaching of writing. Their current priorities include consultation and course development for LSA’s Race and Ethnicity Requirement (R&E), and building CRLT’s workshop and consultation offerings on Teaching for Accessibility. Having received their Ph.D. in English from the University of Michigan in 2022, their dissertation presents a theory of anti-oppressive writing pedagogy, using concepts of metaphor (trope), access, and journal-keeping to develop tools for transformative classroom practice. They completed their B.A. (English and Theater) in 2010 at the University of Rochester (NY).

Sarah Zelner

Assistant Director

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Sarah Zelner (she/her) completed her PhD in Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania in 2016. She holds a Master's Degree of Public Health from Columbia University and a BA in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College. After completing her PhD, Sarah came to UM as a postdoc in the Sociology department, where she taught several undergraduate courses at the intersection of urban inequality and health, provided instructional consulting to GSIs through CRLT, and served as a facilitator for several CRLT pedagogical trainings. Prior to joining CRLT in 2023, she served as an instructional consultant on the revision of the MPH core curriculum at UM School of Public Health. Sarah provides consultations to faculty and departments on curriculum design or redesign, on developing or improving individual courses, and is particularly interested in applied and experiential learning opportunities. 

Michelle Getchell

Chief of Staff

(734) 936-0641

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Michelle Getchell is the Chief of Staff (COS) at CRLT and contributes to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). She joined the Center in 2016. In her role as COS, Michelle collaborates with the Executive Director and SLT to develop and implement the Center’s strategic plan, driving the organization’s strategic initiatives. She oversees daily operations, ensures alignment with strategic priorities, and manages key Center-wide projects. Michelle holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), a bachelor's degree in Business Management (BSM), and an associate's degree in Human Services from Cornerstone University. With over twenty-five years of leadership and management experience, she optimizes SLT meetings, fosters effective communication and collaboration, and supports staff through tailored coaching sessions. Michelle is committed to continuously improving the Center’s operations and impact while fostering a collaborative and effective work environment. Michelle is also dedicated to community service, exemplified by her role as Executive Director for Twinless Twins Support Group International.

Brian Konz

Business Administrator

(734) 763-6939

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Brian Konz earned a B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Xavier University. He joined CRLT as the Business Administrator in 2017. He has over 10 years of experience working in the financial and administrative areas at the University of Michigan which includes working at Business and Finance, The Office of the Provost, the National Center for Institutional Diversity (NCID), and The Detroit Center. He is responsible for the management of the budget, human resources, financial analysis and reporting, and procurement activities.

Liz Caverly

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 647-4765

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Liz Caverly earned her B.A.A. in Recreation and Event Management from Central Michigan University. As a recreation enthusiast, an active community member, and an avid sports fan, she started her career in the sports industry, supporting and coordinating community outreach programs and initiatives for the Detroit Red Wings. Liz plans and executes a variety of events for CRLT.

Malini Dasgupta

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 764-2960

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Malini Dasgupta earned her B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Linguistics from the University of Michigan in 2019. She has previously worked in event planning for the non-profit organization Books for a Benefit, where she was involved in the development of K-12 school and community outreach programs and enjoyed facilitating literacy workshops for students.

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia

Director of Operations and Events

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Laura Gonzalez-Garcia holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Wayne State University. She rejoined CRLT in 2022 as the Operations and Events Coordinator and is currently the Director of Operations and Events (O&E). In this role, she manages the O&E staff and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Ryan Hudson

Assistant to the Executive Director, Managing Director, and the Senior Leadership Team

(734) 763-0159

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Ryan Hudson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Carleton College and the University of Michigan, respectively. Certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language by the University of Liverpool, she did so in Prague from 1989 to 1991. As a GSI, she received teaching awards from Rackham and the department of political science. From 2006 to 2015, Ryan led CRLT's event planning team and provided general research and editing support. In 2016, she became Matt's assistant, and she also supports the teaching award competitions. 

Liesl Topy

Senior Events Coordinator

(734) 936-1360

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Liesl Topy joined the CRLT team as an events coordinator in 2022. She has previously worked in event planning roles for Conlin Travel, Michigan Municipal League, and Marriott International, planning a variety of events from small training to multi-day conferences. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Pennsylvania State University and has a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Event Industry Council.

Michael Trevithick

Administrative Assistant

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Michael Trevithick earned his B.A. in Communications from the University of Michigan - Flint and his M.S. in Sports Media from Valparaiso University. At Valparaiso, he worked as the graduate assistant for the esports program, managing day-to-day operations and a team of student employees. He previously provided administrative and operational support for the Crim Fitness Foundation non-profit organization. At CRLT, Michael oversees student assistants, contributes to the GTC program, and supports grant administration.

Stella Weinberg

Events Coordinator

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Stella Weinberg earned her B.A. in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies from Michigan State University. She has previously served as a College Adviser with the Michigan State University College Advising Corps at West Ottawa High School in Holland, MI, where she assisted first-generation and underrepresented students as they applied to college and other post-secondary opportunities.

Sara Armstrong

Director, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 615-8309

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Sara Armstrong is the Director of the CRLT Theatre Program. A theatre artist with over twenty-five years of experience as a performer, playwright, director, arts administrator, and educator, Sara establishes strategic priorities for the theatre program that align with the Players’ commitments to advancing equity in higher education spaces via performance-centered professional development. In her role, she writes scripts, directs new pieces, and designs and facilitates sessions for university instructors and academic leaders. In addition to her work with the theatre program, she also serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CRLT, the advisory board of the Inclusive History Project, and was a founding member of ADVANCE’s RISE committee. Sara earned a Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama program at Northwestern University. Her dissertation focused on the role operating theories of embodiment play in privileging and marginalizing particular student bodies in performance learning spaces.

Jacqui Blue

Casting & Directing Practitioner

(734) 764-0505

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Jacqui Blue earned her bachelor's degree in Music Therapy with an emphasis on Voice (soprano) at the University of Louisville. She established herself as a beloved local singer-songwriter and performer and held a position as an Artistic Associate at the Commonwealth Theatre Center in Louisville, Kentucky. While there she worked with young actors pre-K - 12th with their Blue Apple Outreach program and the Walden Conservatory before joining the CRLT Players in 2022. Jacqui brings to the Players a wealth of experience in performing, directing, music, and advancing equity both in and through the arts. In her current, role she manages the recruitment and casting of performers and musicians, as well as rehearsal coordination, and directing plays for CRLT Players’ sessions.

Christine Simonian Bean

Associate Director, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 764-8215

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Christine Simonian Bean (she/her) is the Associate Director of the CRLT Theatre Program. She earned her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Theatre and Drama from Northwestern University in 2016. She also holds an M.A. in Theatre Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara; a B.A. in Drama from the University of California, Irvine; and a certificate in Acting from the Stella Adler Conservatory, NYU. She has taught classes in acting, theatre history, and critical race and gender theory; and has worked as both a dramaturg and a performer. Previously, Christine was an Assistant Director for Faculty Programs and Services at Columbia University's Center for Teaching and Learning and a Graduate Associate at Northwestern University’s Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching. At CRLT, Christine provides strategic direction for the CRLT Theatre Program; integrates programming into college and campus initiatives; and designs, facilitates, and assesses sessions and curricula that promote a more equitable higher education community. She has published work in The Journal of Faculty Development, Theatre Journal, Theatre Survey, and Theatre Topics.

Jonathan West

Company Manager, CRLT Theatre Program

(734) 936-0646

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Jonathan West (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan (U-M), his Master of Fine Arts from Full Sail University, and has worked as a producer since 2003. Originally an Educational Producer with U-M’s College of Engineering, he co-founded and co-managed three independent film companies and recently was a COVID Safety Manager for the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, MI, while also working as a Data Safety Analyst. Having performed for the past 15 years throughout the state and the nation on stage, for film and television, and as a voice artist, Jonathan is represented by Olga Denysenko through P+ and is studying at Edge Studio out of New York. He currently liaises on behalf of company members with the Actor’s Equity Association, acts as a 2nd Director for various CRLT film productions, and manages the scheduling, logistics, and finances of The Players theatrical performances held virtually, at all U-M campuses, and at institutions and conferences all over the U.S. and abroad.

Tershia Pinder–Grover

Director, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering

208 Gorguze Family Laboratory

Dr. Tershia Pinder-Grover earned a B.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1999, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2002 and 2006, respectively. She joined CRLT in August 2005 and became the director of CRLT-Engin in 2016. In this role, she leads a team focused on advancing engineering education in the College of Engineering (CoE) through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and cultivating individual relationships. In collaboration with the Associate Deans in the CoE, she provides leadership on educational priorities, especially as it relates to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She also works closely with department chairs to create customized programming to meet the needs of their faculty. Her current research interests focus on the adoption of inclusive teaching practices for engineering instructors.

Grenmarie Agresar

Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Grenmarie Agresar earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and Scientific Computation from the University of Michigan in 1996. After completing a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering (also from the University of Michigan), she switched majors to accommodate the courses that would best prepare her for her interdisciplinary thesis. Her professional path then took her from academia and research (with Post Doctoral appointments at the University of Michigan Medical School, and the Max Planck Institute in Tuebingen, Germany), to secondary education, where she taught engineering principles, physics, and computer science. This path included earning an M.A. in Education from the University of Michigan in 2009. As a teacher, she most enjoyed exploring high-leverage instructional practices and collaborating with peers to develop curricula that utilized such methods. Most recently, she led three-week workshops to train teachers in a project-based, computer science, and engineering curriculum. She is excited to combine her engineering background with her passion for innovative teaching as an instructional consultant at CRLT-Engin.

Audra Baleisis

Assistant Director for Core Programs, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Audra Baleisis earned a B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Illinois in 1995, an M.Phil. in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge in 1996, and an M.S. in Astrophysics and a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Arizona in 2000 and 2009, respectively. She spent 2009-2016 living in Zurich, Switzerland where she worked in the Physics Education group at ETH University and as Academic Platform Coordinator for the Swiss National Science Foundation PlanetS exoplanet research program. She joined CRLT-Engin in 2016 as the ETC Program Coordinator, helping experienced Engineering Teaching Consultants provide CoE GSIs with instructional support.

Rhonda Holton

Instructional Consultant, CRLT in Engineering

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Rhonda K Holton is a lifelong learner and STEM educator with a passion for people. After earning her B.A. in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Colorado in 2012, she worked primarily as a classroom instructor across multiple educational realms, from college to community college to K-12 and public outreach. In 2023, Rhonda earned an M.Ed in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University and joined CRLT-Engin as an Instructional Consultant in 2024. She collaborates with CAEN, NEXUS, and the CoE on topics like flexible instructional delivery, personalized learning, and research-informed technology integration. The swift change in technological tools over the past decade has widened the gap between education research and classroom practice, and generative AI has demonstrated the importance of a human-centered, equitable approach to technology integration in the classroom. Rhonda wants to empower both instructors and learners to take control of these tools and of their learning data, using them to support decision-making, spur self-reflection, and connect with the learning community.

Patricia Jaimes

Assistant Director for Student-centered Instruction & Academic Excellence, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615- 0848

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Patricia Jaimes earned a B.S. degree in 2015 in Earth Science from Northeastern Illinois University, and a dual Ph.D. in 2021 in Geological Sciences and Environmental Science and Policy from Michigan State University (MSU). She is a STEM Education scholar, and her research focuses on exploring the career trajectories of scientists from underrepresented groups using anti-deficit and critical race frameworks. Dr. Jaimes was a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow and a co-recipient of an NSF-INTERN grant which allowed her to intern for the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. In 2018, she was recognized by the Cafe Bustelo Scholarship committee as one of the nation's most driven Latinx students for her advocacy and scholarly work. In 2019, she received an Excellence in Diversity Award from MSU's Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives. Joining CRLT-Engin as an Instructional Consultant of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Dr. Jaimes supports the College in implementing the CoE’s DEI cultural shift goals and initiatives.

Carol Lagemann

Financial Specialist & Event Planner, CRLT in Engineering

(734) 615-9263

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Carol Lagemann earned a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Music from Truman State University, in 2006 and 2008, respectively. She also studied Music at the University of Michigan from 2011-2012. Carol previously worked for U-M in the Mechanical Engineering department in the College of Engineering. In her current role, Carol supports CRLT in Engineering programs, maintains the program’s social media, and supports the CRLT-Engin Director.

Linda LaNoue

Program and Event Administrator, CRLT in Engineering

208 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Linda LaNoue earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science with a concentration in Community Governance & Advocacy from Michigan State University in 2013. She earned her M.A. in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2020. As the Program and Event Administrator for CRLT-Engin, she supports the organization and logistical aspects of programming especially the Engineering GSI Teaching Orientation, Engineering Teaching Consultants, and HTML communications.

Linjue (Jade) Wang

Instructional Consultant, CRLT in Engineering

734-763-2974

216 Gorguze Family Laboratory

[email protected]

Dr. Linjue (Jade) Wang recently received her Ph.D. in Engineering Education and M.S. in Industrial Systems Engineering from The Ohio State University (2022). Her doctoral research focused on 1) how engineering students develop empathy during community-based learning (e.g., service-learning) and 2) how engineering educators can integrate empathy into their teaching. Before studying in the U.S., Linjue (Jade) earned her B.E. in Building Environment and Energy Engineering from the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University in China (2017). As the instructional consultant, she supports CRLT-Engin's initiatives focusing on faculty and lecturer development within the College of Engineering.

Denise Galarza Sepúlveda

Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 615-9281

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Denise Galarza Sepúlveda was a member of the faculty at Lafayette College for twelve years in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures where she also chaired the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program. She received her Masters from Purdue and her Ph.D. from Emory University. Throughout her career, she led various initiatives designed to promote transformative learning and has received awards for her teaching and course design. At Lafayette, she was awarded the Excellence in Diversity Education Award and the Woman of Distinction Award by the Association of Black Collegians “in recognition for the immeasurable hours dedicated to the continued success of marginalized groups on campus.” Her research focused on the forging of eighteenth-century proto-national identities during periods of economic and social instability and has appeared in the top journals in her field, including Revista de Estudios Hispánicos and Revista Iberoamericana. Prior to joining CRLT, Denise was the inaugural director of the office of Community-Engaged Academic Learning, where she built strong collaborations with faculty, students, and departments around high-impact learning opportunities for LSA undergraduates. As Director of the Foundational Course Initiative, she provides strategic leadership for this campus-wide presidential initiative, which aims to create a 21st-century model for teaching at scale in ways that are inclusive and innovative. A native of Puerto Rico, she volunteers as a teacher in En Nuestra Lengua, a Saturday Spanish school dedicated to promoting Spanish literacy, cultural enrichment, and the academic success of Latino children in Southeast Michigan.

Andy Burkhardt

Instructional Technology Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-3613

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Andy Burkhardt’s focus is to bring a human-centered perspective to technology in the design of learning experiences as an Instructional Consultant for the Foundational Course Initiative. Before joining CRLT, Andy consulted with, trained, and supported faculty and staff at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health in the use of educational technologies. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, he was the Assistant Director for Digital Strategy at the Champlain College Library in Burlington, VT where he managed library technologies and taught numerous inquiry-based information literacy sessions as part of the undergraduate Core Curriculum. He received his M.A. in Library and Information Studies from UW-Madison and his B.A. in Philosophy at St, John’s University in Collegeville, MN.

Blair Beuche

Associate Director, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Blair Beuche holds a B.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and M.A. and Ph.D. in Education at the University of Michigan. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Blair’s background spans teaching, educator development, educational research, and curriculum development. She began her career as a high school teacher in Baltimore and has since held positions in instructional coaching, consulting, teaching, research, program management, and school-based administration across the U.S. and the K-12 and higher education sectors. Blair’s professional and research interests focus on approaches to support communities, systems, and educational institutions to build equitable learning environments to enable all students to thrive-- now and in their future endeavors. At CRLT, Blair works on the Foundational Course Initiative as an Associate Director. Her areas of expertise include, pedagogical training and programming, qualitative assessment, student-centered pedagogies and assessment design, and large-course design.

Mishelle Dimitrova

Administrative Assistant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 936-3837

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

 

Mishelle Dimitrova earned her B.A. in Communications and Hispanic Studies with a certificate in Public Relations and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Education from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Mishelle has over ten years of experience in higher education administration. In her role as administrative assistant for the Foundational Course Initiative, she is committed to enhancing the operational efficiency and organizational excellence of the team, has a passion for creating positive and inclusive work environments, and brings a wealth of skills in administration, budgetary support, and strategic communication. Additionally, she serves as a mentor through two different mentoring groups at U-M and is a member of the CRLT Player's Advisory Board.   

Anthony King

Instructional Technology Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-3616

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Anthony King earned his B.S. in Secondary Science and Math Education in 2003, and after spending time as a science and math teacher, he earned his Master's in Digital Media and Education in 2012, both from the University of Michigan. His research during graduate studies included curriculum and game development for teaching about the climate system and climate change’s impact on biodiversity, with scaffolded support around critical thinking, argumentation, and complex systems for students. Prior to joining CRLT, he worked as a network consultant for Network Services Group, LLC, and in the UM College of LSA as a Senior Instructional Consultant and member of the UM Teaching and Technology Collaborative committee and the Enriching Scholarship planning and keynote committees, and chaired the LSA Technology Services Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee as the DEI Advocate. Anthony’s past consultation has focussed on issues around the use of technology in large courses, including alternative assessment tools, in-class active learning assignments, and on and offline discussions, as well as evaluating and piloting scalable, equitable, and inclusive options for instructional tools, and general instructional technology training, support, and documentation. With the FCI team, Anthony consults and collaborates with large foundational course faculty and GSIs about their technology issues as part of the course redesign process.

Elizabeth Mann Levesque

Assistant Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-1248

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Elizabeth Mann Levesque earned her B.A. and Ph.D. in political science at the University of Michigan. After completing her undergraduate degree, Elizabeth taught middle school social studies in Miami, FL as a Teach for America corps member. She returned to Michigan for her graduate studies where she specialized in American politics and political institutions and engaged in research on early childhood education and K-12 education policy. Her dissertation on presidential policymaking at the state level was recognized with a Rackham ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, and as a Graduate Student Instructor Elizabeth received a John W. Kingdon Teaching Award from the Department of Political Science. Subsequently, as a fellow at the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, she studied a wide range of education policy issues, including civics education, employer and community college workforce development partnerships, and federal regulation related to the Every Student Succeeds Act. At CRLT, Elizabeth works on the Foundational Course Initiative as a student support and classroom climate consultant.

Deborah Lichti

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Deborah Lichti earned her B.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at Purdue University and her M.S. and Ph.D. at East Carolina University in Biological Sciences specializing in coastal ecology. While completing her doctoral studies, she redesigned the second-semester introductory biology laboratory, integrating authentic research experiences using citizen science. After joining the University of Delaware in the Interdisciplinary Science Learning Laboratories, she continued developing authentic learning experiences for students in her integrated biology and chemistry course. Debbie has also created pedagogical training programs for graduate assistants teaching lab courses and mentored both undergraduate and graduate students interested in teaching. Her areas of expertise include qualitative and quantitative assessment, STEM curriculum development, and graduate student training.

Heather Rypkema

Head of Learning Analytics and Assistant Director, Foundational Course Initiative

(734) 764-7868

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Heather Rypkema is a founding member of the Foundational Course Initiative team and has served as an Assessment & Analytics specialist since 2018. She earned a B.A. in Chemistry and Physics, M.A. in Chemistry, and Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, all from Harvard University. After her postdoc at Stanford University, Heather held faculty appointments at the University of Louisville (Chemistry), Purdue University (Chemistry), and University of Michigan (CLASP). She has more than 20 years of experience as an instructor in higher education, having taught as an undergraduate, graduate student, postdoc, and faculty member. As part of her FCI portfolio, she has leveraged Learning Analytics to develop evaluative tools that inform course design and promote equitable teaching practices. Her analytics work incorporates course-specific surveys and data about student engagement with instructional technology platforms as well as Canvas data and the Learning Analytics Architecture database (LARC). In 2022, Heather took on the inaugural role of Head of Learning Analytics, in order to lead the Center’s growing efforts to provide analytics services to enhance teaching across the entire University.

Megan Stowe

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Megan Stowe received her Ph.D. in English from the University of South Florida in 2022. Her research focuses on empathy and kinship as models for climate solutions in Black American, Indigenous, and Post-Colonial literatures. She holds a graduate certificate in Technical and Professional Communication, with an M.A. (Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature) from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English from SUNY Stony Brook. She brings over 15 years of experience in education from K-12 to higher ed. Her most recent work includes program management for honors living-learning communities, academic advising for honors engineering and pre-health students, curricular design for English service courses, and teaching experiential learning courses on the intersections among literature and social justice. She is passionate about equity and justice in education and empowering students to thrive in their personal and professional goals.

Ina Zaimi

Instructional Consultant, Foundational Course Initiative

1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave.

[email protected]

Dr. Ina Zaimi received her B.S. in Biomolecular Science and English, M.S. in Chemistry, and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan. Ina also received her secondary education certification in Chemistry and English from the State of Michigan. Humanizing chemistry incited her transition from teaching English, to teaching chemistry, to qualitatively researching the teaching and learning of chemistry. Her research explored organic chemistry students’ reasoning, from tasks designed and conducted in a research setting to activities and assignments designed and implemented in a classroom setting. Design does not (and should not) equate implementation, so her research explored how chemistry graduate student instructors implement instructional materials and facilitate organic chemistry students’ reasoning in the classroom. Therefore, her research combined the learning and teaching of organic chemistry and proposed how research can be transferred into instruction. Ina has been a Graduate Student Instructor for general chemistry, organic chemistry, and first-year writing, and she has received awards for her teaching. Furthermore, Ina has been a Graduate Student Instructional Coach in the Chemistry Department and a Graduate Student Instructional Consultant in the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, and she has received awards for her leadership. Her positions have been framed by her commitments to teaching with subjectivity and empathy and training for equity-focused teaching.