Member Spotlight

Academy Member Since 2016
Director, Interprofessional Academy of Educators
Director of Distance Education; Associate Professor, College of Allied Health Professions
Bio

What do you do at UNMC?
I am an Associate Professor and Distance Education Director in the College of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. In my role, I oversee distance education initiatives within the college, serving as the Director for three online programs: the Master of Health Professions Teaching and Technology Program, the Master of Healthcare Delivery Science Program, and the Imaging Sciences Degree Advancement Option.

I am also honored and excited to serve as the newly appointed Director of the Interprofessional Academy of Educators. In this capacity, I aim to continue to enhance the interprofessional culture at UNMC by promoting collaborative educational initiatives that leverage the strengths of each discipline. I strive to lead the IAE as a hub for educational innovation, where faculty, staff and students engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, develop cutting-edge teaching methodologies and promote continuous improvement and educational scholarship.

Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
Educational research has been the focus of my scholarly work here at UNMC. My research interest lies in educational research specific to online learning and distance education. I have been teaching in an online or blended learning environment since 2002 and I have demonstrated success as a researcher through several significant accomplishments. These include the development of a portfolio featuring 14 high-quality peer-reviewed and other publications, the receipt of seven intramural and three extramural peer-reviewed grants supporting my educational research projects, and invitations to present my work at 55 events spanning local, regional, national, and international levels. Additionally, I have been honored to serve as an editorial review board member for the premier radiation therapy journal and as the Chair of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Foundation Board of Trustees.

What is one of your favorite/memorable teaching moments?
To date, I have had the privilege of supporting over 250 healthcare professionals and educators in enhancing their skills in teaching, leadership, and educational scholarship. Many of these individuals completed their programs through distance education. Defining moments for me occur during graduation festivities, where I have the opportunity to meet these students face-to-face for the very first time. This past December, graduates from Colorado and North Carolina traveled to Nebraska to participate in these events. The time I spent with them was incredibly meaningful, serving as a reminder of the transformative impact of education and the deep connections that can be built, even from a distance.

What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
What initially drew me to the Interprofessional Academy of Educators was the opportunity it offers to collaborate with a community of faculty dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning. The Academy has a strong foundation of fostering educational innovation, advancing research, and promoting scholarship. It provides a platform for faculty to not only refine their teaching practices but also share the transformative work that is being done in health professions education here at UNMC.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
My husband, our golden retriever Chuck, and I love spending time outdoors together, no matter the season. Hiking is our favorite activity—even in the snow—but during the summer, we also enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.