Meet Our Staff
Press space bar for each heading to expand selection.
Dr. Rick Shearer D.Ed, MBA
Director World Campus Learning Design
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-0642
Dr. Shearer has been involved in the field of distance education for over 25 years. In his administrative and instructional design roles he has developed distance education courses for computer based instruction, educational television, traditional print correspondence courses, two-way interactive video, and the internet. Dr. Shearer has worked for both private and public institutions of higher education and has consulted on distance education projects with community colleges, and public school systems. His research interests include systems dynamic modeling of distance education processes, learner control in distance education, content/interaction analysis, and current policy issues surrounding accreditation and copyright law. Dr. Shearer has published several articles and book chapters on the field of distance education and presented at numerous conferences. His current book looks at the theoretical aspects of Transactional Distance and Dialogue in relation to the theory of transactional distance by Michael G. Moore.
Dr. Shearer currently serves on the editorial board for the New Zealand Journal of Distance Learning, serves on the advisory board for UW-Madison’s Distance Education Professional Development (DEPD) unit, and has been active with the UPCEA Distance Learning Community of Practice for the past five years.
When not engaged with his professional pursuits you can find him on the ski hill working as a volunteer for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski School, or sailing in the tropics.
Andrea Gregg
Senior Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Andrea is a senior instructional designer for the World Campus at the Pennsylvania State University, where she leads a design team that includes Instructional Designers, Instructional Production Specialists, and Multimedia Specialists. The team is responsible for the designing, developing, maintaining and supporting nearly 100 online undergraduate and graduate courses.
She has been involved closely with Learning Design’s initiatives over the past year to explore content repositories and reusable learning objects as well as approaches to enabling more flexibility in faculty course design.
She has presented at various regional, national, and international conferences including the EDUCAUSE Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference; the E-Learn World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education; the Annual Sloan-C Conference on Online Learning; and the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning.
Prior to coming to work for the World Campus, Andrea taught credit academic courses in the Communication Arts and Sciences department.
When she’s not working, Andrea enjoys outdoor activities like hiking the various woods of Central Pennsylvania and is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems.
Kathy Highbaugh
Quality Assurance Manager
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-9499
Kathy is the Quality Assurance Manager for Learning Design. She oversees the material relationship with the World Campus’ bookstore, MBS Direct. Kathy manages the Quality Assurance process for World Campus courses, and also provides copyright guidance to staff.
Kathy began her career with The Pennsylvania State University in 2000, serving in an administrative support role for the World Campus’ Program Planning and Management group. In 2003, she joined the Learning Design staff as an Instructional Production Specialist. She also spent 23 years at Gettig Technologies where she worked as an order entry/shipping clerk.
In her spare time, Kathy serves as the secretary/treasurer for the East Penns Valley United Methodist Charge. She is very involved in her church and enjoys helping with church functions. Kathy is married and has one daughter and one son. Her favorite activities include walking and shuffleboard.
Lynne S. Johnson
Senior Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-9108
Lynne is a senior instructional designer for the World Campus at the Pennsylvania State University, where she leads a design team that includes Instructional Designers, Instructional Production Specialists, and Multimedia Specialists. The team is responsible for the design and development of fully online courses, blended courses, and courses offered through Penn State Outreach’s video learning network.
Prior to joining the World Campus, Lynne was the project manager for a Web-based science program for elementary students. She also designed and developed computer-based training courses for the Department of Defense. Her research interests include virtual teams, problem-based learning in an online environment, and hybrid course design.
Lynne earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and her Master’s degree in Instructional Systems from the Pennsylvania State University. She is married and has one daughter and one son. Lynne spends her free time reading, supporting her children’s activities, and serving on various committees at her church.
Eleanor Lehman
Senior Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-863-6866
Eleanor Lehman is a senior instructional designer who oversees a design team of instructional designers and instructional production specialists responsible for the design and development of a wide range of courses associated offered by the World Campus and Continuing Education. She also serves on the Executive Committee for UPCEA’s Distance Learning Community of Practice.
Prior to joining Penn State’s World Campus in January 2000, Ms. Lehman worked as an instructional designer and manager in the corporate area, designing career planning and development software, workshops, and materials for Fortune 500 companies.
Eleanor earned her Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master’s in Instructional Systems from Penn State University. She is an avid music fan and enjoys all outdoor activities including hiking, trail running, cross-county skiing and kayaking.
James Mundie
Manager, Educational Technology
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-0921
James is the Manager of Educational Technology for World Campus Learning Design, where he supervises a team of technology professionals dedicated to supporting the technological needs of the Learning Designers. He also works on a number of projects to enhance and maintain the overall technology vision for the World Campus.
James has worked at the World Campus for over 10 years and is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree in Instructional Systems from the Pennsylvania State University.
Jennifer Berghage
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-5727
Jen Berghage is an instructional designer at The Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus, currently overseeing the master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations program.
Jen has worked at the University since 1997. From 1997 to 1999, she worked as a research secretary for the Economics Department. From 1999 to 2004, she held the position of instructional materials designer with the World Campus, moving to the instructional designer position in 2004. She holds a certificate in Editorial Practices from the Graduate School, United States Department of Agriculture, and as a distance education specialist from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Jen is married and has three sons and one daughter. In her free time she enjoys the arts, including watercolor painting, beading, and dollmaking.
Paula M. Bigatel, PhD
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-1644
Paula is currently an instructional designer for Penn State World Campus assigned to the iMBA program. She received her bachelor of arts degree in Psychology and English at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. Subsequently, while teaching English as a Second Language, she earned her Teaching English as a Second Language certificate. Paula has also spent about 18 years in business serving in various financial management roles. She returned to academia and completed her master’s in education and doctorate in Instructional Systems (Educational Technology) at Penn State. Over the last 10 years, she has taught graduate-level courses in the master of Education and Technology certificate programs, and taught courses in pedagogy for the College of Engineering, the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence, and the World Campus.
Kristin Bittner
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Kristin Bittner is an instructional designer for Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State World Campus. She specializes in online course design and supports online programs in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security.
Kristin has a master of science in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University. Prior to joining Penn State, Kristin was an instructional designer for Lockheed Martin and designed aircrew training for the US Air Force.
Kristin also serves on several research teams and university committees including the World Campus Military Committee, the Media & Learning Design Team, Social Media Research Team, the Penn State Harrisburg United Way Committee, and the Penn State Harrisburg Commission for Women.
Kristin is married and lives with her husband and family pets in Mount Joy, PA. She has 10 years of military service and is currently serving as an Education Officer in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. She is also an active member of LCBC Church in Manheim, PA, and participates in community service projects with her church life group. In her free time, Kristin loves to take day trips with her husband, volunteer, read, paint, cook, and spend time with family and friends.
Heather Dawson
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Heather is the lead instructional designer on the master of education in Instructional Systems—Educational Technology program, as well as the designer for some general undergraduate courses, including many College of Communications courses.
Heather has a master’s of science in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University. Prior to joining the Penn State World Campus, she worked as a training coordinator at Sallie Mae, where she designed domestic and offshore training programs. In that position, she had the opportunity to spend several months in India, training offshore employees (and exploring their beautiful country all while trying to avoid the monkeys). Heather’s professional interests include the use of collaborative technologies in distance education, as well research in providing instructional materials via a mobile platform.
At home, Heather is raising two very small (and very active!) children, a dog, and a husband. Other interests include useless trivia, gardening, reading, traveling, and being in nature.
Wenyi Ho, Ph.D.
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Wenyi Ho is the lead instructional designer for the Penn State Online Master degree of Public Administration and the Master of Education in Children’s Literature. She started her work at World Campus as an intern in 2003 while she was a doctoral student in Instructional Systems. She moved to the instructional designer position in 2005. While working at World Campus, she completed her dissertation and received her doctoral degree from Penn State. Her dissertation was a case study of a problem-based learning environment in an undergraduate business logistics course. The dissertation explored the collaborative problem solving process.
Before coming to Penn State, Wenyi worked as an editor at a publishing house. She conceptualized, designed, and revised textbooks for English-language instruction for senior high schools and junior colleges in Taiwan. That work inspired her to pursue further education in instructional design.
Wenyi is married. She enjoys cooking and baking. She is a member of the Chinese CMA Church in State College, PA. She loves spending her free time with her family and a group of Chinese undergraduate and graduate students whom she serves in the church.
Rebecca Joiner
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-863-7150
Rebecca is an instructional designer at The Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus, currently overseeing the master of education program in Adult Education.
Prior to joining the Learning Design community, Rebecca designed and implemented a wide range of training programs for educational technologies throughout much of New England and Pennsylvania. Rebecca also spent five years as a secondary mathematics instructor after graduating from Penn State with her bachelor of science degree in Secondary Education, when she also studied abroad in Norway. She earned her Ed.M. from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education in Technology, Innovation and Education, focusing on software development and the role of games in education. Rebecca has two publications, one of which won the Linking Research and Practice Outstanding Publication Award from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics:
Star, J.R., Kenyon, M., Joiner, R., & Rittle-Johnson, B. (2010). Research, reflection, practice: Comparison helps students learn to be better estimators. Teaching Children Mathematics, May 2010, 557-63.
Star, J.R., Kenyon, M., Joiner, R., & Rittle-Johnson, B. (2010). Comparing pays off! Mathematics Teacher, 103(8), 608-612.
At home, Rebecca enjoys recreational farming with her husband, including raising chickens, goats, and horses. Her interests also include playing the piano and bassoon, reading, and traveling.
Julie Laubach
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Julie Laubach is the instructional designer for the bachelor’s degree in Psychology and the master’s degree in the Project Management Program.
Julie is a member of the World Campus Social Media Research Team and is currently working on implementation of social media in online courses and students’ perception of social presence in those courses. The World Campus Accessibility Team is another one of Julie’s professional interests where she works with team members to research issues of usability and accessibility in online courses. Julie recently joined the Academic Outreach Business Literacy group which is currently working on organizational space issues.
Prior to joining the World Campus, Julie was a supervisor/training specialist with Penn State University Libraries.
Julie received her BS in education from Penn State and her MS in instructional technology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
In her spare time, Julie likes to run and workout, volunteer with the Venture Club of Centre County, and work with no-kill shelters. She is owned by 1 dog (Carley-Airedale Beagle mix) and 4 cats Matilda (Tilly) , Schatzi, Nia, and Cady.
DeAnna McAleer, D.Ed.
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
DeAnna McAleer is an instructional designer for the Penn State World Campus. She supports courses in Homeland Security and the Bachelor of Science in Business program.
Prior to joining the Learning Design community, DeAnna was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the University of Maine at Augusta. She has 10 years of teaching experience at the secondary and post-secondary levels. She earned a master of science in Education in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate of education in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University. Her dissertation explored the professional growth of experienced mathematics teachers participating in an online mentoring and induction program.
When DeAnna is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son as well as her crazy pug and lazy cat. She enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, skiing, kayaking, and just taking long walks.
Linas Mockus
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-0955
Linas is an instructional designer working on the Learning Design Blue Team. He develops courses for the Special Education and Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management programs.
Before coming to the Penn State World Campus, Linas completed his Masters degree at Lock Haven University and wrote a thesis on the effectiveness of distance education. He also worked as a graduate assistant for the Distance Education office at Lock Haven and discovered a passion for online course development in higher education.
Linas was born in Lithuania and grew up in the nation’s capital Vilnius. Since his teenage years, Linas traveled the world. He finally landed in State College, where he lives an active life and always stands by his second religion - basketball.
Amanda Quinton
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Amanda is the lead instructional designer on the Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership, as well as the designer for Communication, Arts and Sciences (CAS) and English courses in the general undergraduate portfolio.
Amanda has a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the Penn State World Campus, Amanda was an Information Technology Project Manager and assistant trainer for Jersey Shore State Bank. In her previous position, she managed all information technology projects that were implemented into the financial institution and provide the training materials and support the projects.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys running, hiking, photography and spending time with family and friends.
Penny Ralston-Berg
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
715-308-4976
http://pennstate.academia.edu/PennyRalstonBerg
Penny is currently an instructional designer for the Penn State World Campus and telecommutes from her home in Menomonie, WI. She works with faculty to design and develop online programs for the General Undergraduate Portfolio (GUP) and Labor and Employment Relations (LER). She also works on special projects related to quality standards, process improvements and faculty development. Her research interests include student perspectives of quality and how this impacts the design of online courses; and the use of games, simulations, and virtual worlds in online instruction.
Penny has designed online courses since 1997. Previously a senior instructional designer for University of Wisconsin-Extension, she promoted best practices in instructional design within the organization as well as with faculty from UW Extensions’ partner institutions. She also worked to create and refine models for effective and efficient development of online courses. She also worked as a designer and producer at Western Illinois University in many areas of instructional technology including television graphics, compressed digital video course delivery, instructional video, live satellite teleconferencing, CD-ROM production, Web site production, and production of Web-based courses. She has also worked as a technology trainer and design consultant for K-12, higher education, non-profit, and private groups.
She has presented at various regional, national, and international conferences including the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Annual Convention; the Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning; the Quality Matters Annual Conference; the Adult Student Recruitment and Retention Conference; the Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference; the Wisconsin Future Technologies Conference; and the Wisconsin Collaborative Online Network. Penny has also served on conference planning committees, the UCEA Research Committee and is currently a member of the Quality Matters Academic Advisory Council.
She recently co-authored the book *MindMeld: Micro-Collaboration between eLearning Designers and Instructor Experts* with Jon D. Aleckson (http://www.atwoodpublishing.com/books/345.htm)
As a student, Penny received instruction at a distance through videotape, compressed digital video, satellite teleconference, and the Internet. She feels that these experiences have greatly influenced her philosophy of course design. She received a BA with a double major in television broadcasting and studio art with a marketing minor and an MS in instructional technology at Western Illinois University.
When not working with technology, Penny enjoys spending time with her husband, Rich; viewing films (especially those in her DVD collection of silent and 1950’s horror/sci-fi, or modern zombie); exploring art museums; nature photography; and travel to Norway and Costa Rica (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bergfotos/).
Alma Row
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Alma is the lead instructional designer for the Bachelor of Science in Business Program. She has been in education for over 25 years and, after initially being afraid of computers, began focusing on instructional technology in 2000. Alma is a Penn State graduate and holds a master of education degree in Teaching and Curriculum. Prior to joining the World Campus, Alma coordinated instructional technology for the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 and was the Director of Instructional Technology for the South Western School District (Hanover). She was also an adjunct professor in the master’s program at both Penn State York and McDaniel College.
Alma and her husband, Ric, have two grown children and enjoy spending time with them. Alma also likes to travel and read.
Joseph Scott
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-4665
Joe is an instructional designer for World Campus, where he works with iMBA and Video Learning Network (VLN) courses.
Prior to joining Penn State World Campus, Joe was a elementary school teacher in Virginia and Pennsylvania for nine years combined.
Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Walden University. In his free time, Joe spends time with his wife and two beagles. He also surrounds himself with music and performs on stages throughout the area.
Louise Sharrar
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-0888
Louise is an Instructional Designer at the Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus, where she provides high-quality online courses for adult learners. She supports the Master’s of Homeland Security Program, the iMBA Program, and the Master’s in Finance Program.
Louise has worked with the World Campus for over seven years. She worked as a production assistant from 2000 to ‘01. She briefly left the World Campus to pursue other opportunities until ‘06. She returned to the World Campus as an instructional production specialist transitioning into an instructional designer position in 2011. Louise earned her Master’s of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the American InterContinental University in August 2011, graduating with a 4.0. She has also received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Visual Communications, with a concentration in Web Design, from the American InterContinental University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, she has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.
She also volunteers with the Special Olympics. Louise is married and has two daughters. In her personal time, Louise enjoys spending time with her family.
Alicia Swaggerty
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Alicia has worked as an instructional designer since graduating with her master’s degree from Bloomsburg University in 1989 in the settings of government, corporate, and higher education. She has been the lead designer on a variety of projects, including the Army’s Apache AH-64 navigational equipment and automated library systems. Since January 2000, she has been assisting faculty on creating various Penn State online courses. She is currently the lead instructional designer for the Master of Education in Adult Education and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to B.S.). Since August 2003, she has continued her Penn State position from a distance, living in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and two daughters. Alicia enjoys traveling, photography, sports, and being involved with her daughters’ activities at school and church, giving back to the next generation.
Juan Xia
Instructional Designer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Juan is currently an instructional designer for Penn State World Campus. She works on the General Undergraduate Portfolio program to design and support courses in a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, etc. She is also responsible for a number of program courses such as Spanish, Italian, Children’s Literature, and Public Administration. In the professional world, she has special interest in applying Web 2.0 technologies to ease the anxiety of online teaching and learning, and in delivering secure online educational assessment to ensure a fair and convenient testing environment.
In her spare time, Juan enjoys jogging, traveling, and trying out new recipes from all over the world.
Laura Adams
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Laura serves as an Instructional Production Specialist for the iMBA graduate program.
Prior to joining the Learning Design Unit in 2012, Laura taught art in the State College Area School District and worked in a variety of other full- and part-time capacities. Her work experiences have included additional teaching and instructional positions, interior design administration, and self-employment as an artist.
Laura earned a B.S. in Art Education from Penn State in 1991. After living in Harrisburg, PA and Erie, PA, Laura returned to State College in 1999, where she now lives with her husband (Ed), teenage sons (Brady and Luke), and boxers (Hank and Ruben).
In addition to many art and education interests, Laura is also an avid runner, food sampler, and Scrabble player.
John Butler
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
John is an Instructional Production Specialist with Learning Design. John works closely with Instructional Designers to help develop and maintain a variety of online courses.
John is a graduate of Penn State where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Information, Sciences, and Technology with the Design and Development Option, and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Prior to joining the World Campus Learning Design Team, John worked as an intern assistant for the Director of Faculty Development at Penn State World Campus, and has also worked for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics as a Concession Supervisor.
Patty Gruneberg
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-9497
Patty works in the Learning Design unit of PSU’s World Campus as an Instructional Production Specialist, where we are responsible for the innovation and production of high-quality online courses. Patty assists instructional designers and multimedia specialists, being involved in various projects within the unit as well as across Outreach. Patty also participates in many social networking and learning communities.
Patty earned an Associate Degree in Specialized Business from South Hills School of Business and Technology in Pennsylvania, where she focused on healthcare programs. After graduation she worked in the medical field until taking an extended leave to stay at home with her 3 sons. Throughout those years, she trained and worked part-time with Aerobics International out of Baltimore, MD, as a dance instructor.
Approximately six years ago, Patty re-entered the full-time working world when she joined the World Campus. Just prior to that Patty worked part-time in early childhood education administration at Penn State University’s Child Development Laboratory, where she pursued her interest in children’s literature by serving as the librarian.
Outside of the office Patty enjoys spending time outdoors, both on land and on the water. Her family includes two Labrador retrievers and a cat named Merry Rose.
Allison Martz
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Allison (Allie) is an Instructional Production Specialist who works with instructional designers to update and maintain courses for the Adult Education (ADTED) and Special Education (SPLED) programs.
Outside of work, Allie enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and bike riding.
Rachel Perry
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rachel serves as an Instructional Production Specialist for the Psychology undergraduate program.
After completing her bachelors of arts in art from Shippensburg University, she has held a variety of jobs including newspaper ad designer, client support representative, interior design apprentice and education program assistant.
Rachel does not have much free time because she owns a 110 year old house. In the free time she does have, she enjoys gardening, good food and reading.
Dominic F. Pugliese
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-4662
Dominic is an Instructional Production Specialist with the World Campus where he assists Instructional Designers maintain and update online courses.
Dominic earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rowan University in New Jersey and he recently relocated to State College from New Jersey. He is recently married and enjoys running, hiking, movies and video games in his spare time.
Kathleen Twoey
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Kathleen came to Penn State’s World Campus as an Instructional Production Specialist in January 2009. She assists in the delivery of the online Master of Professional Studies in Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER). Kathleen has also worked on the online Continuing Education courses for the Penn State School of Nursing. She is a lover of all things music and cherishes the changing seasons of Pennsylvania.
Sing Wong
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-2963
Sing is an Instructional Production Specialist who works primarily on World Campus’ undergraduate portfolio. In this role, Sing works closely with various Instructional Designers to develop and maintain a variety of courses. In addition, Sing has been an important member of the Kryterion team, where he is tasked with the administrative and quality assurance aspects of World Campus Online Proctored Exams.
Sing is a graduate of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business with a Bachelors degree in Finance and is currently working towards his Masters degree in Higher Education Administration. Prior to joining Penn State World Campus, Sing has worked in a variety of roles within the Penn State Community, including the University Libraries, and Career Services.
In his limited leisure time, you can find Sing in the kitchen where he is testing recipes for his cookbook or baking up a batch of his cupcakes for special occasions.
-
Sonya Woods
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sonya is an instructional production specialist. Originally from Orange County, California, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine. Sonya and her family moved to State College in 2002 when her husband, Stephen, was hired at Penn State as a social sciences librarian. She and Stephen are now raising their three children here.
Her interest in writing and copyediting was strengthened after a semester at Penn State when she studied English 417: the Editorial Process—an experience she enjoyed very much. When Sonya returned to the workforce in 2006, she began working part time as an office assistant and later worked with online courses as a freelance technical editor and proofreader for the John Dutton e-Learning Institute of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Later, she worked as a staff assistant for the College of Agriculture’s Turfgrass Management Science program, helping them to develop online courses for their new master’s degree program.
When not at work, Sonya enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading good books, and making photo art cards with her original photography.
Erica Gallagher
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Erica is an Instructional Production Specialist with Learning Design at World Campus at Penn State.
Erica is responsible for adopting course materials with the World Campus online bookstore, MBS Direct. Also, Erica is responsible for coordinating quality assurance on World Campus courses prior to them opening, and assists with acquiring administrative and material information from our academic partners. She is also responsible for conducting quality assurance of our online catalog.
Erica has been with the World Campus since July 1999 and has served in several different roles over the years. She has two daughters who are both in college, one in Florida and one in Texas. Erica currently lives in the area with her boyfriend and two dogs.
Karen A. McCrea
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-4286
Karen is an Instructional Production Specialist with Learning Design at World Campus at Penn State.
Karen is responsible for assisting with quality assurance on World Campus courses prior to them opening. Also, Karen assists with materials for World Campus courses. She is responsible for acquiring desk copies and item numbers as needed. She also assists with acquiring material information from our academic partners. She is also responsible for assisting with quality assurance of our online catalog.
Karen is a 30-year employee of Penn State. She is married and has one son who is attending Penn Tech.
Ashley Pipe
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Ashley Pipe is an Instructional Production Specialist with Learning Design at the World Campus. As part of the Quality Assurance Team, she is currently dedicated to the processes of inspecting online courses before they open, procuring materials, maintaining the accuracy of the online course catalog, and supporting the designers in producing successful courses.
Previously, she has worked at the University Libraries and with Residence Life.
Originally from the Scranton area where her mother Cheryl and sisters Amy and Abby reside, Ashley now lives in State College with her husband Michael. She enjoys cooking, baking, reading, spending time with friends, and community service. She serves as treasurer of Girls on the Run of Happy Valley, is a member of Altrusa of Centre County, and also a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Laura Scott
Technical Communications Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Laura is an editor with World Campus. Her main focus is to review and edit online courses and other materials for content quality, consistency, and readability. Prior to joining World Campus, Laura was a Multimedia Developer for Electronic and Computer Services with the College of Engineering at Penn State.
Laura retains a bachelor’s degree in both Information Sciences & Technology and English with a Creative Writing emphasis. In her free time, Laura is a bassoonist with the State College Municipal Band and also enjoys reading, writing, painting, baking, cooking, and playing video games.
Jin Sung An
Multimedia Specialist, Educational Technology
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-863-7720
Jin is a full time multimedia specialist for World Campus Learning Design. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and is pursuing a Master of Education in Instructional Systems, focusing on Educational Technology - both at Penn State.
Jin started off his career at Penn State in 2005 as a programmer at Penn State’s Information Technology Service. He started at World Campus in 2007 as a programmer supporting learning management systems and has transitioned into a multimedia developer position. He supports the instructional designers and faculty in providing multimedia learning objects such as audio/video lectures and podcasts, interactive flash, graphics and images, as well as animations. He is also heavily involved in researching and deploying mobile web sites and learning objects.
Dean Blackstock
Multimedia Developer
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-404-1215
In 2004, Dean began his career at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State as a programmer/analyst, where he worked on user interfaces for vehicle diagnostics and prognostics applications. He then went on to work at Education Technology Service (ETS) at Penn State, where he developed multimedia for The Blended Learning Initiative. He now works solely for The World Campus as a Multimedia Developer, designing and developing multimedia learning objects (interactive Flash, video, and graphics) that assist in the student learning process, along with managing and creating streaming video standards for The World Campus Flash Media Server. When not working on course development, Dean sits on the M&LD Operations Committee and the Educational Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds Team.
Along with Multimedia Development, Dean enjoys playing music, smiling, and hanging out with family and friends.
Michael Brooks
Information Technology Consultant
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-5357
Michael is an IT Consultant for World Campus Learning Design, where he specializes in web usability and accessibility. In this time, he has consulted on projects, developed trainings on accessibility and reviewed many technologies for their potential use in higher education. Michael Brooks currently serves on several accessibility advisory committees to review policies and products used within Penn State.
Michael earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Information, Science, and Technology from Pennsylvania State University. He is married with one daughter and when not engaged with his professional pursuits you can find him on the mountain on a ski slope or mountain biking trail.
John “Buck” Buckwalter
Technical Support Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-2960
John is an Technical Support Specialist for Learning Design, where he supports classes offered through the Penn State World Campus. In addition to supporting Learning Design, he also provides Video Conference assistance for evening classes offered through Continuing Education at University Park.
Prior to joining the World Campus Learning Design, John was a sales associate/web designer for Rapid Transit Sports in State College, creating the store’s first website. He earned his Webmaster Certification from Florida State, an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from Penn College in Williamsport, PA and an Associates Degree in Business Management from South Hills Business School in State College, PA. When not engaged with professional endeavors, you can find him playing sports, relaxing with friends/family or going for a run, bike ride or trip down some ski hill.
Jeanette Condo
Programmer/Analyst
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Jeanette Condo is a Programmer/Analyst who works on supporting the technological needs of the Instructional Designers. In this role she seeks opportunities to reduce staff work by creating better business processes through programming and database technologies.
Inspired by living in Germany for 4 years, Jeanette earned her Bachelors of Science in German Business from Penn State University in 1996. In 1998 she changed her career focus to programming and has been enjoying it ever since. Before joining the World Campus team in 2009, Jeanette worked in several other departments at Penn State as a programmer including the Penn State libraries, GURU and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Jeanette enjoys kickboxing and sparring, biking, remodeling her house and listening to local bands.
Natalie Harp
Educational Technology Consultant
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Natalie is passionate about improving the student, faculty, and staff experience at the World Campus through better use of technology. In her role as Educational Technology Consultant, she wears many hats. She conducts and coordinates IT training for Learning Design staff. She is heavily involved with continuous process improvement in the production of World Campus courses via the Quickbase initiative. She identifies, researches, and assists in the implementation and evaluation of new technologies used in World Campus courses and programs. Natalie is also excited to work with the team that ensures the accessibility and usability of World Campus courses and programs.
Natalie is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Adult Education and expects to be finished in the Fall of 2011. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys cooking, physical fitness, gardening, long walks, and time spent with family and friends. She also is not afraid to wield the occasional wrench or power tool as she tackles her many home improvement projects.
Nikki Massaro Kauffman
Multimedia Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-863-8295
Nikki Massaro Kauffman has been involved in educational technology for 12 years. In her current position she creates multimedia content for online courses. She has earned two bachelor of science degrees, one in computer science and the other in education, both with honors.
Prior to coming to the World Campus, Nikki had been a Technology Training Coordinator with the Penn State University Libraries. The position was responsible for coordinating technology training offered in the Libraries’ 20+ departments and 30+ library locations.
Over the years she has been an interim supervisor for educational technologists, a programmer, a database specialist, a Microsoft Certified Master Instructor, a continuing education instructor for seniors and adults with disabilities, and a high school English and communications technology teacher.
Coming from a family with three generations of nontraditional learners, Nikki enjoys using multimedia to make information accessible to World Campus students.
Lisa M Komidar
Programmer/Analyst
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-5730
Lisa is a Programmer/Analysts in Learning Design. One of her primary duties is to manage the World Campus Repository. She has also helped to develop the Peer Evaluations tool in Evolution II.
Prior to joining the Learning Design IT team, Lisa worked with OTS and AIS developing systems and tools that interact with the University’s mainframe student system including ISSO and eLion. Lisa has been with Penn State since November 1991.
Lisa has earned her Associates in Specialized Business in Marketing Management from South Hills Business School with a strong emphasis in computer programming. She resides in Philipsburg, PA with her husband, Frank. Together, they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. She enjoys helping charities with fundraisers and is currently working on establishing a non-profit called “RACER - Runners Aiding Community Emergency Responders.” Her primary goal of this organization is to raise funds for other non-profits such as local fire companies through her running activities. She plans on running her first ever marathon in January 2012.
Alice Shapiro
Technical Support Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-7946
Alice is a Technical Support Specialist for World Campus Learning Design, where she provides support for classes offered online through Penn State World Campus. She also provides evening and weekend support for Video Conference based classes offered through Continuing Education at University Park. Alice earned her M.S. in Information Sciences and Technology from Penn State in 2009.
Adam Spotts
Programmer/Analyst
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Adam is a Programmer/Analyst with the Educational Technology group for the past 4 years. In this position he has created and now manages an custom CMS used to delivery World Campus’s online courses.
Prior to joining Penn State, Adam was an Office Manager and later Network Administrator for KCnet a local nonprofit Internet Service Provider.
Adam has earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Networking and Communications and his Masters in Management Information Systems from the University of Phoenix.
Brian Strauss
Multimedia Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-863-5810
Brian is a Multimedia Specialist for the World Campus, where he produces web videos and photography, creates conference posters, consults on design issues and manages video teleconferencing systems.
Prior to joining the Leaning Design group, Brian was the Manager of Digital Imaging and a web media producer for the National Geographic Magazine in Washington DC.
Brian earned a Multimedia Design B.A. from Penn State in 1988. He is married with two daughters and his family resides in State College.
Mary Masterson
Administrative Support Assistant
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Mary has worked at Penn State since 2004, the last three years being with World Campus Learning Design. She manages the calendars and provides direct administrative support to the director of Learning Design and the manager of the Educational Technology Group.
Brenda L. Milliken
Administrative Support Assistant
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-865-5729
Brenda is an Administrative Support Assistant for Learning Design, where she assists the Senior Instructional Designers and the Manger of the Quality Assurance Team.
Prior to joining Learning Design, Brenda worked for 18 years at a small financial company in State College. She also worked in the evenings at Penn State University in the Admissions Department entering student information.
Brenda has a diploma from South Hills Business School. In her free time Brenda volunteers with the annual Fourth of July Firework activities and works closely with her children’s PTO. She is married and has two sons. Brenda enjoys motorcycling with her husband and attending her children’s activities.
Jessica Peters
Administrative Support Assistant
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Jessica (Jessie) Peters is an Administrative Support Assistant for Learning Design; she maintains calendars and does other various duties to assist the Senior Instructional Design Team as well as the Quality Assurance Team Manager.
Previously, Jessica worked for a dentist office in State College as a receptionist. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and camping with family.
Eun Ju Jung
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Eun Ju is a graduate assistant working as an instructional production specialist.
She is a full-time doctoral student in the Instructional Systems program at Penn State.
Eun Ju received her master’s degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Georgia in 2009. Her research interest lies in collaborative learning within technology-enhanced mobile learning environments.
-
Monique L. MacAllan
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Monique L. MacAllan is a graduate assistant working as an instructional production specialist.
She is pursuing her M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology at the Pennsylvania State University. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and in Business Administration with Management and Finance as areas of specialization. She has worked in a supervisory and management capacity for over 10 years, taking on the roles of workforce educator, mentor, and trainer and became deeply interested in the role of technology in both teaching and learning. She is passionate about Interaction Design for educational purposes, and hopes to see an increase in teachers’ frequency of integrating technology into their classrooms as well as distance learning options. She is currently pursuing projects in Augmented Reality, Learner Analytics and Human Computer Interaction. Her research interests are centered on how learning experiences can be improved through different technologies and applied in cross-cultural settings with a specific focus on immersive and interactive experiences branching from learner-centered needs.
Suhyun Yoo
Instructional Production Specialist
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
814-867-0214
Suhyun is an instructional production specialist and graduate assistant with World Campus at Penn State. Currently, Suhyun is working with Psychology Program for undergraduate. Since she joined Learning Department in January 2008, Suhyun has been working with Educational Technology, Business, and IST Programs.
As a Ph. D. student in Program of Instructional Systems at Penn State, Suhyun is interested in designing learning environments to foster higher order thinking skills, constructivism in instructional technology, and design based research methodology. Before coming to Penn State, Suhyun was raised and educated in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. Suhyun received BS and MS in education from Seoul National University.
