Instructional Designer Profiles

Erin Sicuranza, M.Ed.

Erin did such a good job as an instructional designer supporting the Online MBA program that it became one of UD’s top online programs in national rankings. In February 2021, she became Manager of UD’s newly expanded instructional design team. Erin is the go-to person for department chairs and program directors making a referral for one of their faculty or anyone else who would like to start with a conversation about how a special situation can be handled.

Jamie Summerfield, M.Ed. in progress

Jamie came to UD after many years with the State of Delaware’s Statewide Training and Organization Development office. Jamie likes to promulgate Poll Everywhere to promote student engagement in the classroom and online –or both in the same class session. “If you’re in doubt about the efficacy of Poll Everywhere, I’d suggest having an instructional designer help you create a low stakes sample for your class. The difference it makes in a class setting is usually enough for instructors to make it a regular part of their toolkit.”

Departments: Animal & Food Sciences, Applied Economics & Statistics, Entomology & Wildlife Ecology, Plant & Soil Sciences

Jessica Schroeder, M.Ed., Ed.D candidate

After a baccalaureate career at Brigham Young University and many years in corporate America, Jessica completed her Master of Education here at UD. The Delaware native didn’t realize how much she’d love UD until she stepped foot on campus and started meeting faculty. “Working with faculty is the best! Seeing their passion and subject matter expertise shine through is what motivates and drives my work. I enjoy helping instructors establish community and a human presence in their courses to support students and their learning. When students feel a sense of community, they feel safe. If they feel safe, they are willing to be vulnerable. If they’re vulnerable, they’ll take more risks and chances, which leads to learning! My instructional design work employs research-based strategies, visual design principles, and educational technologies.”

Departments and programs: English, Fashion and Apparel Studies, Music, Theatre, Women and Gender Studies, Art Conservation, Art History, Communication, Art & Design

Joseph Rapposelli, Ed.D. 

Joe has been with the team since 2016 and brings several years of experience in academic development and design in higher education. In addition to the College of Education and Human Development, Joe helps faculty apply the concept of social annotation through programs like Perusall. Perusall proactively engages students with automated personalized guidance, ensuring continual motivation. Research has shown that participation and engagement have a direct impact on student achievement.

Departments and programs: Human Development & Family Sciences, Education, Educational Technology [Program], Exceptional Children & Youth [Program], Literacy [Program], Teacher Leadership [Program]

Kelly Cross, M.Ed. 

Kelly has an undergraduate degree in Communications and Digital Media from Drexel University and a Masters Degree in Education from West Chester University. She taught Early Childhood Education at a Career and Technical High School where her passion in technology and design allowed her to design, create, and implement an environment where students were self-driven through online learning. In 2010, Kelly’s program was named ‘Program of the Year’ through the Pennsylvania Bureau of Career and Technical Education. Kelly continued her passion with design and education receiving both her Level 1 and Level 2 Google Certifications and assisted teachers in providing professional development in using technology to enhance instruction as well as presenting at statewide conferences and local high schools. Before coming to UD, Kelly facilitated the online Virtual Academy for Octorara High School in Pennsylvania.

Departments and programs: History, Sociology & Criminal Justice, Africana Studies, Anthropology, Languages, Literatures & Cultures, Philosophy, Political Science & International Relations

Lauren Hamory, M.Ed.

Lauren brings a unique background to our Instructional Design team. After graduating from Delaware Valley University with a BS in Conservation & Wildlife Management, Lauren worked as a zookeeper and a naturalist for different departments and organizations in Pennsylvania. Making a jump from animals to humans, Lauren then earned a teaching certification and MEd from DeSales University and has worked as a high school science teacher at both Caesar Rodney and Appoqunimink school districts. During her teaching career, Lauren was recognized as a Science Champion Educator and Teacher of the Year Nominee in both districts and earned the Excellence in Teaching Award from the BioGENEus Science Competition. Lauren is passionate about providing creative educational materials, experiences, and superior instructional support for the faculty and students of UD.

Departments and programs: Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Physics and Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Psychological & Brain Sciences, Mathematical Sciences

Lauren Kelley, Ph.D.

Lauren heads up the ATS South office in Orlando, Florida (so far, just an office of one). She handles programs for the College of Engineering, Fashion Design and Apparel Studies among others. Lauren has experience in professional development, faculty development, and educational leadership. Her teaching and learning background has involved work at both two and four year colleges with first-year students, adult learners, and other special student populations. Lauren believes in “getting to know who her faculty are and how they facilitate student learning in an effort to meet them where they are in their teaching practice.” In addition, Lauren teaches career-related courses like New Student Experience, which allow her to encourage learner-centered perspectives in her work with faculty. As a matter of fact, you may see Lauren facilitating some of our workshops, such as “Using Canvas to Effectively Communicate with Students & Provide Student Feedback”.

Departments and programs: Composite Materials [Program], Composites Manufacturing and Engineering [Program], ECE [Program], Railroad Engineering [Program], Cybersecurity [Program], Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer & Information Sciences, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioinformatics [Program]

Rachel Lapp, M.A. TESOL

Rachel joined the instructional design team in fall 2020, but has been at the University of Delaware much longer with the English Language Program. Rachel is helping introduce CidiLabs Design Tools for those faculty who want to emphasize visual and organizational design elements. Rachel points out that there’s evidence that proves design’s added value, “Research shows that visual communication occurs on a deeper level than spoken or written communication because we connect to the messages in images. Learners make stronger connections to content and are better equipped to tackle complex material with effective visual support Great instructional content, presented in an aesthetically pleasing and organized manner, prompts learners to act.”

Departments and programs: English Language Institute, Accounting & MIS, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Hospitality Business Management, Masters of Accounting Practice [Program], Online MBA [Program]

Racine Lewis, M.Ed.

Racine works with a variety of academic programs, leads several of our workshops, and helps coordinate Poll Everywhere, but finds that making a personal connection with faculty is what makes each program extra interesting and rewarding. Speaking of individuals, Racine says, “Did you know there’s only one ‘Racine’ at the University of Delaware?”

Departments and programs: Biden School Academic Programs, Earth Sciences, Marine Science & Policy, Geography & Spatial Sciences, Geospatial Data Science [Program]

Yiannis Floropoulos, M.A. Law and Governance

Yiannis (or Yianni for short) brings a broad background in university teaching and faculty development from his work at the City College of New York, Guttman Community College, Montclair State University and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. Yiannis is handling instructional design for the online MPA program for the Biden School, among others. He is also interested in tools and best practices to link learning objectives with assessment outcomes. As part of his support for LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor, Yiannis says, “Many faculty are interested in options for maintaining rigor in assessments with an emphasis on online exams since the pandemic.  Instructional designers help faculty navigate the best options to find the best fit for their course and situation.

Departments and programs: Masters of Public Administration [Program], Behavioral Health & Nutrition, Epidemiology, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Physical Therapy, Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, Medical & Molecular Sciences, Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice [Program]