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Center for Instruction and Research Technology

Who We Are

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Our Mission


The Center for Instruction & Research Technology’s (CIRT) mission is to offer expertise, resources, and training to assist faculty in ways that enable them to develop greater capacities for using technology for teaching and research. CIRT also disseminates ideas, frameworks, and materials that apply pedagogical knowledge to the teaching and learning process.

View our Staff Publications

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Deb Miller, Ed.D. (she/her/hers)
Assistant Vice-President for Digital Learning and Innovation
deb.miller@unf.edu
(904) 620-1416

Dr. Miller came to UNF in 2001 from the Duval County public school system, where she served as a classroom and resource teacher for several years. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education in Instructional Technology from UNF, and is an OLC certified Online Instructor. Her dissertation research focused on the influence of institutional and individual factors in faculty decisions to teach online. Deb enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family.

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David Wilson
Associate Director, Creative Team Lead
david.wilson@unf.edu
(904) 620-1415

Dave has been working in higher education to support faculty with their teaching, research, and service since 2000. During that time he has worked on a diverse set of projects using a wide set of skills. Dave currently concentrates on media, online survey support, data management, and data visualization.

Creative Team

The Creative Team provides teaching and research tech support through project consultation, media development, and technology help. Notable services include equipment lending, media production, in-studio video and audio recording, 3D printing, graphic design, online surveys, and web publishing support.

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Michael Boyles
Coordinator of Graphic Design
mboyles@unf.edu
(904) 620-1899

Michael received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University and has accumulated more than 35 years of eclectic experiences. His design credentials cover a multitude of disciplines that incorporate print, environmental design, signage, trade shows, product design, package design, illustration, photography and web design. Michael has been with UNF since 2004, working with the Fine Arts Center. He is a founding member and past president of the American Institute of Graphic Arts/Jacksonville Chapter. He has taught graphic design and concept for more than 20 years at the college level, as well as advertising, illustration and color theory at Florida State University and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

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Andy Rush
Course Media Developer
andy.rush@unf.edu
(904) 620-5430

Andy has been working in the educational technology field for 25 years. He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in science education at SUNY Cortland and went back to work there a couple years later. Next came work as an academic technologist at SUNY Oneonta, followed by a stint of 17 years at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where his son was born in 2002. Now officially retired from UMW, Andy will be working with UNF faculty to get their videos looking great, their audio sounding super, and maximizing the effectiveness of their online media. When not watching Netflix or YouTube videos, Andy spends his spare time cycling the roads and trails of North Florida.

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Shelby Scanlon
Coordinator of Communications
shelby.scanlon@unf.edu
(904) 620-4295

Shelby is a Jacksonville native who studied emerging media at Ithaca College. Shelby is also a recent UNF alumna, having earned her Master of Science in communication management in 2023. Prior to joining our team, she was out cruising the Caribbean for Carnival Cruise Lines serving as the onboard media manager. When Shelby isn’t typing away behind her computer, she likes spending time with her family, traveling to different US National Parks, and scuba diving in the clear waters of the Florida Keys.

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Wendy Poag
Coordinator of Accessibility Training
wendy.poag@unf.edu
(904) 620-3287

Wendy joined the CIRT team in January 2020. Her professional experience includes a 22-year career as a K-12 educator. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school and served as an instructional specialist for Duval County Public Schools. She has trained teachers throughout her career on various topics, from technology to ethics. Wendy holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Science in educational technology, training, and development, both from UNF. Her free time consists of driving her two teenage daughters to all their extracurricular activities and watching performances and games as a proud parent.

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Ron Shecut
CIRT Video Tech

Ron completed his bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina. After graduation, he worked with PBS as a producer-director for 14 years. Ron continued in corporate media, working with various Fortune 500 companies in production and engineering design for an additional 20 years. In his free time, he enjoys day trips to sites around Florida.

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Craig Pedroza
CIRT Video Studio Tech
craig.pedroza@unf.edu

Craig moved from the Philippines to Jacksonville at a young age. He is a recent UNF alumnus, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies focusing on film and production in 2023. Craig has won awards and created works ranging from full-scripted big-budget productions to documentaries to video marketing and pitching for companies. Some of his favorite past times are listening to old jazz while going night-driving and drifting through cafes trying to write something new.

Instructional Design Team

The Instructional Design Team consults on instructional design best practices, assists in converting traditional course materials to the online learning format, and provides training and development related to practical and pedagogical skills necessary for developing and delivering interactive and engaging courses.

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Rozy Parlette
Associate Director of Instructional Design
rozy.parlette@unf.edu
(904) 620-5275

Rozy joined CIRT as an instructional designer in 2015. She has worked as a teacher for Duval County Public Schools and as an administrator for a charter school in New York City. Rozy graduated with Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from UNF and has a Master of Education in eLearning instructional design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and watching classic movies.

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Laura Jackson, Ed.D.
Senior Instructional Designer
laura.jackson@unf.edu
(904) 620-5387

Laura holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in deaf/elementary education from Flagler College, a Master of Arts in linguistics from Gallaudet University, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in educational technology from the University of Florida. Laura began teaching online in 2008 and was faculty at UNF from 2010-2019. As an instructor, she completed extensive training in distance learning pedagogy and assisted faculty in designing and developing online courses. Her interests include spending time with her husband and daughter, watching Netflix, and reading.

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Jann Sutton, Ed.D.
Senior Instructional Designer
j.sutton@unf.edu
(904) 620-1994

Jann is passionate about the best practices and applications of educational technologies for teaching and learning. She came to UNF from the University of Delaware, where she held responsibilities for UDOnline distance learning development, research development, and academic technology services/faculty commons. In 2017 she earned her Doctor of Education in educational leadership, focusing on curriculum & technology. Jann enjoys learning about the Jacksonville area and open water scuba.

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Noelle Frantz
Instructional Designer
noelle.frantz@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Noelle holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, a Master of Education in elementary education specializing in gifted education, and a graduate certificate in educational technology from the University of Central Florida. Before joining the CIRT team, she worked as a teacher with Duval County Public Schools and Orange County Public Schools in Orlando. In her free time, Noelle enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and caring for her cats.

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Natalie Gray
Instructional Designer
natalie.gray@unf.edu
(904) 620-4274

Natalie earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and classical archaeology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Natalie then completed her Master of Arts in history at Appalachian State University, specializing in Roman history. After teaching history in higher education for several years, Natalie developed an interest in instructional design and online learning leading her to pursue a Master of Arts in educational technology leadership from George Washington University. Natalie enjoys reading, learning, and spending time with her pets in her spare time.

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Rob Rose
Instructional Designer
r.rose@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Rob comes to the CIRT team after working as a teacher and instructional coach for Duval County Public Schools, where he most recently helped design and lead training to assist new teachers in acclimating to the world of distance learning in the wake of Covid-19. He has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and is currently pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in educational technology from the University of Florida. He enjoys spending time with his family, kayaking, and creating stained glass windows in his free time.

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Khia Thomas, Ph.D.
Instructional Designer
khia.thomas@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Khia earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master’s and doctorate in developmental psychology from the University of Michigan. Before joining the CIRT team, she served as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Broward College for 10 years, teaching traditional, blended, and online courses. Her interests in instructional design were piqued after being paired with one to create an interactive, engaging, fully online Psychology of Aging course. She is a Jacksonville native and, in her spare time, enjoys spending time with family, reading and listening to podcasts, catching up with friends, and traveling.

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Davee Thompson
Instructional Designer
d.thompson@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Davee holds a master’s degree in special education from Florida State University, where her love for designing and differentiating curriculum began. Before joining the CIRT team, she developed a curriculum and provided training to prepare contracted agents for their roles in various industries. Davee is a proud Teach for America alumni, where she began her career as a special education teacher in West Side, Chicago. You will find Davee trying out new restaurants in her free time, watching football with her family, and sitting on the beach with a book in her hand.

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Audrey Murray
Media Developer
audrey.murray@unf.edu
(904) 620-5327

Audrey joined the UNF community in 2018, providing expertise in photography, videography, graphic design, and web design to the Center for Instruction Research and Technology (CIRT) and UNF Online since 2022. She came to Florida from Kansas City, KS in 2010 to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University. Audrey is a UNF alumna, having earned her Master of Business Administration in 2021 and Master of Science in management in 2019. 21 years of ballet training have left her with an undying passion for dance and the arts. She also enjoys working out, live music, and traveling.

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Daniel Feinberg
Online Learning Librarian
daniel.feinberg@unf.edu
(904) 620-5238

As the Online Learning Librarian, Dan works closely with the instructional design team and is an instructor in the Teaching Online (TOL) Foundation course. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Cleveland State University, obtained a Master of Library and Information Studies from Kent State University, and then a Master of Education in educational psychology from the University of Toledo. Dan has worked in academic libraries as a faculty librarian since 2007. His career began as an associate information literacy lecturer, transitioned to a liaison librarian, and has since worked as an online librarian in community colleges and universities in Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and now Florida.

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Sarah Moukhliss, Ed.D.
STEM Online Learning Librarian
sarah.moukhliss@unf.edu
(904) 620-2034

Sarah obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English from the Ohio State University, a Master of Library Science from Kent State University, and an Education Doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of West Florida. Her dissertation is on librarians and their preferred pedagogical methods when teaching at-risk students to use library technologies independently. Sarah has worked her entire career in libraries, including K-12 and public libraries, as a Visiting Instruction Librarian at UNF and an art college. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to her husband’s childhood home in Morocco, playing the flute, reading, and catching up with her twin sister, a nurse anesthetist in Ohio.

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Tanem Coskun
Instructional Design Assistant
t.coskun@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Tanem holds a Master of Science in higher education administration with a focus on student affairs and a Master of Education in educational leadership with a concentration in educational technology, both from the University of North Florida. Since 2018, she has gained experience working with students and faculty as a Telepresence Technician involved in student/faculty training and creating visual documents. Her long-term goal is to continue working in the educational technology industry for many more years to come. Tanem also enjoys reading, writing, listing to music, creating arts and crafts, learning more about graphic design, and spending time with her Pomeranian.

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Jessica Jackson
Instructional Design Assistant
jessica.jackson@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Jessica is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a minor in mathematics. She is an Army child and has lived in many places, including Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Kentucky, and Florida. She enjoys the world of web development and has an interest in cybersecurity. Outside of UNF, you can find Jessica playing VR, making websites, and playing with her two cats, Spooky and Dottie.

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Ethan Stefonek
Instructional Design Assistant
n01417214@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Ethan is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design & digital media with a double minor in art history and sociology. He was born in Wisconsin and raised in Florida. In his free time, Ethan enjoys drawing, designing, and reading.

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Topaze Thomas
Instructional Design Assistant
topaze.thomas@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Topaze holds a Master of Arts in human and resource development from Webster University and an Education Specialist degree in global training and Development from Northcentral University. She is an advocate for online learning. In her free time, Topaze enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and writing inspirational material.

Online Learning Support Team

The Online Learning Support Team provides Canvas and instructional technology support to UNF faculty. The OLS Team includes professional staff and student assistants that are available to support faculty with their online learning needs.

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Michael Russo, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Online Learning Support
m.russo@unf.edu
(904) 620-4798

Michael is a digital rhetorician, e-learning project manager, instructional designer, and educator who teaches college English and technical writing. He has advanced degrees in digital rhetoric, communications, and information design. Michael has supported instructors, students, and staff at UNF, Clemson, and Rutgers University, employing agile methodologies to empower self-organizing teams in collaborative workspaces built on creativity and trust. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and taking his pet Chihuahua, Chupacabra, on hikes.

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Joe Stewart
Coordinator of Online Learning Support
joseph.stewart@unf.eduu
(904) 620-4294

Joe joined CIRT in 2021 after working six years at other Florida colleges and universities as an adjunct professor and a support staff member. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2008 and has earned two Master’s degrees in the field of religious studies. In addition to his work, Joe is a published academic in the field of Dead Sea Scroll research and the Samaritans. Joe enjoys biking, kayaking, volunteering, and traveling in his free time.

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Katie Commissaris
Knowledge Specialist
k.commissaris@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Katie joined the CIRT team in December 2019. Her professional experience includes 11 years in the public school system, during which time she filled various roles, such as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and school technologist. Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Flagler College and a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University. She enjoys spending her free time taking whirlwind trips to Disney with her family.

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Sam Shaw (they/them/their)
Online Learning Assistant
s.shaw@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Sam moved from the town of Fort Walton Beach to the big metropolitan city of Jacksonville to pursue a degree in the coastal biology program at UNF. Sam’s passion for aquatic ecosystems steers many of their interests, including exploring wetlands, camping, and hiking with their dog.

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Haris Smajic
Online Learning Assistant
h.smajic@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Haris is a Jacksonville native pursuing an electrical engineering degree. He enjoys working with computers and learning more about the world of technology. Haris likes playing the guitar and spending time with his dog in his free time.

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Joanna Sprott
Online Learning Assistant
joanna.sprott@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Joanna is attending UNF to pursue a double major in biology and French. She was born and raised in Tampa, but most of her family is in Scotland, UK. Joanna continually grows a passion for traveling and experiencing new places, cultures, and languages. Some of her favorite pastimes involve staying in contact with friends abroad and spending time with friends from Florida. She also enjoys walking and exploring new places and cafes in her free time.

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Ronaldo Walker
Online Learning Assistant
ronaldo.walker@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Ronaldo is pursuing a degree in Information technology with a concentration in networking. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, studying, reading, and exploring campus. Ronaldo also loves to explore the world of coding and learn about all things technology.

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Charlotte Yelvington
Online Learning Assistant
c.yelvington@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Charlotte is an Online Learning Assistant majoring in electrical engineering. She was born and raised in Florida, and though she enjoys the outdoors, she prefers reading, writing, and drawing inside in her free time.

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Sierra Zapata
Online Learning Assistant
sierra.zapata@unf.edu
(904) 620-3927

Sierra is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a minor in computing. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games, going on walks with her dog, meeting new people, and exploring new places with friends and family.

Admin Support Team

The Admin Support Team provides support in budget management, program assistance, and coordination of resources.

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Michael Morris
Assistant Director of Operations
m.d.morris@unf.edu
(904) 620-5391

Michael came to UNF as an undergraduate student and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2015. Upon graduation, he began his professional career at UNF in the College of Education and Human Services before joining CIRT in 2019. In his current position, he manages departmental policies and procedures while acting as a liaison for university accreditation in addition to supervising departmental fiscal matters. Michael enjoys playing golf, brewing and sampling beer, and spending time with family.

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Michele Verkerk
Budget Coordinator
m.verkerk@unf.edu
(904) 620-4027

Michele started at UNF in the College of Education and Human Services in 2014 in an administrative support position. Her role in providing support to faculty, staff and students grew, and she transitioned into the Dean’s Office. In 2023 Michele brought her vast institutional knowledge to CIRT in the role of Budget Coordinator. In her free time, she can be found walking on the beach, reading a book, or experimenting with new recipes.