Portfolio TWO
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A Bit About Me
I am a doctoral student at George Mason University in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). While my specialization is in Learning Technology Design Research (LTDR), my research interests focus on the neuroinformed instructional design. In other words, I want to answer the question, How can instructional design for digital learning environments assist neurodivergent learners to manage cognitive load?
For me, this endeavor is personal. Not only is it what I want to do to assist many learners who struggle to engage effectively in online learning, I have struggled with this myself since I have ADHD. My entire professional career as an educator has been dedicated to understanding how to help. Now, I am striving to contribute to that body of work and not just consume it.
Education
Expected: 2028
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Doctorate of Philosophy in Education
Specialization: Learning Technologies Design Research
Secondary Emphasis: Neuro-Informed Instructional Design
Research Focus: AI-Driven Adaptive Learning Technologies for Learner-Centered Design and Cognitive Support
2019
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Master of Education
Specialization: Learning, Design, & Technology
Emphasis: Instructional Design and Emerging Technologies
2014
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Master of Education
Specialization: Adult Education
Emphasis: Adult Education Needs of Student-Veterans
Certificate: Educational Technology Integration
Certificate: Distance Education
2000
Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
Bachelor of Science in Education
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: History
Service
2023
User Interface Design (UI) Tester
Neurodiversity Design System
Will Soward - LinkedIn (click here to view his profile)
2025
UAT Tester
User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Patriot Connect
George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
2025
Student Representative
Learning Technology Design Research (LTDR) Specialization
George Mason University Doctoral Student Council
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Research
Interests
The intersection of artificial intelligence, instructional design, and cognitive accessibility presents transformative opportunities to tackle educational inequalities for neurodivergent learners in higher education. My research interests are centered around the development and implementation of AI-enhanced instructional designs specifically tailored for students with ADHD, autism, and similar neurodevelopmental diagnoses. While my objective is to develop personalized approaches that employ their strengths, I am also interested in streamlining cognitive processes, lessening cognitive load, and enhancing executive functioning in digital learning environments.
Publications
Currently, I have no publications or speaking engagements.
Research Assistant Experience
For Professor: Margaret Weiss, Ph.D.
2025 – Present
Research for the Interdisciplinary Center for Research and Development in Teacher Education (RITE Center) at George Mason University to conduct a Scoping Review for the examination of AI and Teacher Preparation
2024 – 2025
Grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistant Center (TTAC) to George Mason University to study High-Leverage Practices in Teacher Education for the CEEDAR Center
Professional Experience
2019 - 2023
Program Director of Education
Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education
Washington, DC
2016 - 2018
Director of Food Services and Hospitality
First Baptist Church Southern Pines
Southern Pines, North Carolina
2016 - 2017
Councilwoman
Village of Whispering Pines
Whispering Pines, North Carolina
2015 - 2016
Transition Assistance Counselor
SERCO
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
2008
Education Coordinator
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Fayetteville, North Carolina
2006 - 2008
Fifth Grade Teacher
VanStory Hills Elementary School
Fayetteville, North Carolina
2005 - 2006
Management Analyst
US Army Force Management Support Agency (USAFMSA)
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
2002 - 2003
Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
STARBASE Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
2000 - 2001
Fourth Grade Teacher
E.E. Miller Elementary School
Fayetteville, North Carolina
1998 - 2000
Senior Military Intelligence Analyst and Instructor
US Army Reserves
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
1993 - 1997
Schools Non-Commissioned Officer and Intelligence Analyst
US Army
Wiesbaden, Germany
Incirlik, Turkey
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
Volunteer Experience
2020 - Present
Adult Bible Study Teacher
First Baptist Church Alexandria
Alexandria, Virginia
2011 - 2018
Adult Bible Study Teacher
First Baptist Southern Pines
Southern Pines, North Carolina
2016 - 2017
Family Readiness Group Leader
8th MISO Battalion
Fort Bragg, North Carolina
2014 - 2015
Chef & Instructor
Cooking Matters
Fayetteville, North Carolina