2026 Conference Program

Georgia Southern University

Presentation Materials Available

Making Your SoTL “Count”

Trent Maurer, Georgia Southern University

Scarbrough 2

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

From Ground Rules to a Sanctioned Framework of Dissent: An Identity- Conscious Workshop for Polarized Classrooms

Tanja Burkhard, Georgia Southern University
Lucy Littler, Rollins College
Nancy Chick, Texas Woman's University

Scarbrough 3

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Reweaving Critical and Creative Thinking (CCT) in Higher Education to Support Deep Learning Across the Disciplines

Diana Gregory, Kennesaw State University
Jennifer Dalton, Augusta University
Jonathan Fisher, Kennesaw State University
Danielle Gray-Singh, Clark Atlanta University
Donna Jones, Kennesaw State University

Scarbrough 4

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Vulnerability as Disruption: Risk-Taking and Transdisciplinary Growth of and through SoTL

Kate Elizabeth Walker, Independent Scholar, Vienna Austria
Anna Santucci, University of Virginia

Scarbrough 5

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

You Don’t Have to SoTL Alone: Building SoTL Community & SoTL Projects

Erin Fay, George Mason University
Susan Grunder, George Mason University
David Lemmons, George Mason University
Sophia Abbot, University of Rhode Island

Scarbrough 2

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Studying and Supporting Understudied Students When Words Are Dangerous

Nancy Chick, Texas Women's University
Jennifer Frigberg-Fort, Illinois State University

Scarbrough 3

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Making Learning Visible: The PEARL Framework as a Design and Research Model for Experiential Learning that Scales

Mara Huber, University of Buffalo

Scarbrough 4

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Purpose at the Fore: Practical Strategies for Fostering Learner Engagement

Kristina Meinking, Elon University

Scarbrough 5

3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Advancing STEM Learning Through SynZyme CURE: A Cross- Disciplinary Research Experience in Higher Education

Shainaz Landge, Georgia Southern University
Mark dela Cerna, Georgia Southern University
Scott Westervelt, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Augmented Imagination to Support the Four Modes of Student Engagement: Exploring Tools for Future Learners

David Stoloff, Eastern Connecticut State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Avatars vs. Actors: Enhancing Student Engagement through Role- Play Simulations

Melinda Russell-Stamp, Weber State University
Jean Norman, Weber State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Beyond Emotional Intelligence: Understanding How College Students Experience Emotional Agility Development Through Virtual Reality Immersion

Renee Harris Quarles, Augusta University
Sherita Cash, Augusta University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Beyond the Bot: A New Era of Critical Thinking and Engagement

Melissa Comer, Tennessee Technological University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Beyond the Scantron: Reimagining Engagement Through Oral Exams

Christina Gipson, Georgia Southern University
Deborah Osahor, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Click to Consent: Informed Student Decisions as a Critical SoTL Response to GenAI Data Practices

Kevin Reagan, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Creating Partnerships with Alumni Educators: Demonstration Literacy Lessons and Panel Discussion with Pre-service Teacher Candidates

Alicia Kershaw, Northwest Missouri State University
Beth Gregory, Northwest Missouri State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Critical Self-Reflection as a Means of Career Development Learning

McKinley Thomas, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Cyberethics, Data Surveillance, and the Classroom: Addressing Corporate Control of Generative AI to Protect Student Learning Environments

Wilhelmina Randtke, Georgia Southern University
Kevin Reagan, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Expanding Assessment Practices and Increasing Student Success by Incorporating Visual Storytelling in the Classroom

Carlos Perez, Kennesaw State University
Ananya Vahal-Perez, Kennesaw State University
Rasheda Likely, Kennesaw State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Exploring Undergraduate Research Experiences through Collaborative Autoethnography: A Faculty-Student Reflection on Motivation and Mentorship

Roxanne Bennett, Kennesaw State University
William Nickerson, Kennesaw State University
Brittney Chhieng, Kennesaw State University
Michelle Olah-Anguiano, Kennesaw State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Film-Based Instruction and Student Learning: Early Findings from an Introductory Sociology Pilot Study

Jessica Casimir, Western Carolina University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

From "How" to "Why": Using AI Chatbot to Foster Conceptual Understanding and Bridge the Performance Gap.

Dong Chen, University of Baltimore

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

From Screen to Skill: Interprofessional Virtual Simulation to Promote Teamwork and Critical Thinking

Lydia Allison Matthews, Auburn University
Laura Willis, Auburn University
Tiffani Chidume, Auburn University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Implementing AI-Resistant Instructional Design Practices: Insights from a Systematic Review

Fan Yang, University of Georgia
Matthew Schmidt, University of Georgia
Sicheng Jin, University of Georgia

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Improving Test Performance and Reducing Anxiety Through Assessment Flexibility

Frederique Drullion, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Ron Adams, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Heather Lippert, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Inspiring Hope and Agency When Both Seem Impossible: Using Problem-Based Learning and Teaching Squares as the World Burns

Anne Stone, Rollins College
Jennifer Queen, Rollins College
Nancy Chick, Texas Woman's University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Maximizing Student Engagement in the Caribbean: Implementing a HyFlex Learning Model in Higher Education

Aviann Morris, University of Georgia
Matthew Schmidt, University of Georgia

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Motivated to Learn Through Interdisciplinary Capstone

Samantha Russell, Grand Canyon University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Opening to Possibilities: Growing Student Engagement Through SoTL, Course-Based Undergraduate Research, Campus Collaborations, and More

Chad Hallyburton, Western Carolina University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Peer Ambassadors for Student Success (PASS): A Supplemental Instruction Model

Ashley Brittain, University of South Carolina - Aiken
Katie Chargualaf, University of South Carolina - Aiken

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Quantitative experience for college students: Initial findings from an interdisciplinary collaborative study

Yevgeniya Rivers, University of New Haven
Ellen Belitzky, University of New Haven

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Rebranding Engagement: How Project-Based Learning Sparks Student Investment

Tiffanie Turner-Henderson, Wingate University
Anesu Simango, Wingate University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Reclaimed Futures: Cultivating Design Thinking through Waste Mapping and Material Reuse

Laura del Pino, Kean University
Darion Washington, Kean University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Self-Care in the Social Work Classroom: An Exploratory Study of Pedagogical Approaches to Teaching and Practicing Self-Care

Barbara Arnold, Western Carolina University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Student Perspectives on AI Integration: Enhancing Engagement and Instructional Design

Tonya Mazur, Saint Leo University
Kelly Atkins, Saint Leo University
Patrick Ryan Murphy, Saint Leo University
Zachary Smith, Saint Leo University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Teaching and Learning with Joy: A Framework for Engagement, Belonging, and Growth

Holly Hoffman, Central Michigan University
Katie Sloan, Oakland University
Kristina Rouech, Central Michigan University
JoDell Heroux, Central Michigan University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Teaching Probability and Statistics Using Python

Andreas Lazari, Valdosta State University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Tips from the tapeworms: Lessons learned from mentoring biology undergraduate research projects at an HBCU

Alexa von Dohlen, Johnson C. Smith University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Unlocking Engagement: A Break-In Room Approach to Game-Based and Intentional Learning

April Tallant, Western Carolina University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Unlocking Learning: Using Escape Rooms to Foster Collaboration and Critical Thinking

Tess St. John, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Use of Intelligent Agents to Increase Course Deadline Completion Rates in Undergraduate Chemistry Courses

Jannet Kocerha, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Using Generative AI Video Creation to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning

Yue Zhang, Georgia Southern University
Haijun Gong, Georgia Southern University

Harborside Ballroom East

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Effects of a Brief Group Based Learning Intervention on Student Perceptions of Group and Classroom Process

Kristalyn Salters- Pedneault, Eastern CT State University
Nicole Bartolomeo, Eastern CT State University

Scarbrough Foyer

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Evolving Pedagogical Practices in Undergraduate Physics Labs: A SoTL Study of Teaching Assistant Adaptation Using LOPUS

Nandana Weliweriya, University of Georgia
Madison Ogle, University of Georgia
Adithya Kuchibhotla, University of Georgia
Craig Wiegert, University of Georgia
David Seiden, University of Georgia

Scarbrough Foyer

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Implementation of No-Cost Open Educational Resources For a Junior Level Course

Rebecca Higgins, Georgia Gwinnett College
Jennell Talley, Georgia Gwinnett College
Alessandra Barrera, Georgia Gwinnett College
Jennifer Hurst-Kennedy, Agnes Scott College
Shoshana Katzman, Agnes Scott College

Scarbrough Foyer

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Redesigning the Gateway: Transforming Undergraduate Human Anatomy and Physiology Education to Enhance Engagement and Student Outcomes

Nicola Khalaf, FGCU
Jason Craddock, FGCU
Valerie Weiss, FGCU
Rob Sillevis, FGCU

Scarbrough 2

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Understanding Instructional Decision- Making By Faculty: Insights Through a TPaCK Lens

Andy Driska, Michigan State University
Jody Langdon, Georgia Southern University

Scarbrough 3

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Elephant in the Classroom: How Ethical Use of AI can Help Student Engagement and Learning in Higher Education

Ibrahim Kocaman, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daniel Cutrer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Scarbrough 4

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Alternative Grading for Student Engagement: Strategies, Lessons, and Next Steps

Caitlin Martin, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Jenna Hejnar, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Scarbrough 5

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Barriers or Bridges?: Unpacking Umbrella SoTL IRBs

Jennifer Eimers, University of Georgia
Sara Nasrollahian Mojarad, University of Iowa
Allie Brandriet, University of Iowa

Scarbrough 2

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Re-building a SoTL Culture: A Scaffolded Academy Model to Promote SoTL Practice, Use, and Growth

April Tallan, Western Carolina University
Chad Hallyburton, Western Carolina University
Scott Seagle, Western Carolina University
Darby Harris, Western Carolina University

Scarbrough 3

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Analytic Autoethnography: An Empirically Rigorous and Transformative Approach to Faculty Development

Mella McCormick, Northeastern University

Scarbrough 4

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Dipping Your Toes into the AI Waters: Strategies for Exploring AI with Existing Curriculum

Sarah Reckenwald, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Scarbrough 5

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Rating What Instructors Do: How Framing Impacts Bias in Student Feedback on Teaching

Lauren Barbeau, Georgia Institute of Technology
Claudia Cornejo Happell, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Chad Rohrbacher, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Scarbrough 2

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Demystifying Doing SoTL: A Walk-Through of a Successful SoTL Project

Trent Maurer, Georgia Southern University

Scarbrough 3

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Advancing STEM Learning Through SynZyme CURE: A Cross- Disciplinary Research Experience in Higher Education

Shainaz Landge, Georgia Southern University
Mark dela Cerna, Georgia Southern University
Scott Westervelt, Georgia Southern University

Scarbrough 4

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Educating for Cognitive Liberty: Building Awareness in the Age of Algorithmic Influence

Melissa McLain, USAFA University of Colorado Boulder
Lauren Scharff, USAFA

Scarbrough 5

1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Engineering Math with AI: Algebra Sense- Making in First-Year Engineering and Problem-Solving Courses

Christopher Horne, North Carolina A & T State University
Kathy Cousins-Cooper, North Carolina A & T State University

Scarbrough 2

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Learning to Unlearn: A SoTL Framework for Decolonizing Curriculum and Practice

Lara Kradinova, Middlesex Community College
Pavithra Gridharan, Middlesex Community College

Scarbrough 3

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Delineating what works in art and design teaching and learning in higher education: A case study of critical and creative thinking within the visual arts

Diana Gregory, Kennesaw State University
Jonathan Fisher, Kennesaw State University
Donna Jones, Kennesaw State University

Scarbrough 4

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

Identity and Power: How Identity Affect Teaching and Learning Relationships

Jacob Boers, Georgia State University

Scarbrough 5

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM