Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT)
Staff Directory
Executive Director and Associate Vice Provost
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Constance E. Cook (734) 763-0159 1071 Palmer Commons • 100 Washtenaw Ave. cecook@umich.edu |
Constance Cook has served as Executive Director of CRLT since 1993.
She was named Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs in 2006. Prior
to becoming the Director of CRLT, Connie was the executive assistant
to the president of the University of Michigan and, from 1987-1990, Connie
was coordinator of the FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary
Education) Comprehensive Program at the U.S. Department of Education.
Before going to Washington, Connie was an associate professor at Albion
College, where she chaired the political science department. At CRLT,
her focus is on institutional transformation (i.e., creating a culture
of teaching at a research university), a topic on which she has been
writing and lecturing for more than a decade. Her scholarship concerns
strategies for pedagogical improvement (e.g., action research, the scholarship
of teaching and learning, curricular reform, and multicultural teaching
and learning). As Executive Director, Connie coordinates new initiatives
at CRLT and represents both CRLT and the broader University community
on issues of teaching and learning. She also coordinates professional
development programs for international higher education leaders. Connie
is Clinical Professor of Higher Education at the Center for the Study
of Higher and Postsecondary Education, as well as adjunct associate professor
of political science. She received her B.A. from Barnard College, her
M.A. from The Pennsylvania State University, and her Ph.D. from Boston
University—all in political science. Her two books concern American
political interest groups: Lobbying for Higher Education: How Colleges
and Universities Influence Federal Policy (Vanderbilt University Press,
1998), and Nuclear Power and Legal Advocacy: The Environmentalists and
the Courts (D.C. Heath/Lexington Books, 1980). See also:
http://sitemaker.soe.umich.edu/soe/faculty&mode=single&recordID=50749
Program Staff
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Crisca Bierwert (734) 936-0648 |
Crisca Bierwert is the Associate Director and Multicultural Coordinator at CRLT. She provides workshops and consultations for departments and programs, consults with individual faculty members and GSIs, and leads programs to promote diversity and social justice efforts at the University. She also does research on student learning outcomes, supports interdisciplinary teaching, and provides multicultural training. She participates in university-wide diversity initiatives, and she is currently Chair of the President’s Diversity Council. Before coming to CRLT, she obtained her Ph.D. degree in cultural anthropology from the University of Washington (Seattle), worked in the Native educational programs of the Coqualeetza Centre (Sardis, B.C.), and taught at the University of Michigan. Her major publications in anthropology and Native American Studies focus on text analysis, cultural politics, and environmental issues; they include Lushootseed Texts: An Introduction to Puget Salish Narrative Aesthetics and Brushed by Cedar, Living by the River: Coast Salish Figures of Power. She joined CRLT in 2000, became part of the administrative team in 2002, and became Associate Director in 2007.
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R. Charles Dershimer (734) 763-4418 |
R. Charles Dershimer, Assistant Director, Ph.D. (Science Education): Charles Dershimer earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in science education from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining CRLT he was an instructional designer in the Office of Instructional Technology at U of M, a science educator with the Henry Ford Learning Institute, and a curriculum consultant on the design and implementation of nationally distributed science curriculum projects. He joined the CRLT staff in August 2009 to consult with faculty about integrating technology into courses and supporting innovative uses of technology for student learning. Charles contributes to the Enriching Scholarship program and the Post Doc short-course. Charles is also a lecturer in the secondary education program in the School of Education at U-M.
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Cynthia Finelli (734) 764-0244 |
Dr. Cynthia Finelli earned B.S.E.E., M.S.E.E., and Ph.D. degrees from the U-M in 1988, 1989, and 1993, respectively. She holds a joint appointment in the College of Engineering and CRLT, and is also associate research scientist of engineering education at U-M. Prior to joining CRLT in April 2003, Dr. Finelli was the Richard L. Terrell Professor of Excellence in Teaching, founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and associate professor of electrical engineering at Kettering University. She is a strong advocate of active, team-based learning in the classroom and is engaged in several engineering education research projects. She is chair of the Educational Research and Methods Division of ASEE.
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Chris R. Groscurth (734) 615-4617 |
Chris Groscurth earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Speech Communication at the University of Georgia. Prior to joining CRLT in 2008, Chris taught courses on relational, intercultural, and business communication and served as a graduate student mentor at the University of Georgia. Currently, Chris directs CRLT’s campus-wide GSI Teaching Orientation, and he co-directs the Rackham-CRLT Preparing Future Faculty Seminar, the CRLT Colloquium on the Science of Learning (sponsored by the Teagle Foundation), and the U-M Postdoctoral Short-Course on College Science Teaching. Chris’s research mobilizes principles of contemporary communication theory to promote learning, cross-cultural understanding, and positive organizational change. This work has been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Intergroup Relations, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, Atlantic Journal of Communication, Public Understanding of Science, Southern Communication Journal, Communication Quarterly, and American Journal of Medical Genetics.
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Chad Hershock (734) 615-8060 |
Chad Hershock received a B.S. in Biology from the University Scholars Program at Pennsylvania State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Michigan, where he also completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Prior to joining CRLT in 2005, Chad worked as a Research Scientist and Project Manager at BioMedware, Inc., and as a Lecturer at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Biological Station campuses. At CRLT, Chad consults with faculty and GSIs on teaching and course design, participates in research, and develops and facilitates customized workshops on teaching methods. Additionally, he coordinates or co-directs CRLT’s Grants for Teaching, the Rackham-CRLT Preparing Future Faculty Seminar, the U-M Graduate Teacher Certificate Program, and the U-M Postdoctoral Short-Course on College Science Teaching.
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Matthew Kaplan Managing Director (734) 936-0644 |
Matt Kaplan received his Ph.D. in comparative literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he worked at UNC’s Center for Teaching and Learning for three years before joining CRLT in 1994. He currently focuses on university-wide initiatives (e.g., Provost’s Seminars on Teaching, assessment and re-accreditation, evaluation of teaching) and external projects, such as a Teagle Foundation grant to improve writing and critical thinking. He oversees the Thurnau competition, the University’s highest undergraduate teaching award, and U-M’s competition to nominate faculty for the National Professors of the Year award. Matt has published articles on the academic hiring process, the use of interactive theatre as a faculty development tool, and the evaluation of teaching, and co-authored a chapter of McKeachie’s Teaching Tips on technology and teaching. He has co-edited a volume of New Directions for Teaching and Learning on The Scholarship of Multicultural Teaching and Learning (Jossey-Bass, 2007) and two volumes of To Improve the Academy (New Forum Press, 1998, 1999).
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Deborah Meizlish (734) 763-2396 |
Deborah Meizlish joined CRLT in 2001. She earned a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan. At CRLT, Deborah consults with administrators, faculty, and GSIs on course and curricular issues, including the scholarship of teaching and learning; plans university-wide programs on teaching, learning, and academic leadership; and conducts seminars such as Evaluating Writing, Effective Student Presentations, and Academic Integrity in the Classroom. Deborah has co-taught the Rackham-CRLT Preparing Future Faculty Seminar and coordinated the Center’s Graduate Teaching Consultant program. Deborah’s research and writing focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning, academic hiring, faculty development, and academic integrity.
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Stiliana Milkova (734) 615-9281 |
Stiliana Milkova holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley and an A.B. from Brown University. As a graduate student, she designed and taught literature, writing, and Bulgarian language courses. Prior to coming to CRLT, Stiliana taught Comparative Literature at Berkeley and mentored GSIs. At CRLT, she coordinates the one-day Preparing Future Faculty conference and co-directs the ELI/CRLT courses for prospective graduate student instructors educated in languages other than English. Stiliana also consults with faculty and GSIs, provides workshops on teaching and learning, and conducts midterm student feedback sessions.
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Tershia Pinder–Grover Assistant Director and Coordinator of GSI Initiatives (734) 615-9263 |
After receiving a B.S. in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland, Tershia Pinder-Grover went on to earn her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She joined CRLT in August 2005 where she is responsible for planning teacher training for new engineering GSIs, overseeing the Engineering Graduate Student Mentor (EGSM) Program, co-directing the Rackham-CRLT Preparing Future Faculty Seminar, and developing pedagogical workshops. Tershia also consults with faculty and GSIs on a variety of teaching and learning issues and participates in engineering education research initiatives.
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Jeffrey Steiger (734) 615-8309 |
Jeffrey Steiger has been working in theatre and with interactive theatre techniques for over twenty years. His career as an actor and director centers on the idea of theatre as a compelling agent for social change. As director of the CRLT Theatre Program he creates original scripts, facilitates interactive performances and workshops, collaborates with academic units to apply theatre to their faculty development needs, and consults with faculty and graduate student instructors on voice and communication issues. Under his direction, the CRLT Theatre Program has become a national resource, performing at campuses and conferences around the country. In addition to his work with the CRLT Players, Jeffrey writes, directs, and produces original work for the stage. He also has experience in the classroom, having taught courses on performance art, comedy, and acting for non-actors both at U-M and at Ann Arbor Community High School.
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Mary Wright Assistant Director for Evaluation and Assistant Research Scientist (734) 936-1135 |
Mary Wright earned an A.B. in sociology from Princeton University, an M.A. and Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Michigan, and an M.A. in higher education administration from the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education at U-M. She has written and published on experiential learning, preparing future faculty programs, and teaching and learning in sociology. Mary’s work at CRLT focuses on curricular and course evaluation, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), Preparing Future Faculty initiatives, and GSI programs. Her research and teaching interests include teaching cultures, undergraduate retention in the sciences, and qualitative research and evaluation methods. Her book, Always at odds?: Creating alignment between faculty and administrative values, was published in 2008 by SUNY Press.
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Erping Zhu (734) 763-3757 |
Erping Zhu earned a Ph.D. in instructional systems technology from Indiana University. Erping consults with faculty about integrating technology into their teaching and developing courses that incorporate instructional technology. She collaborates with colleagues from U-M technology units to provide services and programs to faculty through the Enriching Scholarship program. She also coordinates the Teaching Innovation Prize and directs the Teaching with Technology Institute. She has authored and co-authored chapters in books, encyclopedias, and academic journals. Her research focuses on technology and teaching, scholarship of teaching, and online learning and instruction.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
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Kirsten
Olds (734) 647-5676 |
Kirsten earned a B.A. in Art History and English Literature from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in the History of Art from the University of Michigan. She has been a GSI mentor in her own department, a Graduate Teaching Consultant for CRLT, and, in 2005, received an Outstanding GSI award. At CRLT she conducts midterm student feedback sessions, provides workshops on teaching and learning, and supports the Public Goods Council.
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Jim Barber (734) 763-5988 |
Jim earned his Ph.D. from U-M's Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education, received his M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and B.A. in English Language and Literature from Grand Valley State University. His research interests include integrative learning, college student development, and global comparative higher education. Jim has taught graduate-level courses on student development theory, contemporary college students, and international higher education, and currently teaches as an adjunct in EMU's College of Education. At CRLT, Jim consults with faculty, conducts midterm student feedback sessions, and assists with the Center's faculty development programs and research initiatives. He has recently been involved with the Preparing Future Faculty seminar, Multidisciplinary Learning and Team Teaching program evaluation, and LSA Quantitative Reasoning assessment.
Program Associates and Coordinators
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Lori M. Dickie (734) 763-6939 |
Lori Dickie earned a B.B.A. in accounting from Eastern Michigan University. She has 30 years of experience in finance and administration at U-M, first at the U-M Development Office and then at CRLT. With CRLT since 2000, she is responsible for budget management and implementation of HR processes.
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Ryan Hudson Program Coordinator (734) 936-0641 |
Ryan Hudson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Carleton College and the University of Michigan, respectively. Certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language by the University of Liverpool, she did so in Prague from 1989 to 1991. As a GSI, she received teaching awards from Rackham and the department of political science. In September 2006, Ryan joined CRLT, where she leads the event planning team and provides general research and editing support.
Project Staff
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Courtney
Burkett (734) 615-9265 |
Courtney Burkett trained at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, where she earned her B.F.A. in performance. She received her M.F.A. from Wayne State University’s Hilberry Theatre Management Program. Courtney is a founding Artistic Partner with Breathe Art Theater Project. She has taught and directed theatre in both professional and educational settings. Since joining CRLT in 2008, Courtney has worked closely with the Artistic Director to recruit and train actors, coordinate rehearsal and performance schedules, and oversee program communication.
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James
Freeland (734) 647-4765 |
James Freeland earned his B.A. in History from the University of Michigan in 2008. Before joining CRLT, he was a Team Leader in the Survey Services Lab at the University’s Institute for Social Research. At CRLT, James supports campus-wide events, including the CRLT Seminar Series and Teaching with Technology Institute, and CRLT North programs like the Engineering GSI Teaching Training. James also maintains the CRLT North website.
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Amy Beth Hamermesh (734) 936-2596 |
Amy Hamermesh is primarily responsible for technology support at CRLT. Before joining CRLT, Amy received her M.A. in linguistics from the University of Michigan and worked as the departmental administrator at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. Amy provides support for all of CRLT’s computer-related technology, including research and training for CRLT staff.
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Jeri Hollister Program Assistant (734) 764-2462 |
Jeri Hollister earned her B.A. in History of Art and her M.F.A. from the School of Art at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining CRLT as a Program Assistant in August of 2004, she worked in the Visual Resources Collections in the Department of the History of Art in LSA. Jeri provides support for various CRLT programs, including the five-week Rackham-CRLT Preparing Future Faculty Seminar each May, the Graduate Teacher Certificate program, and CRLT grants. She also maintains the CRLT website, and provides desktop publishing and graphic art support.
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(734) 615-9267 |
Kaarin Mann earned her B.A. in History from the University of Michigan in 2008, after which she joined the CRLT staff. Kaarin previously worked for the Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies. At CRLT, Kaarin provides support for GSI Teaching Orientations, the one-day Preparing Future Faculty conference, the International Faculty Dinner, and the Teaching Innovation Prize. She also assists with the CRLT website.
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Carolyn Parker Assistant to the Executive Director (734) 763-0159 |
Carolyn Parker earned a B.S. in kinesiology/education from the University of Michigan. Carolyn provides administrative and secretarial support to the executive director and to the managing director. She also plans and coordinates several campus-wide events: New Faculty Orientation, the Provost’s Seminars on Teaching, and the Chair and Associate Dean Leadership Program.
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Melinda Thompson (734) 764-0505 |
Melinda Thompson earned her associate’s degree in Administrative Assistant Technology from Washtenaw Community College. She has over 10 years of combined clerical and customer service experience and has worked in several different departments at the University of Michigan, including the Housing Information Office and the Facilities Information Center. Since January 2004, Melinda has been with CRLT, where she oversees the undergraduate student assistants and keeps the office well supplied and running smoothly.
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Kellyn Webley (734) 936-0646 |
Kellyn Webley earned a B.A. in English from the University of Michigan in 2008, and joined CRLT soon thereafter. Kellyn oversees performance and trip logistics for the CRLT Players and works with the Managing Director on scheduling and communication with theatre program contacts. She also provides support for other CRLT events.