Information Design & Strategy Faculty

Tanya Norwood

Tanya Norwood, MBA, MS

Faculty Director

Contact Information

latanya-norwood@northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Tanya Norwood is the Chief Marketing & Membership Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). ASCP is the largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals. In her current role, Norwood is responsible for leveraging data to grow market share, drive incremental sales, and increase member acquisition and retention and overseeing the organization’s overall branding and value propositioning. Prior to ASCP, Norwood has worked several years in corporate where majority of that time was spent in retail. Most recently, she managed direct to consumer pharmacy campaigns for Walgreen Co. Norwood has a MS in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University and an MBA degree.

Education

MS, Predictive Analytics, Northwestern University
MBA, Roosevelt University
BS, Marketing, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Relevant Work

Chief Officer, Marketing & Membership and Chief Officer, DE&I - ASCP
Sr. Director, Marketing, Membership & Communications
Director, Marketing & Communications
Director, Marketing Analytics
Senior Project Mgr.

Recent Courses

IDS 453: Introduction to Techniques of Predictive Analytics

Lindsay Adams

Lindsay Adams

Contact Information

LindsayAdams2020@u.northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Lindsay Adams currently serves as Chief Learning Officer and Co-Founder of Origin8cares, an insurtech startup. She is responsible for all learning and development of the company's workforce and thrives on helping employees reach their full potential. Previously, she was Director of Digital Sales Engineering at TIAA, a Fortune 100 company, where she orchestrated global teams to cultivate client relationships through technology demonstrations, storytelling, and data visualization. With 25 years of experience in IT and financial services, Lindsay has been a pioneer in the design and development of digital experiences, always with an emphasis on audience empathy. She received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Geography at Florida State University. She earned her Master's degree in Information Design & Strategy from Northwestern University with a specialization in Learning Design.

Education

MS in Information Design & Strategy, Northwestern University
BS in Sociology and Geography, Florida State University

Relevant Work

Chief Learning Officer & Founder, Origin8cares (2021-Present)
Director of Sales Engineering, TIAA (2014-2021)
Program Manager, TIAA (2010-2014)

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 405-DL : User Research

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

I believe the purpose of education is to prepare students to fulfill a higher purpose in their life's work. I teach User Research to help students improve people's lives through the products they design. To achieve optimal results, they must understand both cognitive and emotional aspects of the people using their products. My goal is to help students gain an understanding of their target users and develop empathy for them. I believe students learn best when given the opportunity to apply their lessons in a real world setting, which is what makes the project-driven approach of this User Research course so effective. Students conduct research using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, giving them firsthand exposure to their audience's sentiments and behaviors. These activities enable students to construct findings and recommendations, a true synthesis of their learning. It is a thrill for me to guide them through this journey.

Ignatius Aloysius

Ignatius Valentine Aloysius

Contact Information

ignatius.aloysius@northwestern.edu

Twitter

Website

www.sundaysalon-chicago.com

Ignatius Valentine Aloysius was born in India and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. He earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Northwestern University, where he won the distinguished thesis award for fiction. He is a lecturer in writing at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. He has written for Triquarterly, Newcity, Third Coast Review, The Extraordinary Project, La Tolteca Zine, The Rumpus and others, and he is the author of the novel Fishhead. Republic of Want (Tortoise Books, 2020), as well, The Imaginal Stage, a doom/sludge metal album by WOOND, his studio project on Mental Illness Recordings, Iowa City (woond.bandcamp.com). Ignatius was selected as a 2020-21 Creative Writing Fellow by the Ludington Writers Board and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts in Michigan. He is co-curator of Sunday Salon Chicago, a literary reading event series, now in its 15th year. Ignatius serves as a judge for the Evanston Arts Council's Cultural Fund Grants Application program, and he has served as a juror for the National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards in NYC (The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers). He sits on the curatorial board at Ragdale Foundation, an arts and writing residency in Lake Forest, Illinois, and is also a board member for its Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Taskforce (DEAI). Ignatius lives with his wife in Evanston, Illinois, where he is working on his second novel. You can learn more about him at www.ignatiusaloysius.com

Education

MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction), Northwestern University
BA in English and Poetry, Vermont College of Union Institute and University
Grammar, Mechanics and Usage for Editors (online), UC Berkeley Extension, Berkeley, CA

Relevant Work

Lecturer, Writing and Experimentation, Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences Lecturer, Writing Program at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Lecturer, English Composition, City Colleges of Chicago (Harold Washington Col.)
Faculty, Chicago Portfolio School, Chicago
Co-principal, True Ideas Design, Evanston IL
Freelance short- and long-form Editor

Selected Publications

Fishhead. Republic of Want (a Literary novel, Tortoise Books, Chicago)
"One Small Victory" a novel manuscript excerpt from Fishhead. Republic of Want. published in The Rumpus (Sunday Rumpus Fiction)
"Tabernacle for Drinkers" a novel manuscript excerpt from Fishhead. Republic of Want. published in Third Coast Review
"Greeting Cards" a novel manuscript excerpt from Fishhead. Republic of Want. published in Third Coast Review "The Ring"an essay about a true experience on Kauai, published on The Extraordinary Project. Rain, a short story in La Tolteca Zine online.
Chronicles of Continuing Education: Apprenticeship in Newcity
Book review of the debut novel Hold It Til It Hurts by Iowa Workshop alumni Jeronimo Johnson (Coffee House Press) for TriQuarterly

Recognition

Distinguished Thesis Award for fiction, Northwestern University
Ragdale Residency, Ragdale Foundation, Lake Forest, IL
Ludington Writers Board and the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Michigan. 2020-21 Creative Writing Fellow
Residency, The La Casita Writer-in-Residence at el Ranchito Cielito con Nopales in La Union, New Mexico

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 432-DL : Storytelling and Technical Writing

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

Because I am a storyteller, I make a very good listener, and I am patient and helpful. My teaching methods succeed because I make every effort to establish trust and friendliness in the classroom while I encourage open communication and casualness, which always benefits learning for all involved.

Jessica Ashley

Jessica Ashley

Contact Information

jessica.ashley@northwestern.edu

dear.jessica.ashley@gmail.com

Website

Jessica Ashley is a content strategist, award-winning author, and certified coach.

She earned a BA in Journalism from Truman State University and an MA in Women Studies and Speech Communication from Oregon State University. Jessica’s thesis examines the heirlooms matriarchs pass down to their daughters, and the oral history these possessions preserve, and was the first-ever documentary accepted as a thesis into the school library. She served as an instructor of women studies at Oregon State University and gender studies at Western Oregon University. Jessica launched a national feminist zine when that was a radical act of communication, was a founding editor at Yahoo's first women's site, contributed to many major digital publications from Forbes to Scary Mommy, appeared as a guest expert on morning shows across the country, and served as a panelist on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday Life Class on single motherhood.

Jessica is the founder and voice of Single Mom Nation online community and its sister podcast, and helps women thrive through transition at Divorce Coach for Moms. She is the author of three independent divorce and self-care guides, and a forthcoming publication with Rockridge Press. She responds to both Jessica and Ashley.

Education

MA, Oregon State University - Women Studies and Speech Communication
BA, Truman State University - Journalism and Women's Studies
CDC Certified Divorce Coach

Relevant Work

Sassafrass Media LLC - Content Strategist & Content Creator
Divorce Coach for Moms - Certified Divorce Coach
Yahoo! - Yahoo! Shine Founding Healthy Living & Parenting Editor
WOMMA - Director of Marketing

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 403: Effective Communication

MS_IDS 405-DL : User Research

Kevin Budelmann

Kevin Budelmann

Contact Information

kevin.budelmann@northwestern.edu

peopledesign.com

Brand Identity Essentials

LinkedIn

Kevin Budelmann is interested in strategic design for business, education, healthcare, and society. Kevin is president and co-founder of Peopledesign, a strategy and human-centered design firm based in Michigan. Besides serving as an advisor to clients, Kevin is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and is the former global president of IxDA, the Interaction Design Association. He holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the IIT Institute of Design. Kevin's book, "Brand Identity Essentials," is available in six languages and a second edition.

Education

BFA Design, Carnegie Mellon University
MDM (Master of Design Methods), IIT Institute of Design

Relevant Work

President, Peopledesign
President, Global Board of Directors, IxDA
Author
Professional Speaker

Recognition

Many design awards
40 under 40
Andrew Carnegie Scholar
Apple Student Design Award

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 407-DL : Information and Content Strategy

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

My work is based on my experience and education in strategic design. I'm influenced by ideas in user research, behavioral science, communication theory, systems thinking, technology innovation, interaction design, and business strategy.

Michael Callero

Contact Information

Michael CalleroMichael Callero has developed consumer research and insights throughout his career. He is currently the Founder of Big Blue Crayon, where he trains organizations to transform their insights into business influence. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Consumer Insights at Allina Healthcare, a Minneapolis health system, where he launched one of the first consumer insights functions of its kind in healthcare. He has been the head of consumer research for Walgreens and a research leader at Best Buy and other organizations. Early in his career, he learned the power of determining consumers’needs and translating them into great business decisions. Mike’s consumer curiosity sprang from the particular fabric of his educational background. He received bachelor’s degrees in both Advertising and Psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He earned his master’s degree in Market Research from Southern Illinois University. He is based in Minneapolis.

Education

Master of Market Research, Southern Illinois University

Bachelor of Journalism - Advertising, University of Missouri - Columbia

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Missouri - Columbia

Relevant Work

Founder, Big Blue Crayon; 2022 - present

Vice President Consumer Insights, Allina Health; 2018 - 2022

Director Consumer Insights, Walgreens; 2010 - 2018

Director Consumer Insights, Best Buy; 2002 - 2009

Head of Consumer Insights, AltaVista; 2019 - 2022

Courses Taught

IDS 405 User Research

Current Research Interests

Consumer research insights

Business communication and storytelling

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

User research is the science of anticipating how people act in order to guide design. Learn how consumers think. Make that your second nature. It turns out they’re decently predictable: no one wants unnecessary work; no one wants confusion; no one wants the aggravation of interacting with things that aren’t intuitive. This is similar to how I approach instruction. I learn the individual needs of people and then I coach them to be effective. I help them take what they know and convert it into actionability and influence. Most everyone I encounter is smart, motivated and resourceful. I help them turn that into achievement.

Amy Cesal

Contact Information

Photo of Amy CesalAmy Cesal (she/her) is a data visualization designer and instructor. She co-founded the Data Visualization Society, where she serves on the advisory board. Amy’sinnovative and unusual data visualization work has garnered her three Information is Beautiful Awards. Amy specializes in working with subject matterexperts to design accessible and legible visualizations of complex data across domains. She holds a Master's Degree in Information Visualization fromthe Maryland Institute College of Art. Amy is also a leader in the use of data visualizations style guidelines, and writes and speaks on the topic. Sheenjoys connecting people and creating spaces that facilitate connection.

Current Research Interests

Data Visualization Style Guides

Accessibility for Data Visualization

Visual Perception

Educational Background

Masters in Information Visualization, Maryland Institute College of Art, 2016

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, American University, 2009

Certifications

Human-Centered Service Design, IDEO, 2020

ScrumMaster Certification, Scrum Alliance, 2018

Professional Experience

Subject Matter Expert, Data Analytics and Visualization Program, Maryland Institute College of Art,2021-present

Adjunct Instructor, Data Analytics and Visualization, Maryland Institute College of Art, 2020-present

Product Evangalist, everviz, 2023-present

Co-Founder, Data Visualization Society, 2022-present

Senior Design Diretor of Data Visualization, Morning Consult, 2021-2023

Selected Publications and Products

Cesal, Amy. "Visualization Style Guidelines." In Do No Harm Guide: Centering Accessibility in DataVisualization, edited by Jonathan Schwabish, Sue Popkin, and Alice Feng, Chapter 9. UrbanInstitute, December 2022.

Cesal, Amy. "Writing alt text for data visualization." Nightengale (2020).

Elder, Kevin L., and Amy A. Cesal. "Should We Teach Data Visualization Using Data VisualizationStyle Guides?." Issues in Information Systems 21, no. 4 (2020): 264.

Cesal, Amy. "What Are Data Visualization Style Guidelines." Nightingale, Medium. Accessed May14, 2024. https://medium.com/nightingale/style-guidelines-92ebe166addc

Recognitions

Information is Beautiful Awards, Silver in Unusual for Wedding Viz, 2019

Information is Beautiful Awards, Silver in Unusual for DayDohViz, 2018

Information is Beautiful Awards, Rising Star: Silver, 2017

Courses Taught

IDS 455: Visualization of Data and Text

Kelly Cutler

Kelly Cutler

Contact Information

Phone: 847-467-2371

kelly.cutler@northwestern.edu

www.kellycutler.com

LinkedIn

Kelly Cutler is an Educator and Business Leader. She brings over two decades of experience to her current role at Northwestern University, where she teaches at Medill, Kellogg and SPS. Kelly has been teaching in the areas of technology, marketing, and communication for nearly 15 years and continues to offer her expertise to professional, graduate, executive and undergraduate students at Northwestern University. In addition to her love of higher education, Kelly is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology executive with a background in digital marketing and technology solutions. Kelly is proud to hold a master's degree from the Information Design and Strategy program in Northwestern's School of Professional Studies. In her free time, Kelly enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family.

Education

Master's in Information Design & Strategy, Northwestern University

Certificate in Inclusive STEM Teaching, Northwestern University

Certificate in Online Teaching, Northwestern University

Certificate in Hybrid Teaching, Northwestern University

Certificate in Entrepreneurship, University of Chicago Graham School of Business

Relevant Work

Northwestern University 2016 to present

DePaul University 2008 to 2017

Kona Company 2014 to Present

Recent Courses

IDS 413 Visual Communication

Current Research Interests

Digital Marketing

Web3 and the Future of Marketing

Visual Communication

Visual Storytelling

Effective Presentations

Michael Dain

Michael Dain

Contact Information

Michael.dain@northwestern.edu

@michaeldain

michaeldain.com

Michael Dain has been a leader in the field of Human Computer Interaction for over 20 Years. He has led UX/UI design efforts for several major companies, and led teams delivering solutions within higher education, agency and advertising as well as consultation and thought leadership. His interests combine a deep appreciation for human behavior, design history and principles, and interaction patterns and innovations. His work has won Cannes Gold and Silver Lions, Addy and Marcom awards. He's still holds most of the 10 top results for his name in Google.

Education

Bachelors in Fine Art, Kansas City Art Institute
Masters in Computer Science/HCI - DePaul University

Relevant Work

Director of UX/UI Truckstop.com
Director of UX - FCB
VP of UX - Bank of America
Associate Director of UX - Salesforce

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 411-DL : Information Design and Architecture

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

I will only teach online since I've found the tools that help us all collaborate more intensely, get fast feedback and focus on doing, not just reading and understanding. I want you to know why things work, not just how. Also I focus on solving the problems that over my career just keep getting more critical, managing the world of information and creating value for customers.

Adriano Galvao

Adriano Galvao

adriano.galvao@northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Adriano Galvao combines qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform customer-driven innovation efforts and improve products and services. Adriano advises companies to enter new markets with products/services by supporting their strengths and expanding their potential ability to its full extent. Adriano frequently speaks at conference venues and is interested in helping organizations know more about innovation, their customers, businesses, products, services, and channel partners. A dual citizen of Brazil and the US, Adriano has lived and worked in Brazil, the United States, and Japan. He holds a bachelor's degree in Design (with a minor in Mechanical Engineering) from the University of Brasilia in Brazil, a Master's in Human-Centered Design, and a Ph.D. in Design Methods from the Institute of Design, IIT. Adriano's specialties include Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods, Innovation Workshops, Design Thinking, User Experience Development, Foresight, Value Innovation Strategy, Scenario Planning, Product Management, Knowledge Management, and Marketing Strategy.

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 401-DL : Models and Theories of User-Centered Design

Rachel Goc

Contact Information

Picture of Rachel GocRachel Goc (she/her) is a Learning Engineer on the Teaching and Learning Technologies team at Northwestern University. Before transitioning her pedagogical interests to focus on educational technology, she earned her Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research on how amateur music communities in Japan made community through Latin American popular music genres was supported by a Fulbright Dissertation Fellowship. In addition to over 8 years of experience working in information technology in higher education she has completed the Graduate Certificate in Learning Design from Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies.

Education

Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Learning Design Certificate, Northwestern University - School of Professional Studies

Research Interests

Learning design

Generative AI and chatbots

Teaching Philosophy

As an experienced instructor and instructional designer, I’m committed to building learning experiences that are active, engaging, and evidence-based. I put this into practice through creating digitally accessible and well-organized course sites and materials, creating multiple means of engagement, action, and expression of course content for students, and continuing my own research and learning of student-centered practices.

I highly value the process of a student becoming invested in their own learning journey. I approach course activities with the goal of putting previous experiences and knowledge into conversation with new ideas, frameworks, and processes. Whenever possible, I want to provide students with insight not just into the course content, but to build skills to understand their own learning path. To me, the goal of feedback to students during grading is not just to provide context to a grade, but to provide clear, actionable steps forward for the student. Approaching teaching in this way means that some of the best feedback I can receive from a student is that they’ve gained skills or knowledge they didn’t expect and see how it will have relevance for many learning experiences to come.

Matt Grossman

Matt Grossman

Contact Information

matthew.grossman@northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Matt Grossman is Director of Design and Implementation at CultureVerse where he leverages XR technology in support of the makers and keepers of art and knowledge. His interest in the design of immersive experiences began with his work as Experience Manager then Manager of Customer Success at Saganworks, a tech-startup exploring innovative solutions for arraying and interacting with digital information in 3D environments. He's focused on the work of deeply understanding people, systems, and context, and translating that information into delightful human-centered experiences. Matt is also a freelance UX Strategist who earned a Master of Science in Information Design and Strategy (IDS), with a specialization in Content Strategy, from Northwestern's School of Professional Studies. Through the IDS program, Matt connected a decade of experience in visual communication and marketing with his passion for exploring information through structural, aesthetic, and social lenses. Previously, Matt earned a B.S. in Communication from Eastern Michigan University.

Education

M.S. Information Design and Strategy - Northwestern University
B.S. Communication - Eastern Michigan University

Relevant Work

Director of Design and Implementation - CultureVerse
Manager of Customer Success - Saganworks
Experience Manager - Saganworks UI/UX Designer - Logic Solution Inc.
Director of Photography - Genesis Service Associates
Lead Digital Photographer - SHOES.com

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 411-DL : Information Design and Architecture

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

Matt leans on his experience as a former student in the IDS program to bring empathy and engagement to the distance learning environment. Sharing his genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter, he strives to maintain a welcoming environment for collaborative exploration and learning.

Randy Hlavac

Randy Hlavac

Contact Information

r-hlavac@northwestern.edu

Randy Hlavac is an expert in digital marketing and how to use consumer and business big data to define, target, and develop high value markets. Randy teaches Digital, Social and Mobile Marketing Strategies in the Medill IMC program, Marketing Analytics in the McCormick Engineering Management program and Social Media and Content Curation in the School of Professional Studies. Randy also works with The Garage and the Farley Entrepreneurial program to assist entrepreneurs to grow and position their brand using social and digital marketing. In addition to teaching, Randy is director of the OmniChannel Initiative – a joint venture with IBM to bring new business and marketing technologies into the college curriculum at Northwestern.

Randy also helped Northwestern develop Coursera online programs in Social Media Marketing and Content Strategy and Content Curation. These courses are offered worldwide and have students in over 150 countries. They are some of the largest online programs on marketing and content in the world.

Randy is CEO of Marketing Synergy, Inc. Founded in 1990, Marketing Synergy helps clients from start-ups to Fortune 100 to develop effective digital marketing strategies and deploy the marketing, customer service, and financial metrics systems to improve profits and grow market share.

Randy speaks at business, technical and marketing conventions around the world. He is a frequent speaker at IBM conferences on Big Data, Watson, and IoT. Randy is also the author of the book – Social IMC – Social Strategies with Bottom-Line ROI and will soon be publishing Prosper – Your Guide to Building Profitable Digital Marketing Programs. Randy is also a blogger on digital and social marketing technologies.

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 433-DL : Social Media and Content Curation

Reggie Jackson

Reginald C. Jackson, Ed.D.

Contact Information

reginald.jackson@northwestern.edu

Reginald (Reggie) Jackson is currently Senior Learning Engineer at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism Integrated Marketing Communications Program and Northwestern IT’s Teaching & Learning Technologies department. In this role, he consults with faculty in the design and development of courses as well as the use of technology and teaching strategies. Prior to joining Northwestern, he was an Academic Technology Analyst at University of Chicago. Before coming to higher education, he held positions as a corporate trainer and instructional designer primarily in the banking industry. He also teaches for Roosevelt University's Graduate Program in Training and Development. Reggie holds a doctorate degree in Adult Education from National-Louis University, master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Instructional Design and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University.

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 422-DL : Introduction to Learning Theory
MS_IDS 423-DL : Instructional Design
MS_IDS 425-DL : Learning Environment Design

Lauren Johnson

Lauren Liss

Contact Information

lauren.johnson@northwestern.edu

laurenliss@gmail.com

Lauren Johnson is the Coordinator of the Interaction Design major and the User Experience and Web Development minors in the Interactive Arts and Media (IAM) Department at Columbia College Chicago, and has been a faculty member in this program since 2006. She received her Masters in Education, Learning Design and Leadership, New Learning, from the University of Illinois, where she studied knowledge acquisition and educational theory through the lens of usability and technology. She teaches interface design, interaction theory, user experience and usability, and collaborative development. She also runs an interaction design company, Goodspark, which focuses on content management systems and usability analysis for small businesses, with a specialization in women-owned businesses and creative

Education

M.Ed, University of Illinois

Relevant Work

Assistant Professor, Columbia College Chicago
Owner, goodspark*
Interaction Designer, Jellyvision

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 401-DL : Models and Theories of User-Centered Design

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

I believe in creating spaces where students are able to approach learning and knowledge retention through a variety of different avenues: peer-to-peer learning, collaborative development, critical reflection, and direct application of theory through project-based learning. I find value in helping students gain comfort in the discomfort of "problem spaces" instead of "solution spaces", and interrogating their own built-in assumptions, biases, and risk aversion. True human-centered design is rarely linear and frequently full of failure - and these are features of this work, not bugs. My classroom is a space not just for extending your intelligence, but also your resilience and empathic thinking abilities.

Reba Anna Lee

Reba-Anna Lee, Ed.D.

Assistant Dean of Distance Learning, Adjunct Lectuer

Contact Information

reba-anna.lee@northwestern.edu

Dr. Reba-Anna Lee received her doctorate in Educational Technology from Alliant International University. She completed her Master's and Bachelor's at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining Northwestern, she was the Associate Director of Academic Technology and eLearning at Marist College. Her background includes 10+ years of K-12 experience and over 14+ of higher education administration and teaching experience.
Dr. Lee has experience working with faculty in implementing new technologies in their classroom, whether face-to-face, blended, or completely online. She is also a certified Master reviewer with Quality Matters and is skilled in training faculty on Quality Matters guidelines.
Dr. Lee's research interests span the building of online environments, faculty professional development, and innovative technology use in the classroom.

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 423-DL : Instructional Design

Vanessa Lewin

Vanessa Lewin

Contact Information

vanessa.lewin@northwestern.edu

Vanessa Lewin is a versatile and engaging marketing leader with 20 years of experience influencing organizational and revenue growth for both healthcare sector firms and professional associations. Her expertise lies in leading and managing complex projects and campaigns, from initial strategy through execution and analysis.

A natural leader and communicator, Vanessa is known for the ability to bridge the gap between cross-functional (creative and technical) teams and individuals and excels in getting people with varying backgrounds, priorities, communication styles and personalities together and motivating them to work collaboratively toward common goals. Trained in professional improv, she is a confident, articulate presenter and spokesperson and jumps at every opportunity to speak in front of groups, whether that's customers, fellow team members or in one-on-one settings. Vanessa has the unique ability to clearly communicate in a very inclusive, professional, and diplomatic way.

Specific areas of expertise include: team leadership, marketing communications, healthcare marketing, project management, strategic planning & analysis, market research, product launch and volunteer/member relations.

Education

MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Liberal Arts from DePaul University

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 481: Leadership & Business Strategy

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

My approach to teaching leadership is to stimulate critical thinking about the type of leader you are and the type of leader you will become. My leadership course provides the opportunity to share your reflections and think about improvements and actions you want to take to continue to grow. My leadership style and philosophy is all about lifting others up and coaching them through challenges and successes.

Roger McMinn

Roger McMinn

Contact Information

rogermcminn2017@u.northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Roger McMinn is an Adjunct Lecturer in Northwestern’s IDS program and a Vice President of Marketing for BNY Mellon. McMinn has worked in marketing and communications for more than 25 years for well-known companies like Vanguard, Nuveen, and Nationwide. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Penn State University and an MBA in Marketing from Drexel University. McMinn is also a graduate of the Northwestern IDS program, and has previously taught IDS 403: Effective Communication. McMinn lives outside of Philadelphia, PA, with his wife, three kids, and two dogs.

Education

Northwestern University, Master's Degree, Information Design and Strategy

Drexel University, MBA, Marketing

Penn State University, BS, Finance

Relevant Work

Vice President/Senior Marketing Manager, BNY Mellon | Pershing

Senior Consultant, Marketing, Nationwide

Marketing Officer, Nuveen Investments

Senior Writer, Vanguard

Recent Courses

IDS435 Persuasion and Strategic Communications; IDS 405 Effective Communication

David Noffs

David S. Noffs

Adjunct Lecturer, Learning Designer

Contact Information

LinkedIn

Twitter

Dr. Noffs has spent most of his life designing innovative learning environments, from his early work with hi-tech mobile classrooms in Australia's rural communities, and throughout the world, to over fifteen years as an instructional technologist, designer, and learning management system administrator in the Center for Innovation in Teaching Excellence at Columbia College Chicago. He currently works as a Learning Designer, Faculty Developer, and Lecturer at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies. Planning and designing transformative learning experiences has become his life's work.

Dr. Noffs is an author, researcher, and frequent presenter at National Conferences. His doctoral dissertation in Adult and Continuing Education from National Louis University is entitled, Resonating Frequencies of a Virtual Learning Community: An Ethnographic Case Study of Online Faculty Development at Columbia College Chicago.

Education

Doctor of Education, National Louis University
Master of Public Health, Benedictine University

Relevant Work

Lecturer, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, 2016 - Present
Learning Designer, Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, 2018 - Present
LMS Administrator, Columbia College Chicago, 2012 - 2015
Instructional Specialist, Columbia College Chicago, 2005 - 2016
Adjunct Faculty, Interactive Arts and Media, Columbia College Chicago, 2001 - 2018

Selected Publications

Noffs, D., and Wilson, K. (2021). How Adult Education Can Inform Optimal Online Learning. In T. N. Thurston, Lundstrom, K., & Gonzalez, C. (Ed.), Resilient pedagogy: Practical teaching strategies to overcome distance, disruption, and distraction. Utah State University. https://doi.org/10.26079/a516-fb24
Faculty Focus Online Journal - How Superheroes Can Bring Your Online Discussion Board to Life - April 10, 2020. Magna Publications
Up, Up, and Away: How Superheroes Can Save Online Discussions - https://dl.sps.northwestern.edu/blog/2018/11/up-up-and-away-how-superheroes-can-save-online-discussions/
TEACHx Conference, Evanston 2021 (presenter - 2 separate workshops)
Presentation: International Congress on Qualitative Inquiry, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois (2021) The Virtual Chautauqua: Experimental Course Design and Non-Sequential Navigation. Presentation: Chicago Colloquium on Digital Humanities and Computer Science. University of Chicago (November 9, 2019 - co-presenter)
Distance Teaching & Learning Conference, University of Wisconsin (August, 2019 - co-presenter)
Noffs, D.S. (2015). Resonating Frequencies of a Virtual Learning Community: An Ethnographic Case Study of Online Faculty Development at Columbia College Chicago [Ed.D.]. National Louis University. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/144

Recognition

Provost's Digital Learning Fellowship Recipient, (2018) https://sps.northwestern.edu/stories/news-stories/information-design-and-strategy-david-noffs.php


American Educational Research Association (AERA) recognition as a peer reviewer for submissions, (2018, 2021) https://www.aera.net/Portals/38/2021%20AERA%20Annual%20Meeting%20Reviewer%20Acknowledgements.pdf

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 405-DL : User Research
MS_IDS 422-DL : Introduction to Learning Theory
MS_IDS 425-DL : Learning Environment Design
MS_IDS 498-DL : Capstone Project

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

I want every class I teach to be transformative for both students and teachers. To me, being part of a learning community means that we commit to being authentic, inclusive, and at all times respectful. I want to connect to each student and provide a supportive, yet challenging learning environment where every voice is heard.

Kyle Pipkins

Kyle Pipkins

Contact Information

kyle.pipkins@northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Kyle Pipkins is an Adjunct Instructor for the Northwestern School of Professional Studies. He's spent over ten years working across data science, design, and communications disciplines. As a seasoned business intelligence and information design professional, Kyle has led product development teams, advised executives on data strategy, developed analytical programs, and modernized numerous federal programs to better leverage data. Kyle holds a Master of Science in Information Design & Strategy (IDS) from Northwestern and a Data Science certification from Johns Hopkins University. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys kayak fishing, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.

Education

Masters of Science, Information Design and Strategy
Data Science Certification from Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Relevant Information

Senior Product Analyst Director of Data and Strategy

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 455-DL : Data and Text Visualization

Chris Rinere

Chris Rinere

Contact Information

chrisrinere@northwestern.edu

LinkedIn

Chris Rinere has been working in the design, organizational management, and learning development space for 12 years. He is a recognized expert in learning development and talent strategy, user-centered design, product management, change initiatives, and data analytics. Chris has successfully created the learning development function within different organizations and utilized metrics and data as the key driver behind the design, business, and strategic decisions within the organization.

His leadership styles are transformative, strategic, and coach.

Currently, Chris works within the People team for ResMed Corporation focusing on development, strategy, and learning efforts across the organization including the areas of data analytics; user privacy; diversity, inclusion, and equity; leadership development; psychological safety; change management; and, operational effectiveness.

Chris also is an elected Executive Board Member for the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association Executive Board as a Vice President of Operations, where he leads operational effectiveness, strategy, learning, and design efforts for the organization.

Rinere is a 2017 graduate of the Information Design and Strategy (IDS) program at Northwestern University with an emphasis in Data Science and Analytics and holds a dual-Bachelor's Degree in Adolescent Education and English Literature from the State University of New York at Geneseo.

Education

Masters of Science in Information Design and Strategy (with an emphasis in Data Science and Analytics )
Dual-Bachelor's Degree in Adolescent Education and English Literature - State University of New York at Geneseo.

Relevant Work

People Development Manager
Manager of Training & Learning Development
Sr. Training Specialist Talent Development Consultant
Strategic Education Consultant
Vice President of Operations (Non-Profit Executive Board)

Recognition

Guest Speaker for HR Exchange Network's: Workforce Transformation Driving Productivity, Culture & Innovation in the New Norm

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 409-DL : Data Science, Management, and Business Strategy

Russ Roberson

Russ Roberson

Contact Information

russell.roberson@northwestern.edu

Russ Roberson is the VP of Quality, Regulatory, Patient Safety, and Data Governance for a global medical device company. Russ has responsibility for a portfolio of healthcare products in the medical device area. He is a frequent speaker at global conferences on such topics as design processes, employee development, and strategic management and has published in each of these areas. A licensed professional engineer, Russ also holds professional certifications in engineering, quality, auditing, and management. Russ has a doctorate in Business Administration and Management, an MBA degree, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering.

Education

Doctorate Business: Argosy University
MBA: Marquette University
MSME: West Coast University
BSAE: Auburn University
Professional Engineer: State of Wisconsin
ASQ: Software Engineer, Quality Engineer, Auditor
ASQ: Biomedial Auditor, Six Sigma, Operations

Relevant Work

VP Quality: Elsevier Clinical Solutions
VP Quality: General Electric Healthcare
Director Quality: Baxter Healthcare

Research Interests

Quality Progress
Quuality Management Forum
ASQ World Quality Conference

Recognition

GEHC Presidential Award (twice)

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 452-DL : Introduction to Data Collection and Analytics

Teaching Approach and Philosophy

In the classes I teach, we focus on understanding and applying the course material. The discussion boards and sync sessions are a critical part of the learning process. I bring into the course material that is current and global. As important, I emphasize the importance of virtual teaming and we work together, as a class, as a virtual team to achieve the course objectives. You will see me active in our class daily, ready to assist students with their understanding of the topics of the course.

Alicia Warren

Alicia Warren Hossein

Contact Information

alicia.warrenhossein@northwestern.edu

Twitter

LinkedIn

Alicia Warren Hossein is Director of IT Products Design Team at Rippling, a product that manages employee data end-to-end to free up smart people to work on hard problems. Alicia has worked as a designer and leader across industry, including higher education, academia, insurance, pharmacy, ecommerce, and FinTech, and has lived in Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. She runs the Ladies that UX - Chicago meetup group, where industry experts convene on topics ranging across experience pillars, including accessibility, ethics, cognitive biases and emotional intelligence. She received her Masters Degree in Publishing Studies from City University London and her Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Education

LUMA Certified Practitioner

PRINCE 2 Project Management Certification

Master of Arts, City University London

Bachelor of Arts, University of Illinois at Chicago

Relevant Work

Rippling, Director of Product Design, IT Products

JPMorgan Chase, UX Design Lead | Vice President

CVS Health (Motion Recruitment), Senior Advisor, UX Design

Walmart (Quantium), Lead UX Designer

Allstate, Senior Product Designer

John Wiley & Sons, User Experience Analyst

SAGE Publications, Product Analyst, User Experience

Selected Publications & Products

What is UX Podcast (https://whatisux.co/podcast/s6e7-an-interview-with-alicia-warren-product-design-director-for-it-products-at-rippling/)

Good Hands Rescue Network, Allstate

Virtual Assist, Allstate

SAGE Stats, SAGE Publications

US Political Stats, SAGE Publications

CQ Researcher, SAGE Publications

Current Trends in Child Abuse Prevention and Fatalities: THE 2000 FIFTY STATE SURVEY, 2002 (https://nic.unlv.edu/pcan/files/current%20trneds%20in%20child%20abuse%20prevention%20-%202000.pdf)

Planet Eigo, 2006 (https://ajet.net/downloads/documents/planet-eigo/Planet-Eigo_Complete.pdf)

Recognition

Crowd Favorite, Rippling Hackathon, 2022

Be the Leader Award, Allstate, 2018 & 2019

CIO award in Innovation, 2017

Top 10 in innovation at TechWeek, 2017

Reference Product of the year, American Library Association, 2012

Partner of the Year, Society for Public Health and Education, 2012

SAGE Product of the Year, 2011

Recent Courses Taught

DesignOps, Interface Design, Experience Design, Columbia College Chicago; Journey Mapping and Service Design at Allstate

Samantha Zarrini

Samantha Zarrini

Contact Information

samanthazarrini2020@u.northwestern.edu

Samantha is a Director of HR & Learning Systems at Visa. She is a passionate and creative UX evangelist with 10 years of experience discovering, understanding, and transforming employee experiences within the digital HR ecosystem. She has been focused on leading the application of UX research methodologies to envision, strategize, and build data driven learning products with employees at the center of the design. Her strength is in leading product management and design of learning experience platforms. Samantha is fascinated by human interaction with products and experiences and is adamant about leveraging data to design products that improve employee experience, retain talent, increase productivity and drive business outcomes.

Samantha is a graduate of Northwestern University with a Master's in Information, Design and Strategy. Samantha received her bachelor's in Law and Society from American University in Washington, D.C. She is fluent in Spanish and Arabic.

Education

B.A. Law & Society, American University
M.S. Information, Design & Strategy, Northwestern University

Relevant Work

Director, HR & Learning Systems - Visa
Associate Director, Product Strategy & Design - GE
Senior Product Manager, Personalization - GE
UX Design Researcher - GE
Program Manager, Digital Learning & Experience Design - GE
Digital Learning Specialist
Content Management Specialist

Recognition

Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Award at the Gold level

Recent Courses

MS_IDS 405-DL : User Research

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