Banner that says" Thank you to our 2026 Interface Gold Sponsors, followed by the TOP HAT logo in light purple.

A graphic with a plain white book on a green background that says: Interface Teaching Conference, April 28-29, Proposals now being accepted. 

Call For Lightning Round and Poster Session Proposals

Proposals are due March 3, 2026

The University of Florida’s Center for Teaching Excellence invites faculty, staff, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and post-docs to submit proposals for 10-minute lighting rounds or poster sessions for the second day of the Interface Teaching Conference. The second day of the conference will focus on Research in Teaching and Learning (RiTL) happening across disciplines at UF and will feature poster presentations and lightning rounds to highlight research in teaching and learning being conducted across the UF Campus. All disciplines are welcome, provided that your research centers on enhancing learning, assessing the effectiveness of educational assignments, or evaluating outcomes related to student or learner progress.

Submissions are due by March 3, 2026.

RiTL (Research in Teaching and Learning) at UF is specialized research that delves deeply into how students learn within and across disciplines. UF’s RiTL community of researchers and educators will engage in the deliberate, systematic, and reflective use of research methods to develop and implement teaching practices that advance field-specific learning. RiTL at UF includes scholarly work related to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), Teaching as Research (TAR), Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER), etc.

Who should attend? All faculty including clinical faculty, instructional faculty, practitioners, faculty considering promotion, department chairs, staff, and librarians interested in teaching-focused research.

Submit your proposal

 

Pre-Conference

Pre-conference Workshop Information 

Prompted to Teach: Six AI Power Moves to Transform Your Teaching 

Date: Monday, April 27 

Time: 12:00−4:00 PM (lunch and snacks provided) 

Location: Room 1010, Public Safety Building, University of Florida 

Cost: $75 

Ready to supercharge your teaching with artificial intelligence? Join the Center for Teaching Excellence for a high-energy, hands-on pre-conference workshop at the Interface Teaching Conference! In this session, you will learn six of CTE’s most powerful AI prompts for educators, carefully selected to streamline your preparation, enhance instructional materials, and elevate student learning. This four-hour workshop (12–4 PM) kicks off with lunch and quickly moves into interactive exploration, giving you plenty of time to experiment, adapt, and play with each prompt using your own course materials (bring a laptop!). You’ll leave not only with ready-to-use prompts you can immediately apply in your classroom, but also with flexible tools you can take back to your institution, share with colleagues, and build into your teaching practice. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this session will leave you inspired, empowered, and equipped to teach with confidence in an AI-enhanced world. 

Schedule 

12-1 PM: Lunch & Networking 

1-4 PM: AI Prompts Workshop  

  • Help Students Evaluate AI Content with the FLUF Test  
  • Make your Assignments More Transparent  
  • Create “Best Practices” Multiple Choice Questions  
  • Get the Most of your Student Evaluations  
  • Warm Up your Syllabus  
  • Build Rubrics for Assignments  
Day 1

Agenda Day 1

8:30 – 9:00 Breakfast

9:05 – 9:20 Welcome

9:25 – 10:25 Panel

10:35 – 11:25 Breakout Session A

11:35 – 12:25 Breakout Session B

12:30 – 1:20 Lunch 

1:25 – 2:25 Keynote

2:25 – 3:35 Resource Fair

3:40 – 4:45 Breakout Session C 

4:50 – 5:00 Closing 

 

Full Day One Details Coming Soon!

Day 2

Agenda Day 2

8:20 – 8:35 Breakfast

8:40 – 8:50 Welcome

8:50 – 9:35 Keynote

9:45 – 10:45 Posters

10:55 – 11:55 Lightning round #1

12:00 – 12:50 Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 Lightning round #2

2:10 – 2:30 Wrap and poster awards

Full Day Two Details Coming Soon!

 

Keynote Speaker

Dr. McConnell

A photo of Dr. McConnell, a white women with glasses, and dirty blonde hair. She is wearing a black blouse against a brick wall.

Dr. McConnell serves as Vice President for Curricular and Pedagogical Innovation and Executive Director of VALUE, bringing nationally recognized expertise in assessment, teaching, and learning. An educational psychologist by training, Dr. McConnell has written extensively on the reliability and validity of the VALUE approach and consults with campuses across the country on improving teaching and learning while meeting accountability and accreditation expectations. Her work focuses on aligning pedagogy and assessment, reimagining general education curricula, faculty development, and applying the learning sciences to higher education practice. Before joining AAC&U, Dr. McConnell spent a decade at Virginia Tech in assessment and evaluation and served as affiliate faculty in educational psychology. She holds a BA from the University of Virginia, an MA from Providence College, and a PhD in educational psychology from Virginia Tech.

Cost:

UF: Free
Non UF Day 1: $100
Non UF Both Days: $150

 

Full event details are coming soon.
Registration for Day 1 and Day 2 is now open:

 

Register for Interface here. 

Interface 2026 Presenters

Expand all Collapse all
James Agan

James Agan
Coordinator for Immersive Service Programs
Brown Center for Leadership & Service

An AmeriCorps VISTA alum and current M.Ed. candidate in Student Personnel in Higher Education, James specializes in designing ethical, asset-based service-learning programs. As a first-generation UF graduate and Certified Career Services Provider, he is dedicated to guiding students through research and reflection to create sustainable, high-impact community change.

Shakeel Ahmed PT, PhD


Shakeel Ahmed PT, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
College of Public Health and Health Professions/Department of Physical Therapy

Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, PT, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida and a licensed physical therapist. His expertise lies in cardiopulmonary physical therapy and respiratory muscle dysfunction, with a strong focus on teaching, research, and advancing evidence-based clinical practice.

Soohyoun (Soo) Ahn, Ph.D.

Soohyoun (Soo) Ahn, Ph.D.
Instructional Assistant Professor
UF Food Science and Human Nutrition Department

Dr. Soohyoun (Soo) Ahn is an Instructional Assistant Professor in Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at UF. Dr. Ahn specializes in food safety, food regulation, and food entrepreneurship. She was a recipient of the NACTA Educator Award (2024) and the UF CALS Undergraduate Teacher of the Year Award (2023).

Philip Allen, Ph.D.

Philip Allen, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Spanish
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences / Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies

Philip Allen (Ph.D., University of Florida)  is a Lecturer of Spanish and coordinator of the intermediate-level Spanish courses here at UF.

Emily K. Bald, PhD

Emily K. Bald, PhD
Associate Instructional Professor
University Writing Program

Dr. Emily Bald is an associate instructional professor in the Writing Program, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate writing courses and serves on the editorial board of The Journal of Writing and Artificial Intelligence.

Tammy Barber, MEd

Tammy Barber, MEd
Education Training Specialist II
CITT - IT Training, University of Florida

Tammy Barber is an Education Training Specialist II at the University of Florida and a former K–12 educator. She holds degrees in English Education and Educational Leadership & Policy. Tammy creates training on Microsoft applications and emerging AI technologies, helping the UF community enhance productivity and digital fluency.

Sarah Blanc, M.Ed.

Sarah Blanc, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Community Engagement and Stewardship
Brown Center for Leadership & Service

Sarah Blanc brings a decade of experience in community engagement, having previously served as the Civic Engagement and Service Specialist at Santa Fe College from 2016 to 2024. Sarah is passionate about building reciprocal community partnerships and advancing student leadership through service and experiential learning.

Ami Blasberg

Ami Blasberg
Multimedia Specialist
Center for Online Innovation and Production

Ami is a senior multimedia specialist at the UF Center for Online Innovation and Production. He has served UF for 10 years, supporting recordings in and outside of the studio and editing videos at a high level. He earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Erika Brooke, Ph.D.

Erika Brooke, Ph.D.
Associate Instructional Professor in Criminology
UF of Sociology and Criminology & Law

Erika J. Brooke, Ph.D., is an associate instructional professor of Criminology at the University of Florida. Her research examines the courts-to-corrections pipeline, specialty and diversionary courts, and military service and crime. She integrates experiential learning in undergraduate teaching and serves in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Taryrn Brown

Taryrn Brown
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning, College of Education

Taryrn T.C. Brown, PhD (she/her), is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida. Her research centers on university-community-based youth initiatives, with a focus on youth-led research and the development of research literacy. She highlights how race, class, and gender shape educational reform by positioning young people as knowledge producers.

Lisa Campbell

Lisa Campbell
Learning and Engagement Librarian
Smathers Libraries

Lisa Campbell (MLIS) is the Learning and Engagement Librarian at the University of Florida, where she supports the University Writing Program and Dial Center for Speech and Communication studies and engages with undergraduate students across subjects to develop information and digital literacies.

Angela Cao, OTD

Angela Cao, OTD
Occupational Therapist, OTD
PHHP/ Occupational Therapy

Angela Cao is a graduate of the University of Florida's doctorate in occupational therapy program.

Clarissa Carr, Ph.D.

Clarissa Carr, Ph.D.
Digital Scholarship Specialist
University of Florida, Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere

Dr. Clarissa Carr is the Digital Scholarship Specialist in the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere. In this role, she partners with faculty and researchers to integrate digital scholarship methods and tools into course materials and research initiatives, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations that advance humanities research and public engagement.

Bryan Cwik

Bryan Cwik
Associate Professor
Program in Bioethics, Law, and Medical Professionalism
Community Health and Family Medicine
School of Physician Assistant Studies
UF College of Medicine
Glenn and Deborah Renwick Fellow in AI Ethics, 2025-2028

Professor Cwik is an Associate Professor of Medicine who teaches medical and research ethics across MD, MPAS, and PhD programs. He contributes to CHFM residency training and is affiliated with Philosophy, the Genetics Institute, and AI ethics groups. His research spans bioethics, AI in medicine, genetics, and global health.

Chris Egan, M.Ed., NRP, CHSE

Chris Egan, M.Ed., NRP, CHSE
Instructional Designer III
University of Florida

Chris Egan is an instructional designer at the College of Pharmacy and a Ph.D. student at the College of Education. Formerly a paramedic, Chris transitioned into education to amplify patient care through student success. Passionate about medical simulation and educational technologies, Chris leverages innovative tools to enhance learning.

Andrew Feigum

Andrew Feigum
Production Manager
Center for Online Innovation and Production

Drew serves as production manager for the studios at the UF Center for Online Innovation and Production, where he oversees the recording and editing of roughly 300 videos each semester. He holds a B.S. in Telecommunications Production from UF. He is also a freelance videographer for television and sporting events.

Isaiah Fetterman

Isaiah Fetterman
Multimedia Specialist
Center for Online Innovation and Production

Isaiah is a multimedia specialist at the UF Center for Online Innovation and Production, where he has supported hundreds of instructor recordings during his eight years at UF. He brings his extensive experience to guide studio and remote productions. A Gator alumnus, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Production.

Allyson Fleischer

Allyson Fleischer
Academic Advisor
Entomology and Nematology Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Ally Fleischer is the academic advisor for the University of Florida’s distance education programs in Entomology and Nematology. She promotes the development of professional skills and explores technological innovations to enhance academic learning, advising students with a focus on experiential learning, student success, and meaningful engagement throughout their academic journey.

Sebastian Galindo

Sebastian Galindo
Associate Professor and UNESCO Chair
University of Florida

Dr. Sebastian Galindo is an Associate Professor of Program Evaluation and UNESCO Chair in Evaluation of Formal and Informal Learning Programs. He leads the evaluation efforts of Florida Cooperative Extension and teaches graduate courses on program evaluation, qualitative methods, mixed methods, and statistical thinking.

Oliver Grundmann, Ph.D., FAACT, FCP

Oliver Grundmann, Ph.D., FAACT, FCP
Assistant Dean for Lifelong Learning; Clinical Professor & Director
College of Pharmacy - Lifelong Learning Department

Oliver Grundmann, Ph.D., is the assistant dean of lifelong learning in the UF College of Pharmacy. He is passionate about the use of new instructional technologies for distance and online education. Dr. Grundmann serves as the Director and faculty advisor for the online Master of Science and graduate certificate programs

Ariel Gunn, Ed.D.

Ariel Gunn, Ed.D.
Instructional Designer
John Hopkins University

Dr. Ariel Gunn is an instructional designer at the Johns Hopkins University. With a background in teaching academic writing, she emphasizes student-centered, inclusive, and accessible learning. Her research interests include equitable and authentic assessment and the role of instructional designers in integrating existing emerging technologies effectively.

Truly Hardemon, M.Ed

Truly Hardemon, M.Ed
Instructional Designer III
PHHP/ Instructional Design Studio

Truly Hardemon is an Instructional Designer at the University of Florida’s College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Brandon Heinz, PhD

Brandon Heinz, PhD
Instructional Designer II
College of Pharmacy - Lifelong Learning Department

Dr. Heinz is an instructional designer at the University of Florida's College of Pharmacy in the Lifelong Learning Department.  His background and work in educational technology supports the mission of the Lifelong Learning Department to provide quality evidence based online offerings to graduate students in the department.

Michael Hodges PT, DPT, MHS, OCS

Michael Hodges PT, DPT, MHS, OCS
Clinical Assistant Professor/Assistant Director of Clinical Education
College of Public Health and Health Professions/Department of Physical Therapy

Dr. Michael Hodges is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of Clinical Education for the University of Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy program. His expertise is in the area of musculoskeletal disorders with a special interest in medical screening and AI applications in teaching.
Rui Huang

Rui Huang
Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science Education and Educational Technology,
Program Coordinator for Computer Science Education
College of Education

Dr. Rui Tammy Huang is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Computer Science Education at the University of Florida. Her work integrates learning experience design, AI-enhanced pedagogy, and innovative instructional design, with a focus on preparing K–16 educators through evidence-based, practice-centered teaching and research.

Margeaux Johnson

Margeaux Johnson
Lead AI Learning Designer
University of Florida

Margeaux Johnson is the Lead AI Learning Designer at the University of Florida's AI Academic Initiatives Center. She supports pedagogically sound integrations of AI Across the Curriculum.

Tonika Jones

Tonika Jones
Learning Tools Specialist
University of Florida

In her role as the Learning Tools Specialist, Tonika Jones works to creating innovative solutions that enhance student experiences while empowering educators to integrate emerging learning tools and technologies such as AI into their teaching practices.

Georgette Kluiters

Georgette Kluiters
Instructional Assistant Professor & Distance Education Coordinator
Entomology and Nematology Department, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Dr. Georgette Kluiters is the Distance Education Coordinator and an Assistant Instructional Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. She designs innovative, technology-enhanced asynchronous courses and virtual support structures that promote engagement, skill development, and connection for over 400 distance learners.

Swapna Kumar, Ed.D.

Swapna Kumar, Ed.D.
Clinical Professor
College of Education

Dr. Kumar is a Clinical Professor of Educational Technology at the University of Florida. Dr. Kumar studies various aspects of online education and doctoral education. Additionally, she explores technology integration in higher education teaching, recently focusing on Generative AI integration in teaching, instructional design, and research.

Pablo Lamino

Pablo Lamino
Assistant Professor of Agricultural Leadership
Department of Agriculture Education and Communications
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Dr. Pablo Lamino is an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Leadership within the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) at the University of Florida. Lamino researches indigenous groups, studying migration intentions, leadership, and agricultural perception, including Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) among college students from Latin America and the US.

Maria Laura Mecias, Ph.D.

Maria Laura Mecias, Ph.D.
PhD Hispanic Linguistics - Second Language Acquisition
Spanish Lecturer
College of Liberal Arts / Department of Spanish and Portuguese / Spanish Language Program

María Laura Mecías holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics and teaches at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on Spanish teaching pedagogy, vocabulary development, and second and heritage language acquisition, with particular interest in learner-centered, technology-enhanced instruction and professional purposes.

Dr. Jamie Loizzo

Dr. Jamie Loizzo
Associate Professor of Agricultural and Natural Resources Communication
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences / Department of Agricultural Education and Communication

Dr. Jamie Loizzo is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication (AEC) and affiliate faculty of the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Her classes are focused on agricultural and natural resources science communication. Loizzo incorporates project-based learning and technology into her teaching style.

May Mansy

May Mansy
Instructional Assistant Professor
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering / Biomedical Engineering

Dr. May Mansy is an Instructional Assistant Professor at UF-BME and Director of Peer Learning & Mentoring, overseeing the LA and BMEntor programs. Her engineering education research is published in peer-reviewed journals, and her teaching, service, and student development efforts have earned multiple awards, including HWCOE Teacher of the Year.

Oluyemisi Oladejo

Oluyemisi Oladejo
Graduate Student
School of Teaching and Learning, UF College of Education

Oluyemisi Oladejo is a second-year PhD student in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Teachers, Schools, and Society at the University of Florida. Oluyemisi’s research interests center on experiential learning designs and other pedagogical models to address the challenges of educational resource inaccessibility faced by marginalized groups.

Larisa Olesova, Ph.D.

Larisa Olesova, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
College of Education, School of Teaching and Learning

Larisa is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on distance education, specifically asynchronous online learning environments. Other areas of research include aspects of online presence, the Community of Inquiry, instructional strategies and best practices in online teaching.

Monika Oli, PhD

Monika Oli, PhD
Teaching Professor
University of Florida

Monika Oli, PhD is a microbiologist and teaching faculty member at the University of Florida. Her work centers on experiential, globally informed science education that builds scientific and critical thinking alongside practical, career-relevant skills. She focuses on evidence-based teaching, SoTL, and the rigorous evaluation of AI-supported learning.

Anchalee Phataralaoha, MA, MEd

Anchalee Phataralaoha, MA, MEd
Education Training Specialist III
CITT - IT Training, University of Florida (UF)

Anchalee Phataralaoha is a seasoned and certified trainer from the University of Florida specializing in IT training programs for higher education. With over a decade of experience, she has successfully trained over 2,000 faculty and staff members on utilizing technology to optimize productivity, streamline work processes, and enhance research capabilities.

Becky Piazza, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR

Becky Piazza, OTD, MS, OTR/L, BCPR
Clinical Assistant Professor
PHHP/ Occupational Therapy

Dr. Becky Piazza is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida’s Department of Occupational Therapy. https://education.health.ufl.edu/profile/piazza-becky/

Duncan Purves

Duncan Purves
Associate Professor
Philosophy Department
UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
UF Research Foundation Professor
Glenn and Deborah Renwick Fellow in AI Ethics, 2025-2028 

Dr. Purves, Associate Professor of Philosophy and UF Research Foundation Professor, specializes in ethics, focusing on artificial intelligence and non-human animals. His work includes autonomous weapons, predictive policing algorithms through an NSF grant, and theoretical questions about harm and its moral significance.

Becky Pusta

Becky Pusta
Production Specialist
Center for Online Innovation and Production

Becky is the production specialist at the UF Center for Online Innovation and Production. She supports instructors as they begin their lecture series. Becky earned her BFA in Theatre Performance from UF and MFA in Acting from the University of Tennessee. She is a member of the Actors’ Equity Association.

Bala ‘Saba’ Rathinasabapathi, Ph.D.

Bala ‘Saba’ Rathinasabapathi, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Chair (Teaching), Horticultural Sciences Department
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences/Horticultural Sciences Department

Dr. Rathinasabapathi is the Professor of Horticultural Sciences and Associate, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida. His research program focuses on Breeding, Biotechnology and Horticulture of Value-added Vegetables. He is passionate about involving young minds in research and teaches courses on the production, use and breeding of vegetable crops.

Grady Roberts

Grady Roberts
Professor and Distinguished Teaching Scholar
Agricultural Education and Communication

Dr. Grady Roberts is a Professor of Agricultural Education. He is a social scientist working to improve human capacity in the context of food, agriculture, and natural resources. He leads an applied research program focused on improving the efficacy of educators, educational programs, and educational institutions.

Alyson Rodriguez, M.Ed.

Alyson Rodriguez, M.Ed.
Manager of Systems, Operations, & Partnerships
Brown Center for Leadership & Service

Alyson Rodriguez is a dedicated professional with 25 years of experience working across the PK-20 landscape, serving students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners. She holds a BSBA in Finance from UF, an MEd in Educational Leadership from FAU, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education at UF.

Paloma Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Paloma Rodriguez, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Global Learning
UF International Center

Paloma Rodriguez is the Director of the Office of Global Learning at the University of Florida International Center, where she leads faculty professional development programs to support curriculum internationalization, including the COIL/Virtual Exchange initiative. She also oversees an undergraduate global medallion program and the assessment of several internationalization initiatives.

Beatrice Rogers

Beatrice Rogers
Graduate Student
School of Teaching and Learning, UF College of Education

Beatrice Rogers earned her B.A. from the UF and her M.Ed. from American University. She served for a decade as a teacher, interventionist, and instructional coach across various school settings in Missouri, DC, and Florida. She is currently pursuing a PhD in the Teachers, Schools, and Society program at UF.

Ivan Ruchkin, PhD

Ivan Ruchkin, PhD
Malachowsky Family Endowed Rising Star Assistant Professor
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering / Electrical and Computer Engineering

Dr. Ivan Ruchkin is a Malachowsky Family Endowed Rising Star Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Florida. His research improves the safety, reliability, and trustworthiness of autonomous systems. Ivan's work on assuring cyber-physical systems has been widely recognized, including an NSF CAREER Award and multiple other awards.

Sonia San Juan

Sonia San Juan
Graduate Teaching Assistant
UF College of Liberal Arts / Department of Spanish and Portuguese / Spanish Language Program

Sonia San Juan is a graduate student in Spanish Literature who holds academic and professional roles in Spanish and cultural studies. She is actively involved in community and heritage projects, including documentary work that preserves the histories of Hispanic veterans, bridging research, culture, and narrative outreach.

Mickey Schafer, Ph.D.

Mickey Schafer, Ph.D.
Associate Program Director and Instructional Professor, UWP
University of Florida

Dr. Schafer is a former linguist teaching discipline specific prose, with continuing interests in discourse grammar and the use of writing to establish and maintain professional identities. She is an instructional professor at UF as well as the Associate Director of the University of Writing Program.

Sonja Schmer-Galunder, PhD

Sonja Schmer-Galunder, PhD
Glenn and Deborah Renwick Leadership Professor in AI and Ethics
Computer & Information Science & Engineering

Sonja Schmer-Galunder is Glenn and Deborah Renwick Leadership Professor in AI and Ethics at the University of Florida. Her research integrates anthropology and AI ethics, examining values in language models, bias, harm mitigation, collective intelligence, and human-AI teaming, with extensive DARPA-funded work on socio-technical systems.

Chris Sharp

Chris Sharp
Head of Technology
SENEN Group

Chris is a former Educational Technologist in the UFIT Center for Instructional Technology & Training (CITT). He recently joined the AI and data consultancy company SENEN Group as Head of Technology.  While at the CITT Chris explored emerging technologies and their applications to teaching and learning. As part of SENEN Group, Chris continues his exploration and applications of AI and data technologies and develops workshops for medium and large organizations.

Kennedy Struck

Kennedy Struck
Coordinator for Experiential Leadership Programs
Brown Center for Leadership & Service

Kennedy Struck is a student affairs professional focusing on experiential leadership programs and education. He has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Christopher Newport University and is currently enrolled in the Masters for Student Personnel in Higher Education program at UF.

Brenda Such, Ph.D.

Brenda Such, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Center for Online Innovation and Production

Brenda has served at the UF Center for Online Innovation and Production (COIP) for nine years, providing leadership across video and multimedia production, instructional design, and web and graphic design. A proud triple Gator, she earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Technology.

Shelley Therien, M.Ed.

Shelley Therien, M.Ed.
PhD Candidate and Graduate Assistant
College of Education

Shelley Therien is a doctoral candidate and graduate assistant at the University of Florida College of Education, studying Languages and Literacies in Education. She instructs and supervises preservice and inservice teachers, modeling teaching practices that are both effective and engaging for all learners.

Roza Vaez Ghaemi

Roza Vaez Ghaemi
Instructional Assistant Professor
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering / Biomedical Engineering

Dr. Roza Ghaemi is an instructional assistant professor in UF-BME. She leads the cell engineering courses and has experience using gamification and problem-based approaches to enhance students’ engagement and performance. She earned her Ph.D. in BME from the University of British Columbia and is a Professional Engineer in Canada.

Hans van Oostrom

Hans van Oostrom
Associate Professor
Department of Engineering Education
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Director, UF AI Academic Initiative (AI2) Center

Dr. Hans van Oostrom directs the AI2 Center, advancing UF’s AI Initiative through curriculum development, AI education research, and industry partnerships. Founding chair of Engineering Education, he oversees the Undergraduate Certificate in AI. At UF since 1998, his work focuses on artificial intelligence, precision learning, and student-centered pedagogy.

Feihong Wang, Ph.D.

Feihong Wang, Ph.D.
Associate Instructional Professor
UF Department of Psychology

Dr. Feihong Wang is an Associate Instructional Professor in the Psychology Department of UF, specializing in family processes and developmental psychopathology. She received awards for Exemplary Online Teaching (2021) and Global Learning Institute (2024), and was a Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow (2022-2023) and a Global Virtual Exchange Facilitator (2025).

Hongyan Yang, PhD

Hongyan Yang, PhD
Education/Training Specialist I
CITT - IT Training, University of Florida

Hongyan Yang, Ph.D., is an Educational Training Specialist at UFIT with expertise in educational technology and online learning. She provides hands-on training in digital tools such as Zoom, Clipchamp, GIMP, Microsoft Forms, Google Forms and Adobe Express. Her sessions focus on learner-centered design and practical strategies.

Shashank Santosh

Shashank Santosh
Senior Enterprise Account Director
Top Hat

Shashank Santosh is a Senior Enterprise Account Director at Top Hat, partnering with higher education institutions to advance student engagement and active learning at scale.
In his role he supports institutions that have adopted Top Hat as a sitewide tool, collaborating with faculty and administrators to design evidence-based courses that improve student engagement, persistence, and learning outcomes.

Past Interface Resources

Select a year to view handouts, presentations, and sponsors.

Interface 2021

“Better Together: Unstoppable Student Teams”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

Although students may have diverging opinions on group work, creating diverse teams that collaborate on creative assignments can energize students and result in greater learning that incorporates multiple perspectives.

Handouts and Presentations

  • Virtual Experiences Research Group (Day 1 Welcome), Jacob Stuart
    Recording [11:53]
  • Virtual Storytelling for All to Improve the Social Good (Day 2 Welcome), Benjamin Lok, Ph.D.
    Recording [11:31]
  • Care, Community and Hospitality: Supporting Student Collaboration in Online and Hybrid Environments (Keynote), Maha Bali, Ph.D.
    PowerPoint | Recording [34:13]
  • The Future of Inclusive Teams (Keynote Panel), Natalie Asorey, Gina Hong, Joshua Walden, Kevin MacPherson, David Silvestain and Marko Suvajdzic
    Recording [54:15]
  • Building Cultural Competence Virtually: Virtual Exchange Projects, Erika Brooke, Ph.D.
    Handout | PowerPoint | Recording [32:27]
  • Global Learning Gaps? First, Tell Me Who You Are: The Impact of Ethnicity and Gender, Paloma Rodriguez, Timothy Brophy, Ph.D., and Mary Kay Carodine, Ph.D.
    Handout | PowerPoint | Recording [20:49]
  • Team-Based Virtual International Interactions in STEM Courses, Diba Mani, Ph.D.
    PowerPoint | Recording [25:31]
  • The Secret Sauce: Optimizing Outcomes with Team-Based Learning, Harrison Hove
    Recording [25:46]
  • Ensuring Student Success with Honorlock, Jose Gonzalez
    Recording [25:30]
  • Streamline Your Inclusive Course Design, John Scott, Ph.D. & Jennifer K. Smith
    Recording [27:58]
  • Utilizing Tools for Creativity and Collaboration in Online Project-Based Courses, Johnny Wu
    Handout | PowerPoint | Recording [23:26]
  • Starting at the Beginning: Understanding Yourself and Your Role in Group Dynamics, C.C. Suarez, Ph.D. & Jarred Shellhouse
    Recording [30:37]
  • Collaborative Learning Teams + Doses of Intention = Student Teamwork Skill Development, Priti Patel, Pharm.D. & Stacy Miller, Pharm.D.
    Handout | PowerPoint | Recording [28:02]
  • Teaching and Learning About Pandemics During the COVID-19 Crisis, Sara Agnelli, Ph.D., Gabriela Hamerlinck, Ph.D. & Rania Gollakner, Ph.D.
    PowerPoint | Recording [16:23]
  • Designing Active and Collaborative Learning Opportunities in Online Biology Courses, Stefanie Gazda, Ph.D. & Kellie Goughnour
    Handout | Recording [20:16]
  • Inclusive Environments in STEM: Exploring Social Factors Affecting Team Dynamics and Performance, Sindia Rivera-Jimenez, Ph.D.
    Recording [27:17]
  • Connecting UF Classes and the Global Language Community Through Virtual Exchange, Jennifer Wooten, Ph.D. & Laura Callahan
    Handout | PowerPoint | Recording [20:30]
  • Engaging Diverse Teams of Students in Research via Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), Anthony Auletta, Ph.D. & Peter DiGennaro, Ph.D.
    Handout | Recording [38:34]

Sponsors

  • Blackboard Ally
  • Honorlock
  • McGraw Hill
  • Perusall
  • iClicker
  • UF Conference Department
  • UF Distance Learning
Interface 2019

“Learning Beyond 4 Walls”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

Join other faculty, staff, and graduate students in expanding student learning beyond the classroom!

Handouts and Presentations

  • Experiential Learning through Virtual Exchange Part I: Global Perspectives, Crystal Marull, Ph.D., Ginny Greenway, Ph.D., Mary Risner, Ed.D., and Sonia San Juan
    Powerpoint
  • Escape Rooms: Helping Students Find the Key to Real-World Problem Solving, Angelina Vascimini and Stacey Curtis, Pharm.D.
    Handout | Powerpoint
  • Virtual Spaces and Graduate Research Mentoring, Swapna Kumar, Ed.D.
    Powerpoint
  • Out of Your Seats and into the Streets, Kevin Baron, Ph.D.
    Handout | Powerpoint
  • Experiential Learning through Virtual Exchange Part II: Student and Faculty Voices, Crystal Marull, Ph.D., Ginny Greenway, Ph.D., Mary Risner, Ed.D., and Sonia San Juan
    Handout | Powerpoint
  • Augmenting the Curriculum: Pedagogical Possibilities for Augmented Reality, Jason Crider, Madison Jones, Shannon Butts, and Sid Dobrin, Ph.D.
    Powerpoint
  • Integrating Career Readiness into your Curriculum, Jaysen Williams and Nili Cimand
    Powerpoint
  • Global Learning Spaces, Monika Oli, Ph.D. and Paula Delpech, Ph.D.
    Powerpoint
  • Connecting the Dots with ePortfolios, Andie Cochran, Mutlu Çitim-Kepic, Paloma Rodriguez and Rori Bloom, Ph.D.
    Resources
  • Excursion Learning: Innovating Curriculum Inside and Outside the Classroom, Meg Leroy, Ph.D. and Rachel Slivon, Ph.D.
    Powerpoint
  • Experiential Learning among Native Americans: Challenges, Opportunities, and Insights for Political Scientists, Richard Conley, Ph.D.
    Powerpoint

Sponsors

  • ProctorU
  • Adobe
  • 3PlayMedia
  • iClicker
  • Canvas
  • Turnitin
  • Top Hat
  • Zoom
  • Shadow Health
  • Conference Department at UF
  • UF Distance Learning
  • Honorlock
Interface 2018

“Student Voices Transform Teaching”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

Interface 2018 is your ticket to making good use of the formative and summative information that students can provide. Learn how UF faculty collect and integrate student feedback into their courses.

 

Handouts and Presentations

Sponsors

  • Platinum
    • ProctorU
  • Silver
    • Adobe
    • 3PlayMedia
    • iClicker
    • Canvas
    • turnitin
Interface 2017

“Beyond Multiple Choice: Creative Assessment”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

UF Faculty will share proven assessment strategies. Learn how your colleagues effectively integrate and manage different types of assessments into their courses. Get tips on how to evaluate alternative types of assessments efficiently. Gain insights into helping your students get the most out of their
feedback. Transform the teaching and learning experience and be inspired by your
colleagues from different disciplines across campus!

Presentation Teasers

Recordings, Handouts & Presentations

Sponsors

  • Platinum
    • ProctorU
    • Adobe
    • Turnitin
  • Gold
    • Capsim
  • Other
    • UF Conference Department
    • Distance and Continuing Education
    • Center for Teaching Excellence
Interface 2016

“Lessons Learned by Instructors: Combining Active Learning with Technology.”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

The Spring 2016 Interface Teaching Conference will be an interactive event highlighting low- and high-technology learning tools. Faculty presenters will share experiences and time-saving tips from their use of technology in teaching to support active learning methods. Try out the tools others have used to transform the teaching and learning experience. Be inspired by your colleagues from different disciplines across campus!

 

Handouts and Presentations

Sponsors

  • Center for Teaching Excellence
  • UF Conference Department
  • UF College of Medicine
  • UF Distance & Continuing Education
  • Adobe
Interface 2015

“Critical Reflection in Action”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

The reflective practitioner values the “bigger picture” and the relationship between learning activities, courses, academic programs, and past and future life experiences and plans. The purpose of the Interface Teaching Conference is to look through the lenses of quantitative and qualitative methods and use these perspectives for reflection on practice. This process has a great deal of ambiguity; there is often no one right answer or solution for everyone. Rather, the intent of Interface Teaching Conference is to spark ideas and foster discussion and conversation. Together, we will critically reflect on our own beliefs and actions, and create opportunities for growth, in teaching.

Videos

Sponsors

Interface 2014

“Enhancing Creativity and Engagement through Academic Communities”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

The challenge is how to create, leverage, and sustain these kinds of academic communities at the University of Florida not just for academics, but also for students in our academic environment. Creating various types of academic communities can be an effective way to build engagement both inside and outside of the classroom.

Sponsors

Interface 2013

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

Explore and examine pedagogy, the science of teaching, and the teaching practice itself in blended learning environments as they relate to “reading, reflecting, displaying, and doing” in our disciplines.

Sponsors

Interface 2012

“Open Resources, Open Possibilities”

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

For ten years, MIT has made all of its educational content available for anyone wanting to use it. During the same time period, Stanford has championed Creative Commons, which has defined and made available a form of open intellectual property attribution. Many other institutions and organizations are moving in the direction of open content and resources. At the University of Florida, we are exploring the implications of “Open Resources, Open Possibilities” and the impact on teaching and learning in higher education by focusing our Interface Faculty Seminar on the use of open and free resources on our own campus.

Presentations

Sponsors

Interface 2011

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

The Fall 2011 Interface program will feature a series of “lightning rounds” – short demonstrations of technology use and instructional practices – presented by selected UF instructors identified for their innovative and effective use of technology in teaching. In addition to viewing these demonstrations, Interface participants will have opportunities for face-to-face discussion with both presenters and peers.

Sponsors

College of Journalism and Communications

Interface 2010

Interface Teaching Conference Overview

Interface is an opportunity to recognize innovative faculty, provide a forum for professors to share their work with other disciplines and foster interdisciplinary collaborations on future projects.