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Join us for two days of interactive faculty
workshops and industry-leading keynotes

October 26–27, 2023

San Diego Mission Bay Resort
1775 East Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

Register Now* *Attendance limited to the first 120 registrants

October 26–27, 2023

October 26–27, 2023

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Education is the key to unleashing potential. But that can’t happen without students—and professors—feeling supported and valued. How do we ensure our classrooms are places of community? Places that invite curiosity and discovery? Places where every student has the opportunity to share their voice and realize their aspirations? 

Join 100+ fellow instructors for hands-on workshops and peer-led presentations. Plus, hear from higher ed changemakers leading the charge to ensure that every classroom is a place where students are welcomed, engaged and motivated. When it comes to improving the craft of teaching, Top Hat Engage is where learning belongs.

First keynote announced: José Antonio Bowen

José Antonio Bowen José Antonio Bowen

José Antonio Bowen has spent more than 35 years leading change and innovation at Stanford, Georgetown and the University of Southampton. Author of Teaching Naked, Bowen argues that in the new technology-fuelled economy, graduates will be valued less by what they know and more by what they can learn. To help prepare them for a world in flux, this accomplished scholar and musician will discuss the role of Relationships, Resilience and Reflection in providing students with the tools to thrive at a time when change is the only constant.

Full agenda and additional keynote speaker announcements coming soon

  • Day 1

    Thursday, October 26, 2023

  • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    Registration & Check-in

  • 2:30 PM

    Welcome Address

  • 3:00 PM

    Teaching and Learning Workshops

  • 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

    Opening Cocktail Reception

  • Day 2

    Friday, October 27, 2023

  • 8:00 AM

    Breakfast & Registration

  • 9:00 AM

    Morning Keynote

  • 10:15 AM

    General Workshop

  • 11:30 AM

    Product Keynote

  • 12:00 PM

    Networking Lunch

  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Breakout Sessions

  • 3:15 PM

    Closing Keynote

  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    Closing Cocktail Reception

    • All times in PDT. Please note the agenda is subject to change.

What to expect: San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Attendees at Top Hat Engage during an interactive workshop The pool at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort Top Hat Engage attendees during a collaborative workshop The lounge area at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort A conference room at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort Two cyclists riding around Mission Bay in San Diego Professors networking at Top Hat Engage Attendee participation at Top Hat Engage Lunch time and discipline-specific networking at Top Hat Engage
Attendees at Top Hat Engage during an interactive workshop The pool at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort Top Hat Engage attendees during a collaborative workshop The lounge area at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort A conference room at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort Two cyclists riding around Mission Bay in San Diego Professors networking at Top Hat Engage Attendee participation at Top Hat Engage Lunch time and discipline-specific networking at Top Hat Engage

Frequently Asked Questions

Who attends Top Hat Engage?

Top Hat Engage is designed for educators across all disciplines who value improving teaching and learning in the service of furthering student success. Faculty will benefit from the inspirational keynotes, hands-on workshops and tips and strategies generated from our breakout sessions. Academic administrators will get a sneak peek at the ins and outs of the educational technology increasingly shaping learning across North American campuses.

What does it cost to attend Top Hat Engage San Diego?

There is no conference fee to attend Top Hat Engage. Tickets are limited to the first 120 registrants.

Will meals be provided during the conference?

Yes, all food and beverage will be provided to attendees. This includes the welcome reception on Thursday, as well as breakfast, lunch and closing reception on Friday.

Do you have a letter that I can use to request approval from my institution?

Top Hat Engage is the place to learn new strategies and make new connections. We’ve put together a letter to show the value of this conference and request funding. You can download it here.

How do I get to the San Diego Mission Bay resort from the airport?

The hotel is just under 7 miles from the airport and can easily be reached, in about 15 minutes, by rideshare or taxi.

Will a shuttle service be available for attendees?

Not at this time, but we will update this space if things change.

Who can I contact about questions on this event and my registration?

You can reach out to events@tophatmonocle.com. Please allow 24 hours for us to respond to your request.

Where can I find more information about Top Hat events?

Please feel free to check out our events page to learn more about our in-person and virtual events.

Join a community of 750+ campuses that use Top Hat
Auburn University
Rutgers University
California State University
University of Florida
University of Buffalo
Vanderbilt University
Indiana University
University of Georgia

Making the Connection: How to Create More Meaning and Joy in Your Teaching

One positive outcome of the pandemic is the broadened awareness of the student experience in higher education. This includes a renewed focus on the key factors that positively impact learning, including a student’s sense of belonging, their personal connections to the course content and materials, and their relationship with other students and the instructor. In this interactive workshop, Professor Katie Dawson will explore active teaching strategies every educator can use to create more joy and meaning-making in the classroom. Come ready to create, to critically engage, and to connect with your work and with each other.

Speaker:

  • Katie Dawson, Drama and Theatre, University of Texas at Austin

Experiential Learning and the Power of Reflection

We like to say that students are responsible for their own learning. Yet one of the most important ingredients in creating memorable learning experiences—and one that is most often missed—is allowing time for reflection. Setting the table for academic and personal growth means making time to guide students through a process of reflection and, above all, leveraging the insights they generate for themselves. Professor Demian Hommel will draw from models of experiential education to highlight opportunities to reflect on powerful moments We like to say that students are responsible for their own learning. Yet one of the most important ingredients in creating memorable learning experiences—and one that is most often missed—is allowing time for reflection. Setting the table for academic and personal growth means making time to guide students through a process of reflection and, above all, leveraging the insights they generate for themselves. Professor Demian Hommel will draw from models of experiential education to highlight opportunities to reflect on powerful moments that can and should be remembered.

Speaker:

  • Demian Hommel, Geography, Oregon State University

3 Reasons We Shouldn’t Get ‘Back to Normal’ and 5 Things To Do Instead

Instead of hitting pause or rewinding back to before the pandemic, Professor Lindsay Tan invites us to explore the possibility of going ‘forward to normal.’ In this session, Tan will reveal how she has turned defining moments in pandemic teaching into enduring best practices. Learn why she set aside classroom gimmicks to harness the power of unscripted moments, and how you can use them to re-engage your students, elevate learning, and reduce burnout. You’ll also Instead of hitting pause or rewinding back to before the pandemic, Professor Lindsay Tan invites us to explore the possibility of going ‘forward to normal.’ In this session, Tan will reveal how she has turned defining moments in pandemic teaching into enduring best practices. Learn why she set aside classroom gimmicks to harness the power of unscripted moments, and how you can use them to re-engage your students, elevate learning, and reduce burnout. You’ll also get a look at Tan’s academic playbook and course blueprint with concrete examples you can implement right away.

Speaker:

  • Lindsay Tan, Consumer and Design Sciences, Auburn University

The Next Chapter: Interactive Textbooks as Agents of Change

The calls to make learning more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful are growing. With so much for educators to balance, change doesn’t often happen overnight. But can it? In this special panel presentation, three of Top Hat’s most celebrated authors will share how their interactive textbooks are accelerating the shift to student-centered learning in classrooms across North America. Over the course of three high-impact presentations, you’ll learn the innovative approaches these The calls to make learning more inclusive, engaging, and meaningful are growing. With so much for educators to balance, change doesn’t often happen overnight. But can it? In this special panel presentation, three of Top Hat’s most celebrated authors will share how their interactive textbooks are accelerating the shift to student-centered learning in classrooms across North America. Over the course of three high-impact presentations, you’ll learn the innovative approaches these educators have embraced to capture the interests of diverse students, make content more relatable and take the concept of ‘learning by doing’ to exciting new places.

Speakers:

  • Meaghan Altman, Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced. Author of Introduction to Psychology
  • Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, Communication Studies, Cal State LA. Co-author of Inclusive Public Speaking
  • Irene Foster, Economics, George Washington University. Co-author of Principles of Economics

Teaching with Insight to Support Student Success

Midterms and finals can help identify who’s struggling, but they often come too late to get students back on track. To succeed, students need regular, meaningful and timely feedback. In this presentation, professor and seasoned online instructor Andrea Hendricks will share her tips for designing courses that deliver rich insights into student engagement and performance, including her use of knowledge gauges, auto-graded questions, and open discussions. See how she uses Top Hat to provide timely feedback, and learn practical strategies for ensuring student success in both Midterms and finals can help identify who’s struggling, but they often come too late to get students back on track. To succeed, students need regular, meaningful and timely feedback. In this presentation, professor and seasoned online instructor Andrea Hendricks will share her tips for designing courses that deliver rich insights into student engagement and performance, including her use of knowledge gauges, auto-graded questions, and open discussions. See how she uses Top Hat to provide timely feedback, and learn practical strategies for ensuring student success in both online and in-person courses.

Speaker:

  • Andrea Hendricks, Mathematics, Georgia State University Andrea Hendricks, Mathematics, Georgia State University

Realizing the Dream: Classroom Strategies for First-Generation College Student Success

Over 40 percent of students entering college are the first members of their families to do so. Yet first-generation students are less likely to be familiar with classroom strategies that can make them effective learners. In this session, Meaghan Altman will share pedagogical techniques that engage students while teaching them ways to be successful in a large lecture format. Learn how to integrate notetaking demonstrations into your lectures and the value of the ‘quiz you're supposed to fail’ to spur student success. You’ll also see why the ‘group test’ is an Over 40 percent of students entering college are the first members of their families to do so. Yet first-generation students are less likely to be familiar with classroom strategies that can make them effective learners. In this session, Meaghan Altman will share pedagogical techniques that engage students while teaching them ways to be successful in a large lecture format. Learn how to integrate notetaking demonstrations into your lectures and the value of the ‘quiz you're supposed to fail’ to spur student success. You’ll also see why the ‘group test’ is an easy way to capture the benefits of the flipped class—without actually flipping your class.

Speaker:

  • Meaghan Altman, Psychological Sciences, University of California, Merced. Author of Introduction to Psychology

Putting It All Together With Intentional Course Design

Great courses are built upon powerful moments–moments of joyful learning, breakthrough insights, immersion and flow reflective of deep engagement. The question is, how can we increase the likelihood of such enduring course experiences happening for more students? In this session we’ll explore the power of intentionally designing a course that exhibits clarity of purpose, fosters a sense of Great courses are built upon powerful moments–moments of joyful learning, breakthrough insights, immersion and flow reflective of deep engagement. The question is, how can we increase the likelihood of such enduring course experiences happening for more students? In this session we’ll explore the power of intentionally designing a course that exhibits clarity of purpose, fosters a sense of belonging, and emphasizes student-centered assessment.

Speaker:

  • Brad Cohen, Chief Academic Officer, Top Hat

Welcome Address & Morning Keynote

What’s required to support student-centered transformation? How can we strike the right balance between building on what works and creating the time and space to try new things? In this special keynote presentation, Dr. Bridget Burns will share her first-hand experience enabling sustainable innovation to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Named one of the ‘16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education’ by Washington Monthly, Dr. Burns will draw on her experience working with the most innovative What’s required to support student-centered transformation? How can we strike the right balance between building on what works and creating the time and space to try new things? In this special keynote presentation, Dr. Bridget Burns will share her first-hand experience enabling sustainable innovation to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Named one of the ‘16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education’ by Washington Monthly, Dr. Burns will draw on her experience working with the most innovative universities to demonstrate how even small changes can lead to massive transformations.

Speaker:

  • Joe Rohrlich, Chief Executive Officer, Top Hat
  • Dr. Bridget Burns, Chief Executive Officer, University Innovation Alliance

Setting the Stage for Memorable Classroom Moments

Moments have the power to transform lives—in positive and painful ways. This session will focus on helping you prepare to fully engage in the meaningful moments that are so important for making your courses magical and memorable. Learn strategies for creating a classroom environment that is conducive to exploration and exchange—and how to ensure students come prepared to participate. You’ll also learn instructional heuristics you can use to stay present and create the space to Moments have the power to transform lives—in positive and painful ways. This session will focus on helping you prepare to fully engage in the meaningful moments that are so important for making your courses magical and memorable. Learn strategies for creating a classroom environment that is conducive to exploration and exchange—and how to ensure students come prepared to participate. You’ll also learn instructional heuristics you can use to stay present and create the space to respond and build on spontaneous contributions.

Speaker:

  • Kristina Ruiz-Mesa, Communication Studies, Cal State LA
  • Melissa Broeckelman-Post, Communication, George Mason University

Welcome Address & Morning Keynote

What’s required to support student-centered transformation? How can we strike the right balance between building on what works and creating the time and space to try new things? In this special keynote presentation, Dr. Bridget Burns will share her first-hand experience enabling sustainable innovation to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Named one of the ‘16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education’ by Washington Monthly, Dr. Burns will draw on her experience working with the most innovative universities to demonstrate how even small changes can lead to massive transformations.

Speaker:

  • Joe Rohrlich, Chief Executive Officer, Top Hat
  • Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance

Democratic Course Management

Choice and control are fundamental to human wellbeing, but are often absent for students in a traditional academic environment. So what happens when we allow them to choose how they are assessed, control the assignments they take on, and decide how their individual grades are determined? This is the central question Professor John Redden explores in his work on democratic course management—and his findings are surprising! In this session, Professor Redden will cover the methods he uses to give students greater agency over their learning experience in large and small classes. He’ll also discuss how allowing students to play to their strengths has improved engagement, classroom community, and the overall experience, while dramatically reducing DFW rates for his most at-risk learners.

Speaker:

  • John Redden, Physiology & Neurobiology, University of Connecticut

Nested Assignments: Equipping, Engaging, and Empowering Distracted Learnerst

Multiple commitments. Unclear expectations. When it comes to assignments, many students feel overwhelmed and unsure how to even begin—especially those in their first year. 'Nested' assignments may just hold the answer to reducing anxiety so students can focus on the task at hand. In this session, Dr. Jeffrey Klausman will discuss how nested assignments empower students to write their own learning narrative by providing the knowledge and structure to help them set their own goals, monitor progress and assess their effectiveness. Learn how nested assignments work and leave with a roadmap for how to create your own.

Speaker:

  • Jeffrey Klausman, English Composition & Literature, Whatcom Community College

Scaffolding and Surprising with Top Hat

We crave the familiar. But a little surprise can go a long way in priming students to tackle even the most challenging concepts. According to Professor Beverly Kris Jaeger-Helton, the key to student engagement involves striking the right balance along the ‘expectation’ continuum. In this session, Professor Jaeger-Helton will share how she combines familiarity that is not rote with surprise that does not confuse to capture and sustain student interest. Drawing on engineering and cognitive science, you’ll learn strategies to surprise and delight, and how she uses Top Hat to ensure her students come to class ready for anything.

Speaker:

  • Beverly Kris Jaeger-Helton, Engineering, Northeastern University

I Assigned Students 1,000 Homework Problems and Lived to Tell the Tale

Students have too much technology to make the traditional class structure a viable option for learning. They outsource their homework to Google, and class attendance is minimal when students can access course materials from the comfort of home. Yet improving student retention and performance requires consistent engagement and opportunities to practice applying knowledge. In this presentation, Professor Stephanie Dillon will share how she has combined a flipped classroom model and Top Hat + Aktiv Chemistry to improve student retention and test scores by double digits. Learn how she did this without sacrificing any rigor—and why her students love it.

Speaker:

  • Stephanie Dillon, Chemistry, Florida State University

Gollum, Goldilocks, and Graduates: Thriving in the 4th Industrial Revolution

We’re in the throes of the fourth industrial revolution—a time marked by unprecedented digitization and automation across economic sectors. A concerning outcome of this revolution is an increase in inequity fueled by greater gaps between low wage/low skill jobs and high wage/high skill jobs. Join Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay, scientist, professor, author, and government policy advisor, for an exploration of how the academic ecosystem must (and can) evolve to meet the challenges of this societal shift. We’re in the throes of the fourth industrial revolution—a time marked by unprecedented digitization and automation across economic sectors. A concerning outcome of this revolution is an increase in inequity fueled by greater gaps between low wage/low skill jobs and high wage/high skill jobs. Join Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay, scientist, professor, author, and government policy advisor, for an exploration of how the academic ecosystem must (and can) evolve to meet the challenges of this societal shift.

Speaker:

  • Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay, Ph.D.*, Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida State College at Jacksonville; U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Jefferson Science Fellow appointed to the U.S. Department of State

*Dr. Norman-McKay is speaking as a private citizen and is not representing the U.S. Government in this presentation nor in her participation in this conference.

Putting it All Together with Intentional Course Design

Great courses are built upon powerful moments—moments of joyful learning, breakthrough insights, immersion, and flow reflective of deep engagement. The question is, how can we increase the likelihood of such enduring course experiences happening for more students? As we wrap up the day, we’ll explore the power of intentionally designing a course that exhibits clarity of purpose, fosters a sense of belonging, and emphasizes student-centered assessment.

Speaker:

  • Dr. Bradley Cohen, Chief Academic Officer, Top Hat

Welcome Address & Morning Keynote

What’s required to support student-centered transformation? How can we strike the right balance between building on what works and creating the time and space to try new things? In this special keynote presentation, Dr. Bridget Burns will share her first-hand experience enabling sustainable innovation to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Named one of the ‘16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education’ by Washington Monthly, Dr. Burns will draw on her experience working with the most innovative universities to demonstrate how even small changes can lead to massive transformations.

Speakers:

  • Joe Rohrlich, Chief Executive Officer, Top Hat
  • Dr. Bridget Burns, Chief Executive Officer, University Innovation Alliance

From the Minors to the Big Leagues: Preparing Students for Long-Term Success

Without practice and feedback, students struggle to learn new skills and material, making it harder to hit a home run when assignments inevitably increase in difficulty. To improve outcomes, award-winning professor and baseball enthusiast Daniel Collins focuses on creating early wins in foundational content (‘the Minors’) and using methodical course design to pave the way for success on formal assessments (‘the Big Leagues’). Collins will share his four level approach and the role Aktiv Chemistry plays in allowing students to master core concepts while delivering the feedback they need to knock it out of the park when the stakes are high. Without practice and feedback, students struggle to learn new skills and material, making it harder to hit a home run when assignments inevitably increase in difficulty. To improve outcomes, award-winning professor and baseball enthusiast Daniel Collins focuses on creating early wins in foundational content (‘the Minors’) and using methodical course design to pave the way for success on formal assessments (‘the Big Leagues’). Collins will share his four level approach and the role Aktiv Chemistry plays in allowing students to master core concepts while delivering the feedback they need to knock it out of the park when the stakes are high.

Speaker:

  • Dr. Daniel Collins, Chemistry, Texas A&M University

From Passive to Active: Reaching and Re-engaging Students with Top Hat

Professors are reporting that students are more stressed and checked out than ever. In this session, Instructor Antonia S. Ingram-Basby will share how she’s bucking the trend by using Top Hat to connect with and engage her class. Get a behind the scenes look at how she manages her course, creates buzz with interactive questions and discussions, and uses real-time insights to ensure her students feel known and supported. Professors are reporting that students are more stressed and checked out than ever. In this session, Instructor Antonia S. Ingram-Basby will share how she’s bucking the trend by using Top Hat to connect with and engage her class. Get a behind the scenes look at how she manages her course, creates buzz with interactive questions and discussions, and uses real-time insights to ensure her students feel known and supported.

Speaker:

  • Antonia S. Ingram-Basby, Geography and Anthropology, Louisiana State University
Dr. Bridge Burns burst illustration

Dr. Bridget Burns

Chief Executive Officer

University Innovation Alliance

As a trusted advisor to university presidents and policymakers, Dr. Bridget Burns is on a mission to transform the way institutions think about and take action on behalf of low-income, first generation, and students of color. She is the founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, a multi-campus laboratory that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates. Named one of the “16 Most Innovative People in Higher Education” by Washington Monthly magazine, Dr. Burns has helped the UIA campuses increase their low-income graduates by 46%, and increase graduates of color by 85% since 2014. Her work has been highlighted in the New York Times, Fast Company, 60 Minutes, and was featured in the documentary “Unlikely."

Keynote talk on Friday, February 24th 9:00-10:00AM in Audubon Ballroom A
Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay burst illustration

Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay

Professor, Biological Sciences

Florida State College at Jacksonville

In her nearly two decades as a scientist-educator, Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay has trained thousands of healthcare professionals and secured extensive federal funding to promote STEM education and empower underrepresented groups in STEM. In addition to authoring globally recognized texts in microbiology with Pearson, Morton Publishing and Top Hat, her considerable STEM program development experience ranges from designing and launching a biomedical sciences baccalaureate program to serving as a curriculum designer and subject matter expert for the Florida Space Research Institute and Workforce Florida. She also serves as a section editor for the American Society for Microbiology's (ASM) Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education. As a speaker for the U.S. Department of State’s International Information Programs, Dr. Norman-McKay served in diplomacy outreach to empower women and youth in STEM, bolster STEM education, and build STEM capacity in Central Asia.

Session on Friday, February 24th 2:30-3:15PM in Audubon Ballroom A
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Katie Dawson

Associate Professor, Drama and Theatre

University of Texas at Austin

Katie Dawson uses the arts to increase equity and access in educational contexts. She is an associate professor at The University of Texas in Austin where she co-heads the M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities / UTeach Theatre program. Dawson received the Distinguished Book Award (for The Reflexive Teaching Artist: Collective Wisdom from the Drama/Theatre Field), the Creative Drama Award and the Winifred Ward Scholar Award from the American Alliance of Theatre and Education. Her second book Drama-Based Pedagogy: Activating Learning Across the Curriculum was published in 2018. Dawson is a Provost’s Teaching Fellow at UT where she received the 2015 College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award, the 2018 College of Fine Arts Distinguished Research Award and the 2013 Regents Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Session on Friday, February 24th 10:15-11:15AM in Audubon Ballroom A
burst illustration Joe Rohrlich

Joe Rohrlich

Chief Executive Officer

Top Hat

As Top Hat’s CEO, Joe Rohrlich is responsible for leading the company through its next phase of global growth. Prior to joining Top Hat, Rohrlich led a range of customer and go-to-market teams during his 11-year tenure at Bazaarvoice, the market leader in SaaS user-generated content solutions for eCommerce. Under his leadership as Chief Revenue Officer, he drove accelerated international growth of the Sales, Marketing, and Client Success teams across a range of industries and regions. He also served as General Manager of Bazaarvoice EMEA & APAC. Before that, Rohrlich led account management at a Procter & Gamble-owned marketing consultancy, where he developed strategy for iconic brands ranging from Pampers to Iams Eukanuba.

Keynote talk on Friday, February 24th 9:00-10:00AM in Audubon Ballroom A
burst illustration Bradley Cohen

Bradley Cohen

Chief Academic Officer

Top Hat

As Top Hat’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Bradley Cohen provides advocacy and guidance to support Top Hat’s product innovation, publishing, and institutional engagement strategy. Prior to Top Hat, Cohen served as the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Ohio University. Under his leadership, Ohio University made great strides to improve student learning outcomes, save students millions of dollars through textbook and course redesign initiatives, and successfully execute ambitious growth strategies in online and blended learning. Before that, he advanced instructional innovation and technology for 15 years at the University of Minnesota as the head of the Center for Educational Innovation and Associate CIO for Academic Technology.

Keynote talk on Friday, February 24th 3:15-3:45PM in Audubon Ballroom A
burst illustration Heather Taylor

Heather Taylor

Director of Product Marketing

Top Hat

As the Director of Product Marketing, Heather Taylor is responsible for leading programs, research and go-to-market strategies to increase the impact of Top Hat across institutions, faculty and students. Prior to joining Top Hat, Taylor was the Manager, Global Product Marketing at Pearson where she was responsible for strategic planning and end-to-end product marketing for the company’s digital solutions for Humanities, Social Sciences and Information Technology. A dedicated team builder and lifelong learner, Taylor is also committed to giving back to her community as a foster parent and court-appointed special advocate (CASA).

Session on Friday, February 24th 11:30-12:00PM in Audubon Ballroom A
burst illustration Daniel Collins

Daniel Collins

Instructional Associate Professor, Chemistry

Texas A&M University

Dr. Dan Collins received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2012 where he taught as well as at Presbyterian College before joining the Florida State University. In 2015, Dr. Collins moved to Texas A&M University where he teaches Organic Chemistry. Outside the classroom, Dr. Collins is a member of the Texas A&M Faculty Senate and in September of 2022, he was named co-Director of Outreach for the Department of Chemistry. During his time at Texas A&M, Dr. Collins has received several honors, including the Honoring Excellence Award for his impact with first-year students. In 2021, he was named one of four recipients for the Association of Former Students College Level Teaching Award for the College of Science and, in April of 2022, he was one of 10 top educators at Texas A&M to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:00-1:30PM in Kingfisher
burst illustration Stephanie Dillon

Stephanie Dillon

Director, Chemistry & Biochemistry

Florida State University

Dr. Stephanie R. Dillon is the Director of Freshman Laboratories at Florida State University, a position she has held since 2002. During her tenure, she has rewritten the lab curriculum no fewer than seven times, reflecting her commitment to improving engagement and learning outcomes on behalf of thousands of students each year. Dr. Dillon regularly teaches large lecture courses comprising more than 300 students in both general and biochemistry and moved to a ‘flipped’ classroom model in 2019. Her focus on active learning and continuously improving the materials she provides her students has resulted in dramatic reductions in DFW rates. Dr. Dillon is the author of two nationally published textbooks and holds undergraduate degrees in Biochemistry and Theater, and a PhD in Chemistry from Florida State University.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:45-2:15PM in Snowy Egret
burst illustration Beverly Kris Jaeger-Helton

Beverly Kris Jaeger-Helton

Teaching Professor, Engineering

Northeastern University

Dr. Beverly ‘Kris’ Jaeger-Helton teaches Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University (NU). She is also the Director of Senior Capstone Design in Industrial Engineering where she oversees up to 90 engineering seniors, a dozen faculty members and 20 year-long industry, research, and innovation projects. Her many research interests include human performance engineering, cognitive psychology, training, and education. During her 20 years at NU, Kris has been voted Professor of the Year by students 15 times, and was awarded the All-College Engineering Teaching Award as well the Mentoring Award in the College of Engineering.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:45-2:15PM in White Ibis
burst illustration Jeffrey Klausman

Jeffrey Klausman

Senior Professor, English Composition & Literature

Whatcom Community College

Jeffrey Klausman is Senior Professor of English at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, Washington, and the author of Composing a College Career, a first-year experience text, and Active Voices: The Language of College and Composition, a first-year writing text, both from Top Hat. His numerous articles and book chapters focus on social justice issues in writing program development, including equity, access, and the impact of labor inequities. He has served as Writing Program Administrator and Writing Across Campus coordinator for Whatcom Community College for much of his career.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:00-1:30PM in Snow Egret
burst illustration John Redden

John Redden

Associate Professor-in-Residence, Physiology & Neurobiology

University of Connecticut

John Redden is an Associate Professor-in-Residence and discipline based educational researcher in the Physiology and Neurobiology department at the University of Connecticut. His research centers on developing inclusive physiology curriculum, assessing student-centered STEM classrooms, and strategies for effective science communication. He teaches courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology and Public Communication of Science. Redden aspires to make life science education more inclusive and is the lead author of the active learning Top Hat textbook Anatomy and Physiology in Context, used at more than 100 colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:00-1:30PM in White Ibis
burst illustration Antonia S. Ingram-Basby

Antonia S. Ingram-Basby

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Louisiana State University

Antonia S. Ingram-Basby is a Ph.D. Candidate (ABD) in Cultural Anthropology at Louisiana State University, where she is also an Instructor and Graduate Teaching Assistant III in the Department of Geography and Anthropology. She recently served as the Graduate Assistant for the LSU Rural Life Museum’s Reimaging & Expanding Interpretation project, a collaborative study aimed at and reimagining how the Museum can use contemporary methods to reveal the modern significance of Louisiana’s rural history and culture. Her research focuses on theological and cultural anthropology, African American culture, Black women’s studies, religious identity, urban and rural ethnography, and folklore.

Session on Friday, February 24th 1:45-2:15PM in Kingfisher