BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - Key Persons
Austin DiLorenzo creates high quality animations and graphics for UIC's online courses. Since joining in March of 2024, he has brought a fresh new set of skills to the media production team. Austin specializes in data visualization, iconography, and character design. These skills have greatly bolstered UIC's online content by making online lectures both more digestible and engaging.
Austin has an extensive history in both animation and education. Austin worked as a freelance animator for five years, during which time some of his largest clients were online schools looking for creative and innovative ways to teach their students through animation. Austin also taught animation at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Throughout his career Austin has produced animation that excel in both form and function.
When not hunched over a computer, Austin enjoys camping, video games, cartoons, and reading
Cristine Busser joined the Studio in 2024, transitioning from an Associate Professor role at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). New to the position, she looks forward to collaborating with UIC faculty to develop engaging, high-impact online courses. She gets especially excited about course design that centers on metacognition, diverse learning preferences, and peer-to-peer connections.
Prior to joining UIC, Cristine taught in the Writing, Rhetoric, & Information Design program at UCA, where she also oversaw the university's first-year writing program. During her time at UCA, she collaborated with the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Academic Leadership, serving as an Instructional Consultant and regularly leading faculty workshops. Before then, she was an Associate Director of Georgia State University's Writing Studio while pursuing her Ph.D. in English (Rhetoric & Composition). She received her M.A. in Writing from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in English (Rhetoric & Composition) from Florida Atlantic University. Her research considers micro- and macro-strategies for inclusively supporting student retention, and her pedagogical passions include community engagement, project-based learning, and equitable assessments.
Cristine enjoys jigsaw puzzles, Miami Heat basketball, and slow walks around Chicago with her elderly pup.
Job Titles:
- Cinematographer / Creative Video Producer
Danno Moy has been creating high-quality educational course videos at the Studio since 2023. He develops and executes creative video strategies, collaborates with faculty to design content that aligns with course objectives, and manages all aspects of production from planning to final delivery. Utilizing advanced cinematography techniques and industry-standard editing software, Danno creates engaging, visually appealing content that enhances the online learning experience.
With over a decade of filmmaking and photography experience, Danno's work has been featured across various media platforms and international film festivals, accumulating over a million views. In 2017, his comedy film "Love at First Fright" won multiple awards for its humor and advanced special effects. Through his photo & video business Danno Digital, he offers a wide range of services, from corporate ads to family portraits, always aiming to bring creative vision to life through the lens.
When not behind the camera, Danno enjoys board games, video games, movies, television, sci-fi and fantasy books, and dancing.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Instructional Design & Media Studio
Dr. Chris Blakesley joined the Studio in 2023. In this role, he conducts strategic planning, directs initiatives, implements digital learning projects, and oversees the delivery of its services.
Chris has 17 years of experience consulting directly with instructors and designing digital learning solutions across disciplines. He has previously served as a Learning Engineer at Carnegie Mellon University's Eberly Center of Teaching Excellence and Educational Innovation. Chris holds a Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison's in Curriculum and Instruction where he co-created a mixed reality mobile learning platform as well as an award-winning simulation about cryogenics and thermodynamics. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Instructional Technology from Utah State University, and a B.A. in Theater and Media Arts from Brigham Young University.
Chris enjoys exploring Chicagoland with his wife and four kids, reading about immersive learning and leadership, playing pickleball, and going to the movies.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Quality Assurance
Erin Stapleton-Corcoran joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence at UIC starting in 2020. Always looking for new challenges and ways to engage with faculty and staff across the UIC community, Erin has presented several large-scale workshops for campus leadership and departments and has led several high-stakes online course development projects during her time at UIC.
Prior to joining UIC, Erin worked as an editor, curriculum designer, instructional designer, and university-level music instructor. She holds a B.A. in Music/Anthropology from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Music in Ethnomusicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Learning Design and Leadership from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also holds an eLearning Instructional Design Certificate from UC-Irvine, Digital Accessibility for Educators (DAE) and Master of Online Learning Administration Certificates from the University of Illinois Springfield, and Applying the Quality Matters Rubric Certification from Quality Matters. Her professional interests include teaching and learning with Generative AI, applying learning analytics to continuous quality improvement of online courses, Universal Design for Learning, gamification, culturally relevant pedagogy, liberatory design, intercultural competence, teaching locally relevant content, and open educational resources (OER).
Erin enjoys reading, walking on the 606, and finding new places to explore throughout Chicago.
Jared Kennedy is a graphic designer who joined the production studio in March of 2024 to uplift UIC course development and produce visuals for faculty and staff. They specialize in graphical layout, and 2d + 3d animation and illustration.
John McDermott joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence and Technology Solutions at UIC starting in 2014. As the Media Production Manager, John directs the development of digital learning assets across various instructional modalities, serving diverse disciplines and audiences. He collaborates closely with instructional designers, subject matter experts, instructors, educational developers, and researchers to ensure that the course design process adheres to quality requirements and industry standards. Under his leadership, the team oversees all creative aspects of course development, including video production, graphics, animation, interactive media, and other learning experiences.
John formerly served as the CATE Multimedia Services Lead in which he managed the Academic Multimedia Lab and the Lightboard Studio in the Daley Library.
Prior to joining UIC, John was a Media Specialist providing video production and audio-visual service & support to the students, staff, and medical professionals at Rush University Medical Center. John earned his B. A. in Mass Communication/Media Studies from St. Xavier University.
John enjoys film, music and playing drums.
Job Titles:
- Instructional Development Specialist
Mari Miller (they/she) joined UIC's multimedia lab in 2019, when it was part of the Academic Computing and Communications (ACCC) department and then the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence (CATE). They are looking forward to seeing the studio evolve under the Instructional Design and Media Production Studio (IDMPS) leadership with renewed focus on fostering engaging and accessible learning environments for teachers and students. Their work at UIC has focused on graphic design, video and audio editing, software education, and helping UIC transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mari's current work for IDMPS involves helping faculty create dynamic online courses that engage students with multiple learning styles. She also still helps faculty learn how to use multimedia software and how to choose the best software for their class' needs.
Mari's creative practice is focused on experimentation and blends art, craft, and design. They earned a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (2009) and an MDes Industrial Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2021). Mari has released several products and self-published books, invented novel modeling materials and alternative photography techniques, and exhibited their work around Chicago, most notably at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago. Her personal work, especially relating to the power of DIY, is informed by pedagogical approaches learned at UIC's multimedia lab, and in turn, her creative experimentation and problem solving informs her work at UIC. Mari is a consummate tea drinker who loves to read, spend time with their cats, and garden.
Maxine Frendel joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for Teaching Excellence at UIC. She designs engaging digital learning experiences that support students' active learning through online discussions, authentic assessments, peer instruction, metacognition, and equitable grading practices. She also manages Studio communications and provides editorial support. She is passionate about helping instructors make classrooms inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
Before joining the UIC community, she was the founding Assistant Director of the Social Sciences Writing Program at the University of Chicago, where she designed curriculum that is now taught to all undergraduates at UChicago, trained and mentored writing advisors, and taught writing to undergraduates. Maxine has teaching experience with students of all ages and professional writing and editing experience. She earned her M.A. in the Humanities with concentrations in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Theater and Performance Studies at the University of Chicago and her B.A. with Honors in Sociology at the University of Chicago. She also holds certificates in Accessibility and Inclusive Design, Articulate Storyline, and Applying the Quality Matters Rubric.
Maxine enjoys mogul skiing, paddleboarding, reading, and meditation.
Job Titles:
- Administration Heading Link Copy Link
- Coordinator of HR and Financial Operations
Monica Martinez began working at UIC in the College of Medicine, Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology, as an Administrative Assistant for NIH-NIDDK Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study in 2008. Monica later joined the college's administrative office as an Administrative Assistant for the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Monica is happy to continue her career at UIC, now providing HR and financial operations support to both CATE and IDMPS.
Monica enjoys cooking, baking and trying new recipes.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Instructional Design
Nicole Messier joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for Teaching Excellence at UIC since 2021. As the Associate Director of Instructional Design, Nicole leads the instructional design team, manages course developments and instructional design projects, facilitates equity-focused workshops, consults with UIC instructors, and collaborates with UIC stakeholders on projects, initiatives, and committee work. Nicole brings her passion for curriculum development and education reform to every course, project, and training she develops or leads, particularly regarding creating equitable opportunities for all students.
Nicole has over twenty years of teaching, training, and design experience. Before joining UIC, she was an instructional designer at Rasmussen University and Emeritus. Nicole has been a teacher, curriculum trainer, and principal in early childhood and elementary education. Nicole earned her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University and a B.A. in Education and Public Policy from Ashford University. She also holds the Fundamentals of Online Teaching Certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Applying the Quality Matters Rubric Certification from Quality Matters, and Accessibility Certification from the Online Learning Consortium.
Nicole enjoys reading, gardening, playing cards & board games with her family, and downhill skiing.
Patrick Horton joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence at UIC. He supports instructors by developing engaging and accessible learning experiences across campus. Patrick also designs and leads professional development opportunities, focusing on digital accessibility and AI integration in teaching and learning.
With a passion for utilizing technology to reduce barriers to learning, Patrick has a diverse background in education. He previously worked as a curriculum designer and taught music and technology courses at both secondary and university levels. Patrick holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education. He completed a Ph.D. at Northwestern University where he studied creativity and technology in music teaching and learning. His doctoral work included co-designing tablet-based digital musical instruments for students with disabilities. Patrick is also a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). His expertise spans music and arts education, digital accessibility, designing for creativity, and educational innovation.
Patrick enjoys playing guitar and using Chicago's public transportation system to explore the city's delicious restaurants, beautiful lakefront, and engaging cultural offerings.
Job Titles:
- Instructional Designer
- Instructional Designer / Instructional Designer and Media Production Studio
Sam Day joined the Studio in 2023 after 4.5 years as the sole instructional designer at UIC Extended Campus. She supports UIC faculty by serving as the designer and project manager for course developments and other projects across a number of UIC colleges and departments. Given her passion for quality online course design, Sam also works with the Studio's course design rubric and review process. She is also the Quality Matters (QM) Coordinator for UIC.
Prior to her time at UIC, Sam worked in tutoring, teaching, and instructional design capacities at colleges and universities in Kentucky and Tennessee. Sam has both an M.A. in English and an M.S. in Instructional Design from Western Kentucky University. She is a QM-Certified Peer Reviewer as well as a QM-Certified Higher Education Master Reviewer. In 2020, she earned the Digital Accessibility for Educators (DAE) certificate through UIS. In 2022, she earned the Instructional Design Mastery Series badge through OLC, and she earned the OLC Copyright Compliance & Fair Use badge in 2023.
Sam enjoys kayaking, baking banana bread, searing meats in her cast iron pan, and playing Sudoku on medium difficulty.
Job Titles:
- Cinematographer / Creative Video Producer
Steven McDunn joined the Studio in 2023 to boost course development through creative video, aiming to deliver content that resonates with every student. Steven collaborates with faculty and staff to craft strategies and transform learning materials into an engaging video experience that brings their course to life. He provides guidance on video presentation and operates all production elements from filming and audio recording to editing, using the latest and greatest equipment.
Steven is a part of several comedy YouTube and TikTok channels, which is one of the ways he challenges his on-camera performance and video production skills. He spearheaded the development of marketing and HR videos for various companies in the Chicago area. He graduated with a B.A. in Television & Video Production from Eastern Illinois University. There, he worked for WEIU-TV and ESPN+ as a Videographer, Editor, Writer, Reporter, and Anchor. Steven led committees as an Event Planner and President of the campus improv troupe.
Tom Okon joined the Studio in 2023 after working at the Center for the Advancement of Teaching Excellence and Technology Solutions at UIC starting in 2013. In his current position as an Instructional Designer at the Studio, he's devoted to making learning easier for students and helping faculty design interactive, collaborative, technology-enhanced learning curricula at UIC.
Tom has an M.S.Ed in Instructional Design and Workforce Education from Southern Illinois University and a B.S. from DePaul University in Marketing and Advertising. Previous influences included careers in Video Production, Information Technology, and Real Estate.
Tom enjoys photography, gardening, and visiting national parks.