PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Results-driven Instructional Designer with 16+ years of experience creating innovative learning solutions that drive measurable outcomes. Expert in learner-centered design, multimedia development, and LMS implementation with proven success across corporate, government, and higher education sectors. Skilled in leveraging emerging technologies using AI-powered authoring tools and e-learning tools to enhance engagement and knowledge retention. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage multiple concurrent projects, and deliver high-quality training programs that align with organizational objectives and improve performance metrics.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Instructional Design & Development: ADDIE, backward design methodology, curriculum development, scenario-based learning, microlearning, gamification, adult learning theory (andragogy), Bloom’s Taxonomy, Kirkpatrick Four Levels evaluation

E-Learning Technologies: Articulate Storyline 360, Articulate Rise 360, Camtasia, H5P, Synthesia.io (AI video), Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Moodle), SCORM compliance

Multimedia Production: Video production and editing, podcast development, explanatory videos, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, Animate), storyboarding, scriptwriting

Emerging Technologies: Virtual Reality platforms (EngageVR, VirBELA), use of generative AI for text and image (Claude.ai, Google Gemini, ChatGPT)

Project & Stakeholder Management: Multi-project coordination, SME collaboration, quality assurance, needs analysis, learning analytics, ROI measurement, remote team leadership

Communication & Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, virtual facilitation, workshop design and delivery, peer mentorship, cross-cultural communication, Quality Matters (QM) standards

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Instructional Designer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) • June 2022 – Present

Lead instructional design initiatives for specialized federal training programs, collaborating with subject matter experts to develop high-impact curriculum for Strategic Trade Atlas, Harmonized System Essentials, and INECP Onboarding courses. Drive continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation and stakeholder engagement.

• Orchestrated curriculum development for numerous online courses, partnering with SME teams to translate complex regulatory and technical content into engaging, accessible learning experiences that improved compliance understanding by an estimated 40%

• Implemented Kirkpatrick Four Levels evaluation framework to measure training effectiveness, providing actionable insights that enhanced learner outcomes and demonstrated ROI to stakeholders

• Coached SMEs on instructional design best practices, adult learning principles, and learner-centered methodologies, resulting in more effective content delivery and improved student engagement scores

• Completed specialized DOE National Training Center certifications including Basic Instructor Training (MIT 111), Distance Learning Instructor Training (MIT 112), and Job Analysis (MIT 120), enhancing technical training capabilities

• Developed training materials for Front Line Officer Radiation Detection System Operator Training at HAMMER facility, supporting critical national security education objectives

Senior Instructional Designer

Cybermedia Technology • May 2021 – June 2022

Managed complex certification program development, directing instructional design teams and overseeing multimedia production for enterprise-level training solutions. Delivered scalable, scenario-based learning experiences that enhanced certification pass rates and learner satisfaction.

• Led development of comprehensive hybrid certification course integrating self-paced study, synchronous online instruction, and hands-on simulations, serving 500+ learners annually

• Directed team of instructional designers in creating 2,000+ certification exam questions across two assessments, ensuring alignment with industry standards and learning objectives while maintaining rigorous quality control

• Produced scenario-based instructional videos featuring live actors, writing scripts and directing production to create authentic, engaging learning experiences

• Successfully managed concurrent projects remotely with minimal oversight, demonstrating strong self-direction and organizational capabilities while maintaining consistent delivery timelines

Instructional Designer

Ashland University • March 2016 – May 2021

Transformed online learning experiences across diverse academic disciplines, managing 60+ course development projects while pioneering innovative instructional approaches. Championed faculty development and quality standards, establishing the university as a leader in online education excellence.

• Designed and developed 60+ online courses spanning Art, counseling, biology, and MBA programs, applying backward design methodology and evidence-based pedagogical practices to ensure alignment with learning outcomes

• Conducted Quality Matters peer reviews and achieved APPQMR Facilitator certification, elevating institutional course quality standards and earning QM recognition for multiple courses

• Facilitated professional development workshops for 100+ faculty members on online teaching excellence, covering instructor presence, virtual learner support, video engagement, and student retention strategies—resulting in measurably improved course satisfaction scores

• Pioneered use of emerging technologies including Perusall (social reading platform), increasing student engagement with course materials by 50%, and created interactive scenario-based learning objects using Articulate Storyline 360 for authentic social work simulations

• Developed and taught undergraduate video game design course, integrating game-based learning principles with technical skill development

• Produced 75+ episodes of award-recognized professional learning podcast, establishing thought leadership in educational technology and reaching 10,000+ downloads (available on Apple Podcasts)

Owner & Principal Consultant

Nestor Education LLC • July 2013 – Present

Provide specialized instructional design consulting services to higher education institutions, creating innovative multimedia learning solutions and thought leadership in digital credentialing and gamification.

• Produced 11 explanatory videos for Kent State University and Cuyahoga Community College, translating complex concepts into engaging visual narratives that improved student comprehension

• Presented at DevLearn 2015 Conference in Las Vegas on digital badge artwork design, publishing associated article in Learning Guild that established best practices adopted across the e-learning industry

• Designed gamification framework for award-winning Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on developmental mathematics at Cuyahoga Community College, including storyline development, character design, and digital artwork—contributing to 40% completion rate improvement

• Created instructional materials for HR performance evaluation software implementation, achieving measurable increases in employee comprehension and satisfaction scores through user-centered design

Instructor, Mass Media Department

Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Kuwait City, Kuwait • August 2010 – July 2013

Developed comprehensive curricula and taught five undergraduate courses in digital media production to gender-separated student body, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication excellence in Middle Eastern academic environment.

• Created and delivered courses in Digital Storytelling, Digital Audio/Video Production, Digital Animation, Graphic Design, and Advertising Design, integrating project-based learning and peer review methodologies

• Directed comprehensive visual documentation project of Kuwait City neighborhoods, combining individual student assignments into cohesive citywide visual study that was exhibited publicly

• Taught animation fundamentals including character development, storyboarding, scriptwriting, and technical production skills, guiding students through creation of three-minute animated videos

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Visual Communications • The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH • 2003

Master of Science (MS), Strategic Intelligence • Defense Intelligence College, Washington, DC • 1993

Professional Certifications:

• Kirkpatrick Four Levels of Evaluation Certification – Measures training effectiveness and ROI

• Quality Matters (QM) Facilitator – APPQMR Face-to-Face Certification (2021) – Authorized to teach QM rubric application

• Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Course (PRC) Certification (2020) – Qualified to conduct official QM course reviews

• Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR), Sixth Edition (2018)

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Military Service: United States Marine Corps, 20 years – Intelligence, Interrogation, Military Police • Trained in Arabic language at Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA • Security clearance (inactive)

Languages: English (native), Arabic (basic proficiency)

SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS & PUBLICATIONS

• “Using Virtual Reality Simulations for Online Labs,” Ashland University Faculty Institute (2020)

• “Tackling Challenges of Using VR in Online Learning,” Quality Matters Ohio Consortium (2020, co-presented with VictoryXR CEO)

• “From Ordinary to Extraordinary: How Student Engagement Can Redefine Your Course,” Quality Matters Ohio Consortium, Kent State University (2018)

• “Creating Dynamic Digital Badge Art on a Shoestring,” DevLearn Conference, Las Vegas (2015)

• Published research in The International Journal of Kurdish Studies on geopolitical analysis and infrastructure development