About
Quinnipiac Innovations in Learning and Teaching (QILT) is the outcome of the integration of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Office of Learning Design and Technology (LDT) in academic affairs at Quinnipiac University. We are an educational excellence center that aims to improve teaching and learning across all formats - online, in-person, and hybrid. We collaborate with faculty members from all nine schools and colleges, assisting a diverse range of departments and programs in enhancing their instructional practices and enriching student learning experiences.
Our team comprises experts in learning design, media, technology, and educational development, promoting innovative pedagogical strategies and technology to create engaging and effective educational experiences. Our guiding mission is to develop and continuously refine curricula that cater to the needs of today's dynamic learning environments. By promoting a culture of innovation and inclusive teaching, we help faculty adopt evidence-based educational practices that are both forward-thinking and adaptable.
In support of creating a dynamic and supportive community for Quinnipiac educators, our unit also includes faculty initiatives such as the Quinnipiac University Writing and Critical Thinking (QUWACT) program, Inclusive Excellence in Teaching Lab (IETL), and the contributions of faculty fellows in academic affairs. These initiatives promote excellence and foster an academic environment that values collaboration, sharing of best practices, and continual improvement.
The team
Adam Nemeroff
Director of Instructional Design and Technology
Adam oversees Quinnipiac Innovations in Learning and Teaching (QILT), leading a dedicated team of learning designers, technologists and media producers. With over a decade of experience in higher education learning technology, learning design, online learning, and faculty development, Adam has held significant roles at both Dartmouth College and the University of Connecticut. Adding to his diverse professional background, Adam also has hands-on experience teaching courses online.
Adam earned his MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut and holds a BA in History and a BS in Secondary History and Social Studies Education.
Committed to promoting accessible and inclusive education, Adam is deeply interested in understanding how AI and emerging technologies can reshape and enhance learning experiences for future-ready college students.
Frances Rowe
Senior Learning Designer
Frances Rowe is a Lead Learning Designer and adjunct faculty member at Quinnipiac University with over 20 years of expertise in developing innovative courses including blended, face-to-face and online.
With a Ph.D. in Education from Durham University and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from Utah State University, Frances’s approach centers on understanding learners’ needs and leveraging multimedia tools to craft courses that are personalized, engaging and aligned to what we know about learning science. Frances’s notable projects include the Digital Learning Innovation and Learning Effectiveness awards from the Online Learning Consortium.
Jean Fitzgerald
Senior Learning Designer
Jean is a seasoned senior learning designer with a rich background in education, holding a master's degree in Instructional Design. In addition, Jean has over three decades of teaching experience in higher education.
Her expertise extends to pedagogical consultations, course design and development, and project management, bolstered by a comprehensive skill set including proficiency in various LMS’s and multimedia tools. With a passion for continuous learning evident in her numerous certifications, conference participations, and publications, Jean remains committed to advancing instructional design and enhancing educational experiences.
Joel Vanner
Assistant Director, Learning Media & Emerging Technologies
Joel is the Assistant Director of Learning Media and Emerging Technologies. His responsibilities include managing the development and deployment of instructional media (video, photo, graphic design), exploring new technologies for education, and leading initiatives to integrate those technologies at Quinnipiac. He also manages the production of the team’s email newsletters and the team’s website, which you are on now!
Joel earned his BA in Media Studies/Communications from Quinnipiac and worked as a student employee in the Office of Integrated Marketing Communications.
Before rejoining the University in January 2024, Joel spent four years with The Walt Disney Company; specifically, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, and ESPN. There, he worked on a small team charged with editing and delivering content to ESPN’s on-demand platforms, ESPN+, and Hulu. He also spent time working with motion graphics teams on the College Football 2020 redesign project and was well-known by his colleagues for his attention to detail, organization, and project management skills.
Alexander D’Adamo
Learning Designer
Alex is a Learning Designer with a background in education, psychology, accessibility and technology. He earned his BA in Psychology from Fairfield University and is working towards his MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Sacred Heart University. With over 5 years of instructional design experience and over a decade of experience in content creation, LMS support and accessibility, Alex has a diverse skill set and a passion for creating inclusive and effective learning experiences.
His professional interests extend to designing accessible courses and materials, employing Universal Design for Learning principles, creating engaging online courses, and leveraging Understanding by Design methodology. After a fruitful three-year tenure at Sacred Heart University's Center for Teaching & Learning, where he conducted educational consultations, facilitated workshops, developed online courses, and spearheaded a faculty learning community, Alex has returned to Quinnipiac to contribute his expertise.
