Programs

Jason empowered faculty across the university to level up their writing instruction via workshops, interdisciplinary partnerships, research, and publishing.

• 2023-2024 Final Report
• 2023-2024 Final Report Graphic

Elizabeth researched and demonstrated how Universal Design for Learning can be used to increase student engagement, performance, and instructor satisfaction.

• Resources & Contact Info
• UDL Intro Course
• Adjusting to Challenges with Flexibility: A Benefit to Students & Faculty
• Teams Group for Document Sharing/Podcast
• Year 1 Final Report

Katie designed a workshop series and accompanying Faculty Learning Community on "Building Strong Teamwork Skills in Active Learning Classes."

• Teamwork Toolbox I
• Team Dynamics & Cooperative Learning
• Active Learning Library Teaching Tools
• Enhancing Learning by Improving Process Skills
• 2023-2024 Final Report

Jessie created teaching resources to increase active learning strategies within high enrollment and DFW courses. Additionally, she created and co-facilitated the Lucas Center's Adjunct Academy.

Brenda's fellowship focus was twofold: encouraged and supported scholarship related to the Student-Faculty Partnership Program and encouraged and supported the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning more broadly.

• SoTL Resources
• 2023-2024 Final Report

Megan focused on supporting FGCU faculty in using Qualtrics survey software to enhance pedagogy and scholarship through workshops and consulting.

• Introduction to Qualtrics Recording

Georgia represented and advocated for adjunct faculty, starting with research about the Florida University System while learning how different departments on campus support their adjunct faculty.

• Final Report

Burcu addressed increasing scholarship efforts and implementing an FGCU Accountability Partner Program.

• Faculty Accountability Program
• Final Report

Megan engaged campus-wide faculty cohorts with tailored programs for external fellowships, including the Fulbright Scholar Awards.

• Fulbright Overview

John surveyed adjunct faculty and did research on the relationship between department leaders and adjunct faculty at FGCU.  That research has been sent in for publication.  In his second Fellowship, he will utilized his past work and focused on investigating the support other higher educational institutions give adjunct faculty and advocated best practices at FGCU.

• Adjunct Handbook
• Adjunct Faculty News
• Final Report 2020-2022
• Final Report 2023-2024

Charles focused on designing an effective remote classroom.

• CAFE Design Model
• Communication Technologies for Remote Teaching
• Final Report

Anne-Marie explored how principles of intuitive, accessible and universal design can be applied to courses to support student success.

• Annotated Syllabus
• Design Principles
• Powerpoint Design Tips
• Final Report

Greg's aim was to aid faculty, regardless of discipline or career stage, to engage students in effective research experiences.

• Faculty as Mentors in Undergraduate Research
• Funding for Undergraduate Research
• Cultivating Minority Scientists
• Diversifying Science
• Ten Salient Practices of Undergraduate Research Mentoring
• Undergraduate Research Mentoring
• Final Report

Miles focused on how to re-invent and reinvigorate the large lecture style classes by creating an active learning environment.

• Active Learning
• Cynthia Brame Active Learning
• Independent Learning in Undergraduate Education
• Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education
• Final Report

Heather is available to work with faculty to incorporate best practices for information literacy objectives into new or existing course assignments.

• Final Report

Dr. Denise Allen is an Associate Professor of the Occupational Therapy Program in Marieb College of Health and Human Services. She has completed many Lucas Center programs and workshops such as Course Design Academy, the Student-Faculty Partnership Program, Academic Portfolio Workshop, and the Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop. She has received teaching awards including the Dr. Elaine Marieb Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award and the Florida Gulf Coast University Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. She has also served on the committee for the FGCU teaching excellence award for several years.

She has found through her many courses, readings and experience that reflection of teaching is an important component of innovative teaching that helps students learn. Although there are many ways of gaining insight on teaching, Dr. Allen believes that peer observation with an open discussion of desired outcomes and reflection after the process can help both new faculty and experienced faculty alike. She is committed to providing a rewarding, positive experience for teaching growth through peer observation.

deallen@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7556

Enthusiastic teacher of Computing Science and Software Engineering topics that includes entry to advanced level programming, computer architecture, embedded technologies, and data engineering. I have significant experience in industry and higher education as an application developer, business systems' analyst, and application development manager. I bring my background into my teaching, relating real world scenarios and methodologies. I strive to make class interactive and exciting through use of hands-on activities and facilitate exploration of algorithms and standard development practices through small projects such as the development of retro video games.

I have been with FGCU since it first began, as one of the inaugural graduates of the class of 1998, and then as a business application support and manager staring in 2003. I began teaching as an adjunct in 2015 and became a full-time instructor in 2021. I earned an MBA from FGCU in 2014, and am now working on a doctorate in Engineering and Computing Engineering at FIU.

pallen@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4715

Christina Anaya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences where she teaches wildlife classes including mammalogy and invertebrate zoology. Christina also has a robust research program, training students in parasitological techniques using invasive reptiles and amphibians in Florida. In the classroom, Christina uses a research-supported pedagogy of making students active participants in the learning process. Her goal as an educator is to help students become independent thinkers and learners as they develop their critical thinking skills which prepare them for their future careers. She is dedicated to fostering student engagement through various active learning strategies. She enjoys learning from her colleagues as they navigate the active learning classroom. Therefore, POT offers an opportunity to not only provide a service to her colleagues but also learn from them in the process. Christina has been recognized for her teaching abilities 3 times as a graduate student and most recently she received FGCU’s Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (2023-2024).

canaya@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1880

Dr. Dan Bacalzo is an Associate Professor of Theatre and the Assistant Director of the Bower School of Music and the Arts. He has participated in numerous Lucas Center academies, programs, and workshops inclusive of New Faculty Academy, Course Design Academy, Student-Faculty Partnership Program, Mentor Coach Program, Academic Portfolio Workshop, and the Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop. He is the recipient of multiple professional development and innovative assignment design award grants, as well as Seidler undergraduate scholarly collaboration fellowships and an Aquila Award for Outstanding Student Scholarship Support.

dbacalzo@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7404

Alayde Barbosa (Alli) started teaching at Florida Gulf Coast University as an instructor of Geology in 2014. She is now an instructor III who has been an active participant of the Lucas Center Programs to improve her teaching. She is a geologist with a masters and a PhD in Geochemistry. She is very passionate about Geology and teaching. She is originally from Brazil and  enjoy the opportunity to be helpful to other faculty with their teaching.

abarbosa@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7226

Dr. Cara Brooks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics.  During her time at FGCU, she has observed the teaching of roughly 20 faculty across five colleges through her various roles: elected member of FGCU’s Teaching Excellence Award Committee, participant in the Whitaker Center’s STEM Professional Academy to Reinvigorate the Culture of Teaching, and mentor for the Lucas Center’s New Faculty Academy.  She has taught upper- and lower-division college mathematics courses for over 20 years, was observed numerous times, and received training at the Lucas Center’s Peer Observation of Teaching workshop. 

Based on readings of the literature and personal experience, she has found that peer observation (as an observer and being observed) can play a fundamental role in the development and continued improvement of one’s teaching.  She recognizes the trust required to invite an unknown observer into your classroom.  Whether it is a summative letter for a portfolio or a formative assessment of a new teaching technique, she provides detailed and purpose-driven observations based on the request of the faculty member.  She is committed to engaging in open discussions during the pre- and post-observation meetings and to applying her knowledge about peer observation and best practices to provide kind and constructive feedback.    

cbrooks@fgcu.edu |  239-590-7073

Dr. Sherdene Brown Simpson is currently an Assistant Professor and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Brown Simpson’s professional trajectory reflects extensive experience as a counselor educator, systemic clinician, and supervision. She has also worked in higher education as an administrator and mentor. Dr. Brown Simpson is deeply committed to professional service and exemplifies the principles of servant leadership through active engagement in local, state, and national professional associations. She is committed to serving as an observer for colleagues who need to complete a teaching observation and to provide thoughtful, collegial feedback.

sbrownsimpson@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7798

Dr. Jessica Carter Peer is an adjunct faculty member and lab instructor of the Anatomy and Physiology Department. Jessica is a double FGCU Eagle graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Science ('09) and a Doctor of Physical Therapy ('21). She earned the Soaring Eagle Award in 2015 and was a recent member to the Alumni Association Board of Directors (2020-2024). As a former student athlete (softball) here at the university, she is keenly aware of the increase in students' attention to extracurriculars while participating in their studies and can bring a new observation perspective to any classroom setting across the campus.

As a 2024 graduate of the Lucas Center's Adjunct Academy and Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop, Jessica has received recent training in best practices of classroom and lecture development while being able to provide any summative response or formative feedback based upon the observation request. She is committed to collaborating with faculty and adjunct members to provide timely feedback and develop positive outcomes for student success here at FGCU.

jcarterpeer@fgcu.edu

Jahann Cherubin-Brennan is a certified Adjunct Marketing Instructor with the Lutgert College of Business. She has completed multiple Lucas Center programs and workshops, including the Adjunct Academy, faculty book clubs, and the Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop. Jahann views peer observation as a collaborative and formative process that supports reflective teaching and professional growth. As a peer observer, she aims to create a comfortable space for instructors to reflect on their instructional choices, explore new strategies, and consider how small adjustments can enhance student engagement and learning. She approaches each observation with curiosity, respect, and an appreciation for the many effective ways teaching can look in the classroom.

jcherubinbrennan@fgcu.edu 

Dr. Alberto Condori is a Professor of Mathematics at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he teaches courses from introductory Calculus to graduate-level Analysis and project-based courses with industry partners. Early in his career, Alberto focused on content quality, a natural instinct for someone trained in research mathematics. Through sustained reflection, he came to believe that excellent teaching is defined not by performance but by deliberate alignment between objectives and methods. Like many faculty, he has wrestled with helping students become active learners and fostering critical thinking. That ongoing work reminds him that every teacher, himself included, is still learning. This evolution stems from Lucas Center programs including the SPARCT Academy, Course Design Academy, and Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop. He led the Teaching for Critical Thinking Book Club in 2019, has mentored in the New Faculty Academy since 2022, and received the FGCU Senior Faculty Teaching Excellence and Excellence in Mentoring Awards in 2023–2024. Over his career at FGCU, and earlier as a Lead Graduate Teaching Assistant at Michigan State, Alberto has conducted many peer observations. He recognizes that being observed feels vulnerable (he has felt it himself) and approaches every observation as shared inquiry, framing feedback around connections and curiosities rather than deficits. Alberto is committed to making peer observation a genuine opportunity for mutual growth.

acondori@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1458

Dr. Paula-Marie Ferrara is an Associate Professor of the Exercise Science program in the Marieb College of Health and Human Services. She joined the faculty at FGCU in 2025 and completed the Lucas Center’s Peer Observation of Teaching workshop in her first semester. Paula often utilizes mixed methods in her research, which involves understanding individual’s exercise experiences and developing exercise and physical activity promotion programs, particularly for retiring, elite athletes. Just as quantitative and qualitative data can provide holistic understanding of peoples’ lived experiences and direction on how to intervene on their fitness and wellness, Paula believes the combination of formative and summative assessments provide the best picture of one’s teaching and utilizes both in her peer observation process. By collaborating with those she observes, she is committed to providing a positive and rewarding experience that will help her and her fellow educators grow in their teaching.

pferrara@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4591

Joy Ann Francis is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the nursing department of Florida Gulf Coast University. Joy Ann has a master’s degree in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing. She oversees nursing students in the clinical arena facilitating hands-on patient care learning at the bedside. Although the ambiance supports more of a discussion style rather than a lecture-type learning, there are instructional strategies that could be woven into this experience to enhance learning.

Attending the Lucas Center Peer Observation Teaching Workshop has prepared her for self- reflection and to set goals for improvement when planning the clinical day. This will also prepare her for constructive suggestions when observing other colleagues in their roles with the notion of providing an ongoing commitment to professional development.

jfrancis@fgcu.edu

Dr. Jen Fulwider is an Instructor II in the College of Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she prepares future educators through coursework focused on classroom organization, professional teaching practices, and effective instructional design. She brings over 20 years of experience across K–12 special education and higher education, with a background that includes clinical supervision, field coordination, and teacher mentoring. As a trained peer observer, Dr. Fulwider approaches peer observation of teaching as a collaborative and reflective process grounded in trust, descriptive feedback, and professional dialogue. She values peer observation as an opportunity for faculty to clarify instructional goals, examine teaching practices, and engage in meaningful conversations that support growth across in-person and online learning environments.

jfulwider@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4361

Felicia Goulet-Miller is a higher education instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience in biology and microbiology. Felicia views peer observation of teaching as an essential component of reflective and effective instructional practice. She believes meaningful evaluation of teaching must incorporate self-reflection, student feedback, and collegial perspectives. Drawing on her experience participating in both formal and informal peer observations, she values the role of constructive, developmental feedback in strengthening courses and refining teaching strategies. Aligned with the Lucas Center’s coaching model, Felicia approaches peer observation as a formative, collaborative, and confidential process grounded in trust and mutuality. She recognizes the vulnerability inherent in opening one’s classroom and is committed to fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes dialogue rather than judgment. Through observing colleagues, she also seeks to learn new pedagogical strategies and best practices, making peer observation a mutually beneficial experience that enhances teaching effectiveness and the student learning experience.

fmiller@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1514

Dr. Shelby Gilbert is an Associate Professor of public health in the Marieb College of Health and Human Services. The primary focus of her teaching is guided by the behavioral and social sciences to explore how issues of access—access to educational opportunities, quality health care, and community resources—impact the health outcomes of people most negatively impacted by social, political, and economic policies. She has participated in many Lucas Center activities over the years, and one of the most impactful things she has learned is to always approach teaching with the question “what do I want my students to remember from this course five years from now” at front of mind. 

Inspired by this question, she understands the importance of assessing our teaching to determine what has, and has not, worked to engage our students. Evaluation of our teaching effectiveness is an important component of what we do FGCU, and while student perceptions of our teaching and our own self-reflection are helpful, each of these on their own represents a small, flawed view of our teaching practice. It is also important that we are assessed by our peers who can provide an objective observation of our teaching to provide valuable feedback of what works well and, more importantly, what can be improved.

sgilbert@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1851

Anthony (Tony) Hoffman is an Instructor I in the chemistry department. He has learned just how valuable feedback can be through his participation in the New Faculty Academy in 2023 and The Student Faculty Partnership Program (SFPP) in Fall 2024. Tony strives to keep improving his courses as he believes that the role of an instructor includes constant course innovation, seeing as perfection can never truly be obtained. As a newer instructor, Tony believes he has the ability to bring a fresh perspective that is both technology forward and student centered to an observation that he produces. Tony also believes that a peer observation should serve as a reflective process for both himself and the person he is observing, so in his peer observations he intends to have both himself and the person observed leave the experienced having gained some insight into their teaching.

ahoffman@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7277

Margaret Hood is an Instructor I in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she teaches high-enrollment gateway biology courses including General Biology I with Lab (BSC 1010C) and Introduction to Biology with Lab (BSC 1007C), a preparatory gateway course that supports students as they build readiness for General Biology I. With over 24 years of university-level teaching experience, Margaret brings a strong background in developing and refining large, multi-section gateway courses. Her teaching emphasizes active learning, structured support, and evidence-based pedagogy to improve student engagement, persistence, and confidence in introductory and gateway biology courses. Margaret approaches peer observation of teaching as a reflective, developmental process grounded in trust and dialogue. She has consistently sought out peer feedback throughout her career and has been observed by colleagues as part of her commitment to continuous pedagogical growth. She has also observed and mentored graduate teaching assistants, instructional assistants, and peers. She has completed the Lucas Center for Faculty Development New Faculty Academy and Course Design Academy, and has participated in the Student–Faculty Partnership Program and Skills Advantage cohort. She looks forward to serving as a peer observer by offering supportive, formative observations that help colleagues reflect on their teaching and strengthen student engagement.

mhood@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7974

Tanya Huffman is a Level III Mathematics Instructor at Florida Gulf Coast University where she has been teaching undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses since 2007. She is the coordinator of business calculus sections and the recipient of the 2015 FGCU Senior Faculty Teaching Award. Tanya is a member of The FGCU Whitaker Center for STEM Education Leadership Team and a co-PI on NSF Widening Implementation & Demonstration of Evidence-Based Reforms (WIDER) Grant for STEM Professional Academy to Reinvigorate the Culture of Teaching (SPARCT) at FGCU. Her research interests are in mathematics education with specialty area in project-based learning. She regularly presents her innovative teaching techniques at the faculty professional development workshops and conferences. Since 2014, she has been directing enrichment summer programs for middle school students.

thuffman@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7648

Dr. Nicola Khalaf is an Associate Professor of Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) and serves as the course coordinator for A&P at Marieb College of Health and Human Services. She has been teaching at FGCU since 2018, following a 30-year career as a physical therapy practitioner. Dr. Khalaf’s clinical experience informs her student-centered approach to teaching, emphasizing active learning, metacognition, and evidence-based strategies to promote success in historically challenging STEM courses. 

Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that all students can succeed when provided with the right tools, access, and accountability for active engagement. Based on her experience and research, she finds that structured peer observation and purposeful reflection are essential components of innovative teaching. Dr. Khalaf’s research focuses on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, with an emphasis on pedagogical strategies that enhance student performance and retention. She is the recipient of the Dr. Elaine Marieb Faculty Excellence in Teaching award, Dr. Elaine Marieb Faculty Excellence in Service award, and the FGCU Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award.

nvarveris@fgcu.edu

Jeff Kleeger is a Professor in the Justice Studies Department of the College of Arts & Sciences who has participated in several professional development activities and programs offered by the Lucas Center. He is interested in different teaching and learning approaches and recognizes the efficacy of mixing and matching to enhance student learning outcomes. Jeff’s philosophy on teaching is collaborative learning based, but he equally respects the value of a good traditional lecture. Jeff believes the science and art of teaching and learning can always be enriched by reflective practice and so he brings this perspective to his teaching, research and service focus in the sociology of law and law study.

jkleeger@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7861

Dr. Daniel Lambrecht has experience teaching a range of science courses, ranging from introductory large-lecture classes such as General Chemistry to advanced and more specialized courses such as Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry. He continually strives to improve his teaching by incorporating student feedback, peer observation, and professional development opportunities such as the workshops offered by the Lucas Center. As somebody who has received valuable teaching feedback from colleagues, he recognizes that an external, objective mentor is invaluable to analyze and improve one’s teaching approach. This is particularly important to ensure one’s teaching approach is rooted in best practices and focuses on objective, measurable learning outcomes as appropriate within the discipline and across fields.

dlambrecht@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4459

Joyce LaOrden is an Instructor III of Spanish in the Department of Language and Literature at Florida Gulf Coast University. Joyce has participated in several Course Design Academies with the Lucas Center for Faculty Development, and many other workshops provided there. The most beneficial experience was Student Faculty Partnership (SFP). She believes in the benefits of actively engaging in the process of refining and improving her pedagogy to best accommodate her students’ varied learning styles. Reflective dialogue, teaching and learning from peers shape her focus. Joyce teaches Spanish courses of all levels and actively works on the development of the Spanish program in the Department of Language and Literature in CAS. She obtained her doctorate from Middlebury College where she focused on methodology. Joyce has attended and presented strategies for second language acquisition at conferences both locally and nationally.

jlaorden@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1453

Reid Lennertz, MBA, MA, is a recently promoted Instructor II in the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship where he has taught since 2019. In 2021, he was the recipient of the Junior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award. Prior to 2019, while serving as the Director of FGCU Career Services, he was an adjunct Instructor for the Lutgert College of Business and the College of Arts & Sciences. In 2013, he was nominated for the Adjunct Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Reid has attended numerous professional development program through the Lucas Center, including the Student-Faculty Partnership Program in Fall 2021. He is presently the Chair of his School’s Promotion and Support Committee, giving him valuable insight as to the role of Teaching Observations in the promotion process. 

rlennert@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4041

Fangheyue (Fang) Ma is an instructor of sociology in the Department of Justice Studies, where she teaches a wide range of undergraduate courses from introductory sociology to upper-division offerings. Her research interests include globalization, social psychology, gender, and technology, with particular attention to how social meanings are constructed and negotiated in everyday life.

Trained in Peer Observation of Teaching through the Lucas Center for Faculty Development, Fang engages in reflective and collaborative approaches to teaching improvement. Through observing colleagues’ classrooms and welcoming feedback on her own teaching, she continually refines her pedagogical strategies to enhance student learning and engagement. She values teaching as an interactive and relational process and views the classroom as a shared space for inquiry, dialogue, and intellectual growth.

Grounded in a student-centered and inclusive teaching philosophy, Fang emphasizes critical thinking, sociological imagination, and the connection between course material and students’ lived experiences. She is committed to creating supportive learning environments that encourage participation, curiosity, and respectful discussion, and she prioritizes clear communication, active learning, and meaningful assessment in her courses.

fma@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4355

Jan-Martijn Meij has been in the sociology program since 2011 and has greatly benefited from the programs and workshops at the Lucas Center. He considers good teaching to be something that looks different for different people in different situations. Every teaching situation that is observed offers opportunities for growth for both the observer and observee. Reflection on one’s teaching is an important part of the process in improving your pedagogy.

jmeij@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1884

Menaka Navaratna is a Professor of Mathematics at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he has served as the department chair of mathematics division. His terminal degree is in the area of applied mathematics where real-life applications are modeled using differential equations. Since joining FGCU, he has served on many committees and teams. He was a member of CAS Peer Review and Support Committee (PRSC), University Curriculum Team (UCT), FGCU Senate and the chair of the CAS Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (CAS UCC). He has completed several Lucas Center Faculty Learning Communities (FLC) which are devoted to enhancing teaching, learning, and the university experience.

mnavarat@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7544

I currently serve as an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Department within the Marieb College of Health & Human Services at Florida Gulf Coast University and am in my third year at FGCU. I teach graduate-level counseling courses focused on preparing students for professional practice as clinical mental health counselors. I earned my doctoral degree in Counselor Education from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Florida and Texas. My teaching philosophy is student-centered. I have presented at professional conferences on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on integrating mindfulness into the classroom. I value collaboration with colleagues and view peer observation as an opportunity for mutual learning, reflective practice, and ongoing growth in teaching effectiveness.

lienguyen@fgcu.edu | 239-745-4780

Matt Palmtag is an Instructor III in the department of Biological Sciences, where he teaches high enrollment introductory courses such as General Biology I and II, and upper level specialty courses such as Animal Nutrition. Matt’s main goals as an educator are to combine his experience with evidence-based pedagogical research to plan for improvement, develop student critical thinking skills required for career success and lifelong learning, invite and respond to student and peer feedback to improve student engagement, and reciprocate the value with which his students and colleagues have treated him. Peer observation of teaching (POT) provides the perfect opportunity for Matt to continue to reach his goals and support colleagues to reach theirs. Throughout his time at FGCU he has had the opportunity to co-instruct with seven of his colleagues. He has also engaged in formative and summative peer observation both as an observer and observee with over a dozen other colleagues throughout the university.  In 2013 Matt earned the FGCU Junior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award. He has served as a mentor in the Lucas Center Mentor Coach Program since 2014, this program fosters professional development through discussion and participation in POT. He also participated in the Lucas Center Peer Observation of Teaching Workshop in 2022. Matt credits POT as one of the most significant professional development activities that has shaped his career and teaching philosophy and is eager to share his experience to support his fellow faculty members.

 mpalmtag@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1263

I am a Professor of Statistics in the Department of Mathematics and have been at FGCU since 2009. As a trained Peer Observer of Teaching, I take a formative, faculty-centered approach grounded in clearly defined goals established during a pre-observation conversation. My observation reports emphasize evidence of effective teaching while offering thoughtful suggestions for improvement, followed by a post-observation discussion that invites reflection, dialogue, and instructor rationale. When helpful, I also incorporate space for instructors to reflect on the feedback and identify which suggestions they plan to pursue. I have experience teaching and observing across a range of instructional designs—including traditional lecture, flipped classrooms, mastery-based learning, POGIL, and discovery learning—and primarily work in face-to-face settings, with some experience in synchronous online courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. While any colleague is welcome to request an observation, faculty teaching quantitative, analytical, or problem-based courses, or those exploring active learning approaches, may find my background particularly relevant. I have enjoyed observing faculty across multiple colleges and departments and value the opportunity to meet new colleagues, learn about different disciplines, and engage with diverse and innovative approaches to supporting student learning.

gpapkov@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1262

I am a Communication Instructor III at Florida Gulf Coast University. I have been teaching here since 2010. I am a popular professor on campus and I have had the privilege of teaching a variety of Communication courses such as Public Speaking, Theories of Human Communication, Gender and Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Fundamentals of Communication, Intrapersonal Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Rhetoric of Social Movements, and others. I believe that my strengths in the classroom lie in my ability to be vulnerable. Students seem to easily relate to my teaching style and I am proud to say that each semester my courses have a waiting list.

I have a great working relationship with my colleagues. I have had the privilege of team teaching with two of them. Through this experience we have honed our teaching skills and styles, a true gift, as the opportunity to continue to improve is part of what I love about teaching. 

Beyond my teaching role, I helped to establish the Communication Lab on our campus. I am currently the associate director. The Com Lab is a resource for students of all disciplines to access help for anything speech or presentation related, including topic ideas, outlining help, delivery tips, and recording of speeches/presentations. We also host the Public Speaking competition every year which has become quite popular and most recently we created Socrates on Stage, a Ted Talk style event which is a collaboration between Communication and Philosophy students.

Additionally, I serve on several College wide committees such at the College Governance Team and Student Affairs committee.

The training I received from the Lucas Center during the Peer Observation of Teaching workshop has been valuable. I look forward to helping co-create a culture at FGCU that values the ongoing development of our teaching.

aparke@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7833

Dr. Jaffar Ali Shahul Hameed is a professor of mathematics and the department chair of Florida Gulf Coast University. With over two decades of experience in higher education, he is a dedicated educator known for his commitment to student success, faculty mentorship, and innovative teaching practices. His dedication to academic excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the FGCU Junior Scholarship Excellence Award, Senior Service Excellence Award, and MSU Graduate Teaching Assistant Awards. As a peer observer of teaching, Dr. Jaffar brings extensive expertise in fostering engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environments. His teaching philosophy emphasizes cultivating higher-order critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of learning objectives through active learning and collaboration. He is dedicated to providing constructive feedback and practical strategies that empower colleagues to refine their teaching practices and align with FGCU’s mission of delivering transformative learning experiences. Dr. Jaffar approaches peer observation with a collegial and supportive perspective, recognizing that teaching is both an art and a science. He aims to inspire continuous improvement and assist faculty in creating meaningful and impactful learning experiences for students. Beyond his teaching and leadership roles, Dr. Jaffar has co-founded impactful initiatives such as the Coding Academy, which integrates technology into K-12 education, and QGenAI, which leverages Generative AI to enhance teaching and learning. You can learn more about him at https://jaffar.org.

jashahulhameed@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1470

Bio Coming Soon!

ssinclair@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7232

Annie Stout, MBA, M.Ed, is an Instructor II in the Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship where he has taught since 2017. She won the Junior Instructor Teaching Excellence Award in 2022. Annie has attended numerous professional development programs through the Lucas Center, including the Student-Faculty Partnership Program. She presently serves on the General Education Committee and serves as the Chair of the Honor’s Executive Board. She values feedback from students, peers, and self-reflection to evaluate and refine her practices.

astout@fgcu.edu | 239-745-3703

Georgia Strange has an Ed.D. from the University of Georgia (UGA), an A.B. in Biological Sciences, an M.S. in Secondary Science Education, and an M.F.A. in Fine Arts from Indiana University (IU). She served in administrative posts at UGA, IU, and Centre College of Kentucky. Dr. Strange also taught at The Ohio State University (OSU). She earned teaching and service awards at IU and was a Senior Teaching Fellow at UGA and a member of its Teaching Academy. At Florida Gulf Coast University, she teaches Colloquium as an adjunct and served as a Lucas Center Faculty Fellow in 2022-23. Her decades-long dedication to the multifaceted importance of teaching began with service in the Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa, and continued to develop further in graduate school and faculty roles at five different institutions of higher education. Her experience across multiple institutions shaped her approach to peer teaching observations. Dr. Strange believes the observation process should foster an engaged and reflective dialogue that enhances the growth of individuals committed to the interconnectedness of teaching and learning.

gstrange@fgcu.edu

Angel Taylor is an Instructor II of English in the Department of Language and Literature at Florida Gulf Coast University. Angel has participated in several Course Design Academies with the Lucas Center for Faculty Development, and many other workshops provided there.  She believes in the benefits of actively engaging in the process of refining and improving her pedagogy to best accommodate her students’ varied learning styles.  Angel has attended several conferences about student centered learning, and has presented at several conferences, locally and nationally, regarding the successes of incorporating student centered learning into her curriculum. She is also actively involved with several assessment initiatives here at Florida Gulf Coast University.

ataylor@fgcu.edu | 239-590-7942

Dr. Jingshun Jason Zhang is a Professor in assessment, evaluation and research at College of Education at Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Zhang has more than 30 years’ experience in teaching, research, and academic service in

USA, Canada, and China. He has taught many courses in assessment, evaluation, measurement, mathematics, calculate, probability, and computer application face- to face, virtually for undergraduate, master, doctoral students and other

trainings. He also has many broad studies on the classroom teaching, online teaching and learning, classroom assessment, large-scale assessment, program evaluation, educational measurement, etc. Jason has joined many programs of

the Lucas Center such as New Faculty Academy mentor, Student-Faculty Partnership Program, Course Design Academy (multiple level), Peer Observation Program, and others. Based on Boyer’s scholar model He always try to do his best to integrate the teaching, research and service together along with multiple grants such as The Wing for the future, innovative assessment design awards, COE min-grants and others.

jzhang@fgcu.edu | 239-590-1855