Meet our Staff

Lorraine Carroll
Opscan Supervisor
lorraine.carroll@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-8032

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Amie Vedral Cohen, PhD
Assistant Director of Course Assessment and Evaluation
amie.cohen@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-1837

I oversee assessment at the course level, testing, and evaluation. You can meet with me to discuss assessment strategies in your courses, designing rubrics, project/grant evaluations, course evaluations, and more.

About Me

I am the Assistant Director of Course Assessment and Evaluation. I have worked at Stony Brook University since 2009. My previous positions were with the Career Center and the Undergraduate Colleges. I earned my PhD in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University, and my research interests focus on the academic success of underrepresented students. I also hold a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY New Paltz. I am passionate about student-centered learning and the diversification of assessment methods in college courses.

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Marla Gorman
Testing Center Coordinator
marla.gorman@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-1861

I am Stony Brook's Testing Center Coordinator and have been a member of the SBU Community since 2007. My responsibilities include supervising staff, coordinating testing services, and assisting in the development of and implementation of procedures, goals and objectives. Prior to my work on campus, I attended Albany State then worked twenty years in the marketing field.  I have been an active member of the Three Village area since 1988.

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Yasmene Kimble, EdD
Assessment Specialist
yasmene.kimble@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2078

I focus on data interpretation, design implementation, and facilitating workshops. I support faculty development in teaching and learning, promoting effective teaching practices centered around course assessment and program initiatives centered around course assessment. You can meet with me to discuss assessment strategies in your courses, designing rubrics, project/grant evaluations, assessment redesign, creating multiple choice questions, course evaluations, using generative AI for assessments, survey design, and more. 

About Me 

I am the Assessment Specialist, where I began working since 2024. My experience includes teaching, instructional design, adult education, education policy, and K-12 administration. I hold an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings from the University of Southern California, where my research focused on organizational leadership and social identity. Additionally, I have a Master's in Educational Policy and Leadership from American University. My interest include educational policy, generative AI and belonging, and assessment redesign. 

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Sai Aishwarya Abasolo, PhD
Instructional Designer - Teaching Assistant Development Specialist
sai.abasolo@stonybrook.edu 

631-632-2070

I work with and support graduate student Teaching Assistants (TAs) as they explore engagement strategies to incorporate into their classes and create more accessible and inclusive learning experiences for their students. TAs play an integral role in the classroom. They are not only educators but also support student access to course material and enhance overall understanding of class content. Whether it’s your first time as a TA or you’re a seasoned instructor, I’m here to support you and the goals you have for yourself and for your students! You can meet with me to discuss course content organization, goals for your classes, strategies for implementing interactive engagement, on-campus resources for students, and more.    

About Me

I am an Instructional Designer specializing in supporting Teaching Assistants. I earned my PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University in 2026, and my research focused on developing artificial bone-mimicking tissue by guiding stem cell growth. I also hold both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook. During my time in graduate school, my favorite moments were always working with students, whether it was in front of a classroom or at the lab bench. Through these experiences, I developed a passion for science communication and for finding ways to adapt language to better connect with different audiences. I’m excited to transition into a role where I can continue to use these skills and support students across campus as they step into similar mentorship and teaching roles! 

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Christine Bell, MA
Instructional Designer
christine.bell@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2075

My expertise includes integrating technology and pedagogy appropriately, assessment redesign and diversification, and incorporating active learning strategies. I’m available to support faculty, build courses, and facilitate workshops. I love to assist faculty by offering guidance on how to create course activities that feature high learner engagement. I’m particularly interested in the meaningful integration of technology, student-directed learning an metacognition. 

About Me

I joined CELT in 2024. I started my career as an ENL and EFL teacher in China, Thailand, and the U.S. I have over 15 years of experience in education including international program management, curriculum design, educator professional development, and instructional design. Prior to coming to CELT, I served as the Editor of Curriculum and helped to develop proprietary project-based learning curricula. I have my MA in TESOL from Stony Brook University and a BA in English and Visual Arts from Fordham University. My interests include project-based learning edtech integration, international education, and interactive learning. 

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Luis Colón, MFA, MS
Instructional Designer
luis.colon@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2073

I can help by providing syllabus review, drafting and revising learning objectives to be specific and measurable, developing alternative assignments, implementing active learning strategies, integrating appropriate and innovative technologies, providing instructional resources, and meeting for general pedagogy consults and questions.  My interests are inclusive teaching practices, active learning, student engagement strategies, and innovative educational technology.

About Me

I joined CELT in January of 2023 after starting my career as a secondary English teacher in Amityville Union Free School District. During that time, in addition to my role as an 8th grade English/ENL teacher, I also held the position of Audio/Visual Coordinator which focused on the set up and utilization of sound and video equipment within the school and during various live events, as well as led the Morning Announcements Club which focused on the development and editing of video announcements and other schoolwide videos and media. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Secondary English Education (7-12) from Stony Brook University, Masters of Science in TESOL Education (K-12) from Touro College, and a Masters of Science in Instructional Technology from Touro College. My interests in teaching and learning include student engagement, mixed media content development and curation gamification, addressing the needs of diverse learners, and humanizing the learning experience.

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Kristin Hall, PhD
Senior Instructional Designer
kristin.hall@stonybrook.edu 
(631) 632-2071

My expertise includes syllabus review, drafting specific and measurable learning objectives, ensuring alignment in course design, developing alternative assessments, active learning strategies and online course design. I offer guidance on building your course in Brightspace to ensure optimal navigation and organization of course content. I also offer guidance on learning sciences and research-based practices that enhance how we learn best. I am particularly interested in presenting content in a way that is visually appealing while optimizing it for learning effectiveness. 

About Me

I have been part of the Stony Brook University community since 2009, currently as a Senior Instructional Designer in CELT. My journey at Stony Brook has also included roles such as Lead Academic Advisor and Library Assessment Specialist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts from SUNY New Paltz, a Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas State University, and a PhD in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning from the University at Buffalo. Additionally, I earned a Teaching Online Certificate through Quality Matters and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching from the University at Buffalo.

In CELT, I lead initiatives in quality online course design and best practices in facilitating online courses including the Online Teaching Course (OTC) and the Online Teaching Milestone. I create self-paced resource guides focusing on teaching and learning topics. I present on various topics throughout the semester including Syllabus Design, Digital Accessibility, Building Your Course in Brightspace and Course Alignment. I serve on the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee. I am also an adjunct faculty member in the Higher Education Administration program at SBU where I designed, developed and teach Foundations of Online Education. My primary research interests focus on online education and quality course design, cognitive load theory, working memory, multimedia learning, evidence-based learning strategies, self-regulation, academic emotions, and supporting neurodivergent learners.

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Michael Hochman, MA
Instructional Designer - AI Specialist
michael.hochman@stonybrook.edu

I support faculty who want to use AI to rethink course design and teaching. Regardless of your stance on AI, I can help you navigate its implications, from exploring thoughtful instructional uses to making informed decisions about course policies and assessments. I help with assignment and assessment design, rubric development, syllabus review, and active learning strategies. I also guide instructors through course design using Understanding by Design and other evidence-based models.

About Me

I joined CELT in 2025 as the Instructional Designer – AI Specialist after a long career teaching high school English. I bring experience in course design, assessment, and faculty support from years spent coordinating curriculum projects and training educators. I hold a BA and MA in Psychology. My interests focus on AI in teaching and learning, including responsible use, effective adoption, and support for faculty who want to explore advanced or experimental approaches.

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Aracely Mahay, MS
Instructional Designer
aracely.mahay@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2784

I joined CELT as an instructional designer in December 2024. My experience includes four years of providing support related to aspects of distance education including: faculty and student support, course design best practices, teaching and learning technologies from St. John's University (2024) and Farmingdale State College (2020-2024). I received my B.A. in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College and my M.S. in Instructional Design at SUNY Brockport. My areas of interest include exploring innovative instructional approaches, technology integrations, and creating inclusive course designs.

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Jessica Packer, MS 
Instructional Designer
jessica.packer@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2781

As an Instructional Designer, my primary role is to support faculty in developing effective, engaging, and accessible learning experiences. I am here to help with syllabus review, curriculum development and alignment to learning objectives, meaningful incorporation of technology, ensuring inclusivity and active learning in course design. 

About Me

I joined CELT in the summer of 2025 as an Instructional Designer. Previously, I was a high school English teacher and English Department Chairperson at an all boys private school. I spent my time not only teaching students, but also directing my department on best pedagogical practices and collaborating with them on various projects to increase student engagement, develop practical policies, and create a strong, student-centered curriculum. I received my MS in Secondary Education from Hofstra University and my BS in Biopsychology from Tufts University. My areas of interest include deepening student engagement, especially in light of new technologies, facilitating more meaningful learning experiences through innovative and evidence-based pedagogy, and ensuring that courses promote critical and creative thinking leading to the development of agency. 

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Jenny Zhang, PsyD
Senior Instructional Designer
yi.zhang.13@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2782

I can help you to: integrate appropriate technologies, incorporate effective assessments, use active learning strategies, write/reviesyllabibi, provide instructional resources, and meet for general pedagogy consults/questions. My specialities are using AI an VR in teaching and learning, inclusive teaching practices, active learning strategies, and Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL). 

About Me

joined Stony Brook University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) as an instructional designer in June 2022. I bring 17 years of higher education experience to my current role, having served as an instructional designer at St. John’s University, New York (2016 – 2022), an instructional designer at Broward College, Florida (2013 – 2016), and an instructional designer at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, New York (2002 - 2010).  I earned my bachelor degree in Economics from Zhejiang University, China. I received my M.B.A. in computer information systems from St. John’s University, New York, M.S. in Instructional Technology from Touroro College, New York, and PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology fromTouroro University Worldwide. My primary research interests are emerging technologies (AI and VR), as well as inclusive pedagogy and active learning pedagogy. I also lead the COIL program at Stony Brook. Feel free to contact me, I am more than happy to meet with you!

Sai Aishwarya Abasolo, PhD
Instructional Designer - Teaching Assistant Development Specialist
sai.abasolo@stonybrook.edu 

631-632-2070

I work with and support graduate student Teaching Assistants (TAs) as they explore engagement strategies to incorporate into their classes and create more accessible and inclusive learning experiences for their students. TAs play an integral role in the classroom. They are not only educators but also support student access to course material and enhance overall understanding of class content. Whether it’s your first time as a TA or you’re a seasoned instructor, I’m here to support you and the goals you have for yourself and for your students! You can meet with me to discuss course content organization, goals for your classes, strategies for implementing interactive engagement, on-campus resources for students, and more.    

About Me

I am an Instructional Designer specializing in supporting Teaching Assistants. I earned my PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University in 2026, and my research focused on developing artificial bone-mimicking tissue by guiding stem cell growth. I also hold both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook. During my time in graduate school, my favorite moments were always working with students, whether it was in front of a classroom or at the lab bench. Through these experiences, I developed a passion for science communication and for finding ways to adapt language to better connect with different audiences. I’m excited to transition into a role where I can continue to use these skills and support students across campus as they step into similar mentorship and teaching roles! 

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Lindsay Bryde, MFA
Senior Course Content Accessibility Specialist
lindsay.bryde@stonybrook.edu 

I am responsible for ensuring course content is accessible and ready for students to begin engaging with on day one of the term. You can meet with me to discuss course accessibility, methods for reviewing learning tools, how to create more inclusive learning environments (e.g., Universal Design for Learning), and more.

About Me

I am the Senior Course Content Accessibility Specialist and have worked at Stony Brook University since 2024. I earned my MFA in Creative Writing - Dramatic Writing from Adelphi University and my MA in English from Fredonia State University, and my research interests focus on digital accessibility, course and program assessment, inclusive learning, pop culture studies, and interdisciplinary studies. I have been teaching online and in-person courses for over a decade at a variety of institutions. My teaching practices were awarded in 2016 as “Faculty Member of the Year” at the Mandl School and my approach to student support was recognized in 2017 as “Faculty Advisor of the Year” at Suffolk County Community College.  I co-edited the collection RuPedagogies of Realness: Essays on Teaching and Learning with RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was published by McFarland in 2022. I’m currently contracted to write a sequel that is expected to be published at the end of 2026. I look forward to helping you create more inclusive and accessible resources that can support a wide range of learning styles.

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Michael Hochman, MA
Instructional Designer - AI Specialist
michael.hochman@stonybrook.edu

I support faculty who want to use AI to rethink course design and teaching. Regardless of your stance on AI, I can help you navigate its implications, from exploring thoughtful instructional uses to making informed decisions about course policies and assessments. I help with assignment and assessment design, rubric development, syllabus review, and active learning strategies. I also guide instructors through course design using Understanding by Design and other evidence-based models.

About Me

I joined CELT in 2025 as the Instructional Designer – AI Specialist after a long career teaching high school English. I bring experience in course design, assessment, and faculty support from years spent coordinating curriculum projects and training educators. I hold a BA and MA in Psychology. My interests focus on AI in teaching and learning, including responsible use, effective adoption, and support for faculty who want to explore advanced or experimental approaches.

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Yiren Kong, PhD
Educational Research and Grant Development Specialist
yiren.kong@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-2786

I am an educational researcher with interests in educational technology and language education. If you want to collaborate on any research project, feel free to reach out.

About Me

I graduated from University at Buffalo (UB) with a Ph.D. degree in CISL (Curriculum, Instruction, and Science of Learning). I also hold a master's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from UB. Throughout the years, I have published my research in journals such as Computers & Education, International Journal of Educational Research, Discourse Processes, and Linguistics and Education. I also presented my research at various international and national conferences. In addition, I served as a reviewer for multiple conferences as well as journals such as Computers & Education, American Educational Research Journal, and Review of Educational Research. I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate on educational research projects. If you are interested in chatting about a research idea or want to collaborate with CELT on any research project, feel free to reach out to me at yiren.kong@stonybrook.edu! 

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Dini Diskin-Zimmerman 
TV Producer/Director
jan.diskin-zimmerman@stonybrook.edu
(631) 632-1026

I learned first hand from my father what it was to be a television director as he was one of the first three directors at the (then) 3 networks. He developed a 3 camera shoot and the demands of running a live or live to taptv news show. This directing is my strongest talent. I love to teach students how to perform on the air, become a storyteller of the news so that the audience understands the importance of the words they have written. I love to teach camera work, graphic work and proper audio including music. In this era it is important to teach people how to do interviews and be interviewed so they learn to communicate with their words and facial expressions. I have long experience beginning at ABC News in Radio during the Watergate Era. I was hired as the first Associate Director at ABC News where my duties included preparing the news for The ABC Evening News an Nightline. I was then hired at CNN to become their first woman director and directed their first show at 6:00 am June 1 of 1980. This kind of directing is carrying out the tasks of incorporating camera work, talent, words, graphics and explicit timing to live television, the director is the direct line to the on air broadcast. I went on to do start-ups such as News 12 Long Island the Court Channel and became the lead director at the TV Food Network. I was offered a job at Stony Brook University and have been here building 2 defunct television studios that are now thriving with an abundance of talented "want to be" television professionals. I utilize my outside contacts to help assist in getting them internships and jobs and pay my talents forward.