Dr. Papia Bawa, Ph.D. Lead Faculty and Program Coordinator
I am the faculty lead for Project 150, a service-learning initiative developed within the Instructional Design for Online Learning course at the University of Northern Iowa. My work sits at the intersection of instructional design, emerging technologies, and meaningful learning experiences,bringing together theory and practice in ways that serve real communities.
Through this project, I guide and mentor students as they design and develop self-paced mini-courses intended to support the UNI community. Each project reflects not only technical skill, but thoughtful consideration of accessibility, engagement, and impact. My role is to create the structure, support, and creative space in which these ideas can take shape, while encouraging students to see themselves as designers whose work can make a difference beyond the classroom.
Project 150 represents a shared effort: one that celebrates UNI’s legacy while inviting students to contribute to its future through purposeful, community-centered design.
My name is Katelyn Cameron, and I am a first-year graduate student studying Instructional Design and Technology. I have been teaching 5th grade for the past five years, where I have developed a passion for creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences. Prior to my current role, I worked as a building substitute teacher in an elementary school, which gave me experience across multiple grade levels and classroom environments. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. I look forward to continuing to develop my skills in designing engaging and accessible learning environments for my students.
Hello, my name is Bianca Castillo, a Youth Program Supervisor with nearly 15 years of experience in youth development, education, and social services. I design and lead culturally responsive STEAM programs, including building community-based learning spaces and a STEAM Lab for urban youth. My work integrates social work practices and advocacy, including supporting unhoused communities through neighborhood council leadership in Los Angeles. I am expanding into instructional design to create accessible, community-rooted learning experiences grounded in human development and real-world application.
My name is Mallory DeSantiago. I'm a Cedar Falls native and a lifelong Panther! I'm currently in my first year of graduate studies in Instructional Design & Learning Technologies at the University of Northern Iowa. My bachelor's degree is also from UNI in Vocal Music Education. I have worked in various sectors of the field of education, including teaching music in public schools for five years and working in higher education at UNI, first in Admissions and now in Online Education & Individual Studies, for a little under three years. I am incredibly passionate about education as well as student equity and access, and I hope to bring those passions forward as I continue to work in higher education and develop my instructional design skills!
My name is Cecelia Smith, and I am a first-year graduate student studying Instructional Design and Technologies. I have been an English Language Arts teacher for four years, and prior to that, I attended UNI to earn my bachelor’s degree in English Teaching with a minor in creative writing. My time as a teacher has been rewarding in numerous ways. Through my teaching experience and graduate studies I have developed a passion for creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences. In the future, I hope to continue growing and to use my skills to contribute to the field of education and help even more students!
My name is Amy Guo. I have nearly 20 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language, including several years abroad and currently as an adjunct instructor at a community college. I also have experience designing and developing both in-person and online courses. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Central College, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technologies at the University of Northern Iowa. I am seeking to transition into instructional design in higher education or a corporate setting, where I can apply my skills and passion for course development and learning.
Hello, I’m Jourdan Jiruska. I bring over 20 years of experience in course and training development and delivery across higher education, corporate, non-profit, and municipal settings.
I’m currently in my second semester of the Instructional Design & Learning Technologies MA program at UNI. While I’ve long enjoyed this work, I chose to pursue this degree to strengthen my ability to design engaging, accessible online learning experiences—and it has been an incredibly valuable step in my growth.
After graduation, I will be seeking opportunities to apply these skills alongside my experience to design and deliver meaningful learning experiences in higher education and adult learning environments.
My name is Madelyn Michel, and I am a first-year graduate student at the University of Northern Iowa. I recently completed my bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in Education Studies & Human Relations and a minor in Psychology. I have prior experience working in the education field, both at the elementary level as well as the college level. Currently, I am pursuing a M.A in Instructional Design & Learning Technologies from UNI. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career as an instructional designer in higher education. I am looking forward to making an impact on the future of the education field!
My name is Laura Olson, and I have been a high school math teacher for the last five years. Working as a paraeducator sparked my passion for teaching, so I decided to go back to school in 2017 to earn my teaching license. I hold a bachelor's degree in religion, in addition to a bachelor's in 5-12 English and Math education. Currently, I am pursuing a master's degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technologies at UNI, where I hope to expand my skills in creating accessible and meaningful learning experiences and also grow as an educator.
Hello, my name was Tiana Thompson. Due to recently getting married, I go by Tiana Guadiana. I have been a 2nd grade teacher for the past seven years. I work in the only BIE school in Iowa that is populated by all Native American students. I am currently in my first year of graduate school. I am enrolled in the Instructional Design & Learning Technologies MA program. The reason I chose this program is to strengthen my abilities to teach using online resources and creating online learning experiences. I excited to use the knowledge within my own classroom and students.
Hello! My name is Kate Pearson and I am a graduate student in the Master's of Instructional Design and Learning Technologies program. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics. I have been a public educator for six years, and have spent four of those years teaching 5th grade math and science. In my work as a STEM educator I've developed a passion for creating comprehensive, engaging learning experiences for diverse groups of learners. I am enthusiastic about the professional growth and expertise that I will gain from UNI's stellar reputation for producing knowledgable and career-ready graduates.
Hello, my name is Adnan Kekić, and I am graduate student at University of Northern Iowa. I am currently studying industrial technology, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and minor in Mental Health. My academic background gives me a strong understanding of human behavior, learning processes, and how individuals interact with their own environments. I have been inspired by my sister's work in school psychology, which has deepened my appreciation for student development and other forms of support systems in the educational field.