Dr. Adam D. Fein has served as Vice President for Digital Strategy and Innovation since November 2018. As the head of UNT’s online and digital strategies, he leads the charge to identify new directions and opportunities to improve the academic quality, reach and performance of the university in the online and global education markets. His research is focused on the examination of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and the effects of disruptive innovation theory in higher education. Prior to joining UNT, Dr. Fein served the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for 17 years in numerous roles with online and innovative education. He was responsible for shaping campus strategy and providing campus-wide support for innovations in classroom and online settings. In his previous roles, he was responsible for overseeing the instructional design, instructional development, instructional media resources, and online academic and student affairs teams. Prior to his time in higher education at two of the world’s largest universities, he served as a training and development consultant at Pepsi/Gatorade Inc. and at the Quaker Oats Company. In addition, Dr. Fein has published book chapters and numerous professional papers.

Dr. Tania Heap is the Director of Learning Research and Accessibility based in the Center for Learning Experimentation, Application, and Research (CLEAR) at the University of North Texas (UNT). She has been involved in online and technology-enhanced learning initiatives in different capacities for over 15 years. Her background is in practice-based research in learning technology, design and methods in social-behavioral-educational research with human participants, digital accessibility and ADA compliance testing, faculty development, and instructional design for high-enrollment online classes and MOOCs.

Dr. Rudi Thompson is a UNT Distinguished Teaching Professor, faculty member in the department of Biological Sciences, Assistant Vice President in the Division of Digital Strategy and Innovation, and Executive Director of the Center for Learning Experimentation, Application, and Research (CLEAR) at UNT. She has been in the teaching realm for more than 30 years, with experience teaching learners from PreK through Grey. Her research focuses on the space and/or the barriers between teaching and learning in science.

Dr. Audon Archibald completed a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of North Texas. His research interests include an emphasis on the role popular media plays into the development of attitudes and behaviors. He currently assists the Learning Research Team in the Division of Digital Strategy and Innovation (DSI) as a full-time data analyst aiding in the development and evaluation of research projects centering around the role of technology in education.

Cassie Aaron is a Data Analyst Intern and a third-year Ph.D. Student in Educational Psychology with a emphasis in Research, Measurement, and Statistics. She has worked in varying levels and areas of education including student affairs, academic affairs, and K-12 education. Broadly, her research focus on what influences and contexts support students’ success in postsecondary education. Specifically, she is interested in how high-impact practices facilitate learning for college students.

Maeleigh 'Wei' Novosad joined the DSI LADR team in November of 2023. Wei is a junior in the UNT Psychology program and is pursuing a minor in Asian Studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans on going to graduate school and working toward her master's degree in behavioral science. Though this is Wei's first time being a part of a research project, she is interested in access and equity in education and the influence of multicultural educational strategies.

Ellie Liss is an undergraduate research assistant and data analyst intern for DSI. She is a junior in the UNT Psychology program as well as a Studio Art minor. While this is her first time working on a research project, she is interested in socio-behavioral effects on educational establishments and advancements. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue admission to a master's program in Art Therapy.