Student/Faculty/Staff Updates
School of Education
Associate Professor in the School of Education Keynote Speaker
Dr. Ryan Schaaf presented as a keynote speaker at the Common Ground 2026 Conference. The AI Toolkit for Teachers: Propelling Productivity, Practice, and Professional Growth explored how educators could safely and ethically integrate AI tools into K-12 education.
Dr. Ryan Schaaf and Students Participate in Panel
Dr. Ryan Schaaf along with two of his LEARN-AI students, Irena Hall and Sarah Clements, participated in a panel, entitled AI in K–12 Education: A Panel Exploring Promise, Peril, and Possibility. The panel explored how teachers are leveraging AI to enhance instruction, support differentiation, and foster 21st-century skills. Panelists shared first-hand experiences integrating AI tools into their teaching practice, discussing what is working, what is worrisome, and what lies ahead. Together, they addressed common misconceptions, ethical implications, and the vital need for educator agency in shaping AI’s role in learning.
Associate Professors Present at Conference
Dr. Joanna Newton and Dr. Lauren McHugh presented at the Common Ground Maryland 2026 Conference. Their session, “Why Integrating Technology into Literacy Instruction Matters ‘More Than Ever,’” highlighted innovative ways NDMU instructors are embedding technology into literacy coursework. They also shared practical ideas for leveraging technology and computational thinking to enhance literacy instruction.
Assistant Professor Advocating on Capitol Hill and Presents at Conference in San Francisco
Dr. Molly Dunn traveled to Capitol Hill on March 19 to advocate on behalf of the Fulbright program. There were 90 Fulbrighters who visited a total of 120 offices, 80% of which served on either Appropriations or Authorizing Committees. Dr. Dunn and her team spoke with four offices, which included representatives and senators from South Carolina and Nevada. Their request was to reinstate Fulbright to full funding after last year’s cuts. They told their unique stories of citizen-to-citizen diplomacy and educational exchange juxtaposed against four key principles: Fulbrighters’ contributions back home, the economic benefits of the program, bipartisan investment in global leadership, and national security through educational exchange. (The World Bank estimates that for every $1 spent in diplomacy and peacebuilding, roughly $16 is saved in long-term costs of war and crisis response.) It was a powerful day of connection and sharing, all in the spirit of Fulbright. Pictured is Dr. Dunn with her teammates and Representative Dina Titus of Nevada.
Dr. Molly Dunn, assistant professor, presented at the Comparative and International Society’s (CIES) annual conference in San Francisco. CIES is the world’s oldest and largest comparative and international education society, with 4,000 members spread across 125 different countries. As Co-Chair of the Contemplative Inquiry and Holistic Education SIG, she planned the SIG’s programming and business meeting, as well as contemplative practices offered to all attendees. (The contemplative practices were sprinkled throughout the program to help attendees “unplug” from both the intellectual nature of an academic conference and the jetlag inherent in international travel, with various sessions devoted to meditation, mindfulness, and movement. This is the 7th year her SIG has offered them.) It was an honor to be “Re-examining Education and Peace in a Divided World” with scholars from around the globe working to promote tolerance and respect through educational research and advocacy.
Assistant Professor of STEM Presented at SITE Conference
Dr. Chelsea McClure, assistant professor of STEM Education, presented at the SITE Conference in Philadelphia, PA. SITE focuses on integrating instructional technologies into teacher education programs. Her presentation, Decoding Computational Thinking for In-service Teachers, explored her work while facilitating a grant awarded from the Maryland Center for Computing Education.
Associate Professor Publishes Book
Angelo J. Letizia just published a new a book with Silver Bow Press. The book is titled "The Containers at the Edge of the Shore" and can be found on Amazon.
There is a virtual book launch for the book on April 14th at 7 EST. Come join if you can: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86456767703?pwd=atXoEKEsp2W8kGpnaatMmozy8Mc0ao.1
Library Updates
Deadline extended to 4/27! LNDL Fall Fest 2026 T-Shirt Design Contest
Calling all creatives! Enter LNDL's Fall Fest 2026 T-Shirt Design Contest for a chance to have your artwork featured on this year's Fall Fest t-shirts! The winner will receive a $50 Ekiben gift card, a feature on LNDL's social media, and more. Submit your design by April 27! Click the link in bio for full submission criteria and to submit!
Coffee & Careers: Graduate Student Social
Thursday, April 23, 12-3 PM
Loyola Notre Dame Library Learning Lobby & Gallery
Calling all grad students! Stop by the LNDL Learning Lobby & Gallery on Thursday, April 23, from 12-3 pm to connect with fellow NDMU and LUM grad students over free refreshments (coffee, tea, and decaf options), hors d'oeuvres, and desserts! Get a free high-quality professional headshot (available from 12-2 pm)! Need business attire for your headshot? Check out Gator Thrift's Borrow-a-Blazer station during the event! Resume, LinkedIn, and job searching tips will also be available from the NDMU and LUM Career Centers, as well as grad student library and health sciences resources from LNDL. Enter a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Ekiben gift card during the event!
Intro to TinkerCad Pop-Up Class
Monday, April 13, 4-6 PM
IDEA Space
Learn how to get started in TinkerCAD, an online tool for 3D modeling!
Thursday, April 16, 4-5 PM
Online
Learn how to create multimedia narrative web displays with ArcGIS StoryMaps, a digital scholarship tool supported by LNDL!
Wednesday, April 29, 5-7 PM
IDEA Space
Make a stuffed animal and decorate with accessories! Each participant receives 1 stuffed animal to create and decorate. Registration required and limited to Loyola University Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland University students. Capped at 25 participants.
Customize a Mug with Sublimation Printing Pop-Up Class
Thursday, April 30, 3:30-5 PM
IDEA Space
Learn the science behind sublimation printing and customize your own coffee mug--all materials (including mugs) will be provided!