Staff Spotlight: Emily Lopez
Emily with her husband Danny at a friend’s wedding.
When did you start at UCBA and what are your current responsibilities?
I started as the Senior Instructional Designer at UCBA in July 2024. I get to serve as a thought partner with faculty and staff members. We work together to create engaging learning opportunities for students. My role has a range of responsibilities – such as facilitating Learning + Teaching Center workshops, visiting department meetings, and brainstorming new activities and technology tools with instructors – which allow me to connect instructors with materials and methods so that they can help students achieve their goals. I also create and send out the biweekly Canvas Update, which many instructors find valuable.
Prior to this, I spent two years in UC’s Learning Commons as the supervisor of the Supplemental Instruction program, where I trained students to facilitate collaborative group study sessions and partnered with faculty to invite students to engage in these sessions.
What is your favorite thing about working at UC Blue Ash?
My colleagues make working at UCBA wonderful. I not only get to learn about the innovative ideas that instructors have for their courses, but about their interests and experiences. I am so glad I get to know the people I work with and understand their goals and their objectives for their students. I enjoy working with our student-centered faculty and staff to problem-solve which pedagogical strategies and new technologies we can leverage to enhance students’ AND instructors’ experiences learning and teaching. I enjoy the “park-like setting” of the Blue Ash campus, too.
Emily with her husband Danny and some friends on a hike that overlooks the Class V whitewater rapid.
Is there a current/recent book or podcast you’re enjoying?
I love learning through books and podcasts, so I will share a few and would love recommendations from you. I read the Bible regularly. This summer, I read a book titled “Identity Theft” with some friends, which prompted me to reflect on who I am in light of who Christ is. I am slowly reading Deeper by Dane Ortlund. I also read many journal articles for my classes (I plan to graduate with an MEd in Instructional Design and Technology in Spring 2025). Podcast-wise, I listened to HigherID, which shares about instructional design in higher education. I also listen to a few podcasts about food and women’s health.
What kind of hobbies or activities do you pursue outside of work?
I enjoy cooking/baking, reading, playing board/card games, and anything outside (running, playing pickleball, watching sunsets, etc). I recently made my first loaf of sourdough bread, pickled some red onions (so easy!), and tried lamb for the first time. My husband Danny and I enjoy going to food fests downtown and hiking with friends. I love one-on-one conversations, being outside, and moving: the perfect combination for a walk with a friend (please reach out if you would like to wander around campus together).
What is one fun or interesting fact you would like to share about yourself?
I grew up near Chicago and LOVE deep dish pizza. Lou Malnati’s is so good. I am typically willing to try anything; however, I have not yet tried Skyline since moving to Cincinnati in 2021.
Oh and another fact: while whitewater rafting this summer on a Class V rapid, our guide, a friend of mine, and I fell out of the raft. That was terrifying, and I am grateful we survived.
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