Meet the Teaching Team

Our teaching team consists of faculty librarians who engage in continuous professional development in the areas of teaching information literacy and student learning assessment. The team also includes graduate assistants who undergo extensive training and classroom observations prior to teaching independently.

After consulting with course instructors and reviewing the research requirements of their courses, our teaching team will develop a lesson plan and/or learning objects that address both student research needs and our departmental learning outcomes.

	Eric Baker This former mechanic believes that nothing beats the right tool for the right job. When your job is online research, Eric teaches the specialized techniques that make databases your best research tool—for this job & many, many more to come!
	Tom Beck A knowledge of research essentials is necessary for the education and future employment of our students, and Tom imparts that knowledge through teaching. He makes himself available to students both in and out of the classroom, to continue their learning experience. During that process, he shares the importance of learning as a lifelong endeavor, which will enrich their lives in ways yet unrealized.
	Caitlin Cooke Caitlin’s teaching philosophy focuses on empowering students to learn and critically think for themselves. She aims to provide instruction that helps students to develop skills that can be applied in and outside of the classroom. Caitlin’s main goal when teaching is to meet students where they are and help them get to where they want to be.
	Ryn Grotelueschen Ryn aims to help students develop skills and search strategies which will aid them wherever they go in life. They want to draw students into learning by engaging existing interests and experience to foster conversation and guide instruction.
	Rhiana Murphy Rhiana accompanies students throughout their research journeys, recognizing and celebrating the strengths and experiences they bring to the table. She strives to empower students to confidently navigate the research process, not only during their academic programs but also as lifelong learners. Her teaching fosters a supportive, collaborative environment where students are encouraged to explore new ideas that will benefit them well beyond the classroom and after graduation.
	Sara Satkowiak Understanding, empowering, and resourcing student success is at the core of Sara’s instruction philosophy. Students come to higher education with unique life experiences and skills that enhance their capabilities as researchers and creative thinkers; she aims to design student-centered library instruction to support critical thinking around information and provide tools students can effectively use as they pursue their lifelong educational journeys.
	Kodi Saylor Curiosity is a core aspect of Kodi's information literacy instruction. Encouraging students to choose topics relevant to them and harnessing their interests and curiosity allows students to take ownership of their research process. She works to empower students as they find and evaluate the information they need to reach their learning goals.
	Karen Sobel Karen believes in developing transferable skills through her library instruction. She also believes that library instruction serves as an equalizing force in the classroom, empowering students with all kinds of educational backgrounds to perform successful research.
	Lynn VanLeer Lynn believes that all people have skills and value and should be treated with dignity and respect. She breaks down information searching by talking through the critical thinking and reading steps needed to help you reach your information needs. By viewing information seeking as a game, she helps students think about the terms they choose and the context of their questions. No matter what the quest, a sense of humor is part of her teaching style. She helps students understand that finding and evaluating information should be fun, not scary!