Meet Our Team
The Center for Teaching and Scholarly Excellence staff has a wide range of experience and expertise in enhancing learning environments through pedagogical best practices and use of technology. Our staff collaborates with faculty throughout the University in applying research-based approaches to their instruction. We strive to give students unique and valuable learning experiences that will benefit them through their degree programs and beyond. Our team of educational developers and technology specialists aims to create a community of educators who engage in lifelong learning for themselves and their students.
For general inquiries, please email ctse@suffolk.edu. If you need instructional technology assistance, please email servicedesk@suffolk.edu.
Rachel Plews, Ed.D. (she/her), Director
Rachel joined the CTSE team in January 2024. As the Director of the Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence, she leads two dynamic teams: the Educational Development team, focused on advancing evidence-based teaching practices, and the Learning Innovation with Technology team, dedicated to integrating technologies into our educational initiatives. Her areas of expertise center around adult learning, teaching and learning with technology, and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning.
Prior to joining Suffolk, Rachel was an Associate Director in the Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning Through Research at Northeastern University. She holds an Ed.D. from Teachers College at Columbia University and a M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, & Technology from Lehigh University. Rachel graduated from the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and worked in hospitality sales and marketing before moving into higher education.
Maya Weilundemo Ott, Ed.D. (she/her), Associate Director, Educational Development
Maya joined the CTSE team in March 2020. Her role focuses on promoting research-based, inclusive teaching practices through programming, consultations, and collaborations with Suffolk’s teaching community. Her work includes facilitating workshops, organizing events such as the annual Symposium on Innovation in Teaching and Learning. Her interests include the science of learning, teaching practices that support equity and inclusion for diverse learners, and the role of technology in teaching and learning.
Prior to joining the CTSE, Maya served as an instructional designer, with a focus on developing online courses. In 2016, she earned her Ed.D. in Human Development and Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her experience includes teaching and academic advising at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Julianna Donaher (she/her), Instructional Designer
Julianna joined the CTSE in the spring of 2023. As an Instructional Designer, she focuses on assisting faculty in the building and maintaining engaging coursework. Julianna’s design philosophy is based on practical, and sustainable learning solutions that leverage the unique talent, time constraints, and passion of instructors. She specializes in learner-centered design, accessibility strategies, DEI-informed pedagogy, the experience of English-language learners in the classroom, trauma-informed teaching, technology application, and remote best practices for engagement.
Prior to joining the CTSE, Julianna worked in the education technology industry to define and improve the student experience for several online institutions. Additionally, she worked with immigrant and refugee English-language learners during their acclimation to the United States and its classrooms. Julianna holds a Master of Professional Studies in Learning Experience Design & Technology from Northeastern University. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, the theatre, and cooking.
Elizabeth Thompson (she/her), Teaching and Learning Specialist
Elizabeth is a Teaching and Learning Specialist at the CTSE and was an English professor for over a decade before joining Suffolk. Her special interests are teaching mindfulness and meditation to support faculty wellness and using contemplative pedagogy in the classroom to deepen student learning.
CJ Hapward (he/him), Graduate Fellow
CJ is a Graduate Fellow at the CTSE and currently a full-time student in the Sawyer Business School’s MBA program. Prior to Suffolk, CJ graduated from Colby College where he studied Psychology and Economics. He is also a member of the Men’s Ice Hockey Team at Suffolk.
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