Yanling is from the Instructional Technology Ph. D. program at Ohio University. During her three-year study, she worked directly with faculty to design and deliver course materials for Web-based instruction, mentored faculty with online learning management systems and use of various technologies, and provided tech-assistance to students in the use of academic software applications. She also taught undergraduate course in a mixed mode and participated in a national PT3 grant and a grant-research project on faculty use of PDAs.

 "The instructional designer's role is to help faculty members identify technology which can enhance teaching and student learning, and apply this technology in a way that will best meet faculty members' and students' educational goals," she said.