About University of Colorado System

A.W. Lukens serves as a distinguished course developer and instructor at the University of Colorado System, specializing in cross-functional collaboration and leadership development. Their expertise is demonstrated through a comprehensive suite of courses on Coursera, focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical applications of collaborative leadership. Their flagship course "Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration" maintains high engagement rates and positive student feedback, teaching essential skills for effective team leadership and facilitation. The curriculum spans from fundamental concepts to advanced leadership techniques, including courses on machine learning applications in marketing and wilderness first aid. Their teaching approach emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences, requiring students to practice skills with real-world applications. Their course content is particularly valuable for both current leaders and those aspiring to leadership positions, with no prior experience required for entry-level courses. Through their diverse course offerings, they have established themselves as a leading voice in professional development education, combining traditional leadership principles with modern collaborative approaches

Amos Bailey serves as Director of the nation's first interprofessional Master of Science in Palliative Care program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, which he founded in 2014. His journey in palliative care began serendipitously in 1989 as a volunteer Medical Director for a home hospice program in West Virginia, where he discovered the profound impact of home-based care. After completing his medical education at the University of South Florida and fellowships at the University of Vermont and University of Alabama Birmingham, he established several groundbreaking palliative care programs, including the Balm of Gilead and Safe Harbor Palliative Care Program. As a Professor of Medicine at UC Colorado, he combines clinical work on the inpatient palliative care consult service with research focused on improving care for critically ill patients. His program addresses the critical healthcare gap created by the "silver tsunami" of aging baby boomers, training mid-career professionals through an innovative online platform. His research has been extensively published in prestigious journals, and his work was featured in Bill Moyers' PBS documentary "On Our Own Terms: Moyers on Dying." Under his leadership, the master's program has become a model for training the next generation of palliative care specialists, combining clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care approaches.

Angela Wright serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado System, where she has established herself as a leading expert in emergency medical education. Her comprehensive suite of EMT and emergency care courses on Coursera has attracted over 29,442 students, maintaining an exceptional 4.9/5 instructor rating from 126 reviews. Her curriculum spans the full spectrum of emergency medical care, from basic EMT foundations to specialized topics in wilderness medicine and trauma care. Her courses are particularly noted for their practical approach to emergency medical training, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills development. Her teaching methodology emphasizes critical assessment and stabilization techniques for various emergency situations, including airway management, CPR, toxicology, and specialized care for pregnant women, infants, and children. Through her Medical Emergencies series, she has developed a systematic approach to teaching emergency response, ensuring students gain comprehensive understanding of patient assessment, treatment protocols, and transport considerations. Her expertise in wilderness medicine has led to the development of a specialized series addressing unique challenges in remote emergency care

Anne Libby serves as Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she has established herself as a national expert in mentored research training and leadership development. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and a postdoctoral fellowship in public health at UC Berkeley. Since joining CU's Anschutz Medical Campus in 2000, she has developed numerous influential faculty development programs, including the Clinical Faculty Scholars Program and Leadership for Innovative Team Science (LITeS). Her commitment to advancing women in academia earned her the prestigious Elizabeth D. Gee Memorial Lectureship Award. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ELAM alumna, she combines her expertise in healthcare economics with leadership development, particularly focusing on mentoring early-career researchers and faculty. Her research focuses on healthcare systems organization and financing, with emphasis on behavioral health. Through her roles with the CU Center for Women's Health Research and Building Interdisciplinary Careers in Women's Health program, she continues to champion women's advancement in academic medicine while maintaining an active research portfolio in healthcare systems and outcomes research.

Arthur Pliaconis serves as a Paramedic with Denver Health Paramedic Division, bringing over 15 years of experience in emergency medical services. His journey in emergency medicine began during his high school years as a Fire Explorer in Florida, leading to his pursuit of a BS in Human Physiology from Boston University while working full-time as an EMT from 2007. After graduating and completing paramedic school, he achieved paramedic status in 2012 and joined the prestigious Denver Health Paramedic Division in 2014. His commitment to excellence is demonstrated by his recent achievement of critical-care Flight Paramedic certification. As a Coursera instructor, he leads several EMT courses including EMT Foundations, Emergency Care, and Medical Emergencies, reaching over 41,000 students globally. His teaching approach combines practical experience with academic knowledge, preparing students for real-world emergency medical situations. Beyond his professional duties, he maintains an active lifestyle enjoying outdoor activities like snowboarding, cycling, and climbing, while continuing to advance his medical expertise and share his passion for emergency medical services education.

Brenda J. Allen serves as Professor Emerita at the University of Colorado Denver, where she previously held the position of Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion. Her 30-year career in the University of Colorado system has established her as a leading authority in organizational communication, social identity, and inclusive leadership. Her groundbreaking book "Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity" has become a cornerstone text in the field. Her Coursera course "Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity" helps leaders identify and address unconscious bias, create inclusive workplace cultures, and develop effective diversity strategies. As a scholar and consultant, she has authored over 100 publications on organizational communication, diversity, and leadership. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Achievement for Commitment to Diversity Award at CU Denver and the Leadership in Public Higher Education Award. Through BJoyA Consulting, she continues to provide workshops, consultations, and keynote speeches on inclusive leadership, anti-racism, and strategic planning, while maintaining an active role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Christine Gold serves as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Director of the UCH Well Newborn Unit at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Her expertise in pediatric hospital medicine is reflected in her comprehensive Coursera specialization in newborn care, which includes five detailed courses covering newborn assessment, preventative healthcare, and parent support. Her medical education from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have equipped her with extensive knowledge in pediatric care. As a board-certified pediatrician and certified lactation counselor, she brings a family-centered approach to both her clinical practice and online education. Her teaching excellence was recognized with the Bedside Manner Award from the University of Colorado Hospital in 2022. Her Coursera courses have become valuable resources for healthcare professionals and new parents, combining practical guidance with evidence-based medical knowledge. Her work emphasizes shared decision-making and family-centered care, particularly in supporting parents through the crucial newborn period.

Dr. Daniel Nicklas is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Primary Care Education for the Pediatrics Residency at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, as well as the Co-medical Director for the Pediatric Call Center at Children's Hospital Colorado. With a medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and a robust background in pediatrics, he has dedicated his career to enhancing pediatric education and care delivery. Dr. Nicklas has a strong focus on health technology and informatics, as well as developmental and behavioral pediatrics, which informs his teaching and clinical practice. He has been recognized for his contributions to medical education, receiving the Gary Way Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2016. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Nicklas actively engages in research, contributing to numerous publications that address critical issues in pediatric primary care. His commitment to training future pediatricians is evident through his mentorship of residents and students, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of modern pediatric healthcare.

Daryl Boyd brings a unique blend of corporate training experience and educational technology expertise to his role in instructional design. As a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Learning Design and Technology at the University of Colorado Denver, he has made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ education through his work as Instructional Design Intern for groundbreaking courses like "Queering the Schoolhouse" and "Queering Identities." His professional background includes 14 years in the cable and satellite television industry and two years as a regional trainer for Colorado driver license offices, providing him with extensive experience in adult education and professional development. His work focuses on creating inclusive educational content that addresses the needs of diverse learners while promoting LGBTQ+ awareness and understanding in educational settings. His approach to instructional design combines practical training experience with contemporary learning technology, making complex subjects accessible to diverse audiences. Through his Coursera contributions, he helps educators develop more inclusive and effective teaching practices.

Tim Chamillard serves as Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where he leads the Bachelor of Innovation in Game Design and Development program. His expertise combines academic excellence with practical industry experience, including 5½ years as an indie game developer with a company he founded alongside his two sons. His Coursera specialization "C# Programming for Unity Game Development" has reached over 69,090 students globally, maintaining an impressive 4.8/5 rating from 2,386 reviews. His teaching excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Outstanding Military Educator in Computer Science award from the Air Force Academy and the College of Engineering and Applied Science Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from UCCS. After six years teaching at the U.S. Air Force Academy, he joined UCCS in 2003, where he has developed comprehensive game development curricula. He continues to stay active in game development through his one-man studio, Burning Teddy, while mentoring the next generation of game developers through innovative educational programs.

Edward Chow serves as Professor of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, bringing over three decades of expertise in network security and system design. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985, he worked at Bell Communications Research before joining UCCS in 1991. His research focuses on improving security, reliability, and performance of network systems, leading to two US patents in distributed network restoration and survivable architecture. On Coursera, he leads the Advanced System Security Design Specialization, which has attracted over 9,207 students, teaching courses in cloud computing security, TOR networks, and DDoS defense. His recent innovations include developing efficient Internet Security protocols for online storage systems and creating secure information sharing systems using attribute certificates. His current work involves Software Defined Networks for defending against DDoS attacks and enhancing data security through right path right place data delivery (R2D2). His contributions extend to assistive technologies, combining Laban dance notation with wireless sensor-based human motion tracking systems for rehabilitation care.

Elaine Reno serves as a faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, specializing in emergency and wilderness medicine. After completing her medical education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, she underwent Emergency Medicine training at Denver Health Medical Center/University of Colorado. Her expertise combines traditional emergency medicine with wilderness medical care, leading to the development of innovative educational programs including the CU Wilderness Pre-Med Courses. Through Coursera, she teaches a comprehensive Wilderness First Aid series, covering essential topics from basic emergency response to complex trauma management in remote settings. Her courses are designed to prepare healthcare professionals and outdoor enthusiasts for medical emergencies in wilderness environments, emphasizing practical skills and decision-making in low-resource settings. Her teaching approach integrates real-world emergency medicine experience with wilderness survival skills, making complex medical concepts accessible to students from various backgrounds. Her work has been instrumental in developing protocols for emergency care in remote settings and training the next generation of wilderness medicine practitioners.

Eve Kutchman serves as a Strategist and Exercise Psychologist at the University of Colorado System, specializing in school health programs and behavioral health management. Her expertise spans across comprehensive school health education, with particular focus on chronic condition management and special education services. Through Coursera, she has developed four influential courses that form part of the School Health for Children and Adolescents Specialization. Her courses cover crucial topics including managing chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes in school settings, supporting students with ADHD and autism, and promoting healthy practices through nutrition and physical activity. Her teaching approach combines exercise psychology principles with practical strategies for implementing health programs in educational settings. Her work has helped educators and health professionals better understand and manage student health conditions while promoting healthy practices in school communities. Her courses maintain high engagement rates and have reached thousands of learners globally, demonstrating her ability to make complex health management concepts accessible to diverse audiences.

Gregory Plett serves as Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where he has established himself as a pioneering researcher in battery management systems since 1998. His academic credentials include a B.Eng. from Carleton University and M.S.E.E. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University. His research focuses on advanced control systems for high-capacity batteries used in hybrid and electric vehicles, encompassing physics-based modeling, system identification, and state estimation. He has authored three influential volumes on Battery Management Systems, covering battery modeling, equivalent-circuit methods, and physics-based methods. As Director of the UCCS High-Capacity Battery Research and Test Laboratory, he leads cutting-edge research in battery pack simulation and management systems. His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in control systems, battery dynamics, and management algorithms. A senior member of IEEE and life member of the Electrochemical Society, his work has significantly influenced the field of electric vehicle battery technology. His research innovations include developing methods for state-of-charge estimation, degradation modeling, and fast-charging protocols for battery packs.

Jacob McWilliams serves as Director of both the Women & Gender Center at the University of Colorado Denver and the Gender & Sexuality Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Gender, Sexuality, and Policy Studies from Indiana University. His extensive career in education spans over two decades, beginning in 2002 across K-12 and higher education settings. On Coursera, his course "Queering Identities: LGBTQ+ Sexuality and Gender Identity" has reached over 29,816 students and maintains an exceptional 4.8/5 rating from 301 reviews. His research focuses on challenging gender binary assumptions and developing trans*literacies in educational settings. His work includes groundbreaking research on gender diversity in elementary classrooms and the development of inclusive educational practices. As a queer transgender man, he brings both personal insight and academic expertise to his role, addressing intersectional aspects of identity, privilege, and marginalization in educational contexts. His contributions to LGBTQ+ education and advocacy have been presented at numerous conferences and implemented in educational programs across the country.

Jahangir Karimi serves as Professor and Discipline Director for the Information Systems Program at the University of Colorado Denver's Business School. After earning his Ph.D. in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona, he has established himself as a leading researcher in digital innovation and business transformation. His research portfolio includes groundbreaking work on digital disruption, business model innovation, and ERP implementation, with over 6,000 citations of his published works. His most influential paper on dynamic capabilities in the newspaper industry has received over 1,200 citations. His expertise spans multiple areas including disruptive innovations, digital infrastructure, and strategic entrepreneurship. Through Coursera, he teaches Business Intelligence courses, focusing on concepts, tools, and data warehouse implementation. His work has appeared in prestigious journals including MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, and the Journal of Management Information Systems. As a member of the Association for Information Systems and editorial board member of the International Journal of Electronic Commerce, he continues to shape the field of information systems research and education.

John Byrd serves as Senior Instructor at the University of Colorado Denver, where he combines his expertise in MBA finance with sustainable business practices. His unique background includes experience as a rafting guide in Utah and mountaineering guide in Colorado before transitioning to academia. His research focuses on corporate governance and sustainability, particularly examining how companies address climate change and carbon emissions. On Coursera, he leads the Business Sustainability Specialization, teaching courses such as "First Steps in Making the Business Case for Sustainability" and "Sustainable Business: Big Issues, Big Changes." His teaching approach integrates practical business principles with environmental sustainability, helping students understand the intersection of corporate success and environmental responsibility. Based in Durango, Colorado, he maintains an active outdoor lifestyle that informs his perspective on environmental sustainability. His work bridges the gap between traditional business practices and modern sustainability challenges, preparing future business leaders to address critical environmental issues while maintaining corporate profitability.

A distinguished faculty member at the University of Colorado Graduate School, this educator brings over 15 years of nursing experience from prestigious institutions including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Mayo Clinic. After completing her MSN and focusing on geriatrics and chronic disease in Internal Medicine, she transitioned to palliative care in 2011, earning her certification in 2014 from the University of Colorado. Her current roles span teaching at UC's Graduate School, serving as Senior Research Assistant for the Palliative Care Research Cooperative, and mentoring community-based palliative care nurse practitioners. She has made significant contributions to the field through her work integrating a national palliative care data capture tool into Epic and her active involvement in the Hospice & Palliative Care Nurses Association's Graduate Faculty committee. Her expertise in both clinical practice and education has made her an invaluable member of the team developing the innovative Palliative Care program for Coursera.

Greg Williams serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, bringing extensive practical experience in cybersecurity and IT operations to his teaching role. While maintaining his academic position, he serves as Director of Operations in the Office of Information Technology, where he oversees critical network infrastructure, telecommunications, and IT operations for the university. His background includes significant experience as the university's Information Security Officer and HIPAA Security Officer, giving him unique insights into healthcare data security and compliance. With over five years of teaching experience focused on cybersecurity, he combines theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in his courses. His dual role as both educator and IT director allows him to bring current industry practices and challenges directly into the classroom, providing students with practical, relevant knowledge in cybersecurity and information technology management. His expertise spans network security, infrastructure management, and telecommunications, making him a valuable resource for both academic and operational aspects of IT security