About Us

Stephanie Whitehead

Professor, Criminal Justice
Director, Center for Faculty Development

Dr. Stephanie Whitehead serves as the current Director of the IU East Center for Faculty Development. Stephanie has been a faculty member at IU East since 2010 and earned her Ph.D. in criminal justice from Indiana University in 2011. She is a member of FACET and serves as a Quality Matters peer reviewer. She teaches courses in research methods, policing, and class, gender, race, and crime. Her pedagogical interests include student support for first generation and working class college students and the affective dynamics of teaching and learning.

Chris Mier

Instructional Technology Consultant,
Center for Faculty Development

Chris Mier is an instructional technology consultant who earned his bachelor's degree in informatics from Indiana University in 2022. Looking ahead, Chris aspires to pursue graduate education in instructional design and/or data management and security. His vast experience with computers is complemented by his possession of a CompTIA A+ certification. Furthermore, Chris is actively engaged in additional professional development, focusing on QM, Qualtrics, Canvas, and other cutting-edge technological tools. His dedication to enhancing his skills equips him to provide valuable assistance to faculty both on campus and in online settings.

Zihang Shao

Senior Instructional Technology Consultant,
Center for Faculty Development

Dr. Zihang Shao is a senior instructional technology consultant with a strong focus on providing faculty professional development support through informed consulting practices, engaging workshops, and effective project management. With her extensive expertise as a QM-certified higher education peer reviewer, she brings invaluable insights to her role. Zihang holds a PhD with a major in Educational Technology and a minor in Information Science from Indiana University Bloomington. Recently, she received the 2023 Outstanding Staff Mentor/Advocate Award, which stands as a testament to her exceptional guidance, support, and advice provided to IU faculty and staff members. Zihang’s expertise and dedication have earned her well-deserved nominations from individuals across multiple campuses, including IU East.