Laura March – Resume

Honors & Awards

CDH DIL Logo

Carolina Digital Humanities
Digital Innovation Fellow
2021

Logo for the Center for Information, Technology, and Public Life

CITAP
Graduate Student Affiliate
2020

Educause logo

EDUCAUSE
Featured Panelist
2017

AAC&U Logo
PSU Logo

Face of Penn State
Awarded for Public Contributions & Pioneering Spirit
2012

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Huffington Post
Featured Blogger: College & Impact
2012-Present

WeightWatchers logo

WeightWatchers
Most Popular Author: 11,000,000 Views
2009

MTV logo square

MTV Home Entertainment
Created First iTunes Graphics
2006

References

Quotes from my LinkedIn Recommendations

Laura is a genuine pro. She is competent, organized, and efficient. As a speaker, she is thoroughly engaging. As a leader, she is both powerful and disarming – she has an expert way of interacting with clients and colleagues. As a coworker, Laura is an incredibly congenial, fun, and lively member of our team. Her confidence is stellar, communication skills superb, and she leads a tight meeting. Laura’s knowledge on instructional design is beyond impressive; she brings a creative and fun energy to every course she designs. She loves learning new things and is eager to share what she has learned. Laura is a shining role model for positive leadership – she is truly the best.

Laura brought invaluable vision, expertise, and creativity to our group as the senior instructional designer, and after a few months took on a management role during a period of transition. A lightning-fast thinker and developer, she seems to have an endless capacity for solving problems on the fly. Laura gets it done. During the time we’ve worked together she has, in addition to her regular course projects, created robust tools for curriculum design and instructor training, managed complex partnerships, and expanded our use of the LMS, while always including and valuing the ideas of others. Given what I know about Laura’s ethical and professional interests, I will definitely track her future research!

Laura was my manager at CTRL. I had no formal experience in instructional and web design, but she had faith in my ability and taught me everything I needed to know to be successful. Laura’s management style is supportive and collaborative. She made sure I knew she had an open door policy and she was always available for guidance or feedback. That in turn created a working environment that allowed our team to effectively engage with the students, faculty, and staff that we served. Laura is a synergistic team member, thoughtful manager, and considerate friend.

Everyone who knows Laura March will tell you that she’s smart, Mensa-smart. But that’s not the whole story. She is resourceful, agile, and quick to adapt. She can handle anything you throw at her. She sincerely cares about great instructional design, project-based learning, and achieving the highest standards in education. She understands the value of digital technology, and she is definitely not afraid to use it. She also understands how to collaborate well – how to build partnerships at work. She’s a joy.

I’ve been privileged to work with Laura for nearly two years at American University’s Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning. As manager of the university’s training course for online instructors, Laura has implemented programmatic changes to offer the course several times a year for beginners as well as experienced online professors – all while facing stagnant budgets and periodic bureaucratic hurdles. She encourages faculty to explore best practices in technology-enhanced instruction while challenging entrenched teaching assumptions. Laura’s sunny disposition combined with her strategic vision make her a standout colleague, and she would be a terrific addition to an instructional design team seeking a leader.

Laura is an incredibly skillful instructional designer with an eye towards an effective student learning experience. With targeted and integrated solutions to instructional challenges that AU’s faculty members face, she helped launch some truly innovative projects with the University’s honors program and the faculty online teaching certification program. Laura is an invaluable asset to American University.

I closely collaborated with Laura for two years on training and outreach initiatives for online instructors at American University. Laura is a great facilitator who patiently and enthusiastically engages an audience with a wide range of personalities and technical skills. I was most impressed by her ability to provide individualized, detailed, and constructive feedback, customizing and deepening the participants’ learning experience. Laura’s graphic design and web design skills further enhance her effectiveness as a communicator and educator. I hope we’ll have opportunities to collaborate again in the future!

Laura March’s passion for teaching, knowledge of educational technology, and drive is unmatched. I was always impressed by Laura’s management style because her enthusiasm is infectiously motivating and she has the ability to use her staff’s skills to their full potential. Any team would be lucky to have Laura as a manager.

Laura March is extraordinarily gifted and talented. She has brought the IAH into the twenty-first century, doing everything from Google docs and Facebook updates to old-fashioned cold calling. She seems endlessly resourceful and creative; there is literally nothing she has not been able to handle. She has my very highest recommendation.

Laura stands out for all the right reasons. She is intelligent, motivated, personable, and capable in addition to possessing a technological skill set that is tremendously important in the digital age. Laura combines the social justice mindset of an educator with the drive of a professional and the intellectual curiosity of an academic. I recommend Laura without reservation and would work with her again given the chance.

Summary

Learning design leader and researcher with over 15 years of experience designing, building, and scaling inclusive, digital learning solutions for diverse audiences. Proven expertise in diagnosing community capability gaps, partnering with cross-functional teams, and translating complex concepts into high-impact, accessible training and capacity-strengthening resources. Deep commitment to open-source values, community-driven peer production, and universal design (WCAG/ADA). Actively published scholar on cultural and social learning.

Design & Technical Skills

  • Instructional Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Content/Learning Management Systems
  • Website Design & Coding
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Mac & Windows Environments
  • Video & Digital Image Editing Software
  • Training & Performance Management Solutions
  • Social Media and Engagement
  • Microsoft Office & Apple iWork
  • Website Analytics
  • iPhone/iPad App Development
  • Database Software
  • Adult/Continuing Education
  • Leadership & Mentoring
  • Teaching (K-12, Postsecondary)
  • Project Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Change Management
  • Educational Technology

Professional Experience

Georgetown University, Washington, DC: 05/2023-Present

Senior Associate Director, Learning Design – Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship

Built and managed comprehensive learning and development experiences across 170+ courses serving 7,200+ student enrollments globally.

  • Led high-stakes transitions for $38.6M+ revenue-generating initiatives, including migrating a 70-course portfolio from a third-party vendor and launching Georgetown’s first fully online bachelor’s degree (achieving 423% enrollment growth).
  • Served as a campus-wide expert on international accessibility compliance, ensuring digital materials and interactive platforms meet WCAG and ADA guidelines.
  • Established expertise in learning technologies including LMS integration, accessibility compliance, and behavior-driven learning design.
  • Led faculty development workshops on emerging technologies (including AI) and evidence-based instructional practices.
  • Promoted to Senior Associate Director from Associate Director (08/2026).

Affiliated Faculty, Learning Design & Technology

  • Designed and teach the inaugural graduate course LDES 7202: eLearning Development, integrating learning sciences, behavioral psychology, user experience (UX) principles, and rapid prototyping methodologies.

eLearning • Canvas • Curriculum Innovation •  Instructional Design • Adobe Creative Suite • ADDIE

Missouri Online, Remote: 03/2022-05/2023

Manager, Instructional Design

Supervised an instructional design teams across four campuses, developing scalable learning solutions and managing autonomous L&D function development.

  • Created a comprehensive microcredential program covering learning outcomes, accessibility, and assessment, including leading the design of one course, “Presentations Perfected.”
  • Launched system-wide Canvas Credentials platform enabling scaled professional development delivery through asynchronous courses and automated badging.
  • Developed automated project management systems improving team efficiency by 570 hours annually while maintaining high-quality training standards.
  • Led research initiatives focused on evidence-based instructional practices, training effectiveness measurement, and ROI analysis.
  • Conducted skills gap analysis and developed training pathways to support diverse employee development needs.

eLearning • Canvas • Canvas Credentials • Project Management • Instructional Design • Skills Gap Analysis

University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill, NC: 07/2017-05/2022

Learning Experience Design Researcher & Instructor (08/2018-05/2022)

  • Published peer-reviewed research on training effectiveness, community building, and informal learning measurement.
  • Developed innovative pedagogical approaches emphasizing community engagement and peer learning through virtual and hybrid education.
  • Conducted comprehensive needs analyses and designed scalable learning solutions for global academic programs serving international audiences.
  • Redesigned and taught INLS 161: Tools for Information Literacy for hybrid delivery to 200+ students, emphasizing behavior change and practical application.
  • Created accessible learning content meeting accessibility standards and compliance requirements.

Senior Instructional Designer, Carolina Office of Online Learning (07/2017-08/2018)

  • Managed cross-functional design teams for comprehensive academic program development and training delivery.
  • Designed an 18-course post-master’s certificate program including interactive content, assessments, and multimedia resources.
  • Led grant-based training development for medical professionals, delivering the project ahead of schedule and $105,000 under budget through effective project management.
  • Supervised instructional design workflows and budget management for multiple concurrent training initiatives.

ADDIE • Sakai • WordPress • Articulate • Instructional Design • Adobe Creative Suite • Rise

American University — Washington, DC: 2013-2017

Online Learning Trainer & Curriculum Developer
Managed university-wide training and certification programs for all online instructors.

  • Redeveloped training programs to focus on pedagogically-sound uses of educational technology (using Quality Matters), tripling the amount of online course instructors in one year.
  • Supervised a team of cross-departmental Instructional Technologists and Designers.
  • Created and managed a WordPress Multisite for ePortfolios, blogs, and websites with 802 sites and 2,192 users.
  • Promoted from Coordinator of Faculty Technology Initiatives position within 8 months of hiring.
  • Presented workshops that attracted 33% – 119% more attendees than average sessions.

ADDIE • Blackboard • WordPress • Research • Instructional Design • Adobe Creative Suite

The Pennsylvania State University — State College, PA: 2010-2013

Education Technology Services Instructional Technology Consultant: 2012-2013
Advised faculty and staff on projects, tools, and services; tested technology; and created training documentation.

  • Designed and produced interactive media components and assessments for the first introductory visual arts MOOC on an Apple platform, garnering over 49,500 subscribers in 3 months.
  • Updated and redesigned Penn State websites to comply with ADA accessibility guidelines, preventing $100,000 in fines.

ADDIE • HTML • CSS • Javascript • PHP • WordPress •  iTunes CMS

Institute for the Arts & Humanities Public Relations & Social Media Marketing Graduate Assistant: 2011-2013
Leveraged traditional and social media tools for university and community engagement.

  • Reduced publicity costs by $27,000+ while increasing event attendance by 200% via digital marketing.
  • Created and managed social media profiles, reaching 45,600+ post views and 2,400+ daily users.

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • Google Analytics • Event Marketing & Production

Blue Out for Child Abuse Prevention Founder and Co-Organizer: 2011-2013
Created, organized, and managed a multi-year grassroots activist event that became a global news item.

    • Media appearances: NPR Morning Edition, ESPN SportCenter, TMZ Live, ABC News, Onward State, and Deadspin.
    • Managed social media with over 35,670 Facebook and Twitter supporters and received 18,000 earned media mentions.
    • Recruited, trained, and managed over 70 volunteers who collected over $34,000 in 6 hours.
    • Designed all promotional visuals including an event t-shirt, which raised over $156,000 in donations.

Facebook • Twitter • Adobe Creative Suite • PR & Marketing • Grassroots Campaigning

School of Visual Arts Online Course Instructor: Summer 2011 & Summer 2012
Provided written feedback and grades to 75+ students and updated online course content.

Learning Management System • HTML • CSS • Adobe Photoshop

Palmer Museum of Art Art Education Graduate Assistant: 2010-2011
Facilitated community engagement with museum exhibitions through coordinating docent training, activity workshops, and event advertising.

  • Reduced biweekly docent meeting hours by 33% by transitioning in-person volunteer scheduling system to an asynchronous online process.
  • Increased exhibition engagement by generating monthly “Palmer Puzzle” games and podcasts.

Facebook • Podcasts • Adobe Creative Suite • FileMaker Pro • Microsoft Office

WeightWatchers.com, Inc. — New York, NY: 2007-2009

Project Manager of Editorial Queue & Web Design/UX Coordinator
Coordinated editorial team by prioritizing projects, proofreading content, and organizing creative assets.

  • Managed assignments and quality assurance for 100+ pieces of online content per month.
  • Designed all content visible to 5,600,000 monthly visitors.
  • Wrote the most popular article of 2009 (11,000,000 views).

Content Management System • Test Director’s MQC • Omniture Analytics

Publications & Conferences

Theses

  • March, L. (2022. March 15). Behind the screens: Social media managers at cultural institutions. [Doctoral Dissertation]. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • March, L. (2013, May). Memes to an end: An analysis of online activist art. (Publication No. 17619) [Art Education MS thesis]. Electronic Theses and Dissertations Database for The Pennsylvania State University Graduate School, University Park, PA.
  • March, L. (2013, May). “Make it happen, students!” Digital activism, social media, and the Penn State Blue Out. [Unpublished Learning, Design & Technology MEd thesis]. The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Invited Publications

Juried Presentations

Invited Presentations

Grants & Scholarships

Carnegie Research Grant (2021)
Funding for dissertation research participants, UNC-Chapel Hill ($200).

NSF 1942930: Faculty Early Career Program (2021)
PI: Dr. Marijel Melo. “Equity in the Making: Investigating Spatial Arrangements of Makerspaces and Their Impact on Diverse User Populations.” Role: Graduate Research Assistant ($6,384 of $715,023).

RE-07-17-0048-17: Institute of Museum and Library Services Career Grant (2019-2020)
PI: Dr. Amelia Gibson. “Deconstructing Information Poverty: Identifying, Supporting, and Leveraging Local Expertise in Marginalized Communities.” Role: Graduate Research Assistant ($48,700 of $336,649 award).

Research Assistantship & Asheim Fellowship (2018-2021)
Research Assistantship & Asheim Fellowship. School of Library and Information Science: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ($37,000).

Clare Dahlia Snetsinger Memorial Arts Scholarship (2003)
Undergraduate tuition award.

Service

Founding Co-Moderator, The Meme Studies Research Network (2020-Present), The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
An international and interdisciplinary research network connecting scholars and fostering discussions about memes from various academic fields, methodological practices and standpoints.

Doctoral Student Association Representative (2019-2021)
School of Information and Library Science, UNC-Chapel Hill.

Peer Mentor, EDUCAUSE ELI ID2ID Program (2016-2018)
Collaborated with other mid-level instructional designers. Accomplishments:

Title I Literacy Volunteer, State College Area School District, PA (2010-2011)
Provided individual literacy tutoring to elementary students.

Mentor, Free Arts NYC, Stratford House, South-Central Bronx (2009-2010)
Created and taught art classes for 28 6–8-year-olds.

Guest Lectures

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Reference consulting.” (2021, September 28). INLS 501: Information Resources & Services.
“Myths of ‘Postracial’ Society / The Myth of ILS Neutrality & Allyship.” (2020, April 24). INLS 737: Information Services in a Diverse Society.

The University of Florida
“Researching social media.” (2021, September 7). ENC 6428: Digital English: Rhetoric & Social Media

East Stroudsburg University
“Creative & Technical Career Advice.” (2020, February 4). DMET 495: Seminar in Digital Media Technologies.

American University
“Memes: Evolution, Ghosts, and LOLCats.” (2014-2017). COMM 100: Understanding Media; COMM 608: Social Media Strategy & Tactics.

The Pennsylvania State University
“Blue Out Penn State.” (2012, September 18). COMM 260W: News Writing and Reporting.

Education

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Doctor of Philosophy: Information and Library Science (2022, G.P.A. 4.0)

The Pennsylvania State University
Master of Science: Art Education (2013, G.P.A. 4.0)
Master of Education: Instructional Systems – Learning, Design, and Technology (2013, G.P.A. 4.0)
Bachelor of Art: Integrative Arts (2007, G.P.A. 3.9)