Dagmar Kusiak

Veteran IT and mathematics instructor Dagmar Kusiak, near to completion of a Master of Science program in Instructional Design and Technology, has worked the past four years for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. Currently a Senior Learning Specialist in UTMB’s Organizational Workforce and Development department, Ms. Kusiak helped her colleagues choose an online learning management system. Dagmar Kusiak has also evaluated and participated in implementing a leadership training program, performed social media training, designated service awards, and assisted with performance management. From the summer of 2008 to nearly the end of 2011, Ms. Kusiak served UTMB as a Workforce Analyst. Among a variety of tasks in that capacity, she assisted in adapting PeopleSoft to the requirements of the Information Services team and UTMB management executives. Top management also referred to Excel-formatted SQL reports that Dagmar Kusiak prepared using MS Access and Oracle software. The Human Resources Department relied on her to train its employees in the use of software and benchmarking tools. By hiring a particular outside contractor to help design and implement web pages for the Human Resources department, Ms. Kusiak saved UTMB about $10,000. In the past, Dagmar Kusiak has taught mathematics as a Distance Learning instructor for Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City and IT to students at Kirkwood’s Cedar Rapids campus. As a Technology Teaching Assistant in Business, Ms. Kusiak led a class in “Introduction to Data Management” at the University of Iowa, the school where she had earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science and a Master of Arts degree in Management Information Systems. Eventually, Dagmar Kusiak intends to obtain a Ph.D. in the field of Instructional Design and secure a steady teaching job. She belongs to the International Society for Technology in Education and the National Society of Leadership and Success and is a motivational speaker and mentor for members of Women in Science and Engineering. Dagmar Kusiak also regularly practices public speaking with the local chapter of Toastmasters International. She relaxes by playing tennis.