Resume

Celestia Ohrazda is a researcher and designer who works across multiple projects at the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University. Her experience and research interest focus on accessibility and usability of web-based technologies and the adoption of innovations specifically media-rich technologies. She has been instrumental in research concentrating on access to and the design of learning technologies for individuals from diverse cultural and ability backgrounds. Her experience as a designer and producer of web-based technologies, coupled with her experience as a researcher, provide her with a unique perspective as a scholar who brings multiple methodologies to bear on the design, dissemination, and evaluation of technology driven interventions.

In 2009 she joined the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI) as web developer, instructional designer, research assistant, and survey manager. Her primary responsibilities include the design and development of the BBI’s primary and subsidiary websites; support of distance learning technologies; design and evaluation of survey instrumentation and data analysis; and the creation and assurance of accessible electronic products. Celestia has over fifteen years of experience in data analysis, accessible web design and development of accessible distance learning platforms. Some of the projects she has worked on include: Southeast ADA Center, National Resource Center for Supported Decision- Making, Global Universal Design Commission, Global Forum for Law Justice and Development, National Veterans Technical Assistance Center, ADA and Self-Advocacy for Students and Youth Curriculum, ABA Study to Expand Opportunities for Disabled, LGBT+ Lawyers, Workforce Innovation Technical  Assistance  Center, and Onondaga Pathways to Careers.

Education

C.A.S Instructional Design, Development, & Evaluation, Syracuse University, 2015

M.S. Instructional Design, Development, & Evaluation, Syracuse University, 2001

B.A. English Textual Studies, School of Arts & Sciences, Syracuse University, 1996

experience

Information Design Specialist, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, 2009 – present

• Manages all aspects of Survey Design, On-line Implementation, reporting, and analysis
• Collaborates with Web Development team in the design and maintenance of project websites
• Provides Technical Assistance and Participant support for On-Line training initiatives
• Creation and verification of accessible websites, resources and materials disseminated

Instructor, IDE 552: Media Production, Dept. of Instructional Design, 2004 – present

• Redesign of existing course objectives and focus based on web accessibility and technology skills for the 21^st century
• Develop and implement instructional materials, assignments, and assessment procedures
• Support individual student’s attainment of instructional goals and objectively assessed outcomes

Usability Engineer & Analyst, SUNY Upstate Healthy Transitions Initiative, 2007 – 2010

• Collaborated with Principal Investigators and NY State Department of Health on Usability testing for a social networking site aimed at youth with disabilities
• Managed all aspects of usability testing including analysis and assessment planning, testing development and instrumentation; data collection, findings of project outcomes, and proposed revisions to site
• Developed methodologies, recruitment and screening for usability testing
• Facilitated and moderated test and interviews with youth in four locations in New York
• Analyzed data, prepared written reports & produced revised networked based on recommendations
• Designed graphical media (posters, presentations, manuals, etc.) to support dissemination
• Procured continued funding from the Department of Health for longitudinal study in 2008 – 2009

Independent Consultant & Developer, 2007 – present

• Develops and Designs online learning and web solutions for large and small businesses, individuals, and not-for-profits. Clients include:
  • World Bank – Global Forum for Law Justice and Development Website
  • SRC – online learning solution for Learning Management System: customized flash video, stand-alone presentation, customized graphics and video
  • LaValle Paving – small business website
  • Adirondoc – self promotion website and blog
  • MG Architects – small business website

Senior Web and Graphic Designer, SUNY Upstate Department of Pediatrics, 2007 – 2008

• Established relationships with Department administrators and students to design a multimedia website that communicated their mission with a 21^st century youthful focus.
• Researched and developed navigational architecture and usability
• Designed and developed the Pediatrics Department website according to standards established by the University
• Trained department administrator in sound development, site updates and maintenance

Lead Coordinator and Facilitator, NASA’s Space Science themed after school computer club, 2006 – 2008

• Explored and evaluated existing online material for educational value
• Created and implemented instructional procedures presentations, activities, and tutorials
• Constructed an electronic library of knowledge to facilitate future after school program planning
• Supervised school technology coordinators and tutors on implementation of club activities

Research Assistant, NASA’s Constellation University Institute Project, Middle School Outreach, College of Engineering & School of Education, 2002 – 2007

• Collaborated with Principal Investigators on decisions regarding outreach design, research methodologies & interpretations, formative and summative assessment, IRB approval, and reporting procedures. Supervised graduate students on implementation of decisions
• Managed all aspects of the research including front end analysis and assessment planning, method development and instrumentation; data collection, coding, & analysis; interpretations and findings of project outcomes; dissemination; renewal proposals; public outreach and conference proceedings; and on-going reporting to the granting agencies
• Developed collaborative relationships and facilitated communication with 5 local school districts, 12 teachers. Supported Teachers collecting data, creating instructional materials, and using technology and other resources in their classroom
• Designed, Organized and Implemented the Outreach’s Annual Educators’ Training Academy including a comprehensive guide to hosting an academy for National dissemination
• Designed, Built and Maintained Outreach Website, online resources, and database of all activities, reports, records, communication, and data

Knowledge Management & Communications Coordinator, PR*TEC Project, Training Systems Institute, 2002

• Developed and maintained the knowledge management system, data collection and storage system, and communication procedures for Large International Project between SU and the Pacific islands
• Conducted summative evaluation, analyzed data, and assisted in final report
• Supported people with different levels of training, as they mastered new communication systems

Instructor, IST 662: Instructional Strategies & Techniques for Informational Professionals, School of Information Studies, 2002

• Improvised existing online course syllabus, instructional activities, structure and delivery
• Monitored and objectively assessed graduate students progress and projects
• Collaborated in the creation of digital materials used to support an experimental virtual residency

Docushare & Web CT: Administrator, Training, & Support, School Of Education, 2001 – 2002

• Led the design, development, and facilitation of technology training sessions for faulty, staff, GK-12 project, and student.
• Assessed needs, developed sites and supported users’ technology integration
• Maintained Docushare System and Web CT server

Teaching Assistant, Designing and Using Online Course Management Tools, IDE 500, Dept. of Instructional Design, 2002

• Advised professor on the design and implementation of course syllabus, instructional materials, and student projects
• Facilitated student discussions and project work

Graduate Assistant, School Of Education, Deans Office, 2002

• Organized and prepared for electronic archiving at Bird Library, a Donor’s large collection of publications, documentation, and artifacts
• Created an electronic organizational schemata based on Library’s protocol
• Digitized video, images, text, and objects for electronic archiving and retrieval

Teaching Assistant, Information Technologies in Educational Organizations, IST 600/ IDE 601, School of Information Studies, & Dept. of Instructional Design, Fall 2001

• Aided in the proposal, design, and implementation of a cross- disciplinary course funded through a Vision grant
• Facilitated on-line communication and weekly synchronous discussions between students
• Supported and assessed students’ progress and activities as they partnered with local schools
• Recruited guest speakers and local school partnerships
• Managed logistical and organizational aspects including technology support, team communication, reporting and documentation

Other

• Administrative Assistant, of Instructional Design, Development, & Evaluation, 1999 – 2001
• Designer, Developer, & Founder, Cinamerique: A Digital Video after school club, Ed Smith, Syracuse, 2001
• Principal Architect Assistant, MG Architects, Syracuse NY, 1999 – 2001
• Dinosaur BBQ, Server 1991 – 1999

SOFTWARE SKILLS

• Programming and Web Development: HTML, CSS, PHP, Java, mySQL, Drupal, Cascade, WordPress;
• Graphics and Presentation: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign;
• Statistics/ Research: Excel, SPSS, AMOS, MPLUS, Tableau;
• Multimedia & Video Production: Flash, Camtasia; Captivate, Premiere;
• Office Production: Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
• Webinar Systems: Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom; Adobe Connect;
• Knowledge Management Systems: Sharepoint, Docushare, Lotus Notes, Google Classroom;