Brandon Blinkenberg eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0682 URL: www.brandonblinkenberg.com

Brandon (often, and unfairly confused with Brendan) joined vuDAT in 2001. He has a BA in Telecommunications (focus on Digital Media Arts and Technology) and a Masters in Educational Technology. Brandon works hard to ensure that courses are efficient, creative and effective at achieving their goals. Some interests outside of work include photography, game design, stained glass artwork, music, and more recently luthiery.

Jessica Knott eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0663

Jessica graduated from Michigan State University's School of Journalism in 2001, with a BA in Journalism and a specialization in public relations. She has worked in information technology for nine years, most recently with Academic Computing and Network Services, working extensively with the ANGEL course management system. She is currently pursuing an MA in Education focusing on educational technology and K-16 leadership. Her educational interests include: the potential of video games in learning, maximizing student engagement in virtual settings and the use of technology to enhance student experiences in and out of the classroom.

Sean Leahy eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0669

Sean graduated in 2005 from Michigan State University with a BA in Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media and a specialization in Information Technology. After graduating Sean went to work at Michigan State University for the department of Academic Computing and Network Services where he served for 2 years as an Information Technology Specialist. In addition to degrees held, Sean also has several IT certifications from industry leading institutions including Apple, CompTIA, and Microsoft. Sean is currently working on completing his MA in Educational Technology and is focusing on instructional design and online learning technologies.

Bob Matson eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0667

Bob has been a producer with the Virtual University, now vuDAT, since its inception in the fall of 1996. During that time he has been responsible for a variety of courses and programs including the College of Nursing's online programs and the Facility Management Certificate Program. He also produced the International Food Laws and Regulations Certificate Program which won the Excellence Award in College and University Distance Education from the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC) in 2003. Bob holds M.S. degrees from Michigan State in Physics and Computer Science. Bob also serves as the First Contact person for vuDAT. Anyone interested in taking advantage of the group's services should email him at or phone 517-884-0688.

Tory Sawyer eProducer, Animator Email: Phone: 517.884.0665

I hold a BA in Elementary Education. I taught sixth grade math and science in both Virginia and Michigan for several years. I also hold a BA in Studio Arts (Jewelry). I completed a Master's Degree in Digital Media Arts in the Telecommunications Department. I have been at MSU for many years in a variety of jobs. I have documented and provided training on the old MSU mainframe systems. I was a part of the Digital Information Group (DIG) which helped departments ramp up on the World Wide Web. I created 3D animation for campus departments. I currently work with vuDAT building courses for online delivery and interactive tools for learning.

Frank Tate eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0675

Frank began working as an eProducer in April of 2008. Many of you may know Frank from his many years of experience working at the Instructional Media Center (Academic Technology Services), prior to joining vuDAT. Frank holds a B.S. degree in Audiovisual Communications from Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.A. degree in Educational Technology from MSU. He is a self-proclaimed "educational technology evangelist" with interests in new media design and development, web 2.0 technologies, and instructional design. Frank's interests outside of work include photography, music, bicycling, and golf.

Candace Winslow eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0674

Candace holds a BS in Public Administration & Policy Analysis with a minor in Biology and a MS in Instructional Design for Online Learning. She spent several years developing education and training programs in MSU departments of criminal justice and pharmacology & toxicology. Prior to MSU, she worked ten years in various state government agencies. Candace is a certified PMP and CHRS committed to developing education and training programs which prepare students for the workplace and future society, drawing from research on communication, cognitive science, and human-computer interaction.

Jen-nien "Ryan" Yang Lead eProducer Email: Phone: 517.884.0683

(MA in Telecommunication, 2000.) Graduated from the Department of Telecommunication with his study focused on Information Technology. Ryan is interested in the development of interactivity and multimedia content on the Internet to facilitate learning. Originally from Taiwan with extended stays in several other countries, Ryan enjoys experiencing different cultures. While working at VU, Ryan hopes to extend his experience in the United States beyond his studies