The SDSU Universal Design for Learning/Faculty Ambassador Program consists of faculty members who help with the following:
Questions about how disabled students are accommodated at SDSU.
Universal Design for Learning teaching techniques that help all student learn.
Tips on how to make instructional materials more accessible to students with disabilities.
Each faculty ambassador has received training in disability awareness, disability etiquette, how to accommodate students, and Universal Design for Learning teaching techniques. Our faculty ambassadors are a diverse group who come from Rhetoric and Writing Studies, Biochemistry, Philosophy, Psychology, Teacher Education, Civil and Construction Engineering, Special Education, and Computer Science.
Cali Linforis a Lecturer in Rhetoric and Writing Studies. In addition to teaching composition, creative writing, critical reading and thinking, and rhetoric, Cali has dedicated most of her professional life to the fight for educational equity which includes UDL and disability justice in her own classroom as well as across educational segments. She is a member of SDSU's Pride and Disability ERGs.
Dr. John Loveis an Associate Professor in Biochemistry. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he runs a full-time research laboratory in which undergraduate, Masters, and PhD students pursue research projects in the field of Protein Design. [email protected]
Dr. Joseph Stramondo
Dr. Joseph Stramondo is an Associate Professor in the Philosophy Department and the Director of SDSU's Institute for Ethics and Public Affairs. Joseph's research focuses on the intersection of biomedical ethics and philosophy of disability. His professional service revolves around disability issues (e.g. committee work for the American Philosophical Association and recently, was elected as President of the Society for Disability Studies). [email protected]
Dr. Mark Laumakis
Dr. Mark Laumakis is a Lecturer in Psychology and ITS Faculty Fellow in Residence in Instructional Technology Services (ITS). Mark has been teaching at SDSU since the Fall 2000 semester, during which time he has taught more than 31,000 students. [email protected]
Dr. Melissa Soto
Dr. Melissa Soto is a Associate Professor of Mathematics Education in the School of Teacher Education. Melissa supports preservice teachers in learning how to teach mathematics in a way that promotes problem solving. Her research focuses on young people's mathematical thinking, particularly supporting teachers to teach using culturally relevant pedagogies as well as providing professional development in mathematics. [email protected]
Nensi Lakrori
Nensi Lakrori is a Lecturer in Civil and Construction Engineering. Nensi worked for a decade as a designer & project manager of Transportation projects. She now is pursuing her dream job at SDSU (Teaching everything Civil & Construction Engineering and helping people). [email protected]
Rachel Schlesinger
Rachel Schlesinger is a Lecturer in Special Education, co-instructing the course, Disability & Society. Rachel is a disability justice advocate, educator, and certified rehabilitation counselor. [email protected]
