The Team Office of Learning Innovation

OLI Leadership

Mallika Vinekar

Executive Director

Mallika joined Vanderbilt in 2021 to help launch the Office of Learning Innovation, which she now leads. She brings to this work a background spanning management consulting and ed tech. Prior to Vanderbilt, she was at Coursera, where she helped shape the company’s online degree strategy and managed its partnership with Vanderbilt. She holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking new trails and traveling with her family.

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Connor Bacon

Director, Digital Strategy

Connor leads three teams spanning marketing, learning technology, and digital media. A filmmaker and cinematographer with seven years in marketing and advertising, he holds a degree in Visual Communication Design from Eastern Washington University. Off the clock, he’s chasing his toddler around and enjoys the occasional dungeons and dragons session with friends.

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Elizabeth Park

Assistant Director of Learning Design

Elizabeth brings more than 15 years of academic innovation and faculty development to her role as a learning leader. Her expertise lies in guiding design for innovative programs, advancing online pedagogy and helping cross-functional teams create engaging learning experiences. Grounded in both theory and practice, she contributes to the field through peer-reviewed articles on cognitive theory for multimedia learning, student engagement and faculty development for generative AI. Outside of work, Elizabeth loves supporting her kids at their games and enjoying meals with friends.

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Ciara Seaborn Jones

Assistant Director of Online Program Operations

Ciara joins the Office of Learning Innovation at Vanderbilt University as the Assistant Director of Online Program Operations. She brings more than 15 years of experience in online program development, project management and cross‑functional coordination. Before joining Vanderbilt, she helped build and scale Western Governors University’s School of Business portfolio, standing up new programs and non-degree offerings. Ciara holds a BA in English and Education and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design. Outside of work, you can find her painting, traveling with family or cuddling up with a good book.

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Data Analytics

Anubha Nagar

Senior Data Analyst

Anubha leads the Data Analytics function for OLI and ODP, shaping data driven strategic solutions through market research and dashboard development. She previously worked as a Data Scientist at Pfizer and holds an M.S. in Data Science from Vanderbilt University. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, painting and traveling.

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Project Management

Grace Carlson

Project Manager

Grace is a Project Manager within Office of Learning Innovation. Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Grace worked as a high school chemistry and physics teacher at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Grace holds a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In her free time, you can find Grace spending time outdoors with her dog, trying out new restaurants across Nashville or binging reality television.

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Learning Design

Lisa Lei

Learning Designer

Alongside the learning design team, Lisa contributes to the design and development of online degree programs, Coursera courses and faculty development trainings that have expanded Vanderbilt's online reach to thousands of learners. Lisa holds an Ed.M. in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University and a dual B.A./B.S. from Boston University. In her free time, Lisa likes to watch a good show with her beloved cat, Baffetto.

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Marketing

Jillian Moulton

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Jillian joins the Office of Learning Innovation as a Senior Digital Marketing Manager. Bringing a distinctive and enriched perspective to her role, Jillian draws from her extensive background in the digital marketing space, particularly within the dynamic realm of the entertainment sector. She earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from Belmont University and is excited to be a member of the Vanderbilt community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Jillian enjoys being outdoors, riding horses and candle making.

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Stefanie Corum

Digital Marketing Strategist

Stefanie develops strategic digital marketing campaigns that connect brands with their audiences. Her experience includes website development, social media and digital campaign strategy. She holds a B.S. in Film & Video Production from Middle Tennessee State University and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Vanderbilt University. Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys spending time with her two cats, Ruff and Tuff, playing video games and catching the latest movies at her local AMC.

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Digital Media Production

Seth Shepherd

Digital Media Manager

Seth joined Vanderbilt in 2021 with 5 years of experience in video production and education. He works closely with the digital media team on our end-to-end media production, with a focus on editing. Seth holds a BS in Journalism and Cinema Studies from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Outside of work, you'll probably find him running or at the Belcourt Theater.

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Allison Alonzo

Production Specialist

Allison is one of the Office of Learning Innovation's Production Specialists. She joins Vanderbilt after 5 years of television and film on set experience. Allison graduated from Belmont University with a BFA in Motion Pictures with an emphasis in Cinematography & Directing. Off campus, Allison is often found golfing, cooking or reading & drinking tea at a local coffee shop.

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Jordan Shatto

Production Specialist

Jordan joined Vanderbilt in 2025, bringing a creative blend of video production and journalism experience. As part of the digital media team, she helps bring ideas to life by filming and editing online courses, marketing content, and a variety of creative projects. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Video Production and Journalism from Belmont University. Outside the office, you'll likely find Jordan playing guitar with her mini dachshund.

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Educational Technology

Michael Coley

Lead Instructional Technologist

Michael joined Vanderbilt in 2021 to help promote high-quality teaching through effective use of technology. He is an expert in the Brightspace LMS as well as other educational technology tools. Michael has a B.S. from MTSU and a Master's in Agricultural Education from NC State, along with a decade of high school teaching experience. In his free time, Michael enjoys watching women's basketball and spending time with his family

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Kayla Chapman

Instructional Technologist

Kayla specializes in Brightspace course design and development, integrating tools that promote effective online teaching and enhance user engagement. She is passionate about helping educators leverage technology to create meaningful learning experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys traveling, gardening, walking and exploring interior design.

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Meet the Team