Nikki Bosca is the inaugural director of the Center for Educational Innovation and Excellence (CEIE) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She leads initiatives and coordinates events for faculty professional development to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at NJIT. She is currently at the forefront of multiple initiatives involving AI and the curriculum, including co-chairing the AI Teaching and Learning Working Group at NJIT, and previously acting as team lead for NJIT’s participation in the AAC&U’s inaugural Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and Curriculum. She previously served as the Associate Director for Online Teaching and Course Development in the Office of Online Programs, leading the instructional design team and working closely with the academic units to stand up courses in line with programmatic objectives. Nikki is currently working on her PhD in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning from the University of Buffalo. She recently presented some of her research at the 2025 American Education Research Association (AERA) annual meeting in Denver, CO. Previously, Nikki worked as a First-Year Writing instructor at multiple universities, and her research interests include Writing-to-Learn (WTL), Cognitive Process Theory of Writing, Inclusive Teaching, Student-Centered Learning, Active Learning, and Faculty Development.

Dr. Jessica Simon received her PhD in Neuroscience from Florida State University (FSU) in 2023. Here, she taught multiple lecture and laboratory courses in person, online synchronous, and condensed six-week semesters, culminating in the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award based on her evidence of high quality, innovative undergraduate teaching. She earned a position in the Office of STEM Teaching Activities at FSU as the Director of their Masters in College STEM Teaching Program. She worked one-on-one with STEM instructors, taught graduate classes as instructor of record on learning science, and guided STEM instructors to design effective courses by observing their lessons and providing feedback.

Her research interests in motivation span neuroscience, psychology, and education, which she uses to inform her teaching and mentorship. She has implemented evidenced approaches to teaching including an alternative grading approach in her first author submission, “Specifications Grading in Large and Small Classes” in the Society for the Teaching of Psychology E-book collection. She also has a first author paper in the Journal of Education and Information Technologies with her manuscript “Predictors and consequences of typical and “addictive” LMS use” describing predictors (goal orientation) and consequences (academic performance, stress) of typical and addictive learning management system use. During graduate school, she used electrophysiology to investigate effort-related stimulus relevance and stimulus expectations that alter measures of attention and cognition. She is currently editing an e-book titled, “Applying Psychology Beyond the Classroom: Social Justice Activities for Intro and Upper-Level Courses.” 

She has a deep understanding of pedagogy, psychology, and neuroscience and is eager to serve as a resource for NJIT faculty interested in pursuing excellence and innovation in the classroom. She looks forward to supporting faculty in creating courses that position learners as change makers who use their knowledge to make societal innovations that benefit humanity #NJITMakes. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Jessica, check out the list of topics or schedule an appointment here. 

Beyond her academic interests, she enjoys painting, hiking, cats, and spending time with her family and friends.