Karen Bellnier
About Karen Bellnier
Karen Bellnier is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Learning Architect at iDesign, with extensive experience in instructional design and online education. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Rhode Island and has held various leadership roles in digital innovation and instructional technology across several institutions.
Work at UMass Boston
Karen Bellnier has been serving as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Boston since 2021. In this role, she contributes to the academic community by delivering lectures and engaging with students in the field of education. Her position reflects her commitment to higher education and her expertise in instructional design and technology.
Education and Expertise
Karen Bellnier holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from the University of Rhode Island, where she is currently studying from 2020 to 2025. She also earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Technology Leadership (Instructional Design) from The George Washington University between 2001 and 2003. Additionally, she has a Master of Science (M.S.) in Developmental Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis.
Professional Background
Karen Bellnier has a diverse professional background in instructional design and educational technology. Prior to her current role at UMass Boston, she worked at Johnson & Wales University in various capacities, including Assistant Director of Online Education and Senior Instructional Designer. She also served as the Director of Instructional Technology and Online Learning at the Community College of Rhode Island from 2017 to 2020. Her experience includes roles at iDesign as a Learning Architect and at Mitchell College as the Director of Digital Innovation.
Achievements in Digital Education
Karen Bellnier has demonstrated a commitment to advancing digital education through various initiatives. She led the launch of the Digital Innovation Hub for Educational Excellence, focusing on partnerships to enhance educational practices. Additionally, she has presented at the Distance Learning and Teaching Conference, showcasing her expertise in online education and instructional design.
Previous Roles and Contributions
Throughout her career, Karen Bellnier has held several significant positions. She worked as a Project Manager and Exhibit Developer at Amaze Design, and as a Master Educator at miSci | Museum of Innovation and Science. She also served as Peer Reviewer Manager at the American Alliance of Museums. These roles have contributed to her extensive knowledge and skills in educational practices and technology.