Academic Technology Fellows are CSUN faculty who are working closely with Academic Technology and the Faculty Technology Center to support university initiatives and special projects that involve technology and pedagogy.
2023 - 2024 Academic Technology Fellows
Dr. Li Liu
Li Liu, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering & Computer Science. He is passionate about enhancing user experience in human-computer interaction with emerging technologies, especially for people with disabilities and other minorities. So, everyone-regardless of ability-can perceive, understand, and contribute to information and knowledge in the digital age.
His research on building a tongue-machine interface is the first reported assistive technology of using the tongue as a computer input device in a non-contact way. He recently received a U.S. patent for his work in incorporating social cues in texting with AI and machine learning.
At CSUN, Dr. Liu also serves as the Academic Lead for the Master’s in Assistive Technology Engineering program that prepares graduates to become innovative and cross-field team leaders in assistive technology fields. As a Faculty Fellow, Dr. Liu will work with IT to prioritize digital accessibility challenges at CSUN and develop a comprehensive training program with Academic Technology for students interested in learning digital accessibility and remediation.
Dr. Joyce Marie Brusasco
Dr. Joyce Marie Brusasco is an instructor in Family and Consumer Sciences, Child and Adolescent Development, and also teaches University 100.
"I have always been an early adopter of technology personally and professionally. Over the last 10 years at CSUN I have enrolled in many Faculty Technology workshops. I attended the summer eLearning Institute, I was early to transition from WebCT to Moodle then to Canvas, and I was a faculty user as part of the pilot for Canvas Insights. I use Canvas Insights as an early alert tool to reach out to students individually.
As I learned the tools CSUN provides for faculty I slowly adopted them into my classes. Early on I was using Zoom to record lectures and meet with students virtually. Now I use Panopto to record lectures and Zoom to teach online in realtime. I also use Portfolium for student assignments to help build the student's online presence, and Pronto to chat with students offline. I did not adopt all these technologies all at once. I have taken years to adopt them with small classes and then larger classes as part of my instruction. My advice is to try out one or two technologies a semester, adopt which tool feels comfortable, and attend FTC training.
I am thrilled to be an Academic Technology Fellow by providing training to help other faculty feel comfortable using technology in the classroom as part of the virtual learning environment. I believe we can create a sense of belonging for our students using technology."
Cecile Bendavid, 
