The Minds and Makers Behind CI+D

Jen Schneider is the Interim Dean of the College of Innovation + Design and Director of the Digital Innovation and Design Degree. She has worked extensively in the areas of public communication of science and technology controversies, stakeholder engagement, and public engagement. Jen received her BA from the College of Idaho and her PhD from Claremont Graduate University.

Amanda Ryan is Assistant Dean of the College of Innovation + Design, where she leads operations and special CI+D initiatives related to continuous improvement and student success and manages sponsorships for the Boise State Esports team. Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, and earned both her Master of Arts in Technical Communication and Bachelor of General Studies from Boise State University.

Melissa Fennemore is the Senior Business Manager at the College of Innovation and Design. She has worked in both the private and public sectors. Melissa triple majored in Accounting, Finance, and Information Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, obtained an MBA from Westminster College, and has a CPA license in the State of Idaho.

Anna Ralph (she/her) is the Operations Manager of The SPACE at the College of Innovation + Design, where she manages CI+D’s event spaces. She joined the college in 2023 after working for Boise State Public Health. Anna graduated from Boise State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She grew up in Hood River, Oregon, and has lived in Boise since 2016.

Veronica Roper (she/her/ella) is the Project Director for the Esports team at the College of Innovation + Design and has been part of the Dean’s Office team since 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and a Masters in Public Administration from Boise State University.

Lana Grover is the Director of Programming at the College of Innovation + Design, where she also serves as the Director of the User Experience Design (UXD) program and design lead for CI+D’s Space. Her expertise in visual and user-centered design, coupled with her innovative approach to educational programming, led to her being the first individual in Idaho higher education to be selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Lizzie Holdridge is the Marketing & Promotions Coordinator for the College of Innovation + Design. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Post-college, she spent time interning and working at advertising agencies, learning project management, social media, strategy development, and public relations.

Krishna Pakala, Ph.D., is the Interim Associate Dean in Residence at the College of Innovation + Design. He is also an Associate Professor in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Boise State University, and his work focuses on innovative teaching strategies, emerging technologies, and mobile learning. Krishna received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming.