Dr. MJ Bishop directs the University System of Maryland’s William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation, which was established in 2013 to enhance USM's position as a national leader in higher education transformation. The Kirwan Center conducts research on best practices, disseminates findings, and supports the system’s institutions as they develop innovative academic programs. Prior to USM, Bishop was Associate Professor of Instructional Design and Technology at Lehigh University and Director of the College of Education’s Teaching, Learning, and Technology Program. Author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, her research explores how instructional media might be designed and used more effectively to improve learning. She has received several awards for her research and innovative teaching, including Lehigh’s prestigious Stabler Award, conferred by students to faculty who have mentored them to “excellence in their chosen field” as well as “excellence as human beings and leaders of society.”