Biography

Tracy Mendolia, PhD, is an educational technology leader, researcher, and faculty development professional whose work focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and evidence-based teaching and learning. She serves as Associate Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation, where she collaborates with faculty to advance instructional innovation and develop meaningful, effective learning experiences for students in aviation, aerospace, and STEM disciplines.

With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Tracy specializes in translating emerging technologies into practical approaches to teaching and learning. Her work spans generative artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, immersive learning, instructional design, faculty development, and digital learning strategy. Rather than approaching technology as an end in itself, she focuses on how emerging tools can address authentic educational challenges, strengthen teaching practice, and create new possibilities for learning.

Tracy’s scholarship and professional work have explored generative AI and academic integrity, AI-supported teaching and faculty development, immersive learning, conversational AI, and institutional digital learning strategy. Her doctoral research examined student use of generative AI through the lens of the Fraud Triangle, contributing to the evolving conversation about the boundaries between legitimate AI-supported learning and academic dishonesty.

An active contributor to the broader higher education community, Tracy presents nationally and internationally and has contributed to EDUCAUSE publications, professional learning, and initiatives focused on AI and digital learning. Prior to joining Embry-Riddle, she held educational technology and instructional design leadership roles at Western University of Health Sciences, where she led and supported innovation involving AI, immersive technologies, simulation, and technology-enhanced learning.

Tracy holds a PhD in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas, an MA in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising from California State University, Fullerton.

Across her research, leadership, and faculty development work, Tracy is particularly interested in how institutions and educators can move beyond simply adopting emerging technologies toward designing thoughtful, evidence-informed approaches that meaningfully transform teaching and learning.