OOL Team
The staff members that comprise the Office of Online Learning all share a passion for education and technology. In addition to holding advanced degrees in instructional design and academic technology, our team has extensive experience teaching in traditional, hybrid, and online modalities. We look forward to providing our design and curriculum development expertise to faculty experts across campus to create unique, impactful online learning opportunities for LMU students across disciplines.
To learn more about our services, please visit OOL Guidebook.
Meet OOL
Katie Harper, M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
Sr. Instructional Designer
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Katie Harper joined Loyola Marymount University in the Fall of 2020, serving as a Instructional Technologist for the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, before moving to her current role as Sr. Instructional Designer in the Office of Online Learning. Katie earned her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, and has a background in education and experience with developing online, hybrid, and flipped courses for a variety of disciplines. Katie enjoys working collaboratively with subject-matter experts to effectively translate highly technical concepts into user-friendly and delightful learning experiences.
Nick Somsavanh, M.A.Ed. in Educational Technology & Media Leadership
Sr. Instructional Designer
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Nick Somsavanh joined LMU in the Summer of 2019 and has served as an Instructional Technologist for the College of Communication & Fine Arts and School of Film and Television, as well as a Multimedia Specialist for the Office of Online Learning. Nick earned a B.A. in Film and Electronic Arts, and a M.A. Ed. in Educational Technology & Media Leadership, both from California State University, Long Beach. In his free time, Nick enjoys rooting for (/loathing) the Lakers, Dodgers, and whoever may be on his Fantasy Football team that season.
Mia Fite, M. Ed., Educational Leadership
Sr. Instructional Designer
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Thi Nguyen, M.A. in Instructional Technologies
Multimedia Specialist
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Thi Nguyen joined LMU in the Summer of 2023 as OOL's Multimedia Specialist. Her work spans digital storytelling, instructional design, and visual communication, with a focus on translating complex ideas into clear, intuitive content that supports diverse learners and institutional goals. Prior to her role at LMU, Thi earned her Master of Arts in Instructional Technologies from San Francisco State University, and completed her internships at Patelco Credit Union and World Resources Institute. In her free time, Thi loves cooking, experimenting with food and hosting dinners for friends. Thi loves traveling and is always planning for her next trips in the States and overseas. She also enjoys exploring new neighborhoods while intentionally making eye contacts with any dogs she sees on her walks.
Simi Anifowoshe
Video Editor
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Simi Anifowoshe is a second-year undergraduate at LMU's School of Film & Television pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting with a minor in Digital Media, Cultures, and Industries. In her creative pursuits, Simi writes, directs, and produces horror short films and web series with interactive gaming storytelling. In her personal time, Simi enjoys movie marathons, practicing graphic design, and learning to cook Nigerian dishes.
Cody Timmerman
Video Editor
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Cody James Timmerman is a BFA Screenwriting major. A transfer student from Cincinnati, Cody worked for nine years in the film industry before moving to Los Angeles to finish his degree at LMU. Outside of his studies, Cody is on the judging council for the Telly Awards and enjoys reading, traveling, live music, and spending time with his fiancé and two tuxedo cats.
Jeff Schwartz, M. Ed
Senior Director of Digital Learning and Innovation
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Jeff Schwartz joined LMU in 2014 and has served as the Manager of Instructional Technology team in ITS, a Lecturer in the School of Education and College of Business Administration, and currently works as the Director of Digital Learning and Innovation in the Office of Online Learning. A former middle school and high school Social Studies teacher, Jeff has published two books on the history of popular music and received national recognition for his cancer advocacy work on behalf of young adults from Lance Armstrong and the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Jeff earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, followed by an M. Ed in Information Systems and Learning Technologies from the University of Missouri-Columbia. When he's not working, Jeff enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar and attending live music events, coaching little league baseball, playing video games, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.