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Name: Kat Biacindo
Title: Associate Professor
Department: Curriculum & Instruction
Academic Degrees: BA Psychology Political Science, MA Educational Psychology, EdD Learning, Cognition, & Development all from Rutgers University

How long you have worked on campus: 30 years

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? Going online and teaching virtually. I had been involved in community service/research to provide outreach, getting involved in work with Fresno Police Department, local school districts, local drug and alcohol rehab, Native American education, Native American events, and Fresno Flats historical society (short list). But going virtual has provided the opportunity to provide outreach in a much wider and more involved way, including student support. I am now certified from Microsoft Teach to the Future program, ACUE, Discover-e, QM online reviewer, and A virtual Learning Institute program on campus. I have been trained in many new platforms, including GoReact, Virbela, and Vyond. Virtual instruction has opened up teaching and learning possibilities that never before existed.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? Virtual learning--the opportunities and possibilities are endless, it removes all barriers to learning, and creates a truly inclusive environment.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job? When COVID closed the brick and mortar rooms in March 2020, and students were panicking, and I said, "We got this, don't worry." We went virtual with no issues and the students enjoyed it! (But we used a virtual classroom, NOT Zoom.)

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style? When I was using the virtual classroom BigBlueButton, and realized that I could engage 100% of my students constantly (not possible in a brick and mortar classroom). It fits with my Twitter handle (and teaching style)--the Katalyst.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? Research caving, running, and mountain climbing.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I am a very private person, so most know nothing about me, and I would like it to stay that way. That is why I use my avatar head shot, not a real head shot (I do not want my real self going viral).

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? I admired and appreciated the way that President Castro made Fresno State a leader in diversity and inclusion, and hope to follow in his footsteps using virtual design to fully complement diversity and inclusion. The student population that Fresno State attracts is an amazing set of diverse talents to work with.