Meet our Team
Director of Experiential Learning
Karen Velasquez is the University of Dayton's first Director of Experiential Learning. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Education and a M.Ed in International Education Development from Columbia University, Teachers College in New York City. Karen is interested in how people learn through experience in diverse social contexts, and her work highlights the transformative impact of experiential learning on students lives. At UD she collaborates with faculty and staff who integrate innovative experiential pedagogies in their courses and programs, and she showcases students reflections on experiential learning through digital storytelling in her Experiential Learning Lab workshop. She is originally a Queens, New York City native of Colombian descent.
Media Manager
Ainsley uses her marketing major to bring you all the latest from OEL through our newsletter, Instagram, and YouTube. Ainsley manages our digital platforms and creates informative and engaging content for the online UD community. She collaborates with our team, and other departments to find new and exciting ways of introducing students to all the opportunities offered. Ainsley’s own experiential learning journey has seen her through a dance team, internships, and service projects.
Program Coordinator & Student Liaison
As our Program Coordinator and Student Liaison, Arabella facilitates EL events across campus, including labs, workshops, and trainings. She’s always around to ensure that students are meaningfully engaging with their education in ways that complement their unique backgrounds. As a criminal justice major with a minor in pre-law, Arabella’s favorite Experiential Learning Opportunity is her continued involvement with UD’s award-winning Mock Trial Team