Cana Fuest, PhD Candidate

About Cana

Cana is an Instructional Designer and Faculty Developer at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she partners with faculty members to design engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based teaching strategies into practical course design solutions through workshops, consultations, and digital learning initiatives.

With a decade of classroom teaching experience, Cana helps educators thoughtfully redesign their courses in response to evolving pedagogical and technological contexts. Her research examines how generative AI is shaping teaching practice and faculty decision-making in higher education.

Areas of Expertise

  • Faculty Development – Consultations, workshops, course redesign support
  • Instructional Design – Curriculum mapping, Brightspace course development, active learning integration
  • Teaching with Technology – Digital pedagogy, AI literacy for educators, ethical and intentional use of emerging tools

Faculty Development and Workshops

Cana facilitates interactive workshops that support faculty in designing learner-centered courses grounded in sound pedagogy and effective use of educational technologies. Her facilitation emphasizes practical application, effective teaching, and cross-disciplinary dialogue, helping instructors iterate and refine their teaching practices.

Examples of Workshop Topics

  • Active Learning
  • AI Essentials for Educators
  • Redesign Your Course with AI in Mind
  • Critical Thinking with AI
Teaching Background

Higher Education Teaching Experience:

Elim Bible College (Lima, NY)

Faculty and Distance Education Chair, 2020-2024

Courses taught:

  • BIBL1013 Old Testament Literature
  • BIBL1023 New Testament Literature
  • BIBL2053 Acts & Paul’s Letters
  • EDUC1021 College Success
  • PHIL1013 Christian Worldview and Ethics
  • PHIL2023 Apologetics I

Secondary Education Teaching Experience:

The Charles Finney School (Penfield, NY)

  • High School Bible Teacher, 2016-2020

Destiny Christian School (Rochester, NY)

  • High School English Teacher, 2015-2016

Hudson Valley Christian Academy (Mahopac Falls, NY)

  • Sixth Grade Classroom Teacher, 2014-2015