Boise State Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning

Boise State Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning The Department of Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning at Boise State University.

The OPWL Department proudly recognizes OPWL Faculty Don Winiecki for serving as the invited keynote speaker and session ...
04/21/2026

The OPWL Department proudly recognizes OPWL Faculty Don Winiecki for serving as the invited keynote speaker and session presenter at the 66th conference of CTEBVI, the California Transcribers and Educators of the Blind and Visually Impaired. CTEBVI is the largest conference of educators of the blind and visually impaired in North America.

The keynote presentation explored artificial intelligence and its influence on braille transcription, as well as teaching and learning braille. An additional session addressed braille for languages other than English.

This achievement highlights meaningful contributions to the field and reflects continued leadership in advancing accessibility, innovation, and learning. Participation in this conference represents important engagement with educators and professionals dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

OPWL Faculty Dr. Victoria Abramenka-Lachheb presented at the 2026 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annua...
04/20/2026

OPWL Faculty Dr. Victoria Abramenka-Lachheb presented at the 2026 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting. The session focused on advancing the field of Learning/Instructional Design and Technology (L/IDT) through a conceptual paper titled “The Future of the Field IS Design (+X)”.

This work responds to recent debates in the field that question whether design should remain central to L/IDT. The paper argues that rather than moving beyond design, the field should deepen its commitment to design expertise defined as the integration of ethical judgment, contextual awareness, systems thinking, and human-centered practice.

The paper contributes to ongoing scholarly dialogue by reframing design not as a narrow, procedural activity, but as a mature and complex professional practice. It aligns with broader conversations at AERA around innovation, interdisciplinarity, and the future of education.

Participation in this session supported ongoing rsearch focused on design expertise, ethical practice, and the evolving role of AI and design in learning environments. It also provided an opportunity to engage with leading scholars and contribute to high-level discourse in the field.

Recently, Boise State OPWL faculty Dr. Rafael Leonardo da Silva and OPWL student Sharon Whightsil presented findings fro...
04/20/2026

Recently, Boise State OPWL faculty Dr. Rafael Leonardo da Silva and OPWL student Sharon Whightsil presented findings from an NSF-funded project (with Dr. Arvin Farid) at the hashtag Conference Roundtable session examining the internal and external support systems of low-income, academically talented, Engineering Master’s students in a rural state.

The team shared results during the Roundtable session titled “Support Systems in Graduate School: Experiences of Low-income, Academically Talented, Engineering Master’s Students in a Rural State,” as part of “Rural Students Reimagined: Identity, Belonging, and Access in Higher Education.” The presentation explored how students navigated and leveraged internal and external support structures throughout their graduate education.

The work was presented in collaboration with Dr. Lisa Giacumo, PhD (George Mason University), Rafael Leonardo da Silva (Boise State University), and Sharon Whightsil (Boise State University OPWL Master’s student), highlighting strong cross-institutional partnership.

This research contributes to ongoing efforts within Boise State OPWL and the Boise State College of Engineering to better understand and strengthen support systems for graduate learners in engineering and related fields.

Congratulations to OPWL faculty member Dr. Victoria Abramenka-Lachheb, Ph.D. ! Dr. Abramenka has been honored with the 2...
04/07/2026

Congratulations to OPWL faculty member Dr. Victoria Abramenka-Lachheb, Ph.D. !

Dr. Abramenka has been honored with the 2026 Golden Apple Award, a recognition that reflects her dedication to teaching and the meaningful impact she has on her students’ success.

The Golden Apple Awards are a special, student-led tradition at Boise State, celebrating educators who truly make a difference. Each year, students select faculty who embody Boise State’s shared values: Academic Excellence, Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility, and Trustworthiness.
This award is a powerful testament to Dr. Abramenka’s commitment to her students and her excellence in the classroom.

But that’s not all! Dr. Abramenka’s year has been nothing short of remarkable! She earned the Excellence in Innovation Award from the Learner Engagement Division of Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT) for co-designing the gamified AI literacy training “If Life Gives LLMs, Make LLMonade.” She also received the 2025 Reviewer Excellence Award from Educational Technology Research and Development (ETR&D), the Reviewer Excellence Award from the International Journal of Designs for Learning (January 2026), co-led a special section on Generative AI in Learning Design for the same journal, and published nine articles over the academic year.

This incredible collection of accomplishments reflects Dr. Abramenka’s unwavering commitment to her students, innovation in learning design, and excellence in both research and teaching. We are so proud to have her as part of the OPWL community!

Please join us in celebrating Victoria's outstanding achievements!

Huge congratulations to Dr. Eunbi Sim on an incredible set of achievements.In February 2026, Eunbi received three presti...
04/03/2026

Huge congratulations to Dr. Eunbi Sim on an incredible set of achievements.

In February 2026, Eunbi received three prestigious awards from the Academy of Human Resource Development:

• Malcolm S. Knowles Dissertation of the Year Award
• Marilyn Y. Byrd Excellence in HRD Research to Practice Award Runner Up
• Korea SIG TEAM UP Grant Award

These honors recognize outstanding scholarship, real world impact, and a strong commitment to advancing collaborative research across institutions and countries.

In 2025, Dr. Sim published 5 peer-reviewed journal articles contributing to critical conversations in leadership, HRD, and intersectionality:
- Sim, E. (2025). Intersectional complexity leadership: Co-create organizational ecosystems with an intersectional feminist lens. Leadership. Advance online publication. https://www.doi.org/10.1177/17427150251409945c
- Sim, E., & Bierema, L. L. (2025). Intersectional precarity in academia: A systematic literature review. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: An International Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-09-2023-0306
- Sim, E., & Bierema, L. L. (2025). Reexamining learning transfer through a critical lens: A conceptual study on key factors shaping the transfer of “critical” adult learning. Advances in Developing Human Resources. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15234223251382407
- Sim, E., & Dillard, N. (2025). Intersectionality-in-action: A systematic literature review on intersectional praxis in HRD. Human Resource Development Review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15344843251392111
- Sisco, S., Carter, A., Verret, D., Sim, E., Bohonos, J. W. (2025). Race Consciousness & Indigeneity in Human Resource Development: A Systematic Review of Racialization in Our Organizations & Communities. Human Resource Development Review. Advance Online Publication. https://www.doi.org/10.1177/15344843251331660

A remarkable accomplishment and well deserved recognition for meaningful contributions to the HRD field.

Congratulations to Seth-Aaron Martinez, PhD on the publication of his new book with Routledge, Supporting Workplace Lear...
04/03/2026

Congratulations to Seth-Aaron Martinez, PhD on the publication of his new book with Routledge, Supporting Workplace Learning with Neuroscience: Developing Expertise in Organizations.

Blending neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and adult learning theory, this book explores how people build expertise and how organizations can better support that process. It covers key topics such as learning and performance, neurodiversity, and the cognitive and social dimensions of workplace learning, while also offering practical strategies for instructional design and future-focused learning approaches.

An insightful and timely contribution for educators, researchers, and organizations committed to developing talent and supporting meaningful learning at work.

https://lnkd.in/g4ajaiPA

Big congratulations to Rafael Leonardo da Silva, PhD on his recent publication in the Journal of Interactive Learning Re...
04/02/2026

Big congratulations to Rafael Leonardo da Silva, PhD on his recent publication in the Journal of Interactive Learning Research.

His study, “There’s No Winning, Just Decision-Making,” explores how current and prospective government workers navigate ethical dilemmas during collaborative gameplay. The research highlights how professional identity, accountability, and workplace experience shape decision-making, often prioritizing policy over emotion even in morally complex scenarios.

A fascinating contribution to understanding ethics, teamwork, and decision-making in serious games.

https://lnkd.in/gGZgHGQY

Huge congratulations to our OPWL students for earning 2nd place in the ISPI Case Competition!This competition challenges...
03/31/2026

Huge congratulations to our OPWL students for earning 2nd place in the ISPI Case Competition!

This competition challenges students to go beyond the classroom and tackle real performance improvement issues faced by organizations today. From analyzing complex problems to delivering innovative, practical solutions, this team truly rose to the occasion.

Along the way, they gained invaluable experience working with expert mentors, collaborating as a team, and refining their ideas to a professional level. Their hard work paid off as they presented their solution on a global stage at the ISPI Conference in Nashville, TN.

Congratulations to our outstanding team members: Alannah Fehrenbach, Caroline Huxtable, Kaleigh Ketelhut (team lead), Tammy Sanders, and Ryne Tobar. Faculty sponsor Victoria Abramenka supported and guided the team throughout their journey.

The ISPI Case Competition is more than just a contest. It is an opportunity to build real world skills, connect with industry professionals, and make a meaningful impact.

See their competition website here: https://ironclad-collective.netlify.app/

Way to represent OPWL with excellence!

The future of work is built by leaders who understand people, performance, and learning.That’s what OPWL does every day....
03/05/2026

The future of work is built by leaders who understand people, performance, and learning.

That’s what OPWL does every day.

Today is the DAY to support OPWL during Bronco Giving Day. If this program has influenced your career, your team, or your organization - consider paying it forward.

Together, we are Unbridled.

Support OPWL here:
https://broncogivingday.com/campaign_search?search=opwl

Thank you for being part of the OPWL community.

💙🧡 Bronco Giving Day is LIVE!There’s still time to support the OPWL – Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning pr...
03/04/2026

💙🧡 Bronco Giving Day is LIVE!

There’s still time to support the OPWL – Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning program at Boise State.

Every gift:
🔹 Expands student opportunities
🔹 Supports applied learning experiences
🔹 Strengthens leadership development
🔹 Advances innovation in workplace performance

Whether it’s $10, $50, or more — participation matters.

Let’s finish strong, Broncos. 🧡💙

Give here:
https://lnkd.in/gMw2TKxA

⏳ Final Day of Bronco Giving Day!There’s still time to support the OPWL – Organizational Performance & Workplace Learnin...
03/04/2026

⏳ Final Day of Bronco Giving Day!

There’s still time to support the OPWL – Organizational Performance & Workplace Learning program at Boise State.

Every gift:
🔹 Expands student opportunities
🔹 Supports applied learning experiences
🔹 Strengthens leadership development
🔹 Advances innovation in workplace performance

Whether it’s $10, $50, or more — participation matters.

Let’s finish strong, Broncos. 🧡💙

Give here:
https://lnkd.in/gMw2TKxA

Address

Boise, ID
83725

Telephone

+12084265921

Website

https://jfenner.youcanbook.me/

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