Melissa Hicks

Melissa Hicks is an accomplished instructional designer and educator with extensive experience in digital learning environments. Since November 2003, Melissa has served as the Director of the Office of Digital Learning at Penn State University, focusing on creating innovative online courses and fostering communities of practice. In addition to roles at Penn State, Melissa has contributed as an instructor at both the Online Learning Consortium and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching courses on online science labs and design thinking. Melissa also operates as a freelance design thinking facilitator and consultant, offering expertise in solving complex problems and enhancing organizational creativity. Further experience includes editorial and instructional consulting from 2005, alongside a prior leadership role as President of R.H. Building, spanning from 1993 to 2004. Melissa is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology at Penn State University, building on a Master's in Learning, Design, and Technology and a Bachelor's in Biology.