Nathan Grassi
Head of Digital Collections and Technology Strategy
Pronouns: (he, him, His)
221 Lockwood Memorial Library, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
- Ph: 716-645-8571
- Fax: 716-645-3859
Responsibilities
Manage the following areas for the University Libraries:
- Digital Collections & Repositories
- The Institutional Repository
- Enterprise Library Applications
- Library Information Technology Operations
Education and Training
PhD in Education, Concentration: Educational Technology / STEM Education
MA Anthropology, Concentration: Biological Anthropology
Graduate Certificate Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
BS Biology, Minor Anthropology
Employment
Administrative Appointments
| Institution | Position | Years |
|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo Libraries | Head of Digital Collections and Technology Strategy | 2023–Present |
| SUNY Empire State University | Director of Digital Media, Technology Innovation, and Process Improvement | 2023 |
| Director of Digital Accessibility, Digital Media, and Digital Learning Environments | 2020–2023 | |
| Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Officer | 2019–2023 | |
| Associate/Assistant Director of Educational Technologies | 2015–2020 | |
| Faculty Instructional Technologist | 2010–2015 | |
| University at Buffalo (Department of Physiology and Biophysics) | Faculty and Academic Coordinator | 2007–2010 |
Teaching and Research Appointments
| Institution | Position | Years |
|---|---|---|
| University at Buffalo | Adjunct Instructor, Department of Information Studies | 2024–Present |
| SUNY Empire State University | Instructor 2010-2017/Assistant Professor 2017-2023/Adjunct Professor 2023-Present, School of Science Math & Technology | 2010–Present |
| Adjunct Professor, MA Educational Technology and Learning Design | 2017–2023 | |
| Niagara University | Senior Lecturer/Adjunct Professor, Sociology, Criminal Justice, & Biology | 2009–2018 |
| University at Buffalo (Department of Physiology and Biophysics) | Research Instructor: "Comparison of Effectiveness of Class Attendance vs. Online Lecture Viewing in Learning Human Physiology" | 2010–2012 |
| University at Buffalo (Center for Educational Innovation and Assessment) | Visiting Scholar, Co-PI on Faculty Development Projects | 2014–2017 |
| Niagara County Community College | Adjunct Instructor, Department of Anthropology | 2008 |
Awards and Honors
|
2014-Present |
Open SUNY Research and Innovation Fellow |
|
2018-2020 |
Joyce McKnight Open Educational Resource Fellowship |
|
2019 |
Open SUNY Effective Practice Award |
|
2017 |
Online Learning Consortium Effective Practice Award |
|
2015, 2017 |
SUNY Center for Online Teaching Excellence Effective Practice Award |
Publications
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1444-2227
Whitley-Grassi, N., Whitley-Grassi, B., Hoppel, S., & Zgliczynski, M., (2021) “Medical vs. Social Models of Disability: Increasing Inclusion and Participation of Students in Online and Blended Learning in Higher Education.” International Perspectives on Supporting and Engaging Online Learners. Blessinger, P., & Hoffman, J.. (Eds.).
Matias, A., Woo, K., & Whitley-Grassi, N. (2018). “Expanding Access to Science Field-Based Research Techniques for Online Students through OER.” International Journal of Open Educational Resources,1(1). doi:10.18278/ijoer.1.1.7
Matais, A., Whitley-Grassi, N., & Woo, K., (2016) “Ecology and Earth Science Virtual Field Experiences OERs: Expanding Access to Field-Based Research Techniques for Students at a Distance.” Open Education: International Perspectives in Higher Education. Blessinger, P., & Bliss, T. J. (Eds.). Open Book Publishers
Sullivan, R., van Putten, C. & Whitley-Grassi, N. (2015). “Tools of Engagement Project (TOEP): Discovering and exploring within a supportive professional development community.” In S. Carliner, C. Fulford & N. Ostashewski (Eds.), Proceedings of EdMedia: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology 2015 (pp. 1147-1149).
Sullivan, R., Tysick, C.A., Pilawski, B., Shi, S., van Putten, C., & Whitley-Grassi, N. (2014) “Tools of Engagement Project (TOEP): Online Professional Development through Structured Inquiry and a Virtual Community.” Inquiry Based Learning for Faculty and Instructional Development.Bingley, UK: Emerald.
Whitley-Grassi, N & Hoefler, P. (2013). “Technology Approaches to Final Papers and Projects.” In C. Wankel & P. Blessinger (Ed.s) Increasing Student Engagement and Retention using Social Technologies: Facebook, e-portfolios and other Social Networking Services. Chapter 8. Bingley, UK: Emerald.
Whitley-Grassi, N & Bazer, J.S. (2010). “Comparison of Effectiveness of Class Attendance vs. Online Lecture Viewing in Learning Human Physiology.” The International Journal of Instructional Technology and Online Learning. Oct. 7(10). P. 31-38
Research
My research focuses on the intersection of educational technology, accessibility, and STEM education. I explore innovative strategies such as Open Educational Resources (OER) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create inclusive and equitable learning experiences, particularly for students with barriers to access. Additionally, I investigate competency-based education models and technology integration in STEM fields. My work is rooted in bridging gaps between education and practical application, emphasizing experiential learning and digital inclusivity. By leveraging data and evidence-based approaches, I aim to advance research that informs policy, enhances digital accessibility, and provides meaningful learning opportunities for diverse student populations.
| Research Area | Project Title/Focus | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Technology | "Scoring Success: Measuring EdTech Tool Accessibility" | Systematic evaluation of EdTech tools using a rubric combining VPAT data and subjective accessibility reviews. |
| STEM Accessibility | "STEM Job Skills Development in a Competency-Based Model" | Developing and assessing competency-based learning approaches tailored for students with cognitive challenges. |
| Open Educational Resources (OER) | "Ecology & Earth Science Virtual Field Experiences OERs" | Creating OER-based simulations to provide research experiences for distance learners in environmental sciences. |
| Digital Inclusivity | "Emergency Accessibility Protocols for Online Learning" | Designing processes to ensure rapid accessibility adjustments for online courses, recognized by the OLC. |
| Experiential Learning | "Expanding Hands-On Research for Non-Traditional Students" | Integrating active, research-driven projects into biology courses for online and non-traditional learners. |
| Technology Integration | "Tools of Engagement Project (TOEP)" | Statewide initiative enhancing faculty’s digital teaching skills through peer collaboration and training. |
These research initiatives reflect my commitment to advancing inclusive and accessible STEM education through evidence-based, technology-enhanced practices.
Professional Memberships
|
Professional Service |
2016-Present |
Editorial Board The International Journal of Open Educational Resources |
|
|
2016-Present |
Peer Reviewer Online Learning Journal – Reviewer 2018-Present Journal of Research on Technology in Education – Reviewer 2018-Present Online Learning Consortium; Innovate & Accelerate Conference - Reviewer 2016-Present |
|
|
2013 - Present |
Grant Review - State University of New York Innovative Instructional Technology Grants - Reviewer |