The Minds and Makers Behind CI+D

Jen Schneider is the Interim Dean of the College of Innovation + Design and Director of the Digital Innovation and Design Degree. She has worked extensively in the areas of public communication of science and technology controversies, stakeholder engagement, and public engagement. Jen received her BA from the College of Idaho and her PhD from Claremont Graduate University.

Dr. Sin Ming Loo is the Associate Dean of the College of Innovation + Design and a joint appointee with Idaho National Laboratory. He focuses on cybersecurity, cyber-informed engineering, and national resilience. He previously founded Boise State’s Cyber Operations and Resilience program and has been a faculty member in Electrical and Computer Engineering since 2003.

Amanda Ryan is Assistant Dean of the College of Innovation + Design, where she leads operations and special CI+D initiatives related to continuous improvement and student success. She also directs the Beer and Wine Studies program, allowing her to connect her industry background to her academic teaching and interests. Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, and earned both her Master of Arts in Technical Communication and Bachelor of General Studies from Boise State University.

Cara Van Sant is the Director of Venture College at the College of Innovation + Design. Since joining in 2020 as Marketing and Communications Manager, she has supported student and community entrepreneurs through every stage of the startup journey. Her background includes roles in startups, capital campaigns, tech, and coaching.

Holly Funk is the Programs and Projects Coordinator for Venture College at the College of Innovation + Design. She brings a strong background in marketing, communications, and project management, with experience spanning private creative agencies and public institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of New Hampshire, with minors in Architectural History and Studio Art.

Lana Grover is the Sr. Director of Design and Creative Partnerships at the College of Innovation + Design, where she also serves as the Director of the User Experience Design (UXD) program and design lead for CI+D’s Space. Her expertise in visual and user-centered design, coupled with her innovative approach to educational programming, led to her being the first individual in Idaho higher education to be selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator.

Lizzie Holdridge is the Marketing & Promotions Coordinator at the College of Innovation + Design. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Post-college, she spent time interning and working at advertising agencies, learning project management, social media, strategy development, and public relations.

Anna Ralph (she/her) is the Manager of The SPACE at the College of Innovation + Design, where she manages CI+D’s event spaces. She joined the college in 2023 after working for Boise State Public Health. Anna graduated from Boise State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She grew up in Hood River, Oregon, and has lived in Boise since 2016.

Erin Lamadrid is the Administrative Assistant 2 at the College of Innovation + Design. She brings a background in global operations and leadership, with experience opening international call centers at Teleperformance and serving as a Sales Manager in Manila, Philippines. After returning to the U.S., she joined Wells Fargo and advanced to Team Lead in the Executive Office, building deep expertise in team management and customer service.

Kateryna Dyer is the Business Operations Manager at the College of Innovation + Design. She began her career in Human Resources with the Prescott Unified School District in Arizona, later gaining expertise in managing federal and state grants. After a decade with the district, she joined the Yavapai County Education Agency. Since moving to Boise in 2022, she has managed grants and contracts with the Idaho Department of Education, Boise State, and the Governor’s Office of Drug Policy.