Karen French is the coordinator for the IDEA Studio. She holds a Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Instructional Technology and a master's degree in Anthropology. She is also a certified teacher and taught high school Latin for seven years. Before joining the IDEA Studio, she worked as a facilitator in the WINGS program, an online mentoring program for new teachers. Her dissertation research focused on the role of reflection in electronic discourse and the online mentoring of novice teachers. Karen's professional interests center on training university faculty to integrate technology into instruction.

Royce Kimmons is an IDEA Studio Instructional Designer. He received a Ph.D. from The University of Texas in Instructional Technology in 2012 and is a Post-Doctoral Research Affiliate in the College of Education. Royce's research interests include online learning, identity, social networks, and educational games.

Michelle Fulks Read is a Graduate Research Assistant in the IDEA Studio and a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Learning Technologies. Michelle's professional experience includes 15 years as a teacher, technology integration specialist, and school web developer. She holds two master's degrees, both obtained through the UT Telecampus, in Educational Technology and Literacy Studies. Michelle's research interests include technology integration in the classroom and in online learning environments and digital equality issues.

Jaejin Lee is a Graduate Research Assistant in the IDEA Studio, and a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Instructional Technology. He has a master's degree in Instructional Technology. Previously, he taught several university classes in South Korea. He is a volunteer researcher in Min Liu’s Alien Rescue project and participates in the Funwritr project. Major research interests include feedback systems in technology-based learning environments, motivational and emotional change through technology, and research methodology for educational technology.

Sa Liu is a Graduate Research Assistant in the IDEA Studio, and a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Learning Technologies. She has a master's degree in Educational Technology and a B.S. in Computer Science. Her major research interests include game based learning, technology promoted teacher development, and computer supported language learning.