Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning helps students gain experience outside the classroom, where students can develop knowledge, skills, and values from direct experiences including internships, co-ops, service-learning, and job shadowing.
Quynh Dang, Ph.D.
Director, Experiential Learning
Responsibilities: Ensure all UCF students have access to quality internships and experiences including knight shadow, global learning, integrative learning, and service-learning.
Education: PhD, Kinesiology, Texas Woman’s University-August 2006; MS, Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-August 1998; BS, Health & Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma-December 1995
Fun Fact: I travel the world (67 countries and all 50 states) to see hippos and softball.
Sandra Leon-Barth
Associate Director
Responsibilities: Lead the Experiential Team in facilitating internship support for students, faculty and employers. Co-lead for the Internship & Career Expo.
Education: Master of Mass Communication, University of Central Florida; Bachelor of Arts in Advertising & Public Relations, University of Central Florida
Fun fact: I spent a summer living in Argentina as a Fulbright Scholar.
Marika Koch
Assistant Director
Responsibilities: HIP Service-Learning Lead, Program Manager for the Knight Shadow Program
Education: EdD in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Central Florida; Masters in Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University; Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, San Diego State University
Fun fact: I love to travel and my mom is from Greece.
Madhvi Acharya
Instructional Specialist
Responsibilities: Experiential Learning liaison to the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL) and UCF Global. My role includes instructing internship courses, advising students on internships, employer development and providing guidance and support to the liaison areas.
Education: aster of Arts degree in Higher, Adult, and lifelong Education and Bachelor of Art’s degree in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University
Fun fact: I speak five languages and enjoy traveling!
Estrella Rodriguez
Instructional Specialist
Responsibilities: HIP Global Learning and Integrative-Learning Experience Faculty Lead. International Faculty for the Internship Course offered at the Study Abroad Centers. HIP Facilitator for Faculty Summer Institute and HIP Showcase.
Education: PhD in Linguistics – Florida State University; Masters in Second Language Education –McGill University; BA in English & American Literature – University of Havana
Fun fact: I have a kid who adores hockey!
Veronica Cusick
Experiential Learning Specialist
Responsibilities: Experiential Learning liaison for: College of Science, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Community Innovation & Education, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Orlando Health, Advent Health, The Washington Center, UCF Arboretum
Education: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, American College of Education; Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Central Florida
Fun fact: I love tap dancing!
Wendy Garcia
Administrative Assistant II
Responsibilities: Provide administrative support to the Experiential Learning staff and faculty, including assistance with travel expenses, managing schedules, and assisting with marketing initiatives. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Call Center at the Dixon Career Development Center, while also supervising Federal Work-Study employees.
Education: COSS (Certified Occupational Safety Specialist)
Fun fact: I love gardening!