Suzan Orwell
Seattle And London ,WA
Summary
Accomplished educator and researcher in learning and development with 20 years in higher education and professional training. Expertise includes instructional design, usability, accessibility, and program evaluation. Led research on government-funded projects across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, enhancing learning outcomes through innovative design and collaboration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Learning and Development Consultant
Foreign Ministry in Oman
Muscat
2023.07 - 2025.04
- Designed and delivered curriculum and training programmes for diplomatic staff focused on policy engagement, communication skills and professional development.
- Developed blended and online learning solutions using virtual learning environments and digital education tools to support flexible training delivery.
- Applied curriculum design and instructional design principles to create structured, outcomes-based learning programmes aligned with institutional priorities.
- Used learning analytics and impact assessment methods to evaluate training effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
- Led agile project management approaches to design, implement and refine learning initiatives in collaboration with stakeholders.
- Conducted qualitative analysis to identify learning needs and improve programme relevance and participant outcomes.
- Delivered workshops and facilitated cross-cultural communication training for diverse international cohorts.
- Supported digital transformation of learning provision through the use of e-learning tools, LMS platforms and online content systems.
- Managed stakeholder engagement and worked with senior representatives to align training with diplomatic and organisational objectives.
- Produced digital learning content, including blogs and online resources, to enhance participant engagement and knowledge sharing.
- Led and supported multidisciplinary teams in the design and delivery of high-quality learning interventions.
Senior Lecturer Technology Enhanced Learning
Kingston University
London
2015.12 - 2023.09
- Led technology-enhanced learning and staff development initiatives for more than 2,000 University staff, strengthening digital capability, teaching quality and student engagement across the institution.
- Designed and delivered inclusive undergraduate, postgraduate and staff development programmes focused on digital learning, assessment, feedback, curriculum innovation and Kingston’s Future Skills agenda.
- Managed online staff development through Canvas and led Faculty of Business training and technical support, improving staff confidence and adoption of digital learning technologies.
- Delivered workshops, module support, one-to-one coaching and large-scale training on learning design, blended learning and inclusive teaching practices.
- Introduced flipped learning, peer learning and other evidence-based pedagogical approaches to enhance teaching effectiveness and the student learning experience.
- Provided academic leadership in curriculum planning, module delivery and the development of innovative learning and assessment practices.
- Mentored and supported a diverse staff and student community through academic guidance, digital skills development and technology-enhanced learning support.
- Led the development and implementation of the University’s e-portfolio systems to support assessment, reflective learning and professional development.
- Worked collaboratively with HR, academic departments and senior leadership teams to shape long-term learning and development strategies and support institutional priorities.
- Developed evaluation frameworks and analysed engagement and training data to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Applied emerging and AI-driven technologies to enhance learning design, assessment methods and feedback opportunities.
- Contributed to Higher Education pedagogy initiatives, knowledge exchange and innovation in learning and teaching practice.
Instructional Design Consultant
‘IN2IT’ H2020 European Project
London, United Kingdom
2016.01 - 2019.01
- Developed instructional design strategies and user experience principles that enhanced MOOC development.
- Led the planning, management, and evaluation of a pilot project involving 13 universities across six countries.
- Designed and implemented evaluation frameworks using surveys and focus groups to effectively assess learning impact.
- Structured and developed online courses on the Moodle platform, promoting effective learner engagement and accessibility.
Academic e-learning Developer
Kingston University
London, United Kingdom
2006.09 - 2015.12
- Collaborated with academics to design and deliver interactive, pedagogically sound web-based learning materials, enhancing learner engagement through HTML, CSS, and jQuery.
- Led the adoption of Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) through Xerte and Glo Maker to improve content scalability.
- Developed digital training resources and workshops with Adobe Captivate and Camtasia, equipping educators with innovative teaching tools.
- Advised on digital assessment design and integration to enhance learner engagement.
- Designed and maintained instructional websites, customizing WordPress and ELGG platforms to improve accessibility and user experience for diverse learners.
Lecturer in Computer Science
Kingston University
London, United Kingdom
2011.01 - 2014.12
- Designed the curriculum, module guide, and teaching materials for over 600 undergraduate courses in HTML and Internet Programming.
- Delivered 60 lectures, labs, and tutorials to enhance learning experience for 120 students per semester.
- Developed assessments and facilitated weekly workshops covering HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Created and delivered four engaging courses, offering actionable feedback in person and online to support student success.
- Led full module lifecycle, ensuring comprehensive curriculum design, delivery, assessment, evaluation, and presentation of results at examination boards.
Web Developer
University of the Arts
London, United Kingdom
2005.04 - 2006.09
- Developed user-friendly websites for academic programs and events.
- Maintained and updated university web platforms regularly.
- Trained staff on content management system usage effectively.
Education
Ph.D. - Digital Education At Dyson School of Engineering
Imperial College London
London United Kingdom 2026-01
Master of Arts - Educational Technology
Lancaster University
Lancaster, United Kingdom 2018-09
Master of Science - User Interaction Design
Kingston University
London, United Kingdom 2011-01
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Kingston University
London, United Kingdom 2003-07
Skills
Key Skills
- Curriculum Design
- Instructional Design
- Learning Analytics
- Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs)
- Assessment and Feedback Design
- Impact Evaluation and Data Analysis
- Agile Project Management
- Qualitative Research and Analysis
- Team Leadership and Staff Development
- Cross Cultural Communication
- Digital Content and Blogging Platforms
- Online and Blended Learning
Certification
Professional Scrum Master II (PSM II)
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Learning and Development Consultant
Foreign Ministry in Oman
2023.07 - 2025.04
Instructional Design Consultant
‘IN2IT’ H2020 European Project
2016.01 - 2019.01
Senior Lecturer Technology Enhanced Learning
Kingston University
2015.12 - 2023.09
Lecturer in Computer Science
Kingston University
2011.01 - 2014.12
Academic e-learning Developer
Kingston University
2006.09 - 2015.12
Web Developer
University of the Arts
2005.04 - 2006.09
Ph.D. - Digital Education At Dyson School of Engineering
Imperial College London
Master of Arts - Educational Technology
Lancaster University
Master of Science - User Interaction Design
Kingston University
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Kingston University