UC's CECH welcomes eight new faculty members for the 2026-27 academic year

Scott James Meyer is an assistant professor of law and paralegal studies in the School of Criminal Justice. He has taught paralegal studies at several colleges and universities across the U.S., most recently serving as program director of paralegal studies and assistant professor at Sam Houston State University. Before entering academia, he practiced criminal defense law in Birmingham, Alabama, where one of his cases became the subject of a Netflix documentary series. He has also performed across the country as a stand-up comedian. Meyer holds a master’s degree from Yale University, a Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law, an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Glasgow, and a PhD from the University of Glasgow. He is the author of BlueBloody: Motivational Memoirs of an Ivy League High School Dropout. An avid traveler, he has visited 45 countries and counting.

Jenna Hurlburt received her bachelor’s degree in special education from the Ohio State University, a master's degree from Pennsylvania State University, and a PhD from the Ohio State University. Her scholarship and professional interests focus on supporting students with disabilities in educational settings. This fall, she is teaching the seminar: Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Educational Needs and Literacy Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention. Hurlburt is passionate about helping future educators develop the knowledge and skills needed to create engaging and effective learning environments for a variety of learners.

Alexis (Lex) Hunter is an assistant professor of human development and community engagement. She earned her PhD at the University of Colorado, Boulder with a dual focus in Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice (EFPP) and Learning Sciences & Human Development (LSHD). During her doctoral studies, she was awarded the NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship. Hunter’s research explores the challenges and possibilities of partnering with young people and communities. As a scholar, Hunter examines how antiblackness and ongoing, unresolved grief informs young people’s visions and practices of fairness for everyone in society. Her scholarship grapples with what it means for community-engaged scholars to collaborate with Black youth and communities of color while also taking seriously the unceasing systemic catastrophes that shape our lives. This fall Hunter is teaching Introduction to Human Development. As a triplet her identity as a multiple guides her understandings of care, community and our shared interconnectedness.

Jennifer Jihae Park is an assistant professor of instructional design and technology. She earned her PhD in Instructional Systems Technology with minors in Inquiry Methodology and Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management at Indiana University. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, innovations in the workplace, AI ethics and regulations, and professional education. Early in her career, she was a business analyst and market research consultant at multinational companies. Park is an award-winning scholar, receiving the AECT Young Researcher Award, AHRD Esworthy Malcolm S. Knowles Dissertation Award, and ISPI Distinguished Dissertation Award. This semester, she is teaching IDT 7130 Applications and Issues of Teaching with Technology.

Briana Trager is a former elementary educator who began her career teaching at a STEM-focused school. She later served as a district STEM director, working alongside K-12 math and science teachers to support engaging and meaningful STEM learning. She earned her PhD in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences from NC State University, with an emphasis on elementary science and engineering education. Trager is an educator and STEM leader committed to increasing access to high-quality learning experiences for young children that spark a love for learning and STEM. This fall, she will be teaching ELEM 4014 – Primary Science Methods in the elementary education program. Having grown up in St. Louis, she is excited to return to her Midwest roots and become a part of the Cincinnati community. 

Kim Gregory (EdD, BCBA) is excited to join UC as an assistant professor- educator in the Behavior Analysis program. This fall, she is teaching foundational courses in Applied Behavior Analysis as well as Behavioral Supervision and Ethics in ABA. Gregory is a proud alum of the ABA program at UC and earned her Doctor of Education in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive clinical and supervisory experience serving children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities across home, school and community settings. Her professional interests include behavior analytic supervision, compassionate and assent-based care, and the development of organizational systems that promote evidence-based practice, treatment integrity and the ongoing professional development of clinical staff. Her research has focused on developing compassionate care skills in paraprofessionals using behavioral skills training. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her daughters at their sporting events, traveling and searching for great restaurants.

Kristina Latta-Landefeld is in the dissertation phase of her PhD through UC's Health Promotion and Education program. Latta-Landefeld serves as the president of the Ohio Prevention Professionals Association Board of Directors and holds an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist credential. She has been practicing prevention for 10 years at Envision Partnerships. Prior to that, she was a rowing coach and administrator at various community and college programs. Latta-Landefeld lives with her family in West Chester, Ohio. 

Cory Scheadler earned his bachelor’s degree from Wright State and his master’s and PhD from the Ohio State University, all in exercise science. He has worked in higher education for over a decade, spanning teaching, research and program leadership. Outside of academia, Scheadler has worked as a clinical exercise physiologist in a heart and vascular clinic, managed ECG data collection for pharmaceutical trials, and even served as an assistant coach for his kids’ cross‑country and soccer teams. This fall he is teaching Lifestyle and Athletic Performance (EXSC 2030), Adapting Exercise for Special Populations (EXSC 4060), and Human Pathophysiology and Performance (EXSC 7002). Cory once ran from Cleveland to Columbus in two days (125 miles) with friends while attempting to cross Ohio to raise money for cystic fibrosis research and, though it's been 13 years, his knee still hasn't forgiven him. He lives in Bethel, Ohio, with his wife and two children.