Annette Tomory, PhD

I am a learning designer with nearly 25 years of experience in education, curriculum development, and performance-focused learning design. My career began in 2000 as a high school chemistry teacher, where I developed a deep appreciation for how well-designed learning experiences can transform complex information into meaningful understanding. Over time, my passion for improving how people learn led me to pursue advanced study in learning science, earning a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and later a Doctorate in Learning Design and Technology.

During my doctoral work, I joined Purdue University North Central, where I served as a liaison supporting high school instructors delivering concurrent enrollment (dual credit) courses. I later became the Academic Director of Concurrent Enrollment, overseeing curriculum alignment, faculty collaboration, and program quality across the university and partner high schools. This role strengthened my ability to conduct needs assessments, collaborate with subject matter experts, evaluate learning outcomes, and design scalable learning solutions—skills that directly translate to modern instructional design and corporate learning environments.

Throughout my career, I have focused on creating engaging, learner-centered experiences that move beyond passive instruction and toward practical application. I design interactive learning solutions using tools such as Articulate Storyline and apply evidence-based learning strategies, including scenario-based learning, microlearning, gamification, and performance support resources. My work emphasizes helping learners build knowledge they can confidently apply in real-world situations.

Recently, I have been expanding my portfolio to demonstrate how these approaches translate into workplace learning—developing modules focused on onboarding, product knowledge, policy interpretation, and procedural training. I am particularly interested in designing learning that helps organizations close knowledge gaps, improve performance, and support employees as they learn new systems, processes, and technologies.

At the core of my work is a simple belief: effective learning design should make complex information clearer, more engaging, and easier to apply. I am excited to bring my background in learning science, research, and instructional design to organizations that value thoughtful, evidence-based learning experiences.