Faculty

Benjamin Kohler

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

David Kopec

Biography

David Kopec joined the faculty at Champlain College in 2016 after five years in the startup world. He served both as a co-founder and as a consultant to early stage tech companies with a concentration in iOS app development. David developed a passion for computer science education which led him to author the introductory programming book “Dart for Absolute Beginners” (Apress, 2014) on Google’s emerging language. In parallel, he worked part time as adjunct faculty in New York while running his consulting practice.

David is active in the open source community as the author of several popular Swift data structure projects. He is the author of the “Classic Computer Science Problems” book series, which includes “Classic Computer Science Problems in Swift” (Manning, 2018), “Classic Computer Science Problems in Python” (Manning, 2019), and “Classic Computer Science Problems in Java” (Manning, 2020). An avid podcaster, he has served both as a guest and host on multiple podcast series. A native of New England, David has lived throughout the United States, Canada, and England. He holds an AB in Economics from Dartmouth College, an MS in Computer Science from Dartmouth, and an Executive MBA from Quantic School of Business & Technology.

Publications & Abstracts

Classic Computer Science Problems in Python
Classic Computer Science Problems in Java
Classic Computer Science Problems in Swift
Dart for Absolute Beginners

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

Kopec Explains Software podcast
Business Books & Co. podcast

Favorite Quote

“The journey is the reward.”
― Chinese Proverb

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Leslye Kornegay

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Nicholas Kornek

Distinctions & Awards

Innovation Award – MIGF 2015, Official Selection – Alt.Ctrl.GDC 2015, Official Selection – TIFF Nuit Blanche 2015, Finalist Best Interactive Experience – NUMIX 2017

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Fred Kosnitsky

Biography

Fred’s academic background is in the biological/ecological sciences and the environmental studies realm. He has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Williams College, has studied Ecology at the graduate level at Dartmouth College, and has a Masters degree in environmental law and policy from the Environmental Law Center of Vermont Law School.

For the past four decades he has been involved in the environmental arena as a Board member of groups such as Vermont Earth Institute, the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, 350vermont.org, and the Voice of the Potash Brook Watershed. He has written columns on nature and the environment for the Vermont Times, The Other Paper in South Burlington, and the Saint Albans Messenger. He is currently a member of the South Burlington Energy Committee. Fred has taught at Community College of Vermont since 1983, and has joined Champlain College as an adjunct in 2023.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Marcelle Langan

Biography

Marcelle Langan is an award-winning marketing writer, author, and mom. She is the Director of Institutional Marketing & Web Services at Champlain College and an Adjunct Professor for Champlain College Online. She has been at Champlain College since 2008 and previously held the titles of Director of Web Services; Director of Creative Services: Undergraduate Brand Manager, among others.

Prior to joining the marketing team at Champlain College, Marcelle founded and ran WordBroker Communications, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in marketing and advertising—primarily for startup operations. In addition to running WordBroker Communications, Marcelle held the position of Vice President of Content/Editorial Director of Tavolo, Inc.—a dot.com that was once the largest branded specialty retailer of premium foods and kitchenware on the Internet—where she was responsible for producing the site’s deep content components.

Before being swept up by the dot.com frenzy, Marcelle held the position of Editor-in-Chief of Eating Well magazine. Eating Well was a consumer health title with a circulation of 650,000 gourmet-cooking fans. She also helped launch and was Managing Editor of Food Arts, at one time, the premier trade magazine to America’s finest restaurants and hotels.

Marcelle lives in Burlington, Vermont. Her three grown children are awesome, and her dog, Hiccup—a Pembroke Corgi—keeps her vastly entertained.

Distinctions & Awards

2020 Champlain College John Lavallee Innovation Award “Champlain College Online Website”
2018 CASE Circle of Excellence Bronze Award Director of Digital Strategy: “This is Your Future”
Champlain College Class of 2022 admissions package
2017 Champlain College John Lavallee Innovation Award “New Campus Visit Experience”
2014 Gold CASE District I Excellence Awards “Champlain.edu Redesign”
2014 Champlain College John Lavallee Innovation Award “College Website Redesign”

Publications & Abstracts

Marcelle’s first book, The Big Sister’s Guide to the World of Work, was published by Simon and Schuster in January 2006. She has ghostwritten eight cookbooks, two for Royal Caribbean cruise line, five for Holland America Line, and one for Carnival Cruises. She also ghost wrote a biography of Dolly Farnsworth, one of the original homesteaders in Alaska. The book is called Immigrant’s Daughter: The Extraordinary Life of Alaskan Pioneer Dolly Farnsworth.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Michael Lange

Biography

Michael Lange is an anthropologist and folklorist, specializing in narrative, food, and identity. He has done ethnographic fieldwork in Scotland, Morocco, Norway, the US, and Canada. His books include Norwegian Scots and Many Meanings of Maple.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Al Larsen

Biography

Al Larsen is a media artist and writer whose work engages with ideas of public space and populist uses of media technologies. He works in and across multiple media and processes including programmable technologies, textiles, performance, audio production and printmaking. His work has shown in festivals in the US and internationally and his writing on popular culture, art and performance has appeared in P-Queue, Careless Talk Costs Lives, Plan B and The Squealer. He directs toe Creative Media BFA program at Champlain College.

Distinctions & Awards

Residencies:
– Center for Machine Arts, Peekskill, NY
– Burlington City Arts, Burlington, VT
– Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center, Buffalo, NY
– International Artist Exchange Residency, City of Glasgow, Scotland

Favorite Quote

“Find a place you trust and then try trusting it for a while.”

—Corita Kent

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Alan Larson

Biography

Alan Larson has worked in Information Technology for the past 30 years; he opened his own IT firm in 2001. He graduated from Seminole State College in 1999 with a degree in Networking Engineering Technology. Then continued to Champlain College to complete his bachelor’s in cybersecurity and then his master’s in information security management. Mr. Larson has Professional certifications from Microsoft, Novell, CompTIA, EC Council, and ISC2. He was chairman of the Mid Florida Tech Computer Systems Technology Advisory Committee, the Seminole Advisory Board Council, and an Orlando Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. Mr. Larson now works with The Department of Veterans Affairs, managing vulnerabilities.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Hacking: The Art of Exploitation, 2nd Edition by Jon Erickson
• Mind Hacking (How to Change Your Mind for Good in 21 Days)
• Hacking the Hacker Learn From the Experts Who Take Down Hackers by Roger A. Grimes

Favorite Quote

“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

—Rocky Balboa

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Melinda Lathrop

Biography

Melinda Lathrop is a seasoned digital marketing and communications expert. With a background in events, entertainment, and a passion for sports, Melinda has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing digital experiences across various sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Southern Made, a prominent technology agency based in Nashville, TN, Melinda brings a wealth of experience and innovation to her role. Her expertise lies in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, ensuring brands stay at the forefront of digital innovation.

In addition to her corporate role, Melinda serves as an Adjunct Professor at Champlain College, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with students in the CCM Online division. Through her dynamic teaching style and real-world insights, Melinda aims to inspire the next generation of marketing professionals to excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Melinda holds a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Corporate and Organizational Communication from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Public Relations/Digital Marketing from Champlain College.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

John Lavallee

Biography

Began working at Champlain as a software developer in June 1970. Moved on to Director of the Computer Center. Later promoted to Director of IT. Began teaching for Champlain around 1973, and later became the Division Chair of the Information Systems division. Simultaneously, Selected to head up the Champlain Online program. Retired from Champlain in 2015 and has continued to serve as an adjunct instructor ever since.

Distinctions & Awards

An annual award created in my name hiring the individual or group showing innovation.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Dean Lawson

Biography

Dean Lawson has worked in the Games Industry for nearly 30 years, primarily as a Programmer but also as a Designer, Project Lead, and Director of Programming.

He has worked on 14+ shipped titles, including SimCity Societies, Caesar IV, Majesty, Risk: Global Domination, a number of online board game conversions for Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, and World of Zoo and Club Penguin: EPF: Herbert’s Revenge on the Nintendo DS for THQ and Disney Interactive, respectively. Throughout his career, Dean has focused on game AI and how it helps shape the player experience.

Dean’s other main passion in games is Game Architecture; how to engineer flexible technical frameworks for games. Dean advises at the EMC at Champlain College, as well as working as a contract programmer for a number of game and educational companies. Dean has been teaching at Champlain College since 2010: he previously taught Game Programming and Design at Savannah College of Art and Design.

Dean Lawson earned a BS in Computer Science from Union College in Schenectady, NY and an M.Ed in Secondary School Mathematics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Felipe Lega

Biography

Felipe Lega is the Director of the Animation Program at Champlain College and holds an MFA in Fine Arts with a focus on 3D Animation and Special Effects from Lynn University, USA. Felipe has designed educational models for Champlain College and has taught several classes for the animation and video game programs. He is also currently advising the projection mapping project at the Emergent Media Center, which is being developed in collaboration with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

His teaching methodology is based on motivation, self-realization, and compassion. His work with students always involves mentorship, fostering the development of individuals with strong human and professional capacities. The success of his method is attributed to his faith and motivation in his students and in understanding them as individuals to support them in achieving their desired results.

He was an associate professor at UDEM – Universidad de Monterrey, where he developed and taught several classes in the master’s program in video games and the bachelor’s program in 3D animation and visual effects. He also participated in significant academic projects for this institution, such as the Experience 360 “Lamentos Encontrados” project developed in collaboration with Breda University in the Netherlands. Additionally, he served as an advisor for several award-winning thesis projects and short films.

Felipe was involved for approximately four years in the design, production, and creative direction of animated content for various projection mapping shows across Europe. Notable projects include: the HCA Hans Christian Andersen Festival show in Haderslev, Denmark; the Taastrup Library projection mapping show in Denmark; and the Christmas show at the Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania, among others.

During his industry experience, Felipe has worked as a visual effects artist and 3D animator in different areas of TV post-production and production, including Hasbro toy commercials for Avengers, Spider-Man, and Transformers. He also created special effects for Latin American international series such as Kdabra, Sikis, and Mentes en Shock, and developed 3D animations for Nat Geo and Discovery Channel.

In 2014, he was awarded the YCE (Young Creative Entrepreneur) Award by the British Council in the Broadcasting category, representing his visual effects studio, Entertainment & Visual Arts, at the Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Distinctions & Awards

Rising Star Award – Champlain College, YCE – Young Creative Entrepreneur Award, 2014 British Council.

Favorite Quote

“Imagination is Everything, It is the preview of life’s coming Attractions.” – Albert Einstein

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Kathleen Legg

Biography

After graduating with an Economics degree from Harvard University, Kathleen fell into a career of teaching and has never looked back. Kathleen earned her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Mathematics from University of Colorado, Boulder. She’s taught mathematics to children since “93 in Colorado, Vermont, and internationally in London and the Hague. She also teaches science and in 2014 was recognized as VASE Science Teacher of the year.

Kathleen moved from teaching children in the classroom into a K-8 coaching role for Champlain Valley School District. This experience renewed her passion for math education and the importance of making mathematics meaningful and accessible for all learners. Kathleen has a passion for supporting teachers to be the best teachers of mathematics that they can be, regardless of their own mathematical journey.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Amy Letinsky

Biography

Amy has lived in the Pacific Northwest for most of her life, growing up near the Canadian border in Washington State, in a small farming community. Her love of teaching college classes developed when she taught Journalism and ESL courses at her local community college. She moved to Vermont and taught writing at UVM, and she’s been an instructor at Champlain College since 2005. In 2006, she returned to the Northwest with her husband for his work as a family practice doctor in the Seattle area. She have two daughters, with whom she’s thrilled to be sharing the love of reading and writing.

She enjoys writing for many different circumstances. She’s done a lot of writing for the web (especially blogs), newspaper and magazine articles, and research based essays. Personal essays are her favorite form of writing, but she also writes some short stories, is working on a few non-fiction book projects, and she’s written a couple of novels, including one she wrote several years back for NaNoWriMo (The National Novel Writing Month).

I’m passionate about reading and count among my favorite authors John Milton, Jane Austen, and Neil Gaiman.

When I’m not reading a good book or writing my humble attempt at one, I’m volunteering as an art teacher at a local elementary school, painting with watercolors in my sketchbook somewhere out in nature, tent camping in the woods, running for fun and competition, swimming with my family, fishing for salmon on one of the many majestic Northwest rivers, or kayaking on one of our local lakes with the kids.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page