Profile

Dr. Devon Cadwell Bazata serves as an Associate Lecturer in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at the University of Central Florida (UCF), specializing in interdisciplinary education, sustainability integration across curricula, and innovative teaching approaches. As a Faculty Fellow for Faculty Excellence and a Faculty Senator representing the College of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Cadwell Bazata contributes to university governance and faculty development initiatives.

Her teaching focuses on interdisciplinary studies, leadership, and communication courses, with particular emphasis on high-impact educational practices and experiential learning. Dr. Cadwell Bazata currently leads the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning of AI Faculty Learning Community and serves as a mentor to both students and fellow faculty.

Dr. Cadwell Bazata's research interests include sustainability education, interdisciplinary teaching methodologies, and the integration of AI in higher education. She actively participates in curriculum development, including work on the Bachelor of Integrative General Studies program and leadership initiatives.

Dr. Cadwell Bazata holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from UCF, with a specialization in College Teaching and Leadership, complemented by Master's degrees in TESOL and Journalism. Her professional background in publishing and journalism enriches her academic perspective and informs her interdisciplinary approach to education.

• Sustainability Integration Across Higher Education Curricula
• Interdisciplinary Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
• Educational Technology and AI in Higher Education Pedagogy

• Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Central Florida (2020)
• Master of Arts, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), University of Central Florida (2016)
• Master of Arts, Journalism: News/Editorial, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (2007)
• Bachelor of Science, Journalism, Math minor, University of Kansas, Lawrence (1984)

Certifications

• College Teaching and Leadership Certification (2020)
• NACE Certification (2020), National Association of Colleges & Employers
• Adobe Generation Professional (2016), Digital Creativity Certification

Dr. Devon Cadwell Bazata's research focuses on interdisciplinary education, sustainability integration in higher education curricula, and the application of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. Her work explores innovative pedagogical approaches, curriculum development, and assessment strategies that enhance student learning outcomes across disciplines. Dr. Cadwell Bazata's research is characterized by a commitment to practical applications that improve educational practices at the university level, particularly in interdisciplinary contexts.

Born Digital, Raised AI: Perceptions of AI in traditional and innovative contexts (2024-Present)
Principal Investigator with Co-investigators Hubertz, M., Pratt, D.
This study examines how students and faculty perceive and interact with artificial intelligence in various educational contexts.

Sustainability Across the Disciplines (2022-Present)
Co-Investigator with Plate, R., Hubertz, M., Valdez, C., Malendevych, I.
This research explores approaches to integrating sustainability concepts across various academic disciplines and measures impacts on student learning.

Completed Research Projects

Interdisciplinary Cognitive Toolkit for Industry (2021-2024)
Principal Investigator with Co-investigator Woodill, S.
This study examined the cognitive skills and competencies needed for interdisciplinary work in industry settings.

University Organizational Culture and Strategic Internal Communication about Bachelor of Integrative General Studies (2020-2021)
Principal Investigator
This research investigated how organizational culture influences internal communication strategies for new degree programs.

Inquiry as Practice in the Implementation of a Bachelor of General Studies Degree in the College of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Central Florida (2018-2020)
Principal Investigator
This doctoral dissertation research explored the implementation process of a new degree program.

Rate of change in Non-native English Student's TOEFL Scores (Listening, Reading, Writing) After Six Weeks of Instruction (2014-2015)
Principal Investigator
This study measured the effectiveness of instructional interventions on TOEFL performance among non-native English speakers.

Dr. Devon Cadwell Bazata demonstrates a deep commitment to university governance, faculty development, and disciplinary advancement through varied service roles. Her service contributions span university, college, and departmental levels, with particular emphasis on curriculum development, assessment practices, and faculty mentorship. This service work complements her teaching and research while strengthening institutional effectiveness and student success initiatives.

Dr. Cadwell Bazata currently serves as a Faculty Excellence NTE Faculty Fellow in the Office of the Provost, where she leads the NTE mentoring community and the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning of AI faculty community. She is an elected Faculty Senator for the College of Undergraduate Studies and serves on the Faculty Senate Steering Committee. Her committee work includes the Faculty Excellence Priority-Setting Committee, Faculty Excellence Advisory Committee, and the CUGS Curriculum Committee.

Service to the University/College:

• Faculty Excellence NTE Faculty Fellow, Office of the Provost (2024-Present)
• Faculty Senator for College of Undergraduate Studies (2024-2026)
• Faculty Senate Steering Committee Member (2024-2026)
• Digital Curriculum Innovation Initiative with UCF Digital Learning Center (2023-Present)
• Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) of AI Faculty Learning Community Facilitator (2024-Present)
• Faculty Mentor, College of Undergraduate Studies (2024-Present)
• Manuscript Peer Reviewer for Teaching Online Pedagogical Repository (2022-Present)
• Bylaws & AESP Committee Chair for IDS (2021-Present)
• Program Assessment Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies and Integrative General Studies (2017-Present)
• OEAS Institutional Effectiveness Assessment Administrator for all IDS Academic Degree Programs (2017-Present)

• Teaching Incentive Program (TIP) Award, College of Undergraduate Studies, University of Central Florida, 2025
• Renaissance Award, College of Undergraduate Studies, University of Central Florida, Orlando Florida 2025
• Faculty Excellence NTE Fellowship, University of Central Florida, 2024-2025
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Open Pedagogy Fellowship, United Nations, 2024
• Invited Speaker, Oxford Education Research Symposium, Haris Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, UK, 2025
• Reimagine Education Award, Sustainability Education Literacy Award Shortlist, 2024
• Scholarly Impact Award, College of Undergraduate Studies, University of Central Florida, 2024
• Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, College of Undergraduate Studies, University of Central Florida, 2023
• Digital Curriculum Innovation Initiative Grant, Digital Learning Center, University of Central Florida, 2023
• AIM Award for Affordable Instructional Materials, University of Central Florida's AIM Initiative, 2024
• National Security Innovation Network Capstone Project Pilot Faculty, 2022
• Invited Panelist, Open Ed: Forming Bridges for Lifelong Learning, Division of Digital Learning, University of Central Florida, 2025
• UCF Women Making History Award, University of Central Florida, 2020

IDS 4939: Integrative Studies Senior Seminar
A culminating experience requiring students to demonstrate the ability to integrate methods and materials of their chosen areas of specialization with interdisciplinary skills and perspectives. Typically taught in Fall and Spring semesters.

IDS 4934: Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone
Enhances student awareness of the relationship between academic practice and professional development through applied course projects. Students create a portfolio of work samples and career development materials. Typically taught in Fall and Spring semesters.

IDS 4687: Interdisciplinary Communication
This course helps students develop advanced written and oral communication skills across disciplines and for varied audiences. Students learn to craft messages for academic, professional, and public contexts. Typically taught in Fall and Spring semesters.

IDS 3933: Interdisciplinary Studies Cornerstone
Entry-level course introducing interdisciplinary studies principles and practices. Students explore disciplinary perspectives, critical thinking skills, and integration methods. Typically taught in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

LDR 3115: Contemporary Issues in Leadership
Examines contemporary leadership theories and practices through service-learning experiences. Students analyze leadership challenges across different contexts and engage in community service projects. Typically taught in Fall and Spring semesters.