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I design learning systems that help people solve complex problems and change how they work.
Most of my work sits in the space between instructional design and performance. I’m less interested in content alone and more focused on what actually changes as a result. What people do differently. What improves.
That shift in perspective started while I was developing a course on complex problems at St. Thomas University. One idea stuck with me and has shaped how I approach my work ever since.
Complex problems require systems solutions.
Since then, I’ve designed over 70 learning experiences with that idea in mind. The goal is always the same. Not just learning, but better performance, better decisions, and real outcomes.
I've designed 70+ learning solutions, delivering accessibility & results.
I joined St. Thomas University in 2023 as an instructional designer, collaborating with faculty to create accessible academic and professional courses. My work focused on curriculum development, outcome mapping, and accessibility that improved usability and learner experience.
I began working with RU Institute as a freelance instructional designer in 2024. Recently, I developed a series of compliance training courses for nursing home staff, covering topics such as administrative staffing expectations, patient safety, observational skills, and care plan documentation requirements.
Prior to becoming an instructional designer, I was a musician and music teacher. In fact, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music from Rutgers University in 2020. Studying music instilled in me the discipline, work ethic, creative mindset, and systems thinking that I needed to make great instruction. Between 2016 and 2022, I gained experience teaching music to virtually all age levels and walks of life.
Structured for clarity. Designed for people. Built for real-world performance.
Strategic. Accessible. Refined. Human
Closing gaps in learning, performance, and experience.
Grounded in learning science, universal design, and task-centered instruction.
Music of all kinds, CrossFit, dogs (especially Rocky, the handsome man in the banner image), and spending time with my favorite people.
Hover over each card to learn about the services I offer:
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I use research-backed design principles like Merrill’s First Principles and the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model to close knowledge and skill gaps.
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I oversee end-to-end development of learning solutions, leading teams to ensure quality and effectiveness.
I leverage AI to empower learners to practice real-world skills in rewarding environments.
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Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Performance improvement & AI bridge the gap for exceptional gastroenterology physician onboarding.Cite: Rudnick, J. D., Jr, Back, M. J., Turner, J. A., Jr, & Vezina, M. L. (2024). Performance Improvement and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Emerge to Bridge the Gap for Exceptional Gastroenterology Physician Onboarding. Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, 22(8), 1561–1564. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2024.05.019
Academic Leader
How performance improvement tools & generative AI can improve faculty-instructional designer collaboration.Cite: Rudnick, J. D., Jr., Back, M. J., & Bandy, K. (2024, August 5). How performance improvement tools and generative AI can improve faculty–instructional designer collaboration. Academic Leader. https://www.academic-leader.com/topics/curriculum-planning/how-performance-improvement-tools-and-generative-ai-can-improve-faculty-instructional-designer-collaboration/
Academic Leader
Combining Universal Design for Learning and AI to enhance instructional design.Cite: Back, M. J., & Rudnick, J. D., (2025, June 16). Combining Universal Design for Learning and AI to enhance instructional design. Academic Leader. https://www.academicleader.com/topics/curriculum-planning/combining-universal-design-for-learningand-ai-to-enhance-instructional-design/
