Dr. Maren Deepwell
Independent consultant FRSA, SCMALT
marendeepwellcoaching.com
Dr Maren Deepwell is an award-winning independent consultant, working with organisations and leaders in education and the not-for-profit sector as a strategic advisor and executive coach. Dr Deepwell’s particular interest lies in how human beings relate to technology, with a focus on holistic approaches to blended learning and working, digital skills and sustainability. From 2012-23 Dr Deepwell served as the Chief Executive of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), the UK’s leading professional body for Learning Technology.
Dr. Rene Kizilcec
Associate Professor, Cornell University; Director, Future of Learning Lab
rene.kizilcec.com
Rene Kizilcec is an Associate Professor of Information Science, a graduate field member in Communication and Physics, and the founding director of the Future of Learning Lab at Cornell University. Rene’s research is on the use and impact of technology in formal and informal learning environments (college classes, online degree programs, mobile learning, professional development, MOOCs, etc.) and scalable interventions to broaden participation and reduce achievement gaps. His recent work is on academic progress and algorithmic transparency and fairness in predictive analytics in higher education.
Rene is also known for his research on understanding and supporting learners in online courses. He also works on developing methods for the design and analysis of experiments. His recent work examined the consequences of social identity threat, self-regulation, trust, and cultural differences on individual behaviour and performance using longitudinal field experiments. He leverages techniques from data mining, machine learning, and natural language processing to examine behaviour and motivation, reveal heterogeneous treatment effects, and inform user-centred design.
Trish McCluskey
Associate Professor and Director of Digital Learning, Deakin University.
Trish McCluskey is Associate Professor and Director of Digital Learning at Deakin University, where she leads the design and evolution of digital and physical learning environments that support student success and belonging.
With more than 30 years’ experience across the health and higher education sectors, Trish’s work focuses on accessibility, equity, and human-centred learning design. She has received multiple awards for teaching, innovation, and leadership, though her core focus remains the everyday work of removing barriers, supporting quality learning, and asking critical questions about the purpose of higher education in a rapidly changing world.
At ASCILITE 2026, Trish brings a thoughtful and compassionate perspective on the future of digital learning in the age of AI. Her work challenges the sector to move beyond efficiency and scale alone, and instead design learning experiences that foster connection, care, resilience, and genuine human presence in both physical and virtual spaces.