Our Staff

Doireann Renzi is the assistant director of faculty initiatives at CNDLS. Having moved to the U.S. from Cork, Ireland, Doireann went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Education and Human Development from the University of Maryland with a particular focus on the impacts of poverty, culture, and cooperative communication on language development and learning. 

With over a decade of experience in the higher ed classroom, she prioritizes interactive and scenario-based learning and creating classes in collaboration with students. Having done her postdoctoral training in faculty development and higher education administration, she has worked on faculty development with hundreds of faculty, including most recently at UMD’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. 

In her role at CNDLS, she is passionate about supporting faculty in reaching their pedagogical goals and creating meaningful learning experiences for all of their students including designing engaging classes, how to effectively gather and use feedback, and running the curriculum enrichment grant program. She also loves utilizing her research and analytical skills to drive evidence-based improvements to curriculum and course design. 

Outside of the office, she can be found enjoying a walk outside, practicing yoga, laughing with friends and family, shouting in support of the Irish rugby team, and nursing a hot cup of tea. She lives in Washington, DC with her lovely husband and cats.