Hilary’s Bio

Hilary Schmidt is an instructional designer with Open Learning at Thompson Rivers University. She is passionate about online and open learning, with particular interests in trauma-informed educational practice and evidence-informed learning design. Her latest research publication, focusing on the experience of complex trauma survivors as open/online postsecondary learners, is with the Journal of Trauma Studies in Education.

Hilary’s professional background encompasses prior roles as an instructor, curriculum developer, and learning strategist at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. She has also worked as an instructional designer, learning and development lead, and manager of learning and development and research in the healthcare and engineering/construction fields. She is a PhD student in educational studies (educational technology focus) at the University of Victoria and holds an MEd in Open, Digital, and Distance Education (Athabasca University), a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Technology-Based Learning (Athabasca University), and a BA in Honours English (Simon Fraser University). Follow Hilary’s research journey on ResearchGate.

Away from work, Hilary supports her spirit by spending time in nature, reading, and exploring areas of natural beauty on her motorcycle.