Dr. Ackerman is the Principal Investigator for the UK SimLab and is an Associate Professor of Special Education at the University of Kentucky. She researches effective methods to teach and support in-service and pre-service teachers as they master evidence-based and high leverage practices in applied settings with learners who have learning and behavior disabilities. She is passionate about sharing resources on best practices. She has served as PI or Co-PI on 15 grants and sub-awards totaling over $3 million. Dr. Ackerman publishes and presents nationally on her work on teacher training. She serves the state and field in numerous ways: PI for the IHE Special Education Consortium, and associate editor for Rural Special Education Quarterly and the KY Teacher Education Journal. She enjoys gardening with her chickens, hiking with her family, and fostering for the Lexington Humane Society. 

Dr. Gassaway serves as the Portal Administrator and Head Simulation Specialist at the UK SimLab. Dr. Gassaway has managed numerous federally funded research projects at UK over the past 20 years. Most recently, she managed two IES grants in the last 12 years awarded to PI-Brian Bottge (i.e., Efficacy and Replication Goal [2009; R324A090179]; Measurement Goal [2015; R324A150035]). Dr. Gassaway has assisted with software development, database development and management, and development of scoring protocols in math assessment. When not behind the computer, you can find Dr. Gassaway searching creek beds for fossils, gardening, or in her shop creating an amazing piece of functional art.

Brady is a junior at the University of Kentucky working toward a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and is an active member of our team. In his role as a simulation specialist, he supports the coordination of educational simulations and helps with various office tasks. On campus, Brady stays involved through his participation with the Best Buddies organization, the UKY Pre-Dental Society, and by serving as a College of Arts & Sciences ambassador. In his free time, he enjoys working out, going on hikes, and spending time with friends. 

Aden is a graduate student working towards a Master of Arts in Teaching in the Secondary STEM Education program and a Master of Science in Education in the Learning Design and Technology program. In his role as a simulation specialist, he supports the facilitation of simulations and office tasks. Outside of school, he is involved with the American Chemical Society Division of ChemED and ChemED X. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and taking his dog Penelope on adventures.  

Ethan was a member of our team in 2025- 2026 and was an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky. As a simulation specialist he aided in the management of educational simulations and helped around the office

Erin is a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky and was a member of our team from 2023-2025. As the teaching assistant for the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education, she is the primary Simulation Specialist for the pre-service teachers at UK and assists with scenario development. 

Joey was a member of our team from 2024-2025 and was an Undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky studying computer science. As a simulation specialist he aided in the management of educational simulations and helped around the office. He has also worked as a Student Technology Specialist assisting students and faculty with common technology issues on campus. Away from computers he enjoys sports, cooking new foods, and running outside. 

Sharon Manikya served as a Simulation Specialist for the UK SimLab in 2023-2024. She is a dynamic, experienced, and certified teacher who has more than 10 years educating and training students using contemporary and innovative methods.  While she enjoyed her work, the desire to make a difference beyond regular teaching methodologies inspired her to pursue a Master's degree in Special Education, in addition to her Master of Science in Psychology, Master of Education, Master of English Literature, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Computers. She knows teaching students with various disabilities will bring great fulfillment and deepen her passion for education. Hence, she traveled to the University of Kentucky where she is completing a Master of Science in Special Education. Her favorite hobby is gardening and she loves to spend time with her family and her plants.

Mursion powers our technology and helps us to create the learning experiences we offer.