“I see my role as one that helps organizations and individuals grow—through systems thinking, digital strategy, and authentic learning design. I’ve walked the path of practitioner, innovator, and educator—and I carry those experiences forward in everything I do.” Dr. Deri Draper-Amason, PhD

Dr. Deri Draper-Amason is a systems thinker and a leader in performance improvement, best known for her pioneering work in maturity model development and the digitization of maturity model frameworks. With over two decades of experience driving organizational change across corporate and higher education sectors, she has dedicated her career to building learning organizations from the ground up.

As an expert in Instructional Systems Design and Design Thinking, Dr. Draper-Amason brings deep expertise in strategic planning, performance gap analysis, instructional design, and workplace knowledge creation. Her pragmatic experience spans the full instructional design lifecycle, including e-learning, classroom strategies, and hybrid delivery models—always with a strong focus on performance improvement and organizational learning.

Her body of work has made significant contributions to the fields of:

  • Maturity Model Development

  • Organizational Change & Development

  • Performance Improvement Strategies

  • Knowledge Management

  • Online Learning & Instructional Technologies

  • Faculty Development & Open Educational Resources (OER)

  • Communities of Practice & Informal Learning

  • E-learning Capability Analysis in Higher Education and Corporate Contexts

A Scholar-Practitioner with Impact

Dr. Deri Draper-Amason is a Research Assistant Professor at Old Dominion University’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) and a core contributor to the Virginia Digital Maritime Center (VDMC). Her current research is focused on Industry 4.0, particularly the digitization of maturity model frameworks, data analytics, and digital transformation strategies that guide performance improvement across sectors.

At the forefront of innovation, Dr. Draper-Amason’s work bridges theory and practice by integrating human-centric design with advanced modeling and simulation to help organizations adapt, evolve, and thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. She is a recognized thought leader in instructional systems design, strategic planning, and workforce performance optimization.

Academic Background

  • Ph.D. & M.Ed., Instructional Systems – Pennsylvania State University

  • B.A., Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Art – Temple University

Publications & Research

Dr. Draper-Amason’s publications focus on:

  • The integration of maturity models into learning ecosystems

  • Designing Performance Improvement strategies on individual, group, and organizational levels

  • Collaborative instructional strategies that foster critical thinking

  • Designing learning environments that promote performance improvement

  • Enabling authentic practice and high-impact educational strategies

She conducts ongoing research in AI-infused maturity models, digital transformation, and the future of learning organizations. Her work continues to shape how performance improvement and instructional systems evolve in the digital era.

Explore her publications and current projects by clicking the button below.

Research & Specializations

Dr. Draper-Amason’s research explores the intersection of human performance technology, AI-infused maturity models, and the strategic application of digital technologies in learning and workforce development. Her current projects at VMASC and VDMC include:

  • Developing digital maturity model frameworks to assess readiness for Industry 4.0

  • Applying data analytics to drive actionable performance improvements

  • Leading efforts in technology integration for learning ecosystems and knowledge sharing

A Systems Thinker Rooted in Real-World Experience

Life is a journey—and for Dr. Draper-Amason, it has been a rich collection of professional experiences that inform her practice every day. Her career began in the automotive industry, where she worked across retail, training, manufacturing, and corporate development. She also gained entrepreneurial insights through her work with venture-capital-funded startups and manufacturing firms, experiences that gave her a grounded, pragmatic approach to solving performance and learning challenges.

This real-world foundation continues to shape her academic and research contributions, especially in the design and implementation of systems that support organizational learning, digital maturity, and strategic transformation.

Impact at Old Dominion University

Dr. Draper-Amason brings a unique perspective to her roles at ODU and VDMC. She has played a critical role in shaping institution-wide initiatives including:

  • Digital Ecosystem Readiness and Maturity Model Assessment

  • Performance Improvement Strategies

  • Integrated Learning and Instructional Innovation

  • Cutting Edge Instructional Technologies

  • Micro-Learning Technology infused with self-regulated learning

Her work not only supports the broader transformation initiatives that align with the university's mission to lead in modeling, simulation, and digital innovation.