People

James B. McGee, MD
Director, Laboratory for Educational Technology
Assistant Dean for Medical Education Technology
mcgee@medschool.pitt.edu

Associate Professor of MedicineDr. McGee is Director of the Laboratory for Educational Technology.  He oversees the Lab, defines the Lab’s educational and strategic vision, and selects new projects and initiatives.  He lectures, presents, and disseminates the Lab’s work at national and international conferences.  He also participates in the design and development of Lab technologies.  Dr. McGee is a practicing gastroenterologist.

Jane Alexander
Senior Project Manager
jaa104@pitt.edu

Jane Alexander has been a member of the Lab for Educational Technology since its inception in 2002.  She is the Senior Project Manager and is responsible for the oversight and coordination of web-based software design, code development, testing and implementation.  She oversees project requirements and analysis from the Lab’s customers and leads the team in producing creative and educationally sound technology solutions.

Chris Toth
Software Developer
ctoth@medschool.pitt.edu

Chris Toth is a full stack software developer at the Laboratory for Educational Technology. He develops, implements and maintains both frontend and backend solutions for Lab applications such as Navigator, Learning Log, and vpSim. In addition, Chris develops API solutions for media delivery platforms such as Mediasite and Panopto. Chris also designs and develops data driven reports for Lab clients using SQL Server Reporting Services and other reporting tools.

Franklin Peiffer
Education Systems Manager
frp13@pitt.edu

Franklin Peiffer joined the Lab for Educational Technology in 2020.  He was instrumental in assisting the School of Medicine transition to online learning during the pandemic.  Franklin provides excellent technology support to our users, and assists course directors with Navigator and other systems managed by the Lab.  Additionally, Franklin heads up the Student Technology Group (iTech) meetings and serves as the Lab’s primary point of contact with students, faculty and staff.  

Heidi Yarnal
Administrator
hyarnal@medschool.pitt.edu

Heidi Yarnal is the Administrator for the Laboratory for Educational Technology. She works directly with the Lab’s Director, Dr. James B. McGee, to carry out the goals and objectives of the Lab.  She manages all aspects of the Lab’s operations including but not limited to: purchasing, negotiating licenses and prices, planning and executing physical plant changes, and all accounting.