Cynthia Nebel is the Director of Learning Services at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and an active member of The Learning Scientists. She has authored multiple books and numerous articles on the science of learning. Her expertise in this field has led her to speak internationally about applying scientific principles to education at various levels. She also consults for several EdTech companies, ensuring that their products are evidence-based and enhance student learning and retention. Through her work in both online and in-person educational settings, she tailors her consultations to meet the specific needs of her clients. At EliteX, we are proud to have Cynthia Nebel as part of the edition: Transformational Women in EdTech, 2025.
Dr. Cynthia Nebel | Director | Learning Services
Throughout her career, Cynthia has faced challenges, particularly as a woman in higher education. She has encountered implicit and explicit biases, including being told she was too young for opportunities she was qualified for or that she would not be able to handle certain roles because of her responsibilities as a mother. In some cases, people assumed she could not comprehend the discussions happening around her. While such experiences have been disheartening, she has never allowed them to define her. Instead, she learned early on that she had the power to choose her work environment. She prioritizes working with respectful and collaborative colleagues over holding competitive positions in toxic settings. As a result, she has turned down multiple job offers due to unprofessional or dismissive interviewers rather than the other way around.
“The only limitation in EdTech is human creativity and imagination.”
Cynthia believes that technology holds immense potential for improving student learning by reducing barriers and promoting equity. With the help of machine learning algorithms, learning experiences can be tailored to individual students, addressing their knowledge gaps more effectively. Virtual reality allows students to explore different cultures regardless of their socioeconomic background. Educators now have the ability to create personalized social stories, classroom games, and instructional materials in a matter of seconds, fostering stronger connections with students while boosting motivation and self-efficacy. She sees technology as an evolving force that continuously generates new opportunities to enhance education. According to her, the only limitation is human creativity and imagination.
Among her many achievements, Cynthia is most proud of her work with The Learning Scientists. This group consists of four cognitive psychologists, all of whom balance careers and young families while dedicating their time to producing free, accessible educational resources. Their materials include blog posts, podcasts, videos, slides, and other downloadable content designed to support both educators and students. Their work has reached educators worldwide, and the impact of their contributions has been significant. Cynthia views this endeavor with a sense of responsibility and pride, recognizing the importance of providing timely, relevant, and evidence-based content to a global audience. When they first started, they never anticipated the far-reaching influence they would have, but they remain committed to continuing this valuable work.
Staying motivated in a constantly evolving field like EdTech is not a challenge for Cynthia because she is passionate about her work. If anything, she often wishes there were more hours in the day to accomplish even more. Balancing her career, consulting work, young family, and personal well-being is demanding, but she has developed strategies to keep up with new developments. She listens to educational podcasts during her commute, follows thought leaders on LinkedIn, and attends conferences whenever possible. Many of her best ideas have come from engaging with inspiring speakers and experts in her field.
Looking ahead, Cynthia hopes that EdTech continues to prioritize meaningful learning over flashy technology. She warns against getting caught up in the excitement of new tools and features while losing sight of what truly matters: effective learning. In some cases, technology may create the illusion of improving education when, in reality, it bypasses the critical mental processing necessary for long-term knowledge retention. She recognizes the immense potential in EdTech and is eager to see where the innovative minds of today take the field. However, she also seeks to serve as a voice of caution, reminding educators and developers alike not to let technology overshadow the fundamental goal of improving education.
Cynthia’s contributions to the field of education and EdTech have been significant, and her insights continue to shape the way educators and students engage with learning. Her dedication to evidence-based practices, commitment to accessibility, and passion for fostering genuine learning experiences make her a leading voice in the field. Through her work, she aims to ensure that technology serves as a tool to enhance education rather than replace the essential processes that drive deep and lasting learning.
“Technology should be the tool by which we create effective learning, but it shouldn’t replace the learning itself.”