Interprofessional Academy of Educators
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Member Spotlight

Shining a Spotlight on Paul Dye

Paul Dye headshot

Academy Member Since 2025
Director, Advanced Education Design & Delivery
iEXCEL

What do you do at UNMC?
I help students, faculty and staff utilize advanced visualization and simulation technologies, with a focus on building their comfort and confidence in using these tools. I provide support locally in Omaha, as well as remotely to UNMC campuses throughout Nebraska. I also help develop course content and educational experiences using technologies such as interactive touchscreens, 3D visualization, virtual reality, holographic technology and other emerging tools. My work centers on experiential learning, with an emphasis on visualization and learning by doing. In medical education, I explore how visual and interactive approaches can make complex concepts more accessible, engaging and meaningful for learners.

Tell us about your educational research interests and teaching role.
I have a strong interest in the value of medical visualization as a tool for experiential learning. We have received very positive feedback from learners regarding how the technologies we use can enhance engagement, understanding and retention. I am interested in pursuing additional data and research to further demonstrate the effectiveness of visualization and simulation as powerful tools in medical education. My teaching role is primarily focused on orienting faculty to available technologies and helping them integrate and utilize these tools to their fullest potential.

What is one of your most memorable teaching/education moments?
My most impactful memories involve changing minds. We have been fortunate to work with many talented faculty members who were understandably skeptical of the technology we support and its role in medical education. Through collaboration, persistence and dedication, we have earned the trust of some of our strongest skeptics and demonstrated how visualization technology can be an effective and meaningful approach to teaching and learning. Seeing faculty shift their perspective and embrace visualization as a valuable educational tool has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

What do you see as the biggest benefit to being a member of the IAE?
To me, the greatest benefit of being a member of the IAE is the collaborative atmosphere and the generosity of members who dedicate their time to sharing their knowledge and experiences. There is a positive and healthy dynamic within the IAE that sets a strong tone for the university and encourages all of us to continue growing and learning. Ultimately, that collaboration helps us make a positive impact on improving healthcare and patient outcomes.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I always wanted to be an artist and my passion for art has motivated and shaped my career. The skills I developed as a designer continue to influence the work I do today. I’m fortunate that my career allows me to combine my passion for art and design with my interest in technology and education.

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