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Guerra-López, Ingrid

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Dr. Ingrid Guerra-López
(she/her/hers)
PhD, Florida State University

Dean, CEHD Administration

Contact Information

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Email: iguerral (@gmu.edu)

George Mason University
Fairfax Campus
Thompson Hall 2100
4400 University Dr.
MS 2F1
Fairfax, VA 22030

Profile

Dr. Ingrid Guerra-López is Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, and Professor of Learning Design and Technology.  Dr. Guerra-López is an internationally recognized expert in human performance systems with a focus on needs assessment and planning, monitoring and evaluation, and the strategic alignment of talent development and performance improvement innovations.  Her work is characterized by a systems approach, multistakeholder engagement, and cross-collaboration.

She has generated nearly 100 publications, including 8 books, and over $13 million in external funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the Skillman Foundation, General Motors, and Daimler-Chrysler among other agencies.  She has served in various interdisciplinary leadership teams to launch innovative programs including Transformative Research in Urban Sustainability Training (T-RUST), an NSF funded transdisciplinary graduate training program designed to prepare students to solve complex societal problems in urban settings.  She is also a member of the leadership team of the Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR), a NIEHS funded research center that supports collaborations across multiple investigators, disciplines, colleges, institutions and community partners to understand and mitigate serious environmental health problems and disparities. As Co-PI, Dr. Guerra-López leads the Research Experience and Training Coordination Core to support the center in cultivating a diverse cohort of leaders through a systems approach to the recruitment and preparation of graduate students to become transdisciplinary, team-scientists that integrate multiple disciplinary perspectives, stakeholders, and experiential learning opportunities.

Dr. Guerra-Lopez has extensive experience collaborating with stakeholders across a variety of international development institutions, sectors, disciplines, and cultures on the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of human, institutional, and international training and talent development programs. She has led major educational and institutional effectiveness initiatives that include strategic planning efforts, educational and workforce needs assessments, program planning and implementation, and development of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems in partnership with international development agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Bank, The United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (formerly DFID), and in coordination with government, education, and industry. In this capacity, she led and mentored diverse groups of students, work teams, and institutional leaders in over 40 countries.

In addition to prior academic leadership positions as Interim Dean of the College of Education, and Interim Dean of the Graduate School at Wayne State University, she has held key leadership positions in prominent professional organizations in the field, including the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) Board of Directors and Editor-In-Chief of its research journal, Performance Improvement Quarterly. In 2017, Dr. Guerra-López was awarded the ISPI Distinguished Service Award, one of ISPI’s most significant honors in recognition for her many contributions to ISPI and the field.

Dr. Guerra-López earned her Ph.D. and Masters in Instructional and Performance Systems from the Florida State University (FSU). She has been recognized by FSU's Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies program, the top-ranked program in the field, for her scholarly contributions and received the distinguished Gagne/Briggs Outstanding Alumnus award in 2014.

Research Interests

Dr. Guerra-López’s current research interests are focused on the intersection between the evolution of learning and working, emerging technologies and innovations, and talent development and diversification.

  • Multistakeholder, cross-sector talent development assessment and design
  • Competency-based modeling and alternative credentialing 
  • Transferable skills/ 21st Century skills development and integration
  • Transdisciplinary collaboration and education
  • The future of learning and work
Recent Publications

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Books

  • Kelly, S. Guerra-López, I. & Novak, M. (2018).  Performance Assessment and Analysis: Development Solutions for Worthy Results: Murray & McCarthy Publishing.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Hicks, K. (2017). Partner for Performance: Strategically Aligning Learning and Development.  Virginia: Association for Talent Development
  • Kaufman, R. & Guerra-López, I. (2013). Needs Assessment for Organizational Success. Virginia: American Society for Training & Development.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2008). Performance Evaluation: Proven Approaches for Improving Program and Organizational Performance. Jossey Bass.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2007). Evaluating Impact: Evaluation and Continual Improvement for Performance Improvement Practitioners. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. 
  • Guerra-López, I. (2007). Evaluación y Medición del Desempeño: Conceptos y Herramientas para la medición del desempeño de programas y organizaciones. AuthorHouse.
  • Kaufman, R. & Guerra-López, I. (2008).  The Assessment Book. Amherst, MA: HRD Press. 
  • Kaufman, R., Guerra, I. & Platt, W.  (2006). Practical Evaluation for Educators: Finding Out What Works and What Doesn’t.  Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.     

Book Chapters

  • Guerra-López, I. (2022). A Systemic Approach to Assessing Competencies and Skills. In E. Biech (Ed.). Association for Talent Development’s (ATD) Handbook for Training and Talent Development. ATD Press. Virginia.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2021). Evaluating and Improving the Impact of Digital Learning.  In S. Jagannathan (Ed.).  Reimagining Digital Learning for Sustainable Development - How Upskilling, Data Analytics, and Educational Technologies Close the Skills Gap.  Routledge. United Kingdom.
  • Guerra-López, I.  (2014). Organizational learning and performance.  In M. Spector (Ed.).  Encyclopedia for Educational Technology. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publishing.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2012). Criterion-referenced measurement: A definition. In R. Richey (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Definitions in Instructional Technology. New York: Springer-AECT.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2012).  Needs assessment: A definition. In R. Richey (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Definitions in Instructional Technology.  New York: Springer-     AECT.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2010). The impact evaluation process. In J. Moseley & J. Dessinger (Eds.). The Measurement & Evaluation Handbook. ISPI/John Wiley & Sons. 
  • Guerra-López, I. (2010). Performance tracking and management systems.  In R. Watkins & D. Leigh (Eds.).Handbook for the Selection and Implementation of Human Performance Interventions. John Wiley & Sons. 
  • Uday-Riley, M. & Guerra-López, I. (2010). Process improvement: Measurable outcomes based on customer requirements. In Watkins, R. & Leigh, D. (Eds.). Handbook for the Selection and Implementation of Human Performance Interventions. John Wiley & Sons. 
  • Guerra, I (2006). Human performance technology: Standards and ethics. In J. Pershing (Ed.). Handbook of Human Performance Technology (pp. 1024-1046).  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Guerra, I. (2006). How to plan an evaluation.  In M. Silberman & P. Phillips (Eds.). The 2006 Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 233-239). Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training and Development.
  • Guerra, I. (2005).  How to develop useful questionnaires. In M. Silberman & P. Phillips (Eds.). The 2005 Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 233-238). Princeton: Active Training.
  • Guerra, I. (2003).  Does your performance require improvement?  In M. Silberman & P. Phillips (Eds.). The 2003 Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 125-37). Princeton: Active Training.
  • Watkins, R. & Guerra, I. (2003).  How do you determine whether assessment or evaluation is required? In M. Silberman & P. Phillips (Eds.). The 2003 Team and Organizational Development Sourcebook) (pp.131-139).Princeton: Active Training.

Refereed Journals

  • Wallen, M.M., Guerra-López, I., Meroueh, L.; Mohamed, R., Sankar, A.; Sopory, P., Watkins, R., Kashian, D.R. (2022). Designing and Implementing a Novel Graduate Program to Develop Transdisciplinary Leaders in Urban Sustainability. Ecosphere. e3901. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3901 
  • Guerra-López, I. and El Dellal, S. (2021). A content analysis of change management strategies used in technological transitions in higher education institutions from the lens of a strategic alignment framework.  Online Learning Journal.  25(3), 191-207
  • Guerra-López, I. & Joshi, R. (2021). A Study of Instructional Design Master's Programs and Their Responsiveness to Evolving Professional Expectations and Employer Demand. The Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 10(2).   
  • Guerra-López, I. & Hutchinson, A. (2017) Stakeholder-driven learning analysis: A case study.  Journal of Applied Instructional Design. 6(1), 21-33.
  • Larbi-Apau, J. Guerra-Lopez, I., Moseley, J., Spannaus, T., Yaprak, A. (2017). Educational technology-related performance of teaching faculty in higher education: Implications for eLearning management.  Journal of Educational Technology Systems. Baywood Publishing Company. doi:10.1177/0047239516685849.  1-19
  • López, M., González, N. Navarro, A., & Guerra-López, I. (2016). Evaluación de un modelo de innovación aplicado a una empresa de servicio. Revista deAdministración y Finanzas. 2(4),19-28.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Elo Hicks, K. (2015).  The participatory design and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system in an international development environment.  Evaluation and Program Planning. 48, 21-39
  • Guerra-López, I. & Hutchinson, A. (2013). Measurable and continuous performance improvement: The development of a performance measurement, management, and improvement system. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(2). 159-173.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Elo Hicks, K. (2013).  The impact monitoring and evaluation process: A systemic approach to continual improvement. Journal of Business and Technology, 1(1), 32-40.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2012). The monitoring and impact evaluation process: A systemic approach to improving performance and impact. International Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering Research, 3(3), 80-85.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2012). The prevalence of performance improvement as a central topic in the professional literature. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 25(1), 35-45.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Toker, S.  (2012). A performance measurement and evaluation framework for K-12 environments: Supporting decision-making through ongoing performance measurement. Evaluation and Program Planning, 35, 222-235.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Blake, A. (2011). Leadership decision-making and the use of data.  Performance Improvement Quarterly, 24(2), 90-104.   
  • Guerra-López, I.  (2010). The impact evaluation process: Essential steps.  Social and Organizational Performance Review, 2(1), 91-117.         
  • Guerra-López, I. & Leigh, H. (2009).  Are performance improvement professionals measurably improving performance?  A look at what PIJ and PIQ have to say about the current use of evaluation and measurement in the field of performance improvement.  Performance Improvement Quarterly, 22(2), 97-110.       
  • Guerra-López, I.  (2009). Introduction to social and organizational performance review.  Social and Organizational Performance Review, 1(1), 7-8.         
  • Guerra, I. (2005). Outcome-based vocational rehabilitation: Measuring valuable results.  Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 65-75.   
  • Guerra, I. & Rodriguez, G. (2005).  Social responsibility and educational planning. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 56-64.           
  • Guerra, I., Bernárdez, M., Jones, M. & Zidan, S. (2005).  Government workers adding societal value: The Ohio Workforce Development Program. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 76-99.
  •  Guerra, I (2003). Key competencies required of performance improvement professionals.  Performance Improvement Quarterly, 16(1), 55-72.
  •  Guerra, I. & Watkins, R. (2003).  Systematically designing instruction for distance education. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 4(3), 199-201.
  • Kaufman, R. & Guerra, I. (2002).  A perspective adjustment to add value to external clients, including society. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 13(1), 109-115.
  • Kaufman, R., Flowers, G., Guerra, I. & Crispo, N. (2002).  Thriving and not just   surviving: New realities for tomorrow’s public service executive.  International Public Management Review, 3(1), 68-83.
  • Kaufman, R., Watkins, R., & Guerra, I. (2002). Getting valid and useful educational results and payoffs: We are what we do, say, and deliver. International Journal of Educational Reform, 11(1), 77-92.
  • Kaufman, R., Watkins, R. & Guerra, I. (2001). The future of distance learning: Defining and sustaining useful results. Educational Technology, 41(3), 19-26.

Professional Journals

  • Guerra-López, I. (2021). An Ounce of Good Assessment is Worth A Pound of Analysis and A Ton of Cure: Revisiting Seminal Insights in Performance Improvement. Performance Improvement Journal.   60(1). 26-30.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2018). Ensuring Measurable Strategic Alignment to External Clients and Society. Performance Improvement Journal, 57(6).
  • Guerra-López, I. (2016).  Design-Oriented Needs Assessment: Transitioning from Problem Definition to Solution Design.  American Evaluation Association 365 Needs Assessment Topic Interest Group.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Hicks, K. (2015).  Turning Trainers into Strategic Business Partners. TD at Work. 32 (1506). 1-15
  • Guerra, López, I. (2013). Performance Indicator Maps: A visual tool for understanding, managing, and continuously improving your business metrics. Performance Improvement Journal, 52(6), 11-17.
  • Guerra-López, I. & Norris-Thomas, M.  (2011). Making sound decisions: A framework for judging the worth of your data.  Performance Improvement Journal, 50(5), 37-44.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2007) Planning a responsive evaluation: Establishing solid partnerships by clarifying expectations and purpose. Performance Improvement Journal, 46(8), 32-36.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2007).  The impact evaluation process: Building a case for demonstrating the worth of performance improvement Interventions. Performance Improvement Journal, 46(7), 33-38.
  • Guerra, I. (2003).  Asking and answering the right questions: Collecting relevant and useful data.  Performance Improvement Journal, 42(10), 24-28.
  • Guerra, I. (2001). Performance improvement based on results:  Is our field adding value?  Performance ImprovementJournal, 40(1), 6-10.

Editor’s Column

  • Guerra-López, I. (2016). The Performance Improvement Journey. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 29(3). 1-4
  • Guerra-López, I. (2016). Using Performance Improvement Tools Effectively.Performance Improvement Quarterly, 29(2). 1-3
  • Guerra-López, I. (2016).  Reflecting on our Practice. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 29(1). 1-3
  • Guerra-López, I. (2015).  Setting Clear Direction and Ensuring Alignment. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 28(4). 1-3
  • Guerra-López, I. (2015).  A reintroduction to Design. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 28(2). 3-5
  • Guerra-López, I. (2015).  Going Back to Basics. Core Mental Processes for Performance Improvement. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 28(1). 3-6
  • Guerra-López, I. (2014).  Process-Based Performance Consulting vs. Intervention-Based Performance Consulting. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(4). 3-5
  • Guerra-López, I. (2014).  Evaluation as a Vital Generator of Performance Evidence…and Value. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(3). 3-5
  •  Guerra-López, I. (2014).  Performance Impact as the Litmus’ Test of Instructional Solutions. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 27(2). 3-5.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2014).  Performance improvement from varying perspectives. Performance Improvement Quarterly,27(1). 3-4.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2013).  Management of performance variables.  Performance Improvement Quarterly, 26(4), 3-4.
  • Guerra-López, I. (2013). Human cognition at work. Performance Improvement     Quarterly, 26(3), 3-6.
Campus Affiliations