Mary Anne Lake and Christina Cone Named SUNY Online Teaching Ambassadors 2025

Clinton Community College is proud to announce that Mary Anne Lake and Christina Cone have been recognized as 2025 SUNY Online Teaching Ambassadors for their dedication to online education.

Mary Anne Lake

Mary Anne Lake has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a specialization in Toxic Substance Control from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and a Master of Science in Teaching from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is an adjunct faculty member in the Science Department and as the Interim Learning Skills Coordinator in the tutoring center at Clinton Community College. In 2018, she received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.

Reflecting on her journey into online teaching, Lake shared,

"I spent the majority of my teaching career believing that online learning was something less than traditional in-person classes. I couldn’t fathom how the connection with my students in the classroom could translate into an online experience. Enter COVID and remote education. I was forced to rethink my entire approach to teaching and learning. I had to confront my preconceived notions about what an online class could be."

Lake taught her first online course in the summer of 2022 and has since embraced the possibilities of virtual education. She now sees online learning as an opportunity to build meaningful connections with students while fostering creativity in course design.

"I’ve discovered a buried creativity that helps me develop online lab experiences that mimic the classroom. I believe that tech and online learning have allowed me to stretch and grow my teaching practice in ways I never imagined," she said.

Christina Cone

Christina Cone is an Adjunct Instructor in Biology and Chemistry and a Paraprofessional Tutor in Math and Science at Clinton Community College. Since 2018, she has taught both on-campus and online courses. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from SUNY New Paltz, a Master of Science in Biochemistry from University of Saint Joseph, and a Master of Education in Chemistry Education from University at Buffalo. In February 2025, she will complete the SUNY Center for Professional Development Instructional Design Certificate.

Cone, who completed her own Biochemistry degree online, understands firsthand the value of virtual education.

"I am proud and honored to be a part of the SUNY Online Teaching Community. Online education creates opportunities for everyone, expanding access to a wider population than ever before. I feel fortunate that technology has advanced to the point where I can provide students with an experience that adheres to my teaching philosophies of both 'standing on the shoulders of giants' (Newton) and 'learning by doing' (Aristotle)."

Cone integrates hands-on learning experiences into her online courses, ensuring that students gain essential scientific skills even in a virtual setting.

"We are able to use the available tools to build an informational foundation upon which to scaffold as well as create at-home, hands-on, and safe laboratory activities for students to experience as active participants," she explained.

The SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador program recognizes faculty who demonstrate leadership in online education, a commitment to student success, and a dedication to advancing innovative digital learning experiences. Both Lake and Cone exemplify these qualities, enhancing Clinton Community College’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to students across diverse learning environments.