Leslie Cano is the Director of Faculty Development at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Law and Society from Penn State University, a graduate degree in Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Life-Long Learning and Adult Education at Penn State University. Her doctoral work explores how adults engage in self-directed learning, particularly in professional and medical education environments, with a focus on fostering autonomy, motivation, and critical thinking.
While pursuing her doctoral studies, Leslie worked with the U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy, where she worked with senior enlisted leaders to explore and apply adult education principles in the academy’s classroom. She also supported faculty and curriculum development initiatives, contributing to a broader understanding of how adult learn in complex, high-impact environments. This experience further shaped her commitment to learner-centered education.
As Director of Faculty Development, Leslie leads initiatives that support teaching excellence, advance teaching and learning, and promotes professional growth among medical school faculty. She has worked across higher education, military education, and professional development settings to understand the unique ways adults learn and grow. Her areas of expertise include human development, adult learning theory, curriculum and professional development, and qualitative research methods.