Diane M. Bender combines her education and practical experience from multiple design disciplines (Interior Design, Facility Management, and Landscape Architecture) to bring a unique perspective to teaching and research. Formerly a faculty member at Michigan State University, Bender continues to provide highly specialized technology instruction to students and practicing professionals, in classroom settings, online learning environments, and professional consultation with The Design School at Arizona State University.

Dr. Benders research involves the implementation of technology in design practice and pedagogy. Principle areas of concern include the integration of online education methodologies in design education, the impact of technology on the interview process in the related design fields, and the creation and effective assessment of digital portfolios in architecture and design. Recent publications have been in the Journal of Interior Design and Journal of Building Information Modeling. Bender is also an active member of the professional design community.