Update README.md

Author: lexli-LiL

README.md

@@ -4,6 +4,8 @@ This is the repository for the LinkedIn Learning course `Python Essential Traini
 
 ![course-name-alt-text][lil-thumbnail-url]
 
+Explore the fundamentals of Python programming with a focus on real-world application and problem-solving. This practical, hands-on course is designed to help you write, run, and debug Python programs, ensuring you have a solid grasp of the core language constructs and essential topics like using variables, data types, conditionals, loops, functions, and handling data structures such as lists and dictionaries. Learn how to read, understand, and modify Python code effortlessly, and master the art of debugging to resolve common errors in your scripts. Gain the skills to apply Python to simple automation tasks, preparing yourself for more advanced programming challenges.
+
 _See the readme file in the main branch for updated instructions and information._
 
 ## Instructions
@@ -16,8 +18,15 @@ The files are named to correspond to the videos in the course. The naming conven
 
 Some files will have a beginning and an end state. These are marked with the letters `b` for "beginning" and `e` for "end". The `b` file contains the code as it is at the beginning of the movie. The `e` branch contains the code as it is at the end of the movie.
 
-## Installing
+## Instructor
+
+Ryan Mitchell
+Principal Software Engineer at GLG
+
+Ryan Mitchell is the author of Unlocking Python (Wiley, 2025) and Web Scraping with Python (O'Reilly, 2024). She has six LinkedIn Learning courses, including the popular Python course Python Essential Training. An expert in web scraping, application security, and data science, Ryan has hosted workshops and spoken at many events, including Data Day Texas and DEF CON.
+
+Ryan holds a master of science degree in software engineering from Harvard University Extension School and a bachelor of science in engineering from Olin College of Engineering. She is currently a principal software engineer at the Gerson Lehrman Group where she develops AI, recommendation, and search tools.
 
 [0]: # "Replace these placeholder URLs with actual course URLs"
-[lil-course-url]: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
-[lil-thumbnail-url]: https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D4E0DAQG0eDHsyOSqTA/learning-public-crop_675_1200/B4EZVdqqdwHUAY-/0/1741033220778?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=FxUDo6FA8W8CiFROwqfZKL_mzQhYx9loYLfjN-LNjgA
+[lil-course-url]: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/python-essential-training-fundamentals-for-software-engineering
+[lil-thumbnail-url]: https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D560DAQFJPJA30PXTLw/learning-public-crop_675_1200/B56Z9Z4QWDGsAs-/0/1783919348261?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=Puw0jyEuC5BtmTdnl2qiXE_ciK-ubR99eksa2rh69cY