LSMRCE Faculty Champions

The Center partners with 16 non-LSAMP schools in the Midwest.

These collaborations are expected to result in:
  • Strengthening of working relationships between the non-LSAMP institution and LSMRCE which is targeted to broaden the participation of URM in STEM;
  • increasing grant submission among LSMRCE partner institutions; and
  • Expanding a repository of peer reviewed research in URM STEM student success, retention, and research; and providing support to faculty who engage in broadening participation research.

Each of the non-LSAMP partner schools identifies two individuals to serve as Faculty Champions. The main function of a Site Faculty Champion (FC) is to serve as a liaison between the site institution and LSMRCE leadership.

Role of the Faculty Champion (FC):
The FC role is essential to a successful collaboration with LSMRCE. As such, the position is considered a key member of the LSMRCE team. The FC fosters communication between their institution and the LSMRCE leadership team members, other LSMRCE sites, and community partners working with LSMRCE.

FCs are the first line of communication with students and administrators on their campus. One of the critical functions of a FC is to disseminate information distributed by LSMRCE such as internship opportunities, conference presentation opportunities, and professional development opportunities is a critical function of this role.

Responsibilities:
  • Maintain an open line of communication to and from LSMRCE about the site latest BP program initiatives, address the institutional needs and respond to LSMRCE evaluation surveys.
  • Assist the Center Manager for LSMRCE in regular updates for the website and newsletter which can include student spotlights, research/lab/intern highlights, faculty awards, etc.
  • Attend the Annual LSMRCE Conference (October each year), coordinate professional development activities provided by LSMRCE for faculty or students, manage the distribution of site awards for BP research or conference attendance, and assist with LSMRCE site visits.

Faculty Champions by School

Benedictine University
Tiara Perez Morales, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
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Benedictine University
LeeAnn Smith, Ph.D.
Professor, Biology and Department Chair
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Bowling Green State University
Enrique Gomezdelcampo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Earth, Environment, and Society
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Bowling Green State University
MD Baniamin Sarder, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Architecture and Applied Engineering
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Bradley University
Jacqueline Henderson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
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Bradley University
Sherri Morris, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor, Department of Biology; Co-Director Center for STEM Education
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Dominican University
Christopher Anderson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biological Sciences
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Dominican University
Emily Radlowski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Nutrition
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Eastern Illinois University
Thomas Canam, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and BCT Graduate Coordinator
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Illinois Wesleyan University
Loralyn Cozy, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology
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Illinois Wesleyan University
Zahia Drici, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Mathematics
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Loyola University Chicago
Timothy Stoelinga, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Science and Math Education

Marian University
Colleen Doci, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
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Northern Illinois University
Michaela Holtz
Director Office of Student Engagement and Experiential Learning

Ohio Dominican University
Daniel Little, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Chemistry
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Ohio Dominican University
Emily Post, Ph.D., CSCS
Assistant Professor, Exercise Science
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Roosevelt University
Kelly Wentz-Hunter, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology; Chair Bio and Physical and Health Science, College of Arts and Sciences
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University of Detroit Mercy
Richard Hill, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Research & External Initiatives Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
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University of Illinois - Springfield
Lucia Vazquez, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
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University of Toledo
Lesley Berhan, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement; Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
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Valparaiso University
Robert Clark, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry; MSEED Program Director
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Valparaiso University
Zsuzsanna Szaniszlo, Ph.D.
Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
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Waubonsee Community College
Sheela Vemu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology

Western Illinois University
Brian Bellott, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
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