Presenter Bios
Presenter Bios
7th Annual First-Generation Symposium
Fostering First-Gen Well-Being
Wednesday, February 7 - Thursday, February 8, 2024
Presenter Bios
Lamont Eli Booth
Brittany Bronson, MODL
Brittany L. Bronson, MODL is a first generation student, an adjunct professor within Rowan University's Master of Diversity and Inclusion program, a member of Rowan University's First Gen Task Force, and serves as a faculty co-chair for the Black Graduate Student Association at Rowan University. In addition to her commitment to the Rowan community, Brittany also leads DEI for the Americas for CI&T, a global tech solutions company. Prior to joining CI&T, Brittany led DEI strategy, training, and evaluation for the Charter Schools Office of the School District of Philadelphia. She began her career in government leadership as an Assistant Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia in 2017. Brittany's DEI career spans government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Brittany received her Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University, her Masters of Science degree from Saint Joseph's University, and will complete her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Saint Joseph's University this May. On weekends, Brittany attends her children's sporting events, tries new bakeries with her husband, and pretends to enjoy working out.
Meredith Brown
As a dedicated Career Services Advisor, my journey has been shaped by personal growth and a profound desire to make a positive impact on the world. My own experiences with career transitions, initially as a nursing student at Rowan College and later as I navigated academic challenges and switched to Communications. Having worked in Government Administration, I always knew my true passion and purpose in life is helping others. My purpose in life is to guide and support individuals in their career journeys. I aspire to become a School Guidance Counselor in the future, driven by a deep commitment to helping others achieve their goals and find fulfillment in their chosen paths. With a background that aligns perfectly with my current role, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential and create meaningful changes in their lives.
Gregory Caputo, Ph.D.
Lisa Cardello, Ed.S.
Lisa Cardello, EdS, serves as the Executive Director of Career Preparation and Experiential Learning at Rowan College at Burlington County. Lisa obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling from The College of New Jersey and Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling Services from Rider University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling and Supervision at Kean University.
Lauwinda Cherilus
Lauwinda Cherilus, a graduate student at Rowan University, is dedicated to tackling transportation challenges faced by her former peers at RCBC community college. Following a car accident that caused her transportation difficulties, she was motivated to investigate how many students experience daily commuting challenges on campus. Cherilus participates actively in Camp 2030 - Unite 2030, a global innovation lab dedicated to achieving the United Nation's sustainable development goals. Lauwinda collaborates with other changemakers to create a solution for track number two, "Zero Hunger." Her dedication to connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds is genuinely inspiring. Through this passion, she has found purpose and continues to enhance her knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting her life, career, and society. As a Haitian immigrant, she aspires to be a beacon of empowerment and eventually bring hope to her home country by showing others that embracing challenges and transforming them into opportunities for personal growth is possible. Her unwavering determination embodies the true spirit of resilience, inspiring positive change in her community and beyond.
Angela Cirucci, Ph.D.
Angela Cirucci is a digital media scholar focusing on the symbolic meaning of programming languages, the intersection of institutional practice and user knowledge, and user experience. Often focusing on identity, Dr. Cirucci has a passion for studying how digital spaces impact the lives of marginalized communities. In addition to conducting research and teaching, she loves to travel. So far she has visited 10 US National Parks, 27 states, and 14 countries.
Miles Coleman, Ph.D.
Dr. Coleman’s research locates the values that exist in otherwise “objective” phenomena. As a rhetorician—a scholar of persuasion—he studies the ways in which persons accept or reject claims of science, technology, and medicine. His work outlines frameworks and methodologies for approaching problems of science denialism (e.g., HIV/AIDS denialism or vaccine denialism), while also carving space for considering the ethical implications of new media technologies.
Amir Davoodi
I am a second-year medical student at CMSRU, and my journey is deeply rooted in my South Jersey and Persian upbringing. With a background in sociology and public health from the University of Miami, my passion for medicine seamlessly aligns with my interests in politics and healthcare. When I'm not immersed in studies, you can find me emphatically watching soccer matches. My twitter handle is: @Amir_R_Davoodi.Anudeep Deevi
Anudeep Deevi is a current 2nd year medical student at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a B.S. in Biology at The College of New Jersey. At TCNJ, he was involved in the Bonner Community Scholars program: a leadership community engagement program that facilitated collaboration between undergraduate students and nonprofit organizations in Trenton, NJ. Specifically, Anudeep's service focuses on bringing awareness to and striving to close the educational achievement gap within underprivileged schools. At Rowan-Virtua, Anudeep serves as the chair of the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Action (IDEA) Council, student representative for the government affairs committee for the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and works in the Office of Admissions. Anudeep's passions include mentorship, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Zachary Desjardins, M.S. SAA, MPA
Zachary Desjardins is a proud first-generation college graduate from the small, rural area of Chazy, New York. His passion for higher education stemmed from his time as a charismatic student leader at SUNY Plattsburgh where he received a B.S. in Social Work. He went on to earn a M.S. in Student Affairs Administration and a Masters of Public Administration from Binghamton University. Currently, Zachary's role is a University Academic Advisor for the Academic Support Center at the University at Albany, SUNY. He is a dedicated professional who isn't afraid of tackling the institutional and psychological barriers that exist for first-generation college students. Currently, he serves on UAlbany's First-Generation College Student Success Task Force and NACADA's First Generation Student Advising Community Steering Committee. Zachary Desjardins not only excels in his role as a University Academic Advisor but also actively seeks out opportunities to mentor and support first-generation college students, aiding them in navigating higher education successfully.
Mary Duggan, MA
Mary Duggan, MA, is the Co-Director of the Health Careers Opportunity Program, working with high school, undergraduate and medical students. She has 15+ years experience working in higher education and non-profits serving under-resourced populations. She loves cultivating communities of support for students and colleagues alike!
Nyla Fussell, MHA
Nyla Fussell has partnered with organizations that focused on client relations, case management, advocacy, community partnerships and educational advancement. Currently, Nyla serves as the Health Careers Opportunity Program Coordinator for high school and graduate students. Her passion is understanding the call to serve, reach and teach others as a community!Kara Ieva, Ph.D.
Dr. Kara Ieva (she/hers) holds many identities. In addition to being a wife, mom, school counseling advocate, and co-conspirator in working to dismantle oppressive educational practices, policies and systems, she is a Professor in the Counseling in Educational Settings program at Rowan University. Her educational career spans over 20 years as a former Spanish teacher, administrator, and professional school counselor, and counselor educator. Kara uses her research for advocacy by using asset-based approaches to empower student agency while promoting equity and wellness (academic and mental health). Her specific interests include social emotional development (with students, in classrooms, embedded in content, educator SEL, and systemic tiered interventions centered on promoting healthy identities), group counseling, and post-secondary/ career development (First Gen & STEAM). She consults and delivers professional development nationally to PK-12 school counselors, teachers, and administrators on strategies for cultivating a safe, equitable, and inclusive mental health and neurodiverse culture in schools.
Lindsay Johnson, M.S.Ed., L.P.C., L.C.A.D.C., A.C.S.
Lindsay is the Assistant Director of Well-Being at Rowan University. She received her doctorate in educational leadership and is also a licensed professional counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She currently works with Rowan's Thrive model to support student, faculty, and staff well-being in and beyond their time at Rowan. Lindsay works with faculty, staff, and students to create new, or elevate existing programs to be innovative, accessible, and applicable to the development of resiliency and well-being of our campus community.
Andrea Leach, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Andrea Leach, MSW, LCSW is a mental health counselor and Coordinator of Group Services at the Wellness Center, Rowan University. Andrea received her Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and came to Rowan University in July 2019. She served as a crisis counselor/ REACH team member for 4 years at Rowan, working with students at risk of suicide, homicide, psychosis, sexual/ physical trauma, and alcohol and other drug concerns. Since 2022, Andrea has been the Coordinator for Group Services and has been instrumental in increasing the number of workshops, support and process groups offered to students. She has developed and initiated the We’re the First group to support the needs of First-Generation students. This group meets weekly and offers First-Generation students a place to share support, information and resources to improve well-being, mental health and academic performance. In addition, Andrea developed and facilitates Connecting Across Cultures International Group which provides support to our International students. Her areas of professional interest include individual and group therapy, anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse, culturally sensitive and affirmative therapies, crisis intervention, identity development and life transitions, gender identity and sexual orientation, and suicidal depression recovery.Joe Lizza, Ed.D.
Dr. Joe Lizza serves as the Director of the Student Center & Campus Activities at Rowan University. Dr. Lizza is responsible for the administrative vision, leadership, and management of the Chamberlain Student Center and Campus Activities, a comprehensive department that provides an array of programs, facilities, and services in support of the Division of Student Life and University’s mission and core values. A professional in the field of student affairs since 2007, Dr. Lizza has served on executive leadership teams within student affairs organizations and has extensive experience leading and managing in higher education. Dr. Lizza serves as the Chair for the NASPA Campus Safety and Violence Prevention Knowledge Community and volunteer leader for the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification. Dr. Lizza is a member of the Atlantic County (NJ) Mental Health Advisory Board as well as a volunteer firefighter/EMT within his community.
Justin Major, Ph.D.
Dr. Justin Major is an Assistant Professor of Experiential Engineering Education at Rowan where he leads ASPIRE Lab. Justin's research focuses on socioeconomically disadvantaged engineering students, student experiences of trauma and marginalization, and feminist approaches to research, and connects these topics to broader understandings of student success. Justin completed his Ph.D. in Engineering Education and M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, and two B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Secondary Mathematics Education at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is a previous NSF Graduate Research Fellow and has won over a dozen awards for research, service, and activism related to marginalized communities, including the 2020 ASEE ERM Best Diversity Paper for his work on test anxiety. As a previous homeless and food-insecure student, Justin is eager to challenge and change engineering education to be a pathway for socioeconomic mobility and equity rather than an additional barrier.
John M. Martinez
John M. Martinez is a University Academic Advisor at the State University of New York at Albany, a position he has held for the past seven years. He primarily works with first- and second-year students, as well as those who have not yet officially declared a major. Additionally, John maintains a hidden caseload of declared students who continue to seek his guidance regularly. He is also recognized as one of the co-founders of the UAlbany Community for Academic Advising (UCAA). With a strong professional focus on staff development and training, office dynamics, and organizational studies, John M. Martinez is committed to enhancing the academic advising experience at his institution. Originally hailing from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, he was raised in Orange County, New York. As a first-generation college and graduate student, John's personal experiences have shaped his dedication to supporting students in their educational journeys. Currently, John is actively pursuing a master's thesis and dissertation in the field of Sociology, with research interests centered around organizational studies, expectations, persistence, and higher education.Jennifer McGraw
Jennifer McGraw is a dynamic graduate student at Rowan University, pursuing her master's degree in Television Studies. Having completed her bachelor's degree in Public Relations with dual minors in Journalism and Sports Communication and Media at Rowan, Jennifer's academic journey has been marked by her passion for media and communication. During her undergraduate years, she made her mark as the Features Editor at "The Whit," Rowan's campus newspaper, while also making waves as a dedicated member of Rowan Radio. Currently, Jennifer is channeling her enthusiasm for sports as a Sports Reporter for the Hammonton Gazette and as a contributor to A2D Radio's NFL coverage. Beyond her media pursuits, Jennifer is embarking on a journey to become a self-love coach, exemplifying her commitment to holistic well-being. With a multifaceted background and a keen drive for success, Jennifer McGraw continues to make meaningful contributions to media, sports journalism, and personal development.
Amina Mostafa, MA, LAC
Amina Mostafa, MA, LAC is the Assistant Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program at William Paterson University. She is also a doctoral student at Kean University's PhD in Counseling and Supervision program. Amina earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University, and a master's degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from William Paterson University. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor in New Jersey.
Jill Perry, Ph.D.
Jill Perry is an associate professor of mathematics education, the Director of the Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Rowan University, and has the been the principal investigator for numerous grants connected to improving teaching and teacher education. Both Drs. Perry and Wieman have extensive experience with mathematics teacher education, working together to develop math methods courses and collaborating as supervisors for Rowan student teachers, They were co-PIs on the South Jersey Mathematics Ambassador Project (SJMAP), and continue to collaborate to support math teachers in Southern New Jersey through coaching and professional development.
Evelyn Robles
Evelyn Robles is a second year Problem Based Learning student at Rowan-Virtua SOM's Sewell campus. She was born in Hoboken and raised in Linden, NJ. In 2019, Evelyn graduated from Saint Peter's University in Jersey City and worked for several years within the CarePoint Health system in North Jersey. She currently lives in Runnemede with her husband and 2 cats, Freddy and Luna. Evelyn is keeping her options open for the future, but is currently interested in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and OB/GYN.
Arnold Rojas
Arnold Rojas, a second-year medical student at Cooper Medical School, hails from Elizabeth, New Jersey, and is the proud son of Venezuelan immigrants. Having earned his degree in Molecular Biology from Kean University, Arnold is dedicated to pursuing a career in medical oncology, driven by a passion for making a difference in the field of healthcare.
Katarina Rusinak
Katarina Rusinak is a first year Problem Based Learning student at the Rowan Virtua College of Osteopathic Medicine. Katarina is Slovak-American, born and raised in Whitehouse Station, NJ. She completed her undergraduate education at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, majoring in Biology and minoring in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Although my interests in medicine range, I hope to be an advocate for my future patients.
Rob Wieman, Ph.D.
Both Drs. Perry and Wieman have extensive experience with mathematics teacher education, working together to develop math methods courses and collaborating as supervisors for Rowan student teachers, They were co-PIs on the South Jersey Mathematics Ambassador Project (SJMAP), and continue to collaborate to support math teachers in Southern New Jersey through coaching and professional development.Victoria Wong Murray
Victoria Wong Murray is a first-generation non-traditional student now in their second year of medical school at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. After being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholar Award in 2002, they went on to pursue a B.A. in biology and a M.H.S. in biochemistry at the Johns Hopkins University and School of Public Health. As an immigrant with non-English-speaking parents, they were naturally drawn to the issues of language equity and accessibility. They currently work on research involving language equity in patient education and provide direct medical services to underserved communities. They continue to work with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Center for Excellence in Education to support first-generation students from underserved backgrounds in higher education. After presenting at Harvard NESS, they also helped contribute to organizing a diversity conference at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine and serve on the undergraduate medical student education committee for the American Academy of Neurology.