NSF ADVANCE ASCEND
Southeast Alliances
Administrators
Dr. Diane Boyd
Furman University • Greenville, SC
Dr. Diane E. Boyd is the Mary Seawell Metz ‘58 Executive Director of the Faculty Development Center and Associate Dean of Faculty Development at Furman University. Her research focuses on Threshold Concepts in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, leveraging course design insights for educational equity, and increasing agency and vitality via values-infused programming for mid-career colleagues.
Dr. Dena P. Garner
The Citadel • Charleston, SC
Dr. Dena P. Garner is a Professor of Exercise Science at The Citadel. Her training at The University of South Carolina, Oregon State University and The Medical University of South Carolina was in the fields of muscle physiology, electrophysiology and neurology. At The Medical University of South Carolina, she obtained a post-doctoral fellowship in the area of neurological effects of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (rat model of multiple sclerosis) on retinal ganglion cells. At The Citadel her research has concentrated on the use of mouthpiece during performance, with studies that have focused on reaction time, lactate, cortisol, and oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. In addition to research in the area of mouthpiece use and effect on human performance, Dr. Garner is involved in two research studies regarding testing and evaluating physiologic neuro-assessment devices in healthy versus traumatic brain injury populations. Related to this research she was awarded a multi-year grant from the Henry Jackson Foundation to assess neurologic assessment devices in healthy populations. Currently Dr. Garner is the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at The Citadel. In addition, she is the Assistant Provost for Research and Policy and serves as the director of the Undergraduate Research Office at The Citadel.
Dr. Loretta Jackson-Hayes
On leave while serving as NSF Program Officer
Dr. Loretta Jackson-Hayes is Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Rhodes College and also serves as the Director for Scholarly and Creative Activity Mentoring within the Office of Faculty Development. She earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Jackson-Hayes has published scientific papers with undergraduate students as co-authors and her research has been supported by over 1 million dollars in grant funding from Research Corporation, the Merck Company Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dr. Jackson-Hayes is a national spokesperson for STEM education, particularly within the liberal arts environment publishing a Washington Post op-ed and delivering a TEDX Talk on the subject. She is a 2016 alumna of the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) Institute. Dr. Jackson-Hayes is a proud native of Coldwater, MS, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Ken, son, Kendel (16 years), and daughter Naomi (6 years).
Dr. Nicole L. Snyder
Davidson College • Davidson, NC
Dr. Nicole L. Snyder is the Assistant Dean for Research and Creative Works and Professor of Chemistry at Davidson College. In her role as Assistant Dean, she assists faculty and students in identifying resources to support their research and creative endeavors. She also serves as the Chair of both the Faculty and Student Study and Research Committees which award nearly a half a million dollars annually to support faculty and student work. In addition to her administrative role, Snyder teaches courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, immunology and pharmacology. She also runs a federally funded research program that is currently supported by the NIH and NSF, including an NSF-IRES grant which provides opportunities for students to travel to Düsseldorf, Germany to conduct collaborative polymer research. She earned B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Westminster College, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut. She enjoys travel and hiking.
Dr. Alice Suroviec
Berry College • Mt Berry, GA
Dr. Alice Suroviec is Professor of Bioanalytical Chemistry and Dean of the College of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at Berry College. She earned a BS in Chemistry from Allegheny College in 2000. She received her PhD from Virginia Tech in 2005 under the direction of Dr. Mark R. Anderson. Her research focuses on enzymatically modified electrodes for use as biosensors. She is currently Associate Editor of the PAE Technical Division for the Journal of the Electrochemical Society.
Biology
Dr. Sarah Boyle
On Sabbatical
Dr. Sarah Boyle earned her doctorate in Biology from Arizona State University. Boyle studies how habitat loss and fragmentation impact the ecology, behavior, and conservation of species. Her research primarily focuses on species in the Amazon and Atlantic Forest of South America. At Rhodes College, Boyle was the faculty supervisor of the GIS Lab, and the campus liaison for the research-based partnership between Rhodes College and the Memphis Zoo. She also serves on the Urban Studies and the Latin America and Latinx Studies academic program committees. Boyle is interested in providing all students with opportunities to pursue their academic and professional interests. Her favorite activity is camping with her family.
Dr. Jessica Reichmuth
Augusta University • Augusta, GA
Dr. Jessica Reichmuth is a professor at Augusta University. Originally a New Jersey native, she has traveled up and down the eastern Atlantic seaboard before finally settling in Augusta, GA, in 2010. The one thing in common during her time in the southeast, mid-Atlantic, and northeast was the call of the salt marshes and estuaries. Since 2010, she has been a faculty member of the Department of Biological Sciences at Augusta University and was recently promoted to Professor in 2022. In her time there, she has taught a wide range of courses spanning all aspects of marine science and ecology. She leads an active undergraduate research program encompassing many student-driven research questions, but most recently, spending most of that research time on the Satilla River. Of course in her free time, she spends time with her fur-baby, Zoey and husband, Chris, listening to Bruce Springsteen.
Dr. Margaret Smith
University of North Georgia • Dahlonega, GA
Dr. Margaret Smith is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of North Georgia (UNG) in Dahlonega, Georgia. She has been at UNG for about 9 years where she spends a majority of her time teaching. She enjoys teaching a range of class in a variety of formats from from introductory classes for non-science majors taught online to upper level, face-to-face classes for Biology majors. Dr. Smith is also part of a team of faculty that teaches transdisciplinary STEM lab classes, spanning Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math. She also is very actively involved in undergraduate research as a high impact teaching practice in and outside of the classroom. Dr. Smith earned her Ph.D. at Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana. When not teaching, she enjoys reading, being a Girl Scout leader, and playing outside with her two young daughters and husband.
Dr. J. Meg Steinweg
Appalachian State University • Boone, NC
Dr. J. Meg Steinweg is currently an Educational Development Specialist (EDS) at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She began her role as an EDS in August 2024. Currently, she supports faculty across campus with instructional consultations, peer observations, SoTL, and alternative grading practices. Prior to becoming an EDS she was an associate professor in biology at Roanoke College for 9 years and the co-director of the Roanoke College Teaching Collaborative for 2 years. She has taught introductory biology courses, microbiology, soil ecology, systems biology, and non-major’s science courses. Dr. Steinweg earned her BS in Biology at Appalachian State University, her MS and PhD in Ecology at Colorado State University, and a graduate certificate in Educational Technology at James Madison University.
Chemistry
Dr. Meghan Blackledge
High Point University • High Point, NC
Dr. Meghan Blackledge is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at High Point University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Chemistry and English from Wellesley College in 2005 and her PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry from Duke in 2011. After completing her postdoc at NC State University, she joined the Department of Chemistry at High Point University in 2014. Dr. Blackledge primarily teaches courses in organic and medicinal chemistry and scientific communication. In 2018, Dr. Blackledge was the recipient of the Meredith Clark Slane Distinguished Teaching-Service Award at High Point University. In addition to her teaching, Dr. Blackledge has mentored over 20 students in her lab, which focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of small molecules that combat bacterial biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. She is the PI of an NIH-AREA grant to study antibiotic resistance in S. aureus and the co-PI on an NSF-MRI grant to obtain an NMR.
Dr. Karen Buchmueller
Furman University • Greenville, SC
Dr. Karen Buchmueller is an Associate Professor in Chemistry at Furman University. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Buchmueller joined the faculty at Furman in 2007 and was the first Biochemist hired within the Chemistry department at Furman. Dr. Buchmueller enjoys sharing her passion for Biochemistry with students in her classes and in her research lab. In addition to her teaching and research endeavors, she is the PI for the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Furman and a member and former chair of the Chemistry NSF-REU Leadership Group, which champions Chemistry REU programs across the country.
Dr. Bethel Seballos
The University of the South • Sewanee, TN
Dr. Bethel Seballos is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Biochemistry major program at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. She received her B.S. in biochemistry at the University of Southern Mississippi, and her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. She teaches introductory and advanced courses as well as courses for non-majors, including forensic chemistry. Her research projects at Sewanee are focused on the impact of oxidative stress on connective tissue and developing sensors for the detection of toxins. When she is not working with the Sewanee Chemistry Club or doing science outreach in the local schools, she explores the outdoors with her family and their trusty terrier.
Dr. Meredith Storms
University of North Carolina at Pembroke • Pembroke, NC
Dr. Meredith Storms is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNC Pembroke). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from UNC Pembroke in 1997 and her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Georgia in 2002. Dr. Storms joined UNC Pembroke in 2002. She primarily teaches general chemistry, forensic chemistry, and scientific literature. She has developed and taught numerous special topics courses for the graduate science education program which include Modern Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Equilibrium in Chemical Reactions. Dr. Storms has mentored over 30 undergraduate research students. Her research mostly involves the use of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to assay drugs in a variety of dosage forms and biological matrices with applications relevant to toxicology and the pharmaceutical sciences. With an interest in community outreach, Dr. Storms has coordinated multiple outreach events in collaboration with the local section of the American Chemical Society and various student organizations at UNC Pembroke.
Computer Science + Mathematics
Dr. Erin Bodine
Rhodes College • Memphis, TN
Dr. Erin N. Bodine is currently an Professor of Mathematics & Statistics at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. She was hired at Rhodes College as an Assistant Professor in 2010 and received tenure in 2017. Bodine earned her BS in Mathematics (and a BA in Anthropology) from Harvey Mudd College in 2003, and her PhD in Mathematics with a concentration in Mathematical Ecology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2010. Bodine's dissertation work, and a portion of her current research, focuses on using optimal control theory to analyze species augmentation models. More broadly, Bodine's current research uses difference equations, differential equations, and agent-based models to analyze and simulate the dynamics of a diverse set of systems: endangered species populations, the treatment of cancer, the spread of infectious diseases within a population, and reproductive effort and success in plants. Since starting at Rhodes College, Bodine has enjoyed several productive research collaborations with Rhodes undergraduates and continues to work with 2-8 students each year on a variety of biomathematics research projects.
Dr. Jill Cochran
Berry College • Mount Berry, GA
Dr. Jill Cochran is a Professor at Berry College in northwest Georgia. She earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at Texas State University in San Marcos. She is a strong advocate for STEM education at all levels, often involving her students in research projects and offering professional development opportunities for local teachers. Under her leadership, the STEMTeach program at Berry College was developed as an apprenticeship program for undergraduate pre-service math and science teachers as well as collaborative professional development with mentor teachers. As PI, Dr. Cochran secured funding for this program through an NSF Noyce grant in 2018. In addition to promoting STEM education through her teaching, research and community engagement, Dr. Cochran is also significantly interested in faculty development in higher education, having chaired both Berry College’s Faculty Development and Promotion and Tenure Committees as well as currently serving as Director for Teacher Education.
Dr. Breeanne Swart
The Citadel • Charleston, SC
Dr. Breeanne Swart is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at The Citadel. She earned her MS and PhD at Lehigh University in 2009 and 2013, respectively. Her research interests include graph theory and number theory, and she often is working with students in these areas. Her students present their work at local and regional conferences and some projects are published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Swart enjoys working with students inside the classroom as well and trying new pedagogical techniques to increase student success, including flipping the classroom and active learning. Dr. Swart participates in the Faculty Emerging Leaders Development Program at The Citadel where she is working on her leadership skills to prepare for future roles on campus as well as in the discipline.
Dr. Andrea Tartaro
Furman University • Greenville, SC
Dr. Andrea Tartaro is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Furman University in Greenville, SC. She earned her Ph.D. in Technology and Social Behavior, a joint Ph.D. in Computer Science and Communication Studies, at Northwestern University and her B.A. in Computer Science at Brown University. Dr. Tartaro researches the expanding the role of computer science as a liberal arts discipline as well as human-centered design to support education and behavior change. She has worked with over 30 undergraduate students as well as collaborators in History, Communication Studies, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Medicine.
Physics + Engineering
Dr. Carolyn Martsberger
Wofford College • Spartanburg, SC
Dr. Carolyn Martsberger is an Associate Professor and Chair of Physics at Wofford College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the College of the Holy Cross, a PhD in Physics from Duke University, a Certificate in Translational Medicine from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, a Certificate in Nonlinear & Complex Systems and a Certificate in Safety & Machine Operation from Duke University. Her research focuses on experimental, computational, and theoretical calculations to investigate how electrical and chemical changes in cardiac tissue promote more complex irregular rhythms in the heart. She is also interested in clinical research to better determine a patient’s susceptibility to disease. She was a former Clare Booth Luce Scholar, a recipient of the Sujack award for Excellence in Teaching and the Nugent Gold Medal for Excellence in Physics. Her work is continually fueled by her joy in working alongside her students.
Dr. Dimitra Michalaka
The Citadel • Charleston, SC
Dr. Dimitra Michalaka, P.E., is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Associate Director for the Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility (C2M2). Dr. Michalaka received her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), after which she entered into the transportation engineering graduate program at University of Florida. She graduated with a M.S. in 2009 and with a Ph.D. in 2012. Her research is primarily focused on traffic operations, congestion pricing, traffic simulation, and engineering education. Dr. Michalaka has organized and participated in numerous research, workforce development and outreach activities, and has offered webinars and hands-on workshops to transportation engineering professionals, teachers, professors and others. Dr. Michalaka has been serving as Society of Women Engineers and Institute of Transportation (ITE) Engineers faculty advisor for more than 5 years and she is the South Carolina ITE section representative. She has received various awards including the SC young civil engineer of the year and The Citadel new faculty excellence award. Dr. Michalaka is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of South Carolina since 2016.
Dr. Jacquelyn K. Nagel
James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA
Dr. Jacquelyn K. Nagel is Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering at James Madison University. She earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University, and her M.S. and B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering and Electrical Engineering, respectively, from Missouri University of Science & Technology. As a multidiscipline engineer her diverse areas of expertise are mechatronic systems, manufacturing automation, engineering education, and bio-inspired design (BID). She was the PI for a collaborative NSF grant focused on evidence-based, instructional resources for teaching BID. Dr. Nagel is internationally known for her BID process and pedagogy research and has given invited talks/webinars/lectures to SWE, INCOSE, NASA, and at universities in Canada, France, and USA. Dr. Nagel’s research and leadership achievements were recognized when chosen by IEEE-USA for the New Faces of Engineering in 2012, and the Society of Women Engineers for the Distinguished New Engineer Award in 2016.
Dr. Tennille Presley
Winston Salem State University • Winston Salem, NC
Dr. Tennille D. Presley is a tenured Professor of Physics & Project Director at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). She obtained her BS degree in Interdisciplinary Physics from North Carolina A & T State University, and acquired her MS and PhD degrees in Biophysics from The Ohio State University. While at The Ohio State University, she became the first African American to graduate from the Biophysics program. Following her PhD, Dr Presley completed her post-doctoral training at Wake Forest University in the Department of Physics and the Translational Science Center. Since joining WSSU, she has been the recipient of numerous external and internal grants and awards including the NIH and NSF. Furthermore, she has been Visiting Faculty at Brookhaven National Laboratory, a recipient of the Buckeyes Under 40 Award, and a US Delegate for the International Conference on Women in Physics. Her research has expanded into the realm of physics, music and biology as well as data science; she is a Faculty Fellow for the Center for Applied Data Science and has completed a certificate program in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace. Dr. Presley has an extensive record of national and international presentations, ultimately highlighting her scientific research and experience in biophysics, mentorship, advocacy and integrative learning. She has published more than a dozen articles in free radical research, and is the author of the book entitled “Biophysics of the Senses”; a second edition of her book was published in April 2021.
Dr. Yanjun Yan
Western Carolina University • Cullowhee, NC
Dr. Yanjun Yan is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering + Technology at Western Carolina University (WCU). She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University. She joined WCU in Fall 2013. Her research interests include optimization, swarm robotics, and engineering education. Dr. Yan has been the PI or co-PI of multiple external and internal grants, including an NSF S-STEM grant, yielding 50+ publications since 2013. She was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar visiting the Technical University of Sofia in Bulgaria in Fall 2021 and the WCU Hunter Scholar in 2015.