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| Catherine Hamel | Jen Kuntz |
| Catherine Hamel is a Keystone Instructor and the Assistant Director of the Keystone Program. Catherine teaches Clark School students in courses such as ENES100, ENES102, ENES113/115, and ENES232. Before working at the University of Maryland, Catherine worked as a Process Safety and Risk Management Engineer for AcuTech Consulting Group. Catherine holds a B.S. and M.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. |
Hello! I’m Jen Kuntz and I’m the Assistant Director- Outreach and Recruitment with the WIE Program, where I focus on inspiring K-12 students to become future Maryland Engineers. My passion for STEM follows a non-traditional path as I have a B.A in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and a MLIS degree from UMD, which led me to implementing STEM education in public libraries before moving to the WIE Program to continue my focus on making STEM accessible to all. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts and playing bocce. |
Maryland Engineering Listening Sessions
Have your voice carefully listened to!
Maryland Engineering is launching a series of focus group listening sessions to enhance our understanding of the undergraduate student experience within the Clark School and your department.
Our invitation to you… Help us better understand what contributes to and gets in the way of your success as a Maryland Engineer.
Our commitment to you… We will listen carefully to your stories and develop actionable initiatives designed to strengthen the Maryland Engineering and academic department student experience.
Seniors & Recent Graduates Invited to Participate:
All Aerospace, Electrical & Computer, and Mechanical Engineering students enrolled in 400-level major required courses this fall with anticipated graduation dates in the next 18 months as well as recent graduates from the past year (December 2024, May 2025, or August 2025) are eligible to participate.
Focus group sessions will be held between September 29 - October 9 and will be composed of students from within the same major. Both in-person and Zoom options are provided. Students can elect to participate via Zoom with cameras off and a pseudonym displayed if they choose.
$50 thank you!
All students who sign up and also attend a 90-minute focus group session will receive Maryland Engineering apparel valued at up to $50.
Next Steps
Let us know you’re interested in participating by completing this 30-second form. Have questions? Contact Assistant Dean of Engineering Student Affairs, Ramsey Jabaji (rjabaji@umd.edu).
Sign UpFind session schedule and facilitators for your major below:
Aerospace Electrical & Computer MechanicalAerospace Engineering:
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| Darren Pierre | Jeanea Wallace |
| Dr. Darren Pierre is a Senior Lecturer in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Dr. Pierre’s courses center on leadership, culturally informed leadership practice, and organizational/group dynamics. His educational journey spans diverse disciplines, including business, education, and leadership. Graduating from Wingate University with a focus on business, Darren continued his academic pursuits at the University of Maryland – College Park, where he earned a Master of Arts in Education, Policy, and Leadership. Later, he earned his PhD from the University of Georgia. Combining formal education with life experiences, he delves into research themes of leadership, authenticity, and resilience. Darren also emphasizes the cultivation of a culture of assessment and evaluation, guiding entities towards continuous improvement. He integrates diverse leadership theories to catalyze positive organizational change, fostering environments where work is imbued with meaning and aligned with broader societal objectives. Through his work, Darren inspires others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to cultivate a profound sense of self-worth and resilience. | My name is Jeanea Wallace and I am the Retention Coordinator for CMSE. I joined the Clark School in November of 2023. Currently I oversee the Bridge Program which includes a 4-week residential summer component where incoming first year students have the opportunity to be introduced to college level Calculus and Chemistry, which prepares students for engineering classes. I serve as the advisor for the LSAMP STEM student organization. I also oversee CMSE's First Generation initiatives. Prior to coming to the University of Maryland, I was the Undergraduate Recruitment & Engagement Specialist within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University (MSU), and my Master of Science in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Texas A&M University. I enjoy working with transition programs, first-year experience, multicultural affairs; and I am fully invested in the overall success of our students. |
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| Christina Yang | David Tomblin |
| Christina (she/her/hers) is the Administrative Coordinator for Science, Technology and Society (STS) programs and the Office of Global Engineering Leadership (OGEL) in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. She graduated from UMD in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Disability Studies. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Equity at the University of Maryland. In her free time, she also enjoys drawing, baking, and exploring DC. |
David Tomblin is a senior lecturer with appointment in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. He has served as director of Science, Technology and Society since 2013 and has taught at the University of Maryland since 2009. He is a Distinguished Fearless Faculty Fellow with the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a member of the Engineering Education Research Group. Tomblin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech. He earned a doctorate in science and technology studies from Virginia Tech in 2009. His research focus on the governance of and public engagement with emerging technologies. Tomblin works with a consortium of universities, science museums and nonprofits called Expert and Citizen Assessment of Technology (or ECAST) to develop public-engagement exercises for government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA), the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA). Recent projects have centered on asteroid exploration, nuclear energy, autonomous vehicles and geoengineering. |
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| Shannon Buenaflor | Kelly McNulty |
| I have worked for the Clark School for nine years as the primary advisor for transfer students. In my role, I provide pre-transfer advising and support students as they navigate our gateway course requirements and the admission process. I love working with transfer students and am eager to learn more about how we can support transfer student needs. Separate from my role on campus, I also do a lot of research on transfer student success and have been very active with the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. | Kelly McNulty is the Program Manager for Experiential Learning in the Office of Global Engineering Leadership, focusing on connecting students to hands-on learning and leadership opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. This includes supporting Maryland Engineering Student Organizations (MESO), global experiential programs, Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP), and intergroup dialogue programs. She is passionate about connecting experiential programs to each student's career goals and role as a global citizen. She holds a Master’s in Teaching from Trinity Washington University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology/Anthropology and American Studies: Social Justice Issues from Lafayette College. |
Electrical & Computer Engineering:
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| Christina Yang | David Tomblin |
| Christina (she/her/hers) is the Administrative Coordinator for Science, Technology and Society (STS) programs and the Office of Global Engineering Leadership (OGEL) in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. She graduated from UMD in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Disability Studies. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Equity at the University of Maryland. In her free time, she also enjoys drawing, baking, and exploring DC. |
David Tomblin is a senior lecturer with appointment in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. He has served as director of Science, Technology and Society since 2013 and has taught at the University of Maryland since 2009. He is a Distinguished Fearless Faculty Fellow with the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a member of the Engineering Education Research Group. Tomblin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech. He earned a doctorate in science and technology studies from Virginia Tech in 2009. His research focus on the governance of and public engagement with emerging technologies. Tomblin works with a consortium of universities, science museums and nonprofits called Expert and Citizen Assessment of Technology (or ECAST) to develop public-engagement exercises for government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA), the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA). Recent projects have centered on asteroid exploration, nuclear energy, autonomous vehicles and geoengineering. |
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| Catherine Hamel | Jen Kuntz |
| Catherine Hamel is a Keystone Instructor and the Assistant Director of the Keystone Program. Catherine teaches Clark School students in courses such as ENES100, ENES102, ENES113/115, and ENES232. Before working at the University of Maryland, Catherine worked as a Process Safety and Risk Management Engineer for AcuTech Consulting Group. Catherine holds a B.S. and M.S. degree in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland. |
Hello! I’m Jen Kuntz and I’m the Assistant Director- Outreach and Recruitment with the WIE Program, where I focus on inspiring K-12 students to become future Maryland Engineers. My passion for STEM follows a non-traditional path as I have a B.A in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and a MLIS degree from UMD, which led me to implementing STEM education in public libraries before moving to the WIE Program to continue my focus on making STEM accessible to all. In my free time, I enjoy listening to podcasts and playing bocce. |
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| Darren Pierre | Jeanea Wallace |
| Dr. Darren Pierre is a Senior Lecturer in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Dr. Pierre’s courses center on leadership, culturally informed leadership practice, and organizational/group dynamics. His educational journey spans diverse disciplines, including business, education, and leadership. Graduating from Wingate University with a focus on business, Darren continued his academic pursuits at the University of Maryland – College Park, where he earned a Master of Arts in Education, Policy, and Leadership. Later, he earned his PhD from the University of Georgia. Combining formal education with life experiences, he delves into research themes of leadership, authenticity, and resilience. Darren also emphasizes the cultivation of a culture of assessment and evaluation, guiding entities towards continuous improvement. He integrates diverse leadership theories to catalyze positive organizational change, fostering environments where work is imbued with meaning and aligned with broader societal objectives. Through his work, Darren inspires others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to cultivate a profound sense of self-worth and resilience. | My name is Jeanea Wallace and I am the Retention Coordinator for CMSE. I joined the Clark School in November of 2023. Currently I oversee the Bridge Program which includes a 4-week residential summer component where incoming first year students have the opportunity to be introduced to college level Calculus and Chemistry, which prepares students for engineering classes. I serve as the advisor for the LSAMP STEM student organization. I also oversee CMSE's First Generation initiatives. Prior to coming to the University of Maryland, I was the Undergraduate Recruitment & Engagement Specialist within the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan! I received my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Michigan State University (MSU), and my Master of Science in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Texas A&M University. I enjoy working with transition programs, first-year experience, multicultural affairs; and I am fully invested in the overall success of our students. |
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| Brian Dillehay | Aris Cleanthous |
| Brian Dillehay, Director in the Office of Global Engineering Leadership, oversees Maryland Engineering's global, leadership, experiential, and onboarding initiatives. He has been working and teaching courses in the A. James Clark School of Engineering since 2017 and has an extensive background in international education, global programming, and inclusive leadership initiatives. | Associate Clinical professor, teaching 1st year courses to all majors, and senior courses to Mechanical Engineers. I have 22 years of practical engineering experience designing power tools, and love teaching. I have been teaching at UMD since 2019. I am 53 years old. |
Mechanical Engineering:
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| Tabatha Cuadra Rodriguez | Aralia Ramirez |
| Hi! My name is Tabatha Cuadra Rodriguez and I'm the Assistant Director for Retention with the WIE Program. I earned my B.A. in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice from UMD (go Terps!), and my J.D. from Penn State Dickinson Law. After practicing law for a few years I transitioned to working in higher education and this is where I've been since. As a first-generation American and student, I am passionate about supporting retention initiatives for students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. When I'm not doing what I love at work, I'm hanging out with my dog, reading psychological thrillers, or cooking. | Aralia Ramirez is the Assistant Director with the Office of Global Engineering Leadership. She oversees and supports our experiential learning opportunities in Maryland Engineering, including ClarkLEAD, Maryland VIPs, intergroup dialogue and student organizations. She is dedicated to helping create spaces where students feel they belong and believes that part of that process is identifying the policies and practices that inhibit this goal. |
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| Suzanne Ashour-Bailey | Niku Letang |
| Suzanne Ashour-Bailey serves as the Director for the Engineering Academic Services office which leads initiatives that enhance student persistence and retention such as orientation and graduation. She has over 20 years experience in higher education with experience in both academic and student affairs. Suzanne consistently advocates for students and seeks out ways to enhance the student experience here in the Clark School. Suzanne enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, going to movies, and attending sporting events! | Niku Letang is the Coordinator for Recruitment and Outreach for the Clark School's Engineering programs offered at Southern Maryland. With a background in user experience research and design, Niku is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for students, both online and in person, and helping them connect to real-world opportunities. Her work bridges digital and face-to-face engagement, ensuring students can access resources, stories, and experiences that support their academic and professional journeys. |
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| Christina Yang | David Tomblin |
| Christina (she/her/hers) is the Administrative Coordinator for Science, Technology and Society (STS) programs and the Office of Global Engineering Leadership (OGEL) in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. She graduated from UMD in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Disability Studies. Currently, she is pursuing her Master's in Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Health Equity at the University of Maryland. In her free time, she also enjoys drawing, baking, and exploring DC. |
David Tomblin is a senior lecturer with appointment in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. He has served as director of Science, Technology and Society since 2013 and has taught at the University of Maryland since 2009. He is a Distinguished Fearless Faculty Fellow with the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a member of the Engineering Education Research Group. Tomblin earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Biology from Virginia Tech. He earned a doctorate in science and technology studies from Virginia Tech in 2009. His research focus on the governance of and public engagement with emerging technologies. Tomblin works with a consortium of universities, science museums and nonprofits called Expert and Citizen Assessment of Technology (or ECAST) to develop public-engagement exercises for government agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (or NASA), the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA). Recent projects have centered on asteroid exploration, nuclear energy, autonomous vehicles and geoengineering. |
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| Tabatha Cuadra Rodriguez | Aralia Ramirez |
| Hi! My name is Tabatha Cuadra Rodriguez and I'm the Assistant Director for Retention with the WIE Program. I earned my B.A. in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice from UMD (go Terps!), and my J.D. from Penn State Dickinson Law. After practicing law for a few years I transitioned to working in higher education and this is where I've been since. As a first-generation American and student, I am passionate about supporting retention initiatives for students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. When I'm not doing what I love at work, I'm hanging out with my dog, reading psychological thrillers, or cooking. | Aralia Ramirez is the Assistant Director with the Office of Global Engineering Leadership. She oversees and supports our experiential learning opportunities in Maryland Engineering, including ClarkLEAD, Maryland VIPs, intergroup dialogue and student organizations. She is dedicated to helping create spaces where students feel they belong and believes that part of that process is identifying the policies and practices that inhibit this goal. |
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