About the Authors
Taylor Ajamian, BA (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is an administrative specialist who manages programs, projects, processes, and infrastructure. When she is not working you can find her lifting weights, doing crossword puzzles, chatting about astrology, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.
Emma Dums, BS (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a research analyst with a background in psychology and statistics. She loves problem-solving, PowerPoints, and all things process. On and off the clock, she’ll probably be found with a mug of soup in hand and thinking through some kind of puzzle.
Julie M. Hau, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a researcher working on projects to study and advance the science of mentorship, along with evaluation of mentorship interventions. Julie enjoys reading and writing poetry. She highly values her relationships with family and friends and her cat Maggie, who sat patiently by Julie’s side while she was writing this chapter.
Jada Holmes, BA (Morehouse School of Medicine) is a research and program manager whose work focuses on advancing equity-driven mentoring and translational research capacity-building for early-stage investigators and established faculty. She brings strategic vision and a storyteller’s touch to her work, helping others access the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. Outside of work, Jada enjoys reading, writing, and cultivating affirming spaces and thoughtfully curated gatherings centered on community, connection, and everyday joy.
So Hee Hyun, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a social science researcher dedicated to enhancing mentoring relationships and skills through organizing and analyzing data, as well as developing assessment tools. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending active time outdoors playing with her energetic little one.
Krystina Karcz, BA (Community College of Allegheny County) is a mathematics student and formerly a Program Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her two cats.
Melissa McDaniels, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a researcher, curriculum developer, and administrator who has led a number of postsecondary education institutional change projects over the last several decades. In her spare time, she loves spending time with family and friends, hiking, and enjoying the New England coast.
Abhijnya Menakur, MS (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a recent data science graduate who works with machine learning and enjoys solving problems with code. When she’s not training algorithms, she loves painting, crafting, and exploring creative projects that give her hands a break from the keyboard.
Christine Pfund, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a distinguished senior scientist who directs several national efforts to advance the science and practice of mentorship including the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) and the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) Coordination Center. She enjoys reading, yoga, solving puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Fátima Sancheznieto, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a biomedical researcher and social scientist who studies graduate and postdoctoral training environments. In her spare time, she loves walking in nature, gardening, and being a mamma to many critters (dogs, frogs, and spiders) and soon to a baby human.
Lisette Serrano, BS (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a business development manager who has worked across the mentorship portfolio as both a program and fiscal manager, supporting the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep initiatives running smoothly. She loves adventuring with her partner and four pups, spending time with loved ones, soaking up nature, and learning new crafts.
Christine A. Sorkness, PharmD (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a mentor, pharmacist, and clinician scientist who is engaged with clinical trials designed to improve the therapeutic management of asthma in children and adolescents. In her spare time, she likes to cook, travel, read mysteries, and attend performance art events.
Kim Spencer, MS (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is a researcher who studies the impact of interventions and enjoys the full circle experience of using data to tell stories and drive change. She loves exploring hiking paths, trying new sourdough recipes, and sipping on lavender lattes.
Emily Utzerath, MA (University of Wisconsin–Madison) is an administrative director, facilitator, and leadership coach who thrives on turning chaos into calm. She loves exploring small towns, escaping in fiction, and gathering with friends.
