Faculty
Dr. John Artim

I am a …
First generation college student
Boomer
He/His
Late-life PhD student and now lecturer
Teacher teaching to make a difference
Researcher contributing to our understanding of nature and humanity’s relationship to the natural world
Systems analyst
Academic Interests
Ecology in general and specifically aquatic ecology and ecology of coral reefs
Environmental sciences especially its multidisciplinary nature
Case studies in environmental sciences as a teaching tool
Self-authorship theory applied to teaching STEM students
I am happy to share my research, my teaching, and my thoughts. Please reach out and start a conversation!
Contact me …
jartim@astate.edu
Dr. Maureen Dolan

I am a...
Woman in Science
Single Parent Scientist
Science Educational Outreach (K-12)
Academic Interests
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Research interest focuses on applying science discovery to solve real world issues in areas of protein-based therapeutics for animal and human health and molecular diagnostic development.
Happy to meet with students to discuss science-related career options, developing good study skills and honing your science communication skills.
Open to sharing experience as an entrepreneur in the biotech/diagnostic sectors; resource for students with interest in starting science-based company.
Also willing to share my winding road and lessons learned as a woman in science, single parent, faculty and researcher.
Contact me:
mdolan@astate.edu
Dr. Jerry Farris

I am a...
Resource
He/Boomer
First Generation
Professor and scientist
Academic Interests
Zoology and Ecology
Ecotoxicology
I’ll share my broad community experiences in our conversation.
Contact me:
jlfarris@astate.edu
Dr. Tanja McKay

I am a...
Working parent
Woman in science
Mental health advocate
Academic Interests
Entomology
Environmental Sciences
Molecular Biosciences
My door is always open for anyone who wants to come in to visit and talk. I enjoy nature, especially insects and love to travel. I also love to spend time with my family and play the violin.
Contact me:
tmckay@astate.edu
Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee

I am a...
She/Her
Working parent
Mental health advocate
Academic Interests
Physiology
Herpetology
I am more than happy to share my experiences as a woman in science who is balancing personal well-being with being professionally productive, a good mom and partner, and effective mentor and teacher.
Contact me:
lneumanlee@astate.edu
www.neumanleelab.weebly.com
Dr. Asela Wijeratne

I am a...
International student and scholar
Parent in academia
Contact me:
awijeratne@astate.edu
Dr. Guolei (Jason) Zhou

I am a...
He/His
Sports fan
Amateur table tennis player
Academic Interests
Cell Biology
Cancer Biology
As someone with an Asian background and substantial international experiences from countries including China, Japan and the U.S., I would be happy to share my experiences, especially those pertinent for having a successful career in science and becoming an effective educator.
Contact me:
gzhou@astate.edu
Graduate Students
Andressa Alves Augusto

I am a...
International Student
She/Her
Former Athlete
Academic Interests
Environmental Science
As an international student and coming from a different background, I am always trying to overcome the daily challenges. I am more than happy to share my experiences as a foreign student, woman in science, former athlete.
Contact me:
andressa.alvesaug@smail.astate.edu
Caitlin De Bellis
I am…
She/Her
Woman in Science
First Generation
Biology Student
Academic Interests
Ecology
Wildlife Conservation
Environmental Studies
I am happy to share my experiences as a first-generation student and a woman in science.
Contact me:
caitlin.debellis@smail.astate.edu
Kevin Krajcir
I am a…
He/Him/His
LGBTQ Advocate
First Generation Student
Native/Life-long Arkansan
Academic Interests:
Wildlife Biology
Vertebrate Physiology
Natural History
I am happy to share my experiences and perspective as a member of the LGBT community and as a first generation college and graduate student. I hope to serve as an ally, friend, and resource for all!
Contact me:
Kevin.krajcir@smail.astate.edu
Brittany McCall

I am a...
She/Her
LGBTQ advocate
Person of color
Non-traditional student
Environmental Sciences student
Academic Interests
Conservation
Molecular ecology
Phylogeography/systematics
I am happy to share my experiences and help those in need as a minority woman in science and a non-traditional graduate student.
Contact me:
brittany.mccall@smail.astate.edu
Krishna Deo Sharma
I am a…
He/His
International student
Molecular biology student
Academic Interests
Neuroscience
Clinical Anatomy
Molecular biology
I am more than happy to share my experiences as an international student in research.
Contact me:
Krishna.sharma@smail.astate.edu
Jen Terry

I am a...
Person of Color
She/her
First Generation
Sorority Woman
Biology Student
Academic Interests
Wildlife Conservation
Animal Behavior
Physiology
I am more than happy to share my experiences as a POC, first generation, woman in science.
Contact me:
jennifer.terry@smail.astate.edu