Past Student Interviews

This forum is a way for the Graduate College to celebrate our outstanding graduate students. Throughout the school year faculty from each graduate department are asked to nominate a student in their program as the Featured Graduate Student of the Month.  We aim to highlight students from various programs during the year to see how they have contributed to the program and college as a whole. 

file

Melanie Graham 

Melanie is an M.A. candidate in the English Department. Her research interests include trauma theory, more specifically the application of “insidious trauma” to modern texts in an effort to illuminate society’s institutions and systems that perpetuate oppression. Melanie is a Graduate Teaching Fellow and is an instructor of Core 101 and Core 102. She is also a member of the English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta and will be representing Radford University at the 1816 Conference in Sheffield, England this June. Outside of school, Melanie enjoys traveling, live music, laughing, spending time with family and friends, drinking red wine, and bubble baths.  

Read More

file

Eric Tucker

Eric is an MBA candidate in the College of Business and Economics.  His areas of focus include quality management and supply chain and logistics management.  He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Radford University (1982) and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management from J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College (1993).  He has worked in quality assurance, operations management and purchasing for most of his career, and he returned to Radford University last year.  He served as a Graduate Assistant last year in the COBE Marketing department and is currently a full-time student and part-time Supply Chain Intern at the Volvo Truck plant in Dublin, VA.  Eric serves on the COBE Student Advisory Board, the COBE Graduate Curriculum Committee and is a member of the MBA Student Association and the Radford University Ambassadors.  Outside of school, Eric is an avid pet lover, enjoys boating, hiking, cruising in his Ford Mustang GT, and travels whenever he can.

Read More

file

Kathryn Rehberg

Kathryn is a master’s candidate in the Experimental Psychology program. Her research interests are in social and evolutionary psychology, and she is currently working on her thesis with Dr. Christensen involving the study of habits. During her time at Radford, she has served as a GTA for research methods and is currently a Graduate Teaching Fellow in the Psychology Department. Kathryn also serves as the campus representative for the Association of Psychological Science (APS). Outside of school, Kathryn enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, kayaking, dog sitting, and occasionally going skydiving.

Read More

file

Holly Murdock 

Holly is an MFA candidate in the Design Thinking program. Her research focuses on the use of the design process to address humanitarian issues, beginning with her thesis, which concentrates on meeting the needs of Syrian refugee children. While in school Holly has served as a volunteer site visitor for the Council of Interior Design Accreditation, travelling to universities around the country to evaluate interior design departments as they undergo accreditation. Outside of school Holly enjoys drawing and painting, gardening, volunteer work, and teaching a class of four-year-olds at church each Sunday.

Read More

file

Sophie Elliot

Sophie is an MS candidate in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a concentration in speech-language pathology. Her interests in the field include dysphagia, aphasia and traumatic brain injury. Sophie served as a co-coordinator for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association’s annual “Joggin for your Noggin 5K.” Additionally, Sophie was selected as a recipient of the 2015 Summer Scottish Rite Scholarship. Sophie is also a Graduate Assistant in the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Outside of graduate school, Sophie enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Travis, and daughter, Payton, as well as cooking, shopping, traveling, crafting and being at the beach.

Read More

file

Kacey Stern

Kacey is a graduate student in the Literacy Education program. She grew up north of Seattle in Washington State, and moved to the east coast after completing her undergraduate degree in 2008. A former special education and general education teacher, she is currently a full time Instructional Coach in Roanoke City Public Schools. She loves learning about the way kids learn to read and how to push each child to become a better reader. When she’s not reading about reading, Kacey loves spoiling her cat, spending time with her husband and indulging in terrible reality television.

Read More

Taylor Kewer 

Taylor is a Master’s candidate in School Counseling. He enjoys working with high school students to prepare them for college and their future careers. When he is not in class or at his internship he can be found working his Graduate Assistant position in the Graduate Admissions Office. Outside of school, Taylor enjoys playing and watching sports. Since Taylor was born in D.C. his allegiance lies with all of the Washington D.C. sports teams.

Read More
 

 

2015NovemberJacobPillisPhoto

Jacob Pillis

Jacob is a Master’s of Science candidate in the Corporate and Professional Communication program. His research interests include the diffusion of innovations, website interactivity and social media. Outside of school he enjoys hanging out with many different friends, playing golf (horribly) and watching professional wrestling (please don’t judge him).

Read More

2015OctSavannahLeBarrePhoto

Savannah LeBarre 

Savannah LeBarre MS is a Counseling Psychology Psy.D. student. Her research interests include mindfulness, post traumatic growth, rural areas, breast cancer, gender studies, and bullying. Savannah is Vice President of the Psy.D. student group on campus and enjoys event planning. Outside of school, Savannah enjoys nature, hiking, swimming, camping, reading, spending time with family and friends, and being at the beach.  Savannah is a promoter of social justice and an advocate for others. She is passionate about people, animals, and nature. Read More

2015SeptStephenCasazzaPhoto

Stephen Casazza 

Stephen holds a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and has just received his M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Radford University. He will begin his first year in the Doctor of Psychology program at Radford University in the fall. His past research projects have included perceived stress in college student populations, and two projects investigating long term effects of marijuana like substances in rodents; one looking at levels of anxiety and depression, the other assessing differences in learning and memory.  His future research interests include gender and sexuality, trauma and substance abuse related to trauma as well as cultural considerations.  During his two years in the Master’s program at Radford, Stephen served as an undergraduate academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences Academic Advising Center. He also served as a supervisor of the Psychology Department Rat Lab. During his second year in the Master’s program, he completed his professional internship at an inpatient treatment center which offers both comprehensive psychiatric treatment and chemical dependency programs for adults with severe psychological disorders. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys spending time outside, snowboarding, hiking, and boating. He also enjoys spending down time reading or watching movies with his girlfriend, Becki, or just hanging out with good friends. Read more

2015AugSarahHarigPhoto

Sarah Harig 

Sarah is a Master’s of Science candidate in the Department of Counselor Education with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her research interests include play therapy, grief and loss counseling, and women’s counseling issues. Sarah currently serves as president of the Radford University chapter of the counselor education honor society, Chi Sigma Iota, as a graduate assistant in the Premajor advising office, and as an evening support counselor with Intercept Youth’s independent living program Youth Quest. She will be serving as a Graduate Teaching Fellow in the next academic year for the Counselor Education department and is also a member of the Virginia Counseling Association. Outside of school, Sarah enjoys reading, swimming, binging on Netflix tv shows, hanging out with her dog, and spending time with family and friends. Read More

2015JulyHannahAlden-HugliPhoto

Hannah Alden-Hugli 

Hannah is a MS in Education candidate in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership.  She is especially interested in multicultural education and the societal implications of the high stakes testing culture. Hannah serves as GA in the Graduate College and Professional Studies. Outside of school, Hannah enjoys hiking and Bikram yoga. She loves going on adventures to new places in the area. Read More

2015JuneEileenAlwangPhoto-1

Eileen Alwang 

Eileen is a Master’s student in the school of Education and Leadership.  She is currently working towards getting her Master’s in Elementary Education and licensure. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi and was a graduate assistant in Spring of 2014. She works with a local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. Outside of school, Eileen enjoys bike riding, running, reading, walking her beloved dog Clifford, and hanging out with her family.  She is a native to the area, so she enjoys being close to her family. Read More

2015MayCherylJohnsonPhoto


Cheryl Johnson

Cheryl is a Master of Arts candidate in the Criminal Justice Department and is currently working in conjunction with Dr. Hendrix and Dr. Van Patten on a variety of research projects.  Cheryl is a McConnell scholar and the president of Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice national honor society.  Last semester, she assisted Dr. Hendrix with her undergraduate methods classes.  Outside of school, she enjoys travelling, reading, and hanging out with her close friends.
Read More

2015MayGarrettHolloway

Garrett Holloway

Garrett is a masters candidate in the Industrial-Organizational Psychology program within the Psychology Department. His research interests include workforce aging, work-life balance, assessment, and test development. During his time at Radford University, Garrett has served as a graduate assistant at the LARC, and currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Fellow in the Psychology Department. Outside of school, Garrett enjoys running, cycling, cooking, and taking long road trips.  Read More

2015MarCrystalHankPhoto2

Crystal Hank 

Crystal is a first year student in the PsyD program in the Department of Psychology. Her research interests include substance abuse, self-compassion, and the adolescent population. Crystal is the current record keeper for the PsyD student group and is a member of the American Psychological Association. Outside of school, Crystal enjoys singing (especially at karaoke), kayaking, spending time with her friends, husband, family, cat Jack Jack, and visiting local Virginia wineries and microbreweries.  Read More

2015FebNathanPoppPhoto

Nathan Popp 

Originally from Texas, Nathan Popp came to Radford University to pursue a MFA degree in the Department of Visual Arts.  His area of study includes watercolor painting and drawing under Prof. Z L Feng.  While at RU, Nathan has been a Graduate Teaching Fellow teaching Art Appreciation as well as a being a member of the Graduate Art Student Association.  He has also been active in art on a local and national level; he has received awards for juried exhibitions and has been published multiple times, including a national watercolor magazine.  In his spare time Nathan enjoys disc golf, hiking, canoeing, fishing, home brewing, music, spending time with family in Floyd County and of course painting. Read More

Laura Noll 

Laura is an MS candidate in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, in the Educational Technology concentration.  Laura is also the Research Compliance Manager here at RU, where she supports researchers in a variety of capacities including administering the IRB (Institutional Review Board) Office.  Her interests include training working sheepdogs, raising purebred Dorset sheep, spinning their wool and the wool from other types of fiber-bearing animals, knitting, reading and photography.  She is married and her husband also attends RU! Read More

JonathonWileyDec

Jonathon Wiley

Jonathan is a MS (Counseling and Human Development) candidate in the Department of Counselor Education. His research interests include social constructionism, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and the integration of clinical and school counseling practice. Jonathan is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling academic and professional honor society. Prior to matriculation at Radford University, he spent time working in juvenile corrections and served as a mental health clinician in a high school setting. Outside of school, Jonathan enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, exploring the outdoors, and a good cup of coffee. Read more

2014NovBobJenningsPhoto1

Bob Jennings 

Bob is a graduate student in the School of Education and pursuing a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction.  He was accepted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Radford Chapter, last fall and was extremely proud of this honor.  Having graduated from Marshall University in 1984 with a degree in Business Marketing, he finally decided to pursue a Master’s of Education since that is what he is passionate about.  Outside of school, Bob is married to Sandy Jennings and is the father of three great sons (Robert, Taylor and Jonathan).  Both Robert and Taylor have graduated from Radford in the past couple of years and Jonathan is working towards a degree at Virginia Western in Graphic Design and Communications.  Bob also works for Apple, where he has been since 1988, and his role is working with colleges and universities in Virginia. Read more

2014OctSarahAbercrombiePhoto

Sarah Abercrombie 

Sarah is a student in the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology.  Some of her research interests include multicultural and women’s issues, rural mental health issues and spirituality, and resilience.  Sarah has presented research related to these topics at several conferences including the Society of Counseling Psychology Conference 2014 in Atlanta, GA and the National American Psychological Association Conference 2012 in Orlando, FL.  Outside of school, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and being outdoors. Read More

 

file

Michael Logan

Michael is a M.A. student in the Department of Criminal Justice. His research interests include firearms, criminological theory, research methodology, and pedagogy. Currently, he works as a Graduate Assistant in the Criminal Justice Department and serves as the vice president of Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminal Justice Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys working out, hiking, watching sports, hanging out with his beautiful girlfriend, Kimberly, and last but not least, playing with his dog, Leroy. Read More

 

2014AugJudyMannPhoto

Judy Mann

Judy is working on a Master’s of Science in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction and Elementary licensure combined.  She is also hoping to extend her credentials up through the Middle School grades by obtaining the extra endorsements in English Language Arts and Social Studies.  Judy has served on the Professional Education Committee and is a member of Kappa Delta Pi.  She enjoys knitting, hiking, dancing, yoga, and meeting new people.  Judy is the proud mother of four children.  She considers one of her greatest accomplishments to be teaching each of her children to read.  Her oldest son David graduated from RU December of 2010.  Read More

Hayley Dodd 

Hayley is an M.S. candidate in the Department of Counseling and Human Development.  She is interested in the areas of grief and loss, crisis and trauma, and foster care.  Over the past year, Hayley has been working as an advisor in Pre-major Advising, as part of her Graduate Assistantship.  She enjoys writing, playing music, exploring the New River Valley, and bouncing ideas off her old lady-Labrador. Read More

2014JuneMeghanMooreHubbardPhoto

Meghan Moore-Hubbard

Meghan is a graduate student in Education. Her research focuses on students’ perceptions of their postsecondary options in the coalfields of Appalachia. Meghan is a mentor for AASIS and a small group leader for young married couples. In her free time she enjoys gardening, bird-watching, camping, reading, and snuggling with her dog Ike. Read More

2014MayMarjorieYoungPhoto

Marjorie Young

Marjorie Young is in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice in the focus of a Nurse Practitioner in the College of Nursing. Her research is Changing Knowledge and Attitudes of Maternity Practices Consistent with the “Baby-Friendly” Hospital Initiative. Marjorie graduated with her BSN from Radford University in 1985. She works full time as the Director of Women’s Health Services at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery. In her off time she enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling with her husband and two sons. Read more

2014AprMaryDickersonPhoto

Mary Dickerson  

Mary is a M.S. candidate in the Department of Education. She has B.S. in Sociology and a B.S. in Social Science from Radford University. Mary is currently working towards her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with Licensure for secondary Social Science. Her research interests include educational policy and reform, as well as alternative education (specifically place-based education). She has worked with the Floyd County High School Place-Based Education Oral History Project for the past two years and is excited to continue her work with the project and place-based research as she completes her Master’s degree. Outside of school, Mary enjoys listening to music, attending as many concerts and music festivals as she can afford, being outdoors, hiking, reading, crafting, baking, and spending time with her family, friends, and church youth group. Read More

2014MarNaraCavalcantiPhoto

Nara Cavalcanti

Nara is an international student from Brasil going on her second year in the Corporate and Professional Communication program. Her professional and research interests include internal communication, employees’ relations and employees’ engagement. Nara is a graduate assistant at the International Education Center, where she helps undergraduate students explore the world through study abroad programs. Read more.

2014FebAmyShaverPHOTO

Amy Shaver

Amy is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the School of Teacher Education and Leadership.  She has been teaching Chemistry and Biology at Franklin County High School for the last nine years, but did not arrive in the classroom through a traditional path.  Amy’s undergraduate degree is in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.  After receiving her bachelor’s, she spent eight years working as a Forensic Scientist with the Virginia Department of Forensic Science performing DNA analysis in criminal cases.  Following the birth of her first child, she completed a career switcher program and embarked on her new career in education.  As a classroom teacher, Amy has been actively involved in the implementation and expansion of the AP Science programs offered in Franklin County.  She has spent the last five years strongly encourage students to pursue careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.  With the pursuit of a degree in educational leadership, she hopes to expand the opportunities for students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Outside of school, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband Lyle and two children, Owen and Abby, skiing, camping and traveling around the country and the world.  Read More

 

2014JanMaryBlitzPhoto

Mary Biltz

Mary is a M.S. candidate in the Department of Education working to obtain a teaching licensure. Her concentration is in Secondary Social Studies and she has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Virginia Tech. Mary has worked as a Graduate Assistant at McConnell Library and Graduate Admissions for Radford University. This coming year, Mary will be blocking and student teaching in order to earn a teaching licensure in the State of Virginia. Outside of school, Mary enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Will, friends, family, and her four cats.  Read More

 

2013DecNicoleChambatiPhoto

Nicole Chambati
Nicole is an MBA candidate in the College of Business and Economics. Her career interests include Higher Education and Student Affairs. Nicole is a Graduate Assistant in the MBA office and a member of the MBA Student Association. Outside of school, Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading health, fitness and life blogs, travelling and meeting new people. Read More


 

 

Linda Ely

Linda is a DNP candidate in the School of Nursing (SON) with one more semester, and two residency credits to complete! She is a life-long learner, faculty in the SON, and inspires her students to acquire the same value.  Her research interests include high-risk adolescent behaviors, transcultural nursing, and integration of mental health and primary care. Believing that nursing faculty can practice and teach, she maintains an active private practice in Dublin and serves on several community mental health boards and initiatives. Linda is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and has been awarded several internal grants from Sponsored Programs and Grants Management.  Outside of school, Linda enjoys gardening, cycling, horseback riding, and camping with her grandchildren. Her most marvelous man is Richard.  Read More

Julie Hawkins

Julie is currently an MFA student in the Department of Art. Her research interests include mixed media paintings and drawings that touch on the use of landscapes and memory. Julie has worked as a GTA, displays her paintings regularly through galleries, and has been invovled with Graduate Art Student Association. Julie is currently working as an intern through Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, and enjoys going on walks, collecting materials, and meditating.  Read More.

Mary Jo Collie

Mary Jo Collie

Mary Jo is a DNP candidate in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services (Nursing). Her research interests include the evaluation and treatment of dizziness in the family practice setting. She is a Family Nurse Practitioner in a rural health clinic in Virginia. Mary Jo is a member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, the Epsilon Psi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners. Outside of school, Mary Jo enjoys gardening, interior design, shopping, reading and cooking. Mostly, she  enjoys  traveling  to  new  destinations  with  her husband Brian, and spending  time  with  family  and  friends.  Read More

James Garst

James is a MS student in the Education Leadership program studying to become a school administrator.  James just completed his 5th year of teaching chemistry and IB Biology 2 at Salem High School in Salem City Schools. He has previous degrees in Biochemistry (BS), Biochemistry (MS) and Curriculum and Instruction (MS) all from Virginia Tech. He enjoys fishing, hiking and running as well as spending time with his wife, Sarah, and young son Jackson (and Parker – will be here in August).  Read More

Brittany Ash

Brittany Ash

Brittany is a M.S. candidate in the Department of Counselor Education.  She has earned a B.S. degree and Virginia teaching license through Radford University’s Department of Teacher Education undergraduate program.  She is grateful to use her passion for education and counseling to further children’s development and emotional wellness in her position with New River Valley Community Services, serving  Pulaski County  as a Pre-school Case Manager.  Brittany was  recently inducted as a member of  Chi  Sigma  Iota, the  international  honor  society for professional counselors, counselor educators, and students.  She  enjoys  spending  time  with  her  fiancé  and  two  dogs,  and  frequenting local festivals.  Read More

Violet Nkwanzi

Violet Nkwanzi

Violet is a graduate student in the Department of Social Work. Her areas of interest include social policy formulation and social services delivery. Violet is currently working as a Resident Director at Radford University. Outside of school and work, Violet enjoys running, swimming, listening to music, making new friends and skyping with her family back in Uganda. Read More.

Bethany Lanier

Bethany Lanier

Bethany is a Master’s candidate for Clinical Mental Health in the Counselor Education Department.  Her areas of interest include the offender population, domestic violence, and substance abuse.  Bethany is currently a GTF for COED 260 and was previously a GTA for COED and a GA in the Registrar’s Office.  Bethany is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Honors Society for Counseling and the current Secretary of Radford’s chapter.  In her free time, Bethany enjoys spending time with her husband and family, attending Virginia Tech football games, and going to the movies. Read More

Christina Thibodeaux

Michele Zorrilla

Michele is in her second year in the Corporate and Professional Communication program. She has been researching communication in video games for the past five years. Her ultimate goal is to utilize her passion for online gaming in the video game industry as a public relations professional. Michele is an active member of Radford’s PRSSA chapter and is also a graduate teaching fellow for public speaking. In addition to enjoying a number of video games, Michele also loves cephalopods, kitties, and starchy foods. Read More

2013MarChristinaThibodeaux.

Christina Thibodeaux

Christina Thibodeaux is a Master's candidate in Radford's Psychology program studying a concentration in Industrial and Organizational psychology. She is the recipient of the inaugural McConnell Scholar research award of Radford University. Her research interests include structured interviews, team training, and typical job performance measures. Outside of school, Christina enjoys playing her clarinet, reading, shoe shopping, cooking, going to the beach, and spending time with friends. Read More

Dominique Boone

Dominique Boone

Dominique  is  a  Psy.D  student  in  Counseling  Psychology.  Her  research  interests  include  substance  abuse,  trauma,  and  multiculturalism.  Dominique  has  completed  many  research projects  related  to  her  interests,  including  two  that  were  presented  at  the  American  Psychological  Association Convention  in 2012.   Aside  from  her  academic  endeavors,  Dominique  prides  herself  in  her  volunteer  activities.  She is currently volunteering her time to work with veterans who have been diagnosed  with  dementia,  female  survivors  of  domestic  violence,  and  completing  various projects at  the  Center  of  Diversity  and  Inclusion  on  the  campus  of  Radford  University.  Outside  of  school,  Dominique  enjoys  spending  time  with  her  family  and  friends  and  staying as  active  as  possible.   Read More

Sue Jenkins

Sue Jenkins

Sue is an M.S. Candidate in the Department of Education.  She is interested in research into the effective teaching of mathematics: specifically, how girls learn mathematics.  A mathematics instructor at St. Catherine’s School since 1994, she has served as department chairman since 2003, and has coached both the Math Club and Robotics Club at St. Catherine’s.  She is particularly interested in the history of mathematics, specifically calculus, and enjoys reading and doing research on the topic.  Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, reading fiction, traveling, visiting her two grandsons, and playing with her dog, Anna.  READ MORE

Saif Raza

Saif Raza

Saif  is  pursuing  a  Master  of  Arts  in  English  and  a  Master  of  Science  in  Education  with  licensure.  His  research  interests  include  the  immigrant  narrative  and  its  changing  form,  the influence  of  Sufi  mysticism  on  American  Transcendentalism,  and  the  impact  of  social  media  on  writing.  Saif  has  won  the  Scholar-Citizen  Essay  contest  is  a  member  of  Pi  Gamma  Mu. Outside of school,  Saif enjoys  basketball,  bicycling,  hiking,  traveling,  and  reading.  READ MORE

Eric Murphy

Eric Murphy

Eric has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech and is currently a M.S. candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling within the Department of Counselor Education.  His clinical interests include crisis counseling, narrative therapy, and human resilience. Eric was recently appointed as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling representative for the Radford University chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, an international counseling honor society.  He is currently employed as a case manager at New Horizons, a crisis stabilization program of the New River Valley Community Services Board, where he has worked for a year and a half.  Outside of school, Eric enjoys golf, fishing, VT football, and spending time with his girlfriend, Jessica, and his dog, Turkey.  READ MORE

2012OctChristineGelattPICTURE

Christine Gelatt

Christine is a Masters of Arts candidate in the English Department at RU.  Her main research interests include the use of literary theory to aid adolescent literature pedagogy and the important place of African American English Vernacular in the classroom.  Teaching is her passion and she loves having the opportunity to teach CORE classes in addition to her personal studies at RU.
Outside of school, Christine enjoys spending time with her amazing husband, Michael, as well as kayaking, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.  She is actively involved in various efforts that aim to highlight and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation around the world, especially through an organization called Freedom 4/24.

READ INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINE

 

Brandy Tate

Brandy is a Master of Science candidate in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech language pathology). She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and has practiced as a Registered Dietitian for two years. Brandy is also a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA). She has competed in numerous 5k races, half-marathons, an ultra-marathon, and even a half-ironman. When Brandy is not studying or running, she enjoys playing racquetball, trying new foods, and hanging out on the couch with her boyfriend.

Read interview with Brandy.

Brooke Myers

Brooke Myers

Brooke has earned her M.S. in Education. She will be licensed to teach secondary biology. While in graduate school Brooke traveled to Barrow, Alaska with the RU Geophysics Department to showcase research through an educational outreach program for K-12 students.  Outside of school, Brooke enjoys hanging out with her friends, exercising, being outside, and shopping.

Read interview with Brooke.

 

file

Susan Hoch

Susan is a graduate student in the Literacy Education department.  She is currently the reading teacher at Galax Elementary School in Galax, VA.  Prior to becoming the reading teacher, she was a third grade teacher at Galax Elementary School.  She loves teaching and has a passion for helping struggling readers.  Outside of school, Susan enjoys spending time with her husband, Mark, and two daughters, Mikayla and Natalie.

Read interview with Susan.

file

Jonathan Cin

Jon is a full-time MBA student and Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Marketing Department. He was recently elected to be a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society for business students worldwide.  His areas of interest include marketing and operations management. Currently, Jon is the President of the MBA Student Association. Outside of the classroom, Jon enjoys sports, watching movies, spending time with his girlfriend Katie, and enjoying the little free time he may have.

Read interview with Jon.

Kevin Faller

Kevin Earl Faller

Kevin is a graduate student in the Department of Music pursuing a Masters of Arts with a concentration in Band Conducting. He is a graduate conducting assistant for Dr. Gallops. Along with his studies in conducting, Kevin is the director of the Radford University Basketball Pep Band and conducted the pit orchestra for the RU production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” In his free time, Kevin enjoys watching Philadelphia sports and hanging out with his girlfriend, Lauren. Kevin earned his Bachelors of Music with a Music Education concentration from James Madison University in 2009 and is certified to teach PK-12 Instrumental Music in VA.

Read interview with Kevin.

file

 

Chia-Chi Chang

Chia-Chi is also known as Ola. She received B.A. in Psychology and B.M. in Music Therapy at Michigan State University. She is now a M.S. candidate in the Department of Music for Music Therapy at Radford University. She is a board-certified music therapist and has been working in the field since 2009. She is also a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Music supervising students in various clinical settings.

Read interview with Chia-Chi.

Shumate.Howard.12.7666

Howard Shumate

Howard is a MS candidate in the Department of Counselor Education. His areas of interest include family therapy, mindfulness, and counseling children and adolescents.  Howard works at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare in Roanoke, VA providing in-home counseling to families. Howard is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for professional counselors, counselor educators, and students. Outside of school, Howard enjoys fishing, reading, gardening, hiking, meteorology, bird watching, watching movies with his wife, and playing with his children.

Read interview with Howard.

file

Alex Crank

Alex Crank is an MBA candidate in the College of Business and Economics. He currently is working an internship in the Compensation Department at Advance Auto Parts’ corporate headquarters in Roanoke, VA. His professional interests include Human Resources, specifically compensation systems. He also has an interest in the technological aspect to HR and is considering gaining experience in Human Resource Information Systems. Alex served as a Graduate Assistant in the MBA Office during his first year as an MBA candidate, Webmaster for the MBA Student Association, served as a Resident Assistant for three years at Longwood during his undergraduate career, as an RA Mentor, an Oktoberfest Klown, a staffing consultant, and worked at Best Buy for just under six years as a sales associate in Charlottesville. Outside of work and school, Alex enjoys playing guitar, golf, and tennis, reading his Kindle, canoeing, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, learning about everything he doesn’t understand, and socializing with everyone that he can learn something from.

Read interview with Alex.

Donaldson.Ashlie.jan11

Ashlie Donaldson

Ashlie Donaldson is a M.S. candidate in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership. She is on the Curriculum and Instruction track for Elementary Education with licensure.  Ashlie has served as a Graduate Assistant for Dr. Morrison, a professor in her department and hopes to soon work on research pertaining to the field of education. Outside of school, Ashlie enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, swimming, shopping, and just keeping busy!

Read interview with Ashlie.

Danco.David.11.7281

David Danco   

David is a Professional M.B.A. student in the Department of Business and Economics. 

He was recently inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business.  David has research interests in business incubator programs that help small businesses get started and applying business process improvement techniques to make businesses thrive.  He thoroughly enjoys working with peer students and the Professors at Radford.  Outside of school, David enjoys reading, hiking and spending time with his wife and twin daughters.  David works at Delta Dental of Virginia as the Director of Client Relationship Management.

Read interview with David.

kevinsimonson

Kevin R. Simonson

Kevin R. Simonson acquired a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling at Marist College, New York in 2008. Since beginning his doctoral work at Radford University Kevin has had practicum placements at New River Valley Community Services, Virginia Tech Cook Counseling Center in Blacksburg, Radford University Student Counseling, and will soon be in Seattle completing his internship at University of Washington. As part of his social justice practicum last summer, he created School’s Out Lunch Delivery, which works in partnership with Radford City Public Schools distributing food to children in Radford who meet the criteria for free or reduced lunch. He is currently raising money and accepting donations for food to see that the program continues. Please visit School’s Out Lunch Delivery on Facebook. Whenever there is a moment to spare, you can find Kevin working in his violin making workshop (please visit www.simonsonviolins.com if interested in a custom handmade violin) or entertaining his goats, Doweena and Morgana, and chicken, Henrietta.

Read interview with Kevin.

 

 

Brooke Tolley

Brooke is a Masters Student in the Department of Music, where she specializes in Voice.  Her areas of interest include performing and private vocal instruction.  Brooke is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, a national music fraternity, recognized for excellence in performing and academics.  Brooke is also a member of the Roanoke Symphony Chorus and Opera Roanoke’s Young Artist Apprentice Program, where she made her professional debut as Kate Pinkerton in their production of Madama Butterfly in March 2010.  Among all things music related, Brooke also enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, and reading.

Read interview with Brooke here.

Bradley

Joshua Bradley

Joshua received his M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Radford University in the Spring of 2006 and will soon be starting his fourth year in the Doctor of Psychology program.  His research interests include social justice issues related to children and adolescents, prevention of mental illness in rural areas, and how rural living influences gender roles. His dissertation is related to social advocacy in practice and was successfully defended in June, 2011. After receiving his degree he would like to continue clinical work with adolescents and adults, work to improve awareness of the impact that emotional and psychological issues have on development, and be involved in developing more ways to reach persons who might benefit from mental health services. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, exercising, and about anything else that he can do outside.

Read interview with Joshua.

Samantha-Spencer

Samantha Spencer

Samantha is working towards a Master’s Degree in Education. She is looking forward to the student teaching experiences she will have during the 2011-2012 school year. Samantha was picked on a competitive basis among other pre-service teachers as a “Teacher of Promise” for 2011. Outside of school, Samantha enjoys spending time with close friends and family. 


Read interview with Samantha here
.

Daniel Freeman

Daniel is working on a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  He isn’t anything special, but he works really hard.  He likes learning and enjoys being active and spending time with people outside of school whenever possible.

Read an interview with Daniel.

Whitney Antolick

Whitney is a M.S. candidate in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.  She is a member of NSSHLA, has served as a graduate teaching assistant, and currently serves as a graduate teaching fellow.  She was also awarded a Scottish Rite Fellowship and is researching the association between childhood literacy and oral language.  Outside of school, Whitney enjoys reading, relaxing, and spending time with her family. 

Read Interview with Whitney HERE.

Joshua King

Joshua King is a MBA student in the Radford College of Business.  He works full-time at Stryker Medical and takes the majority of his classes at the Roanoke Higher Education Center.  Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Josh enjoys skiing, backpacking, traveling, hunting, and fishing.  He especially enjoys doing these activities with his beautiful bride, Heather.  Josh and Heather recently became parents earlier this year when their first child, Adeline Elisabeth, was born in February.

Read Interview with Josh HERE.

Amanda VanLaeken

Amanda received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY.  Amanda is an MS candidate in the Department of Psychology. Her research interests are primarily in the area of traumatic brain injury (TBI).  Her thesis is investigating the use of phytochemicals (chemical compounds found in plants) to treat motor and cognitive dysfunction induced by TBI.  Outside of school, Amanda enjoys exercising, spending time with friends, watching movies, and developing her cooking skills.

Read Interview with Amanda HERE.

LaMarkePatterson

LaMarke Patterson

Mark is a Masters candidate in the Corporate and Professional Communication program. His interests include interpersonal communication, cultivation theory, and Integrated Marketing Communications. Mark is currently the Graduate Assistant for Greek Life, and is also a Cadet in the ROTC program here at RU. Outside of school, Mark likes working out and playing basketball, he also enjoys visiting with friends, nice walks on the beach, and fresh lemonade! 

Read Interview with LaMarke.

lisa-vance

Lisa Vance

Lisa is a Master’s degree student in the School of Nursing. She is a part of the Nurse-Midwifery initiative with Shenandoah University and will graduate in May 2011.  Lisa received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from N.C. State University, and then went on to Duke University for her BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).  After moving to Southwest Virginia for her husband to attend VCOM (Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine), she decided to persevere in education and obtain her Master’s degree at Radford University. Her hobbies include appreciating the precious time with her husband, caring for her 9 month old, Abigail, sewing and crafts, reading, running, bible study groups and working as a RN in the Birthing Center at Montgomery Regional Hospital.

Read Interview with Lisa.

JamesLloyd

James Lloyd

James is an MBA student at Radford University.  He has spent the summer at home in London, England on an internship with Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) a global business advisory and turnaround firm.  He has been placed by A&M at client site working on a turnaround and re-structuring project. At Radford, James works as the assistant Women’s tennis coach. Under the head coach Bruce Harrison with James as his assistant, the team recently enjoyed their best season in over ten years in the Spring of 2010. Outside of school and business, James enjoys playing tennis, football (soccer for Americans) and hanging out with his girlfriend who is also a graduate student at RU.

Read Interview with James.

Kim Hall

Kim is a Doctorate of Nursing Practice student in the Department of Nursing. Her specialty focus is in geriatrics and wound care. Kim a member of multiple professional organizations including Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Omicron Delta Kappa, National and Virginia Associations of Clinical Nurse Specialists, National Gerontological Nurses Association, and the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurses Society. She also works as a private wound care consultant. Outside of school, Kim enjoys kayaking, camping, reading, and live music.

Read Kim's Interview HERE.

DaleLee

Dale Lee

Dale is an MS candidate in the Mathematics Education program. Her primary research interest is in the cognitive neuroscience implications for mathematics education.  Dale previously earned an MBA from Radford University and has a BS in mathematics and statistics from Roanoke College.  She is employed by RGC Resources, Inc., which is the holding company for Roanoke Gas Company, as Vice President and Corporate Secretary.  She serves as the Chair of the Salem Family YMCA Board of Directors, serves on the Board of Directors of the corporate YMCA board, the American Cancer Society Leadership Council, the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of the Roanoke Valley,  the Board of Directors for the Opening Doors Foundation and is a member of the Society of Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals, the COBE advisory Council for Radford University, the Industrial Development Commission for the City of Salem, and a member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society.  Outside of school, Dale likes spending time with her husband, Bob, her two sons, Alex and Preston, her step-daughter, Caitlin, and their two dogs, Angel and Gracie.

Read Interview with Dale.

BobbyBaker

Bobby Baker

Bobby is a MBA candidate in the college of Business and Economics.   His focus and research interests are in healthcare operations.  Bobby already holds a M.S. degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Evansville and is certified as a Paramedic.

Read Interview with Bobby.

Laura-Villada

Laura Villada

Laura is a MBA student. Her career interests are HR, training, and finance. Laura has served as a training coordinator in Celanese Mexicana, professor of the career of Administration in the University of Guadalajara, and several positions of increasing responsibility in private businesses. Laura is married and has two children.


Read interview with Laura
.

2015SeptStephenCasazzaPhoto

Stephen Casazza 

Stephen holds a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and has just received his M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Radford University. He will begin his first year in the Doctor of Psychology program at Radford University in the fall. His past research projects have included perceived stress in college student populations, and two projects investigating long term effects of marijuana like substances in rodents; one looking at levels of anxiety and depression, the other assessing differences in learning and memory.  His future research interests include gender and sexuality, trauma and substance abuse related to trauma as well as cultural considerations.  During his two years in the Master’s program at Radford, Stephen served as an undergraduate academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences Academic Advising Center. He also served as a supervisor of the Psychology Department Rat Lab. During his second year in the Master’s program, he completed his professional internship at an inpatient treatment center which offers both comprehensive psychiatric treatment and chemical dependency programs for adults with severe psychological disorders. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys spending time outside, snowboarding, hiking, and boating. He also enjoys spending down time reading or watching movies with his girlfriend, Becki, or just hanging out with good friends.  READ MORE