Marc Bellemare
Applied Economics, College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Marc Bellemare is a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Northrop Professor in the Department of Applied Economics, and Director of the Center for International Food and Agricultural Policy. His goal as an advisor is to help graduate students make the transition from student to independent scholar. Professor Bellemare's work advances our understanding of agricultural economics, international development, and applied econometrics.
Kat Hayes
Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Kat Hayes is an extraordinary scholar and teacher in the interdisciplines of historical archaeology, heritage studies, public history, and American Indian studies. Her work as a mentor-advocate-scholar is influential in many fields and centers the histories of marginalized and underrepresented peoples. Dr. Hayes’ program-building, curriculum design, and student facing research program all greatly benefit UMN graduate students, contributing to the development of a new generation of ethically-motivated, justice-oriented scholars, advocates, and community leaders.
Brad Holschuh
Design, Housing & Apparel, College of Design
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Brad Holschuh is the Director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics graduate program and is an Associate Professor of Apparel Design. An aerospace engineer by training, he teaches several interdisciplinary graduate courses and is appointed as faculty in four graduate programs across the Colleges of Design and Science/Engineering. Dr. Holschuh co-directs the Wearable Technology Laboratory, where engineers, designers, and human factors students work together to create a future that blends clothing and technology.
Sharon Jansa
Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, College of Biological Sciences
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Sharon Jansa’s contributions to graduate education are multifaceted. In her eight-year role as Director of Graduate Admissions, Dr. Jansa has made substantial, evidence-based structural changes to graduate recruitment that have increased the diversity of the program. As a graduate mentor, she trains students as independent scientists, connecting them to a range of career paths; she is so appreciated by past students, that a new species of opossum was named in her honor.
Nikos Papanikolopoulos
Computer Science & Engineering, College of Science and Engineering
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Nikos Papanikolopoulos has created a long and outstanding tradition of quality graduate education in the areas of robotics and computer vision. His efforts have instigated the creation of the Minnesota Robotics Institute and its associated MS program in Robotics. Through extensive and dedicated guidance, his graduate students have become leaders in their respective fields and the program’s emphasis on research has propelled it to become globally recognized in the field.
Amy L. Pittenger
Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems, College of Pharmacy
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Amy Pittenger is someone who deeply cares about the student experience. She has demonstrated her commitment to learners through creative educational design and supportive and long-term mentorship and advising. Dr. Pittenger is a recognized expert in educational design across modalities and learner types. Her contributions to teaching and learning have been recognized through multiple awards and leadership roles.
Michael J. Silverman
Music, College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Professor Michael J. Silverman is a Board-Certified Music Therapist and Director of the University’s Music Therapy Program. Specializing in music therapy for people with mental health and substance use conditions, Michael is actively engaged in clinical research at the University’s Medical Center. Michael teaches three of the four core undergraduate music therapy classes and all four graduate music therapy classes. Since his hire in 2007, all graduates of the music therapy program are employed.
Frances Vavrus
Organizational Leadership, Policy & Development, College of Education and Human Development
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Frances Vavrus is Professor of Comparative and International Development Education and Associate Chair of the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. She has made outstanding contributions to graduate and professional education through innovative, internationally-focused program and curriculum development. She is an award-winning teacher and advisor whose active, collaborative model of leadership and pedagogy has influenced generations of students who are now academic and professional leaders around the world.