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	Dr. Shawn Smallman, PhD; Principal Investigator The Vice Provost for Instruction and Dean of Undergraduate Education, Shawn Smallman oversees the nationally acclaimed University Studies program, University Honors, the military GOLD program, the Center for Academic Excellence, and is a professor of International Studies. He is the institutional accreditation liaison officer and has expertise in institutional assessment and learning outcomes. He received his PhD. in history from Yale University. He has published numerous articles on military corruption and political terror in Latin America, as well as undergraduate education and energy security. His first book, Fear and Memory in the Brazilian Army and Society, 1889-1954, received many positive reviews. His second book, A History of AIDS in Latin America, was recently published by the University of North Carolina Press. Vice Provost Smallman’s areas of interest are the global AIDS epidemic, human rights issues, modern Canada, modern Brazil, the Amazon Rainforest, U.S.-Latin American Relations, and indigenous language preservation. Vice Provost Smallman is a board member of the Security and Defense Studies Review.
	Dr. Toeutu Faaleava, MPA, JD, PhD; Director Toeutu Faaleava specializes in community mobilization and capacity building. His research interests are reclaiming indigenous voices, spaces, scholarship and resistance. He teaches in University Studies and works with Pacific Islander communities in Portland. He holds a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, JD, MA, and BA from the University of California, Berkeley, an MPA from Harvard University and a BS from Southern Illinois University.
	Jolina Kwong Caputo, MS; Coordinator Jolina Kwong Caputo is a Doctor of Education student in the Educational Leadership Program at Portland State University. Her research interests include first-generation college students' experiences at large metropolitan universities, as well as student development and leadership. Outside of the office and the classroom, she enjoys jogging around her Southeast Portland neighborhood with her dog, Hooligan.
	Tyanne Conner, Graduate Assistant & McNair ALUM Tyanne Conner received her BS from PSU after a five-year break in her education. In 2006 she completed the McNair program and that experience convinced her graduate school was a possibility. Her thesis focuses on the experiences of former McNair scholars. She hopes to add to the body of knowledge in the area of student retention and to enhance programs that assist first-generation and under-represented students. In her free time she does photography, and likes to cross-country ski, hike in the mountains, knit hats and scarves for friends and family, and create original masterpieces in the kitchen.
	Foday Darboe, Graduate Assistant & McNair ALUM Foday Darboe received his BA in Political Science and International Studies (Cum Luade) from Portland State University. He is currently a graduate student in MA in Conflict Resolution with emphasis on International Conflict Resolution. His research interests include contemporary African politics, the African Union (AU) and international relations and cooperation. He plans to pursue a PhD in International Relations and Politics. He enjoys blogging, politics, current events, traveling and soccer.
	Holly Hernandez, Graduate Assistant & McNair ALUM Holly Hernandez received her BS in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University. She is working on her Masters degree in Social Work at Portland State. Holly intends to pursue a PhD in social work. She plans on attending UC Berkeley or the University of Washington. Current research interests include the prison industrial complex, maternal incarceration, recidivism rates among mothers, reunification programs, and children with incarcerated parents. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, traveling and dancing.