Graduate Students
Graduate Students
Current ExEEd Graduate Students
Jamael Ajah
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Cassandra Jamison
Email: ajah27@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware;
M.S. Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Biography:
Jamael, originally from Nigeria, got his B.Sc and an M.Sc before moving to the US for graduate studies. Jamael is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Experiential Engineering Education under the guidance of Dr. Jamison. For his Ph.D., he is interested in engineering students' experience with co-curricular services, and how AI can help remove barriers to access. Beyond research, Jamael likes spending time with friends, singing, and playing the piano.
Brittany Butler-Morton
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Email: butlerb0@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Rowan University;
Biography:
Brittany has attended Rowan University since 2013, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2017, and her Masters of Engineering in 2018. Following her Masters, Brittany worked at Nestlé in Freehold, NJ as a Safety, Health and Environmental Specialist for 2.5 years before she advanced to Nestlé’s Corporate Engineering team as a Process Safety Senior Specialist. Brittany came back to Rowan in 2023 to pursue her Ph.D. in Engineering Education. Her research explores the differences in how chemical engineering students and industry practitioners approach process safety judgments, and focuses on implementing instructional methods in the process safety classroom that prepare students for the complex judgments they will face in practice. Brittany resides in Brick, NJ with her husband John Morton, who she met at Rowan, and her dog Machi. In her free time, Brittany enjoys reading, playing video games and board games, and spending time with friends.
Martha L. Cano
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering with a Specialization in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Justin Major
Email: canoma14@students.rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Critical and Dependable Systems, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France;
B.S. Electronic Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia;
Biography:
I'm originally from Colombia, where I received the B.S. degree in Electronics Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. After a couple of years of working in the car industry, I moved to France and obtained the M.S. degree in Critical and dependable Systems from Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse. I returned to my home country and worked for several years in my own company, then I became a faculty professor at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia.
Matthew Currey
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Juan Cruz and Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk
Email: currey49@students.rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
B.S. Electrical Engineering Technology, Rowan University;
AAS Electrical Engineering Technology, RCSJ-Cumberland Campus
Biography:
Matthew, originally from Bridgeton New Jersey, started his undergraduate schooling at Rowan College of South Jersey – Cumberland Campus and transferred to Rowan University, after receiving his AAS. He completed his B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology in the spring of 2024. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Education; Matthew’s research explores the way students interact with AI technology in and out of the classroom. He also works with programs designed to help the retention and persistence of engineering students, with an emphasis on first-year students. Matthew enjoys spending time with his family and friends and working as an Adjunct Professor at his old community college, RCSJ.
Narjes Khorsandi Koujel
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Justin Major
Email: khorsa42@students.rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
B.S. Industrial Engineering, IRAN University
Biography:
Narjes is a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education at Rowan University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in Iran and subsequently worked as an industrial engineer in the food industry for over 10 years. Narjes’ research and activism focuses on women in the Middle East. Particularly, she is focused on how resources, culture, and gendered norms impact their engineering identity development.
Heather Malino
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Cassandra Jamison and Dr. Stephanie Farrell
Email: malino43@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware;
B.S. Chemical Engineering Rowan University
Biography:
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Rowan University in 2014, Heather worked for eight years at DuPont in their Industrial Biosciences division, holding several positions in research, manufacturing, and marketing. In 2022, she returned to graduate school to pursue a master's degree in biomedical engineering. With a passion for mentoring and teaching new engineers, Heather decided to pursue a PhD in Engineering Education. She aspires to continue solving problems by applying novel scientific techniques and to embrace lifelong learning. Additionally, she is committed to sharing her research and knowledge with future generations of scientists and engineers. In her free time, Heather enjoys traveling to experience different cultures and cuisines. She likes to knit and crochet to relieve stress and she also loves to spend time with her two dogs, her family (especially her niece Lily!) and her friends.
Taskia Nadriba Mimma
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Juan Cruz
Email: mimmat77@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
B.S. Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna, Bangladesh
Biography:
Taskia, originally from Bangladesh, has completed her bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronic Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology and has worked as an Engineer in Power Division in Bangladesh. Currently she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Rowan University. Taskia likes photography, cooking, watching movies and being with family and friends.
Fatemeh Sadat Mirmahdi
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Justin Major
Email: mirmah89@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
B.S. Information Technology, Semnan University of Iran
Biography:
Fatemeh is from Iran and earned a B.Sc. in Information Technology from Iran. She worked in the industry for three years as a Human Resource expert, where she discovered her true passion and interest. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education, focusing on mental health and well-being.
She is also passionate about Machine Learning and AI, exploring how data-driven methodologies can enhance strategic planning in her research.
Fatemeh enjoys coding in R and Python, engaging in technical discussions, and collaborating on innovative projects. She is always eager to tackle complex challenges in mental health and well-being, learn new methods and technologies, and contribute to impactful, data-driven solutions that improve lives.
Ash Quadd
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Justin Major
Email: burger25@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Biopharmaceutical Science, University of Delaware;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Biography:
I am pursuing a PhD in the Engineering Education department at Rowan University under the guidance of Dr. Justin Major. My primary research interest is the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in engineering. In addition, I am working on a fellowship project that explores how engineering students conceptualize mental health and its implications for their careers. Once I have completed my degree, I aim to continue my research while teaching at a university.
My academic background is in chemical and biomedical engineering. I have three years of laboratory experience across various industries, including over one year in the biopharmaceutical industry at Merck.
When I’m not busy with my studies and research, I love collaborating with Out in STEM to support LGBTQ+ professionals in the STEM community. I also team up with my peers from Alpha Chi Sigma to promote the world of chemistry. Whether it’s sharing my experiences as a non-binary person in STEM, giving chemistry demonstrations, or a mix of both, I enjoy engaging with others and spreading the word about the field I’m passionate about!
Eduardo Rodríguez Mejía
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering with a Specialization in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Farrell
Email: rodrig237@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Electronics Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia;
B.S. Electronics Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
Biography:
Eduardo, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, has been a member of the scouting movement in his home country since 2001. He served as faculty in the Electronics Engineering department of his alma mater from 2017 until 2023. He arrived at the U.S.A. in 2022 to pursue his doctoral degree in the Engineering Education program at Rowan University. Currently a Ph.D. candidate, Eduardo’s research focuses on international doctoral engineering students’ experiences and their influence on their motivation towards degree completion.
Eduardo enjoys reading, listening to music, outdoors activities, and sharing with friends and family.
Mike Venuto
Pursing Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Education
Advisor: Dr. Juan Cruz
Email: venutom@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Earned Degrees and Awarding Institutions:
MBA, Lehigh University;
B.S. Surveying Engineering Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology;
B.S. Civil Engineering, Rutgers University
Biography:
Michael is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering within the ExEEd Department. He currently serves as the Chief Engineer for the Delaware River Port Authority and an Adjunct Professor in Civil Engineering and Construction Management at Rowan. He was named a KEEN Engineering Unleashed Fellow in 2023.
He has undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering (Rutgers) and Surveying Engineering Technology (NJIT). He also holds an MBA (Lehigh).
Michael’s research focuses on understanding Civil Engineering employers’ expectations of new graduates and identifying potential gaps in preparedness as graduates enter the workforce. He is passionate about preparing the next generation of engineers to lead our profession to maintain, improve, and upgrade the nation's infrastructure.
Ph.D. in Engineering Education Graduates
Savanna Dautle
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
Ph.D. Engineering Education, Rowan University;
M.A. Chemical Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Rowan University;
B.A. Mathematics, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Farrell
Email: savanna.dautle@nm.com
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Financial Planner at All Roads Financial, a firm of Northwestern Mutual
Biography:
Hi, I'm Savanna! I did my graduate studies at Rowan from Fall 2020 through the end of Fall 2024 and I'm originally from Cherry Hill, NJ. While at Rowan, I studied the psychometric properties of the PSVT:R, an instrument made to measure spatial skills, then studied how students' scores related to their later academic performance & graduation in engineering. Through my graduate education, I bounced through multiple career options, such as being a theoretical physicist, an intellectual property lawyer, or a quantitative educational researcher, and have found myself as a planner in finance, guiding young professionals in STEM through the design of financial plans that will help them achieve their life goals. Outside of work, I enjoy knitting & crochet, being a plant & pet mom, and video games (mostly RPGs!).
Alexandra Jackson
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
Ph.D. Engineering Education, Rowan University;
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Email: jacksona4@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Teaching Assistant Professor, School of Engineering Design and Innovation, Pennsylvania State University
Biography:
Alex graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2021. She earned her Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2022 and was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that same year. She successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation in January 2025, where her work focused on strategies for assessment of Entrepreneurial Mindset in undergraduate engineering students through multiple methods including narrative inquiry and concept mapping. Alex graduated with her Ph.D. in Engineering Education in Spring 2025, and accepted a Teaching Assistant Professor position at Pennsylvania State University, where she will be teaching in the School of Engineering Design and Innovation.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Alex is passionate about STEM education and research, aiming to contribute to the future of engineering education. Outside of her program, she enjoys esports broadcasting, streaming, and creative writing.
Darby Riley
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
Ph.D. Engineering Education, Rowan University;
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Kaitlin Mallouk
Email: rileyd1@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Postdoctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University
Biography:
My research focuses on identity development in engineering education—specifically, how engineering students construct their sense of self through their academic journey and how personal identities, such as disability, shape this process. As a disabled researcher, I bring both academic and lived experience to my work, with a particular interest in how students with disabilities navigate the engineering field.
Beyond research, I am passionate about teaching and strive to create an inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning environment. I believe that education should empower all students, and I continually seek ways to make my classroom as welcoming as it is impactful.
Outside of academia, I enjoy playing board games, creative writing, and bird watching. You can often find me exploring local trails or enjoying a Dungeons and Dragons session with friends.
Cayla Ritz
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
Ph.D. Engineering Education, Rowan University;
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University;
CoGS Holocaust and Genocide Education, Rowan University;
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Email: ritzc6@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
TBD
Biography:
Cayla, originally from Baltimore Maryland, has attended Rowan University for all undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. She completed her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Honors Studies in Spring 2020, followed by an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering with a Certificate of Graduate Study in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Having earned her Ph.D. in Engineering Education, Cayla's research explored how gaming environments can reveal engineering students' approach to making engineering judgments. She examined how students’ in-game behaviors align with their stated beliefs, investigating how competing pressures in engineering contexts may lead to deviations from their perceived priorities. When not at work, Cayla enjoys playing video games and board games, snowboarding, and cooking.
Jeffrey Stransky
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
Ph.D. Engineering Education, Rowan University;
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Email: jsscet@rit.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Assistant Professor in the College of Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT Bio)
Biography:
Jeff earned his PhD in Engineering Education from Rowan University in 2023, where he also obtained his MS in Mechanical Engineering in 2021. His dissertation research explored the effects of digital games/simulations on students’ ethical reasoning and process safety decision making. Jeff has since taken on roles as a postdoc at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and as an assistant professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. At RIT, Jeff works to develop the First-year Exploration Program. Outside of work, he enjoys playing mystery games with his wife, bird watching with his two cats, and backcountry hiking with friends.
M.S. in Engineering Graduates
Brittany Butler-Morton
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Rowan University;
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar
Email: butlerb0@rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Ph.D. in Engineering Education student at Rowan University
Biography:
Brittany has attended Rowan University since 2013, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 2017, and her Masters of Engineering in 2018. Following her Masters, Brittany worked at Nestlé in Freehold, NJ as a Safety, Health and Environmental Specialist for 2.5 years before she advanced to Nestlé’s Corporate Engineering team as a Process Safety Senior Specialist. Brittany came back to Rowan in 2023 to pursue her Ph.D. in Engineering Education. Her research explores the differences in how chemical engineering students and industry practitioners approach process safety judgments, and focuses on implementing instructional methods in the process safety classroom that prepare students for the complex judgments they will face in practice. Brittany resides in Brick, NJ with her husband John Morton, who she met at Rowan, and her dog Machi. In her free time, Brittany enjoys reading, playing video games and board games, and spending time with friends.
Cara Mawson
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Physics, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Cheryl Bodnar and Dr. Cassandra Jamison
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Youth Curriculum Specialist, Digital Harbor Foundation
Brian Moore
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Scott Streiner
Email: brianmoore9603@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Engineering Teacher, Westwood Regional Middle School;
Math/Science/Test-Prep Tutor, BrainStorm Learning & Arts Center, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey
Biography:
As a graduate assistant under Dr. Scott Streiner, I completed research highlighting the importance of including globalized components within an engineering education. My study used an instrument called the Global Perspectives Inventory to measure the effect of certain courses, activities, and experiences on the global perspectives of incoming first-year and graduating senior engineering students. Overall it was determined that these experiences benefit a student's education and that student's desire to have these experiences and broaden their global skills. I have a passion for engineering and a passion for people. I include problem solving in every aspect of my life and believe that teaching the methods of problem solving to all students will result in more success for the individual student as well as all the communities that these students make up. In addition to engineering and education, I love spending time outdoors and being creative with art and music.
Joshua Reed
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering, Rowan University;
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Scott Streiner
Email: reed7@students.rowan.edu
Current Role:
Process Specialist Continuous Improvement, International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF)
Biography:
Josh Reed was an engineering master’s student at Rowan University working in the Experiential Engineering Education department. He has graduated with a master's degree in Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rowan University. Josh is very passionate about education as well as the social issues in both the engineering and education systems. He hopes to further his understanding in both of these fields.
John Schneider
Earned Degree(s) and Awarding Institutions:
M.S. Engineering Management, Rowan University;
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Rowan University
Advisor: Dr. Scott Streiner
Email: reed7@students.rowan.edu
LinkedIn
Current Role:
Process Specialist Continuous Improvement, International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF)
Biography:
John is originally from Glassboro, NJ and attended Rowan University for both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. During his time at Rowan, he was actively involved throughout campus. Some of these activities included Admissions Ambassador and being President of Engineers Without Borders. John’s research explored how study abroad and recreational international experiences fostered Intercultural Wonderment - the curiosity for an individual to explore and seek new experiences while abroad. This research was conducted through both qualitative and quantitative methods. Currently employed at the fragrance manufacturing plant for IFF in Hazlet, NJ, John leverages both the engineering and entrepreneurial mindsets while working in Global Procurement. Using what he learned from his research, he has been able to effectively understand how to work and continuously improve working in a global team environment every day.