Honors College Staff

Rosanne Altstatt

Associate Dean for Community and Engagement

She/Her

Rosanne, an art historian, is currently Purdue University's Associate Dean for Community and Engagement in the John Martinson Honors College. With extensive experience in curatorial projects, Rosanne has curated a wide array of art forms, including media art, a micro radio station, short graphic novels on cancer, and vernacular studio photography exhibitions.

Rosanne has held significant roles in the art world, such as the inaugural Artistic Director of the Edith Russ Site for Media Art in Germany and the Curator-Director for Videonale in Bonn. She also co-curated the independent exhibition space Schnitt Ausstellungsraum in Cologne.

Dedicated to education and mentorship, Rosanne has taught curating, art history, and guided aspiring artists at renowned institutions like Carl-von-Ossietzky University, Maine College of Art, and the University of the Arts ZHdK.

As Associate Dean, Rosanne brings her extensive expertise and diverse portfolio to the honors college. She actively engages with the community and fosters meaningful connections within the artistic realm, contributing to the college's commitment to excellence in education and community involvement.

• HCRS 1057
• altstatt@purdue.edu

Andrew Archey

Honors Advisor

He/Him

Andrew completed his undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s in history and anthropology. Following this, he gained experience as a collections intern at Western's Archives and Regional History Collection. In 2017, Andrew obtained a master’s in Central Eurasian studies from Indiana University, Bloomington.

Currently pursuing a doctorate in philosophy in history, Andrew has served as a graduate teaching assistant and assistant instructor. His academic interests encompass Ottoman and Safavid history, consumption studies, and travel writing in prominent cities during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Andrew finds enjoyment in outdoor activities, reading, playing games and watching movies with friends, and cherishing moments with his cat, Harlan.

• HCRN 1146
• aarchey@purdue.edu
• 765-496-3807

Priyanka Brunese

Director of Research Development

• pshah@purdue.edu

Leighton Buntain

Global and Intercultural Scholar-in-Residence

Leighton's primary role in the John Martinson Honors College involves providing support for global programs and international students. He holds an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Chinese language from the University of Calgary, Canada, and a doctorate in philosophy in education from Purdue University, focusing on intercultural learning and cross-cultural contact.

Before joining the honors college, Leighton gained experience in international education by working in the International Programs office at Purdue and holding various roles in Asia and Canada. Having lived and worked in East and Southeast Asia for over 15 years, Leighton brings a wealth of cultural understanding to his position. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, he is well-versed in navigating diverse international environments.

• Duhme 134A
• buntain@purdue.edu
• 765-496-3093

Matthew Church

Honors Advisor

Born and raised in a Boilermaker household, Matthew graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English, returning a few years later to earn a master’s in philosophy. After earning his master’s, he pursued a Transition to Teaching program at Purdue, became a licensed teacher in Indiana, and taught for a few years in local schools. Helping students is, for him, as much passion and vocation as profession.
Matthew is a writer, musician, father, husband, and caretaker of two rambunctious cats named Fibonacci and Dinkadoo. Outside of work, he can be found playing guitar in The Church Family Band, for which his wife sings while his son drums. He is always trying to figure out how to write a good ghazal or sestina.

• LILY 1-103
• church0@purdue.edu

Leah Criss

Scholar Development Advisor, National and International Scholarship Office

She/Her

Leah earned her bachelor’s in 2021 from Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts and John Martinson Honors College in English language in a global context and linguistics with minors in Asian American studies, Chinese, and German. There, she gained experience tutoring students in the Purdue Writing Lab, interning with the Oral English Proficiency Program, and working as an administrative assistant in the Exploratory Studies department. 

Leah spent the 2022-2023 academic year in Taiwan on a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grant teaching English at two elementary schools. Beyond teaching, she presented two workshops at the Fulbright Taiwan Midyear Conference on using technology in the classroom, studied calligraphy, led community service events, designed lesson materials, and greatly improved her cross-cultural communication. Her experiences as an ETA increased her dedication to working with students and have led her to her current role as Scholar Development Advisor with NISO

• HCRS 1056
• lcriss@purdue.edu 

Darcy Dildine

Recruitment Specialist

She/Her

A West Lafayette native, Darcy graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's in English literature and minor in religious studies in 2009. She has since been working in early and secondary education with various age groups in both public and private learning sectors. Darcy is excited to be back on Purdue University’s campus working in the John Martinson Honors College as a Recruitment Specialist, using the skills she’s honed by working with young students and their families and transferring those talents to higher education. In her free time, Darcy loves spending time with her husband, three children, and goldendoodle. She enjoys reading, cooking, listening to podcasts, good coffee, and anything made with peanut butter.

• DUHM 134A
• ddildine@purdue.edu

Kathryn Dilworth

Professor of Practice for Philanthropy and Executive Director of Strategic Relations

She/Her

Kathryn teaches and researches in the field of Philanthropic Studies. Her research is focused on fundraising practice and the role of social capital in cultivating impactful philanthropic investments through meaningful giving experiences. A great lover of libraries, Kathryn’s research is often positioned within academic and public libraries. Her professional practice is in the field of fundraising and strategic relations for nonprofit organizations. Courses are focused on fundraising practice, the nonprofit sector, social capital, and giving behavior.

• HCRN 1083
• kdilwort@purdue.edu

Luke Gumaelius

Program Coordinator, Community & Well-Being Learning Collaborative

He/Him 

Luke is a scientist, builder, and artist. His artwork aims to challenge belief systems and motivate individuals to take action. Drawing on his background in molecular biology, Luke's artistic creations symbolize the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world. He initially focused on murals, public art sculptures, and furniture as art, but his current work involves fine art with social commentary and sculptures made from dead fall wood and stainless steel, which also function as percussion instruments.

In the John Martinson Honors College, Luke’s teaching supports programs across the college through construction and art visualization. Luke holds a bachelor’s and master’s in entomology and a doctorate in philosophy in botany plant pathology from Purdue University.

• gumaelil@purdue.edu

Sherry Hardebeck

Dean's Administrative Office Manager

She/Her

Sherry holds a bachelor’s in human resource management and personnel, as well as a master’s in career and technical education from Indiana State University. She previously worked in the Physical Facilities Administrative Office at Purdue University. Currently, serving as the Dean's Administrative Manager in the honors college, Sherry oversees the efficient management of educational administration, public relations/outreach, and discovery-related responsibilities under the dean's purview.

• HCRN 1103
• sahardebeck@purdue.edu

Ali Harmeson

Program Coordinator for Communications and Alumni Relations

She/Her

Ali serves as the Program Coordinator for Communications and Alumni Relations, supporting the strategic relations unit in the John Martinson Honors College. Prior to this role, she worked as a program administration specialist at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, where she played a key role in leading five cohorts of the Focus Forward Fellowship. Ali holds a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University (December 2018) and is currently pursuing a master’s of public administration from Purdue University Global.

In her free time, Ali is a dedicated volunteer, leading a regional team for a philanthropy event supporting women's shelters. She also enjoys quality time with her husband, gardening, and managing her own handmade jewelry business.

• DUHM 132
• seilera@purdue.edu

Mindy Hart

Director of Recruitment and Admissions

She/Her

Mindy brings a wealth of knowledge from various areas on campus, including Computer Science, Engineering, Purdue Polytechnic, and Recreational Sports. Prior to her university roles, she spent seven years as a high school teacher, instructing and coaching a wide range of subjects and activities. Mindy is a fan of baseball, 80s movies, gummi bears, and finding joy in laughter.

• HCRN 1081

Tracy Hieatt

Lead Administrative Assistant

Tracy, a Lafayette native, has been a part of the Purdue community for 26 years. As the HONR course schedule deputy, Tracy plays a vital role in providing academic support to the faculty and Associate Dean for Academic & International Affairs in the John Martinson Honors College. In addition, she serves as a liaison between the college and ITAP as well as the office of International Students and Scholars, ensuring effective communication and coordination. Tracy's extensive experience and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the college's administrative team.

• HCRS 1017
• hieatt@purdue.edu
• 765-494-7340

Jisoo Hwang

Graduate Research Assistant, Blue Sky Laboratory

She/Her

Jisoo, a doctoral student, passionately explores the intersection of humanity and AI with a multidisciplinary lens. Her diverse interests span education, arts, psychology, economics, and machine learning, driving her quest to leverage a comprehensive approach in teaching and learning. Currently, Jisoo is directing her research towards the application of deep learning in solving pressing environmental and societal challenges, while also investigating the educational implications of AI. With her unique multidisciplinary approach, Jisoo’s ultimate goal is to infuse AI research with essential human values, ensuring technology's positive impact on society, creating a harmonious blend of technological progress and human well-being. 

• HCRN 1151
• hwang160@purdue.edu

Melissa Jasek

Lead Administrative Assistant, Community and Engagement

She/Her

Melissa has been the lead administrative assistant for the community engagement team and National and International Scholarships Office (NISO) in Honors College since June 2021. She finds joy in supporting her team and assisting students. With nearly 14 years of experience as a Purdue employee in various departments, she has completed the Accomplished Clerical Excellence (A.C.E.) program. This has allowed her to build a wide network of connections with faculty and staff across campus. Outside of work, she cherishes moments spent with loved ones, indulges in reading, and showers her beagle, Pearl, and beagle-basset mix, Cooper, with affection.

• HCRS 
• jasek@purdue.edu

Mariah Mendoza

Program Coordinator for Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion

She/Her

Mariah is a proud Purdue alumna who obtained her bachelor’s in political science with a minor in women's, gender, and sexuality studies in 2021. During her undergraduate years, she served as a Student Director of the PurdueVotes Coalition, aiming to increase voter participation among Purdue students, particularly students of color. Mariah also organized community-building events in various residence halls and cultural centers, fostering a sense of belonging among students. Currently, as the BEI program coordinator, she collaborates with the John Martinson Honors College’s Student Diversity Officers to plan and facilitate events, provide research support, and develop diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives for faculty and staff at Purdue. In her leisure time, Mariah enjoys playing board games, reading, and spending quality time with her partner.

• Duhme 134A
• mendoz71@purdue.edu
• 765-494-2565

Jordan Meyer

Data Manager

He/Him

Jordan plays a crucial role in handling student data and supporting the college's assessment endeavors. With a background in sociology and institutional research, he brings a wealth of knowledge in R programming and quantitative methods to enable data-driven decision-making. Currently pursuing his doctorate in philosophy in sociology at Purdue University, Jordan focuses on investigating inequities in higher education. His expertise and research interests align perfectly with his commitment to promoting fairness and equality within the field.

• DUHM 120
• meyer271@purdue.edu
• 765-496-3790

Mike Morton

Senior Honors Advisor

He/Him

For the past seven years, Mike has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the Honors Advising team. Additionally, he takes charge of coordinating Family Weekend and overseeing other family relations initiatives for the college.

Mike holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and journalism, as well as a master's degree in college student personnel administration, both obtained from the University of Central Missouri. During his time there, he served as a graduate assistant for the university president and alumni relations. Prior to joining Purdue, he dedicated two years to the development of an RN-BSN program at Wright State University.

During his leisure time, Mike indulges in various activities such as golf, hiking, photography, cooking, and embarking on road trips to visit friends and family.

• HCRN 1104
• morton35@purdue.edu
• 765-496-1884

Dani Parsons

Honors Advisor

They/Them

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University

Dani approaches advising with a holistic mindset, taking the time to understand each advisee on an individual level. They actively contribute to the university's Inclusive Advising Initiative, which aims to enhance the experiences of black Boilermakers at Purdue. Dani also serves as a co-mentor for student researchers in the Tech Justice Lab within the Honors College. Their collaborative project focuses on addressing algorithmic bias against transgender individuals in the workforce.

During their free time, Dani finds joy in baking, playing Dungeons and Dragons, and cherishing meaningful moments with their wife.

• HCRN 1134
• parsondm@purdue.edu
• 765-496-1146

Catharine Patrone

Chief of Staff

She/Her

Catharine earned her bachelor’s in communication with minors in women's studies and human development and family science, as well as a master’s in higher education and student affairs from Ohio State University. She previously worked as a Graduate Associate and Program Coordinator at the University Honors & Scholars Center at Ohio State University.

In 2005, Catharine joined Purdue University's University Honors Program (UHP) as the Assistant Director, which later became the Honors College in 2012. Currently serving as the Chief of Staff in the John Martinson Honors College, Catharine is responsible for overseeing student data management and coordinating the Beering and Stamps scholarship programs.

Residing in West Lafayette, Catharine enjoys following professional tennis and spending quality time with friends and family during her free time.

• HCRN 1097
• cpatrone@purdue.edu

Jasmine Pruitt

Honors Advisor

She/Her

Jasmine, originally from California, obtained a bachelor's degree in arts and letters with a focus on Creative Writing from Prescott College in Arizona. She later relocated to Michigan with her family in 2016 and completed a master's degree in creative writing in Detroit. Prior to joining the John Martinson Honors College, Jasmine dedicated a year of service to AmeriCorps as a City Year member for Detroit Public Schools. Currently residing in West Lafayette, she shares a home with her sister, who is a doctoral student at Purdue, and their dog, Blanket.

• HCRN 1136
• pruittjc@purdue.edu

Jess Ramsey

Director of Advising

She/Her

Jess is the Director of Advising for the John Martinson Honors College, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. She holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Mount Union, a master’s in education in higher education administration and student personnel from Kent State University, and a master’s in business administration from Purdue University Global. Prior to joining the college, Jess dedicated six years to working with Purdue Promise, where she served as the Senior Assistant Director. With a passion for education and global experiences, she has led study abroad programs to Spain and taught various courses across campus.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Jess embraces an active lifestyle. She enjoys hiking, climbing, and exploring new destinations through travel. A voracious reader, she also finds solace in the company of feline companions.

• HCRN 1106
• jnramsey@purdue.edu
• 765-496-7348

Mizan Rahman

Student Community Coordinator

He/Him

Mizan serves as Student Community Coordinator with duties that include an emphasis on supporting first-year students. His expertise lies in student services and leadership development. Mizan graduated with a PhD in Disability Studies from University of Illinois-Chicago in September. From 2013-2018, he worked at BRAC (world's largest INGO) in the Youth Project. He is a former Fellow of the Atlas Corps and of the Asia-Europe Foundation. Outside his profession, he has run campiagns for an inclusive society and been recognized in the "Forbes 30 under 30" for his contributions. He has a family with two sons, and all of them love gardening and traveling.

• HCRN 1064
• rahma131@purdue.edu 

Allison Roberts

Program Manager, Leading Women Toward Space Careers

She/Her

Dr. Roberts, the Program Manager for Leading Women Toward Space Careers program, holds a doctorate in philosophy in sociology from the University of Portsmouth, UK, a master’s in political science, and bachelor’s in history and political science from Purdue University. Her qualitative research focused on the narratives of ex-service personnel who experienced traumatic injuries and were medically discharged. With over a decade of experience at the university, Allison has also interned at NASA Headquarters and served as a Visiting Scholar at Newcastle University.

In addition to her program management role, Dr. Roberts co-taught the honors college course "Security, Technology, and Society" and piloted the course "Centuries of War: Knowing War through Shared Experiences." Her dedication to research and teaching allows her to contribute valuable insights to the college.

• allisonroberts@purdue.edu

Chloe Roberts

Event and Programming Manager

She/Her

Chloe graduated with her B.S. in Communication Studies from the University of Southern Indiana. Before joining the Honors College, she worked in Healthcare Administration as the Family Medicine Residency Program Coordinator at Conway Regional Health System in Conway, AR. In her role as the Event and Programming Manager, she plans and executes university level and large events held by the Honors College including logistics, vendor management, and symposia. In her spare time, Chloe enjoys wedding planning and spending time at the baseball field with her husband and son.

• HCRS 1022
• rober730@purdue.edu
• 765-496-2195

Jeffrey Roth

Director of Development

He/him

Jeffrey (he/him), member of the Purdue for Life Foundation, is the Director of Development for the John Martinson Honors College. He earned his bachelor’s in arts administration from Butler University, and his masters of philanthropic studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. He has nearly twenty years of experience working in philanthropy, having worked for national and regional non-profits across the Midwest, and uses his expertise in fundraising to help the honors college raise vital funds to support students and programs.

• jmroth@purdueforlife.org

Michael Russell

Student Community Manager

He/They 

Michael holds a bachelor’s in biology, with a focus on sustainability, from Ball State University (BSU). His passion for plants led him to manage greenhouses, including The Wheeler Orchid Collection and Species Bank at BSU and Purdue’s Plant Growth Facilities. He continues to nurture his own small collection of phalaenopsis in his office. From cultivating plants, he transitioned to Scholar Development with the NISO office, where he worked closely with first- and second-year students, supporting them in maximizing their university experience.

Currently, Michael is John Martinson Honors College’s Student Community Manager. He focuses on building community, connecting students with each other, and supporting college initiatives. During his free time, he enjoys playing cooperative board games, tending to his growing houseplants, and listening to podcasts.

• HCRS 1022
• russel75@purdue.edu

Veronica Schirm

Director of the National and International Scholarship Office

She/Her

Veronica graduated from Purdue University in 2000 with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in Spanish. She later completed her master’s in education in counseling and development with a specialization in mental health counseling in 2003. Throughout her 20-year career at Purdue, Veronica has held various student services positions, including roles in academic advising. Her commitment to supporting students and her background in counseling have made her an effective contributor to student success. With her extensive experience and understanding of student needs, Veronica continues to positively impact the Purdue community by providing valuable guidance and support to students.

• HCRS
• vaschirm@purdue.edu
• 765-496-3389

Lindsay Sheedy

Assistant Director, National and International Scholarship Office

She/Her

Lindsay, a Green Bay, Wisconsin native, obtained her bachelor’s in art history and Italian studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She pursued further studies in art history at Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her master’s in 2016 and her doctor of philosophy in 2021. During her time at WashU, Lindsay excelled as a teaching assistant for the Department of Art History and as a fellow at The Writing Center, receiving top teaching honors from both her department and the university.

Lindsay's own academic journey led her to a year-long residency at the American Academy in Rome, where she held a 2020-2021 Rome Prize fellowship while completing her dissertation on painted sculpture in early modern Naples and Puglia. In her leisure time, Lindsay relishes spending moments with loved ones, reading, listening to audiobooks, and embarking on various adventures.

• lsheedy@purdue.edu
• 765-494-3617

Emily Sheetz

Honors Advisor

She/Her

Emily, an Honors Advisor for the John Martinson Honors College, is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of meaning and belonging within the college community and beyond. She holds a bachelor’s in general studies and honors humanities from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s in education in leadership in higher education from Baldwin Wallace University.

Emily's own experience as a graduate of the John Wesley Honors College fuels her passion for assisting students. Prior to joining Purdue, she held various roles in residence life, community engagement, and the Baldwin Wallace University Honors Program. Outside of her professional endeavors, Emily finds joy in outdoor activities, cooking, board games with friends, reading, savoring a good cup of coffee, and exploring new destinations.

• HILL C18A
• easheetz@purdue.edu
• 765-496-6369

Kathryn Smith

Scholarship Writing Consultant and Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator

Kathryn works as the Writing Consultant and Peace Corps Prep Coordinator at NISO and brings a diverse background and linguistic skills to her role. From her early experience producing newsletters in a coastal Japanese village, to her involvement with Harvard Law School's East Asian Legal Studies Program, Kathryn has utilized her fluency in Spanish and Japanese across various sectors, including business, education, and government.

With family roots in Iowa and an education spanning Minnesota and Illinois, Kathryn is firmly anchored in the Midwest. The daughter of a legal wordsmith and a seamstress, Kathryn thinks of writing as sewing with our words.

Her unique blend of experiences and linguistic abilities enables Kathryn to support and guide students in their writing endeavors at NISO.

• smit4496@purdue.edu

Grace Thompson

Honors Advisor

She/Her

Grace obtained her bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University and her master's degree in social work from IUPUI. During her master's program, she specialized in school-based social work to continue her love of working with students from diverse backgrounds. Before joining the Honors College, Grace worked as a school-based therapist for students in grades K-6 and as a Health and Human Sciences Educator for Purdue Extension. Outside of work, Grace enjoys reading, Taylor Swift, playing games with friends, watching movies with her husband, and spending time with her cats and her dog, Pickle.

• gringer@purdue.edu

Phelan C. Tinsley

Academic Advisor

He/Him

Phelan completed his bachelor’s in English at Radford University in Virginia, specializing in creative writing, which led to the publication of several of his works. He later pursued his master’s in English from Radford, focusing on literature as a form of resistance. During his studies, he had the opportunity to meet notable authors such as Dorothy Allison and Kemba Smith, as well as activists Angela Davis, Winona LaDuke, and Dr. Joy DeGruy.

In 2017, Phelan joined Rochester Americorps in New York, where he dedicated a year to serving in Rochester City Schools. After a mishap involving broken glasses, he relocated to Indiana and taught at Ivy Tech Community College before venturing into the banking industry at Purdue Federal Credit Union.

Currently residing in West Lafayette, Phelan shares his life with his beloved cat, Amelia, while nurturing a shared passion for cultivating plants.

• HCRN 1140
• pctinsle@purdue.edu

Onyx Uzomah

Honors Advisor

She/Her

Onyx obtained her bachelor’s in general biology, with a minor in business administration, from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She continued her education at Purdue University, earning a master’s in biological sciences in 2014. Before joining the Honors College, Onyx taught anatomy and physiology to pre-nursing students at Ivy Tech Community College. She also worked with special education students in grades 6-8 within the Lafayette and Tippecanoe school corporations.

Outside of her professional life, Onyx finds joy in reading, the color purple, singing, cake, dancing, 3 Musketeers candy bars, sewing, and engaging in discussions about the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her son.

• HCRN 1142
• ouzomah@purdue.edu
• 765-496-0534

Sarah Vaughn

Program Administrator for Research & Creative Endeavors and Blue Sky Laboratory

She/Her

Sarah is the program administrator for research and creative endeavors at Purdue University, bringing her extensive 15-year experience within various units of the university. She is a graduate of the Accomplished Clerical Excellence (ACE) program and holds a certificate in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. Sarah actively contributes to sustainability efforts, having co-founded the Black and Gold and Green Tailgate Recycling Team and the Purdue Farmer's Market. These initiatives align with her personal commitment to promoting a greener and healthier planet. In her free time, Sarah enjoys gardening, being a cat mom, and indulging in her passion for rock-n-roll music.

• HCRS 1017
• svaughn@purdue.edu
• 765-494-1101

Alyssa Wagner

Honors Advisor

She/Her

Alyssa completed her bachelor’s in elementary education at Bemidji State University in Minnesota. She then pursued her master's in education in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in art education at the University of Houston in Texas. Prior to joining Purdue and the Honors College, Alyssa dedicated nearly a decade to teaching. She instructed various subjects and grade levels, including math, science, social studies, and elementary visual arts. Eventually, she transitioned to teaching visual arts in middle school (7th and 8th grade). Alyssa is a passionate advocate for arts education and mental health education. Outside of work, she enjoys plaid fashion, Andes Mints, Werther's Original Candies, spending quality time with loved ones, traveling, and playing board games.

• HCRN 1100
• wagnerak@purdue.edu
• 765-494-4230