Honors College Staff

Rosanne Altstatt

Associate Dean for Community and Engagement

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

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. Andrew finds enjoyment in outdoor activities, reading, playing games, watching movies with friends, and cherishing moments with his cat, Harlan.

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

Jessi-Alex Brandon

Student Community Specialist

Jessi-Alex graduated from Macalester College in May 2020 with a double major in German Studies and International Studies with a minor in Linguistics. Afterward, they spent time in Vienna, Austria as an United States Teaching Assistant, serving as an English TA to Austrian youth aged 12-18. They returned home to Alabama in 2021 and started working more in grassroots and community organizing, specifically with Montgomery Pride United and the ACLU of Alabama. He's excited to transition back into the college world as the Student Community Specialist and help upperclassmen make the most out of their remaining time in the JMHC. In his free time, he loves to read, write poetry, lift weights, go on hikes, and watch competitive swimming.

• brandoja@purdue.edu

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

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

Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions

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

Quinton Farrell

Student Community Coordinator

Quinton graduated with a B.S. in Tourism, Event, and Sport Management from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in May 2024. There, he gained vital experience through coursework as well as through internships with organizations such as Red Bull and Indianapolis Colts. As Student Community Coordinator in the John Martinson Honors College, Quinton primarily focuses on the first-year student experience to build community and set students up for success. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and participating in various sports.

• HCRN 1064
• qfarrell@purdue.edu

Katyianne Gellenbeck

Event & Programming Manager

Kaytianne began working in professional event planning as a Junior Coordinator at the Mill Top Banquet & Conference Center with stops along the way as an Area Supervisor for the Catering Department at Cedar Point, Event and Programming Manager with the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and Event Coordinator for the City of Frankfort Parks Department. She is a Lafayette native and a proud Jefferson High School alumna. Kaytianne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications: Promotional Sales and Events at Ball State University in 2016. She sees the positive things in life and focuses on how she can make every single day count in both professional and personal life. Outside of the office, Kaytianne enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and dog, cultivating her green thumb, car singing and eating sweet treats.

• DUHM 134
• kegellen@purdue.edu

Sherry Hardebeck

Dean's Administrative Office Manager

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 1018
• sahardebeck@purdue.edu

Ali Harmeson

Program Coordinator for Student Mentoring and Career Readiness

Ali serves as the Program Coordinator for Student Mentoring and Career Readiness at the John Martinson Honors College, where she plays a crucial role in the career and world readiness of honors students in all disciplines. She co-leads a mentorship network, helps manage mentoring communities and awards programs, and facilitates mechanisms for honors students to build professional networks. She collaborates with Purdue for Life to connect honors students and programs to alumni through Purdue for Life programs such as Purdue Ties. Prior to this role, she worked as a Program Administration Specialist at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, where she co-managed five cohorts of the Focus Forward Fellowship.

• DUHM 132
• seilera@purdue.edu

Mindy Hart

Director of Recruitment and Admissions

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

Dustin Harrison

Academic Program Manager - Indianapolis

Dustin completed his undergraduate studies at Purdue University, earning a bachelor’s in social studies education. For the next fourteen years, he taught social studies at Western Boone Jr-Sr High School, where he also coached multiple sports, including basketball, tennis, cross country, and track and field. In 2019, Dustin obtained a master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Ball State University. Prior to joining the JMHC, he spent two years working as a Strategic Planning and Implementation Specialist for a private education consulting company. In his spare time, Dustin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, boating, and attending sporting events.

• Office: ET003A
• Email: dtharris@purdue.edu

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

Sara Hong

Honors Advisor

Born in Seoul, Korea, Sara moved with her family to the U.S. in third grade and was raised in Minnesota. She received her BA from Wellesley College and her doctorate in Early Modern British Literature from Boston College. Since then, Sara has taught at Holy Names University, Diablo Valley College, UC Berkeley, and Purdue University. After 14 years in the classroom, Sara is looking forward to advising her students on more than their essay drafts.

Sara lives with her husband and two sons, and in her spare time, loves to meditate, read, bike, and host gatherings for her friends and family.

Chaonan Liu

Scholar in Residence for Undergraduate Research

Chaonan earned her M.S. in Cell Biology from Beijing Normal University in China. She completed her Ph.D. in Biology Education at Purdue University in 2021. Her Ph.D. research focused on improving instruction for scientific reasoning during undergraduate biology laboratory investigations. In her free time, she enjoys painting and spending time with her family.

• liu2313@purdue.edu
• DUHME 134
• 765-494-8582

Chirine Lavassani

Program Administration Specialist

Chirine completed her undergraduate studies at business school in Geneva, Switzerland, where she specialized in accounting. Following this, she worked a year in the accounting department at a top swiss bank named Credit Suisse in Geneva. Her career focused more on private banking when she worked for six years as an assistant manager in the L/C and trade finance. Then, moving to the US, Chirine completed a second undergraduate degree at Purdue University, earning a bachelor's in political science, minoring in history and Arabic. Chirine grew up in Switzerland and has travelled to various European and West Asian countries. She speaks five languages and has two kids, an older son and younger daughter, who both attend Purdue. Chirine finds enjoyment in socializing with friends, travelling, playing games, watching movies with her family and cherishing moments with her cat, Milou.

• LILY G-117
• clavassa@purdue.edu
• 765-494-4417

Jordan Meyer

Data Manager

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

Mike earned his bachelor's degree in public relations with a minor in journalism, and a master’s degree in college student personnel administration from the University of Central Missouri. He served as graduate assistant in the university president’s office and alumni relations. He spent two years as an academic advisor/recruiter at Wright State University in Ohio.

Since 2015, Mike has advised thousands of Honors students in the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue. He currently advises Honors students in Pharmacy, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine. Mike leads the Honors Advising team’s All Aboard Purdue efforts to support first-year students in their transition to college life. He coordinates family relations efforts for the college, and helps plan and host the semesterly Medallion Ceremony.

Mike enjoys golf, cooking, photography, traveling, time with family, and good podcast about movies, sports or politics while working around the house.

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

Dani Parsons

Honors Advisor

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University

Dani's educational background is in social psychology, with a focus on small group interactions and group decision making research. Both their bachelor's and master's degrees are from Purdue, but they proudly distinguish that their bachelor's comes from the campus in their hometown, Fort Wayne. Go Dons! As an advisor, Dani brings a holistic approach and strives to make all students feel welcome in their office. With 6 years of advising experience, Dani hopes to help their students become their best selves.

Outside of work, Dani loves to play Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and a variety of video games. Their ideal day off is just relaxing at home with their cat and their wife.

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

Catharine Patrone

Chief of Staff

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

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

Dania Rau

Recruitment Specialist

Originally from California, Dania graduated from Purdue University and the John Martinson Honors College in 2024 with degrees in political science and communication. Before joining the team, she gained experiences in the Office of Admissions, Orientation Programs, and Purdue Athletics. In her role as the Recruitment Specialist, Dania assists in the recruitment, admission and retention of JMHC students. In her free time, Dania enjoys travelling, baking, listening to podcasts, and following Purdue sports.

• DUHM 134A
• raudg@purdue.edu

Allison Roberts

Program Manager, Leading Women Toward Space Careers

 

L. Allison Roberts is the program manager for the new JMHC program, Leading Women Toward Space Careers. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, an M.A. in Political Science (Purdue University) and B.A. in History and Political Science (Purdue University). Her qualitative Ph.D. research, Life after traumatic injury: narratives of embodiment and identity of United Kingdom ex-service personnel, explored the life stories of ex-service personnel who experienced a traumatic injury (such as limb loss, hearing loss, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or blindness) and were subsequently medically discharged. 

She has worked for the university for over a decade. Dr. Roberts' previous experiences include an internship for the Deputy Administrator at NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C., and being a Visiting Scholar in the School of Geography, Politics, and Sociology at Newcastle University in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. 

Additionally, Roberts co-taught the Honors College course, Security, Technology, and Society, with Dr. Dwaine Jengelley, in Spring 2021 and 2022. This course engaged students in collaborative, team-based research on topical security issues to create White Papers and Policy Briefs. In the Fall of 2020, Dr. Roberts piloted the Honors College course entitled Centuries of War: Knowing War through Shared Experiences. The course included sources—specifically memoirs, poems, letters, and (auto)biographies—from the American Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

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

Michael Russell

Student Community Manager

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

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

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

Emily is excited to be part of the Honors Advising team. She graduated with her B.S.in General Studies and Honors Humanities from Indiana Wesleyan University. She also graduated with her M.A.Ed in Leadership in Higher Education from Baldwin Wallace University. Prior to coming to Purdue, Emily held roles in residence life, community engagement, and other Honors programs. As a graduate of the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University, she is passionate about helping students make meaning of their Honors College experience and find belonging in this community. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with friends and family while gardening, playing board games, trying new recipes, and exploring new places.

• LILY G-119
• 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

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

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

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

Sarah is the program administrator for research at Purdue University, bringing her extensive 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

Alyssa graduated from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education. She earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Art Education from the University of Houston located in Houston, Texas. Before coming to Purdue, Alyssa spent almost a decade as a teacher. She taught math, science, and social studies for several different grade levels, as well as elementary visual arts before eventually moving to Middle School (7th & 8th Grade) visual arts. Alyssa is an advocate of the arts and arts education as well as mental health education. Outside of the office, Alyssa is a printmaker and stained glass artist, she loves “old lady candies” such as Andes Mints and Werther's Originals. She is a proud Disney adult, loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, and playing board games.

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

Audra Weideman

Senior Administrative Assistant

Audra graduated from Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts in 2020. She has been working at Purdue University for 3 years and now provides support to the John Martinson Honors College faculty and staff. Audra is the United Way Representative and will coordinate fundraising events and donation drives for local non-profit organizations. In her free time, she enjoys fostering cats or dogs and volunteering at local animal shelters.

• HCRN 1103
• ajweidem@purdue.edu
• 765-494-1203

Amanda Wilton

Honors Advisor

Originally from Michigan, Amanda holds degrees in music performance from the University of Houston (DMA), University of Maryland (MM), University of Missouri-St. Louis (BM), and the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain where she was a Fulbright Researcher. Prior to coming to Purdue, she taught and mentored students at the University of North Alabama, University of Idaho, Creighton University, Louisiana Tech University, and everysummer at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. As a violist, she has performed with the Omaha Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Huntsville Symphony, as well as many others. Her research and music performance have given her the opportunity to travel to many places in the U.S. and Europe. She enjoys working with students to reach their goals and find their path to success.

• Duhme 120
• awilton@purdue.edu 
• 765-496-4277