SPARK a FIRE Faculty Mentors

Enthusiastic...Engaging...Supportive

Learn more about our mentors below.

Portrait of Anna Grinath, PhD SPARK a FIRE program coordinator

Passionate about building a scientific community across biology and chemistry disciplines.

Anna S. Grinath, Ph.D., Biology Education Researcher
SPARK a FIRE Program Coordinator, Department of Biological Sciences

I love to help students identify their passions and support them in achieving their personal goals.

Heather Ray, Ph.D., Developmental Biologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Image of Heather Ray, Ph.D., SPARK a FIRE mentor

Portrait of Janet Loxterman, Ph.D., SPARK a FIRE Mentor

Excited to help students build their confidence and find their path.

Janet L. Loxterman, Ph.D., Evolutionary Biologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Science is mostly asking questions and troubleshooting, things you probably already know how to do. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Kathryn Turner, Ph.D., Evolutionary Ecologist & Invasion Biologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Image of Devaleena Pradhan, Ph.D., SPARK a FIRE mentor

Empowering undergraduate students to navigate their university experience and carve out their successful path is the most enriching part of my day.

Devaleena S. Pradhan, Ph.D., Behavioral Neuroendocrinologist & Physiologist, Department of Biological Sciences

Excited to partner with and support students in scientific discovery.

Joshua B. Grinath, Ph.D., Community Ecologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Josh Grinath faculty portrait

James Groome

Encouraging students to explore their creative potential in their scientific endeavors.

James Groome, Ph.D., Neuroscientist
Department of Biological Sciences

Delighted to give students the opportunity to create themselves and become what they cannot see.

Julia E. Martin, Ph.D., Microbiologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Portrait of Julia Martin, PhD, SPARK a FIRE Mentor

Science is about learning, testing, and sharing ideas, no matter your skill level. I enjoy helping students develop ideas and test them, then see their skills and confidence increase through the process as they develop into working scientists.

Caryn Evilia, Ph.D., Biochemist
Department of Chemistry

Working together with undergraduate colleagues and witnessing their creativity, passion, and enthusiasm in solving scientific puzzles is highly rewarding.

Anirban Chakraborty, Ph.D., Geomicrobiologist
Department of Biological Sciences

Portrait of Anirban Chakraborty

I enjoy helping students gain confidence in their scientific skills and realize their potential to make an impact in their field.

Courtney "Cori" Jenkins, Ph.D., Polymer Chemist
Department of Chemistry

I love collaborating with young scientists because, as much as I love to help them master fundamentals in Chemistry, I love their enthusiasm and their unique perspectives.

Joshua Pak, Ph.D., Materials & Polymer Chemist
Department of Chemistry

Image of Joshua Pak, Ph.D., SPARK a FIRE mentor