Stockdale Center Associate Fellows Program
The Center's Associate Fellowship program is an internal leadership development program tailored for our mid-level faculty, coaches, and staff, using a combination of online content, guest speakers, experiential opportunities, and cohort special projects aimed at giving the next generation of USNA leaders the tools they need to succeed. At the end of their tenure, Fellows provide the program with project results, presentations and publications for dissemination, across the Academy and Nation.
The 2019-2020 Stockdale Associate Fellows:
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Archer, Paul
Biography
LCDR Archer was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 2008 when he graduated from Penn State University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Crime, Law & Justice. His sea assignments include Gunnery Officer and Damage Control Division Officer aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Fire Control and Force Protection Officer aboard USS Cole (DDG 67), and Weapons and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS Truxtun (DDG 103). He has deployed to the C4F AOR in support of Operation Continuing Promise and the C5F/C6F AORs in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. His lone previous shore assignment was to Officer Training Command, Newport as Officer Candidate School Lead Instructor. While serving in that role, he completed JPME Phase I and earned a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. LCDR Archer reported to the United States Naval Academy as Training Officer in February 2019. He became Deputy Director, Naval Academy Sailing, March 2020.
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Ballaban, Steven
LT Steven A. Ballaban is a native of New York. He received his BA in English Literature from Vassar College in 1981. He continued his studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio and received his Masters of Hebrew Letters in 1985, and his Rabbinical ordination in June, 1986. In 1989 he returned to Cincinnati, and earned a Masters of Philosophy in 1994 and a Doctor of Philosophy in 1995. Following a career as an educator, he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa) by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He received Board Certification as a Clinical Chaplain from the Association of Professional Chaplains and the National Association of VA Chaplains, and was the 5th chaplain to earn a Clinical Concentration in PTSD from the NAVAC in 2014. His publications include articles in the Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion and the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling. He was commissioned as an Ensign (Chaplain Candidate Program Officer) in 1985, and entered Active Duty service in June 1986 following ordination. After serving with Commander, Combat Logistics Group One for 3 years, he left active duty service to complete his studies. He continued his service as a drilling reservist until 1995, earning promotion to LCDR. His commission expired in 2002. After earning his credentials as a clinical chaplain at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Portland, OR, he applied for commissioning as a chaplain and was commissioned as a LT in August 2014. Following completion of training at Officer Development School in Newport, RI and Naval Chaplaincy School Basic Course at Fort Jackson in Columbia SC, he reported to Naval Air Facility Atsugi Japan for duty as a Staff Chaplain. He is currently on the Steering Committee for the Pastoral Counseling Community of Interest, and has earned a subspecialty code (1440-N) in Pastoral Counseling and an AQD as a Board Certified Chaplain. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon (with bronze star), the Global War on Terrorism ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (10 years). -
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Byrne, Mic
LT Mic Byrne is a Senior Instructor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the US Naval Academy. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with Information Technology and commissioned as a submarine officer through the ROTC program in 2014. Immediately after commissioning, Mic began his graduate studies at MIT through the Navy’s highly-selective Immediate Graduate Education Program, conducting nanosatellite research at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and earning his M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2015. Next, Mic completed nuclear power training in Charleston, SC and reported to the USS ALASKA (SSBN 732) where he conducted three strategic deterrence patrols and managed a drydocking and major industrial refit as the Assistant Engineer. Mic is currently enrolled at Johns Hopkins University where he is pursuing a Masters of Business Administration. Mic is also a certified Project Management Professional, a fluent Spanish speaker, and an active member of his church. A native of Northern Virginia, Mic currently lives in Arnold, MD with his wife and two children. -
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Caton, Patrick
I was born in Knoxville, TN and grew up in a nearby town called Oak Ridge. Oak Ridge is famous for its role in the Manhattan Project in the Second World War; indeed, my town was literally created from nothing in 1942 to help produce the nuclear bombs that ended the war. Scientists relocated from all over to come work in Oak Ridge, which made the town very unique, and shaped my childhood. Both of my parents have doctoral degrees in chemistry and worked in the local laboratory. My best friend’s father had a doctoral degree in nuclear physics and worked on nuclear fusion. It was rare if one of my friend’s parents didn’t have a doctoral degree. I didn’t realize this was odd until I went off to college. A good student and a good athlete, I earned a spot on the swimming team at Stanford University in the fall of 1993. While not fast enough to compete for more than my freshman year, our team won the NCAA Division I national championship that year. At Stanford, I took five years to double major in Psychology and in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating the second time, I searched for engineering jobs, but could not find any – instead, I ended up teaching high school math and science at a local private high school, where I met my future wife, the guidance counselor. After two years teaching, I headed back to graduate school at Stanford and got married. Intending to only get a master’s degree before going to medical school, I instead stayed for a doctorate. We had our first two boys 16 months apart right after my qualifying exams. After my laboratory work was mostly complete, I would often be analyzing data at home while tending to my infant son. As I prepared to graduate with my Ph.D., my top goal was to teach engineering at the Naval Academy. I applied for eleven faculty positions in the fall of 2004, was offered five interviews, the last one being at USNA. I started at USNA in the mechanical engineering department in 2005. I was promoted with tenure in 2010, and again to Full Professor in 2015. I occasionally teach an master’s course in the evening at the University of Maryland, and I do some occasional consulting for a forensic engineering firm in Annapolis. -
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Cole, Karim
Command Master Chief Karim Cole, a native of Freetown, Sierra Leone, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1990. Following completion of basic training in San Diego, he reported to Naval Medical Training Center, San Diego, for Hospital Corpsman "A" School and then “C” School at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida. Cole later earned a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University, a Master of Health Care from Webster University, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University. He is also a graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 119); Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Capstone Course (Class 50); U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 58); the National Defense University Keystone Course; and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Navy Strategic Thinking Course. He is designated a Master Training Specialist and is a specialist in aviation, surface and Fleet Marine Force warfare. Cole’s early assignments include tours with Marine Aircraft Group 13, where he completed three Western Pacific deployments with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 311 and VMA-513 aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) and USS Essex (LHD 2); Marine Aircraft Group 26 as the senior medical representative for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 261 and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deploying aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in support of Operation Noble Obelisk in Sierra Leone; and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Iwakuni, Japan, deploying with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 212 in support of Operation Noble Eagle. Cole also served aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit Green Bay (LPD 20) as the leading chief for the health services department and then as command senior chief when selected to the Command Senior Chief Program. Ashore, he took his fleet experience back to the schoolhouse as the senior instructor for the Aerospace Medicine "C" School. His command master chief tours include time aboard USS Thach (FFG 43), completing two Western Pacific deployments; as the regional command master chief of U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Commander, Task Force 78; and with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Cole most recently served as the Naval Education and Training Command and MyNavy HR Force Development force master chief. Cole assumed the duties as the U.S. Naval Academy’s Command Master Chief in July 2020. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards); Army Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards); and various unit and campaign awards. -
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Cone, Temple
Professor Temple Cone has been a member of the USNA English department for fifteen years, where he has taught courses ranging from creative writing and the Bible as Literature to capstone seminars on Walt Whitman, American wilderness literature, modern Irish poetry, and the history of haiku. He has published five books of poetry, the most recent of which, Sky Bright Psalms, won the 2020 Cathexis Northwest Press Book Contest. From 2018-2020, he served as the inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Annapolis. He holds a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Wisconsin, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in Creative Writing from Hollins University, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Washington and Lee University. -
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Cullen, Sheila
Senior Chief Musician Sheila Cullen is a native of Marietta, GA. She is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet performance in 2002 and a Master of Music degree in Music Theory in 2004. Her mentors include James Campbell, Howard Klug, D. Ray McClellan, Kirsten Ahnell, and Robert DiLutis. Senior Cullen has also performed with the Londontowne Symphony, Owensboro Symphony, Gainesville Symphony, The United States Air Force Band, United States Fleet Forces Band, Chesapeake Reed Trio, and is an active recording artist and adjudicator in the D.C. area. Her teaching experience includes Adjunct Instructor, Clemson University; Faculty, Hartwick College Summer Music Festival; and Instructor, Atlanta Music Academy, as well as private instruction throughout the Metro Atlanta area. In June 2006, Senior Chief Cullen auditioned and was selected for assignment to the U.S. Naval Academy Band. As Clarinet Instrumentalist, she leads the Chamber Winds, Reed Quintet, and Clarinet Quartet, and performs with the Ceremonial Units and Marching Band. Additionally, she serves as USNA Assistant CMEO, Annapolis Area CPOA Vice President, USNA Band Administration CIC, MWR Chairperson, and is an active member of the USNA Command Resilience Team. Cullen's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (four awards). -
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Cyr-Roman, Barbara
Barbara Cyr-Roman is a nationally credentialed advocate at the advanced level and a trained prevention specialist. She is the Director for Prevention Education for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) at the U.S. Naval Academy. Ms. Cyr-Roman provides direction and leadership to the Academy’s sexual and intimate partner violence education and prevention efforts across the institution. She coordinates the SHAPE (Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Education) Program and provides training for Midshipmen peer educators, GUIDEs and victim advocates. In 2018 she received the Department of Defense SAPRO Excellence in Primary Prevention Award for her work. Her professional experience includes medical and legal victim advocacy, directing a non-profit domestic and rape crisis center prevention education program, independent presenter for youth empowerment, and directing a student leadership development program at the university level. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy and has completed Master’s level course work in Counseling at UDM. Ms. Cyr-Roman has over 19 years experience in sexual assault prevention curriculum development, program development, implementation and evaluation. -
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Dawson, Henry
Lieutenant Junior Grade Henry Riggs Dawson is a native of Annapolis, Maryland. He received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. After graduating from the Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS) in November 2018, he reported as the S-1A division officer on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). In August 2020, LTJG Dawson reported to the United States Naval Academy where he currently serves as the Flag Supply Aide to the Superintendent, VADM Sean S. Buck. LTJG Dawson is designated as a Naval Aviation Supply Officer and a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer (SWSCO). -
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DeGraff, Jason
Master Chief Petty Officer Jason DeGraaf, a Vermont native, graduated from Great Lakes RTC in 1999. He attended Mess Management “A” school in San Antonio Texas, where he received the Accelerated Petty Officer award. After MS “A” school he attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS), where he received distinguished graduate honors and the William H. Purdam Award for Leadership. Upon graduation he received orders to the USS HONOLULU (SSN 718) stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From October, 1999 to November, 2004 he served on board the HONOLULU, as a member of the Food Service and Dive Division. During his tour he completed three Western Pacific Deployments, three Eastern Pacific Deployments, and an Artic Deployment. In addition to earning his Dolphins, he also completed US Navy Dive School. Following his Sea Tour, he was selected to serve as the Enlisted Aide to Commander of the Submarine Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC). Shortly into his tour he was selected to serve as an Enlisted Aide the Vice President of the United States, The Honorable Richard B. Cheney. In April of 2006 he reported to the Vice President’s Residence at the Naval Observatory where he was responsible for the day to day maintenance of the official residence, all food production, and coordinating with the Secret Service on security. Master Chief’s most recent Sea Tour was onboard USS SHOUP (DDG 86), where he served as the Supply Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and also as the Command Master Chief. As CMC on SHOUP, he completed a ten and a half month Western Pacific Deployment. As DLCPO, his department received an Excellent on INSURV and SMC and was awarded the Blue “E” throughout his tour. Upon completion of his tour he was selected to serve as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Director of Naval Reactors, and shortly thereafter the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John M. Richardson. Following his tour with the Chief of Naval Operations, Master Chief was selected to serve as the Senior Enlisted Aide to the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck. Master Chief is a 2005 graduate of Starkey International Institute for Estate Management. He is a Certified HACCP Manager, Master Certified Food Executive, Certified Professional Food Manager and holds an Associate’s Degree in Hospitality (with Honors) from American Military University. He is a Senior Enlisted Academy Alumni (Class 198 Gold) and Dean’s list member. He holds certifications as a CrossFit Level II and Kids Trainer and Bronze Level Coach through USA Wrestling. -
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Dziennik, Matthew
Matthew Dziennik is an Associate Professor of British and British Imperial History at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Born and raised in the Scottish Highlands, he spent a year teaching English in Nepal and Russia before joining the British Army as an infantry officer candidate. Sponsored by the Royal Gurkha Rifles to attend the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, he was sadly unable to pursue a life-long career in the Army due to a previously undiagnosed medical condition. After a brief period working for the National Park Service at Yorktown battlefield in 2006, he embarked upon a career in academia, spending several years at the University of Edinburgh where he graduated with a Ph.D. in History in 2011. He is the author of The Fatal Land: War, Empire, and the Highland Soldier in British America (Yale University Press, 2015) as well as of over twenty research articles and book chapters. Since 2011 he has worked for various institutions including The New School University in New York and the University of Saskatchewan and joined the History Department at the United States Naval Academy in 2016. -
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El-Bidweihy, Hatem
Hatem ElBidweihy received BS and MS degrees from Cairo University (Egypt) in 2009 and 2011, and PhD from the George Washington University in 2014. He joined the faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department in the fall of 2014. Since that time, he has developed a worldwide reputation in the field of coupled magnetic phenomena -- the study of the interplay between magnetic moments and electrical, thermal, and optical properties of materials. With research support from ONR, NSF, and DTRA, he has supported a strong research program including twelve midshipmen research projects, two Trident Scholars, and four Bowman Scholars. During his tenure at the Academy, he has secured research and equipment funding exceeding $1.5M. Most recently, he is the principal investigator (PI) on a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant for $666k to develop new aerosol jet printing capabilities for microfabrication and 3D-printed electronics. Associate Professor ElBidweihy has served in a remarkable number of editorial and service roles within his magnetism community. He is also the recipient of the 2019 USNA Raouf Ali Raouf Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching Engineering. -
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Fallon, Jim
LCDR Jim Fallon is a native of Longmont, CO and a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines. He commissioned in 2006 through Officer Indoctrination School, serving as a Nuclear Engineer at Naval Reactors. In 2011, he joined the Navy Reserves and became a Public Affairs Officer. Since then, his assignments have included: Deputy PAO for the Warrior Games (a sports competition for disabled military athletes), Deputy PAO for international vessels at Fleet Week New York, lead PAO aboard USS WASP (LHD-1) during F-35 flight testing, and Media Director for the Combined Joint PsyOps Task Force for a year in Afghanistan. He was a Recalled Reservist with the USNA Physics Department from 2016-2019 and began his second tour at USNA in July 2020. In addition to teaching physics, he enjoys interacting with midshipmen in a variety of other roles, including as the O-Rep for the Midshipman Action Group Special Olympics Events, a faculty liaison for Navy Spectrum (the Yard’s LGBT and allies ECA), a mentor for nuclear program accession candidates, and a volunteer with the Offshore Sailing Program. He is passionate about curling, regularly traveling for competitions. -
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Gabarra, Carin
Carin Gabarra is a proven winner. Not only was she a success as a forward on the UC-Santa Barbara soccer team and later in her career playing for the United States National Team, but Gabarra has also demonstrated the golden touch when leading others by example. It is the gift of leadership, which has led her to become one of the household names within the collegiate coaching ranks. Not because she was an eight-time All-American (four in high school and four at UC-Santa Barbara), and not because she was a member of the 1996 Olympic gold-medal winning U.S. National Team, but because she has developed the Navy soccer program from ground level to one of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s most competitive teams. Since taking over the Navy program in 1993, she has taken the Midshipmen from a club-level organization to a team who has claimed at least a share of the Patriot League regular-season title 10 times, made four NCAA Tournament appearances, and produced 21 consecutive winning seasons (1995-2015). In total, she’s had 24 winning seasons over her 27 years with the Mids. Gabarra is the Patriot League’s all-time wins leader and joined an elite group of coaches when she won her 300th career game during the 2015 season. A native of Palos Verdes, Calif., Gabarra graduated from California at Santa Barbara in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management. A standout forward for the Gaucho soccer team, she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 102 goals and 60 assists. She held that post until 1993 when fellow Olympian Mia Hamm broke the record. Gabarra was a four-time All-America honoree and UC-Santa Barbara’s Woman Athlete of the Decade in 1987, as well as Scholastic Athlete of the Year. In October of 1991, she was inducted into the UC-Santa Barbara Athletic Hall of Fame. She remains the record holder in every individual offensive category at Santa Barbara -- goals in a game, season and career; assists in a season and career; most points in a season and career; shots in a season and career; and games played in a career. A standout at Palos Verdes High School, as well, she led the nation in scoring from 1980-83 by netting 226 goals and garnered high school All-America accolades four times. Gabarra continued competing on the international level where she led the U.S. to its first-ever Women’s World Cup title in 1991 by scoring six goals and was the recipient of the “Golden Ball,” presented to the outstanding player of the championship. She garnered United States Soccer’s Female Athlete-of-the-Year honors in 1992, after winning the award for the first time in 1987. She was also tagged the 1987 and ‘92 United States Olympic Committee Player of the Year. Gabarra recorded 117 international caps from 1987- 1996 and scored 53 goals. Though retired from professional soccer, Gabarra was named to the Stars of the Century Team in the summer of 1999. The roll call includes the best 11 players in the history of women’s soccer in the United States. Gabarra and her 1996 gold medal winning teammates were inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004. The first U.S. player to be named MVP of the Women’s World Cup, Gabarra, along with former New York Cosmos superstar Giorgio Chinaglia, were inducted at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. on Oct. 28, 2000. She was just the second woman player to be inducted, as former World Cup teammate April Heinrichs was the first enshrined in 1998. In addition to her coaching duties at Navy, Gabarra is active with the Olympic Development Programs that scout prospective national team players and is a member of the U.S. Soccer Athlete Advisory Council. She serves on the Athlete Advisory Board Project 2012 and is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Athlete Advisory Council. Gabarra has also served on the U.S. Soccer Technical Committee since 2006 and chairs the U.S. Soccer’s Girl’s Player Development Task Force. Additionally, Gabarra is a member of the Maryland Physical Fitness Council. She is also an honorary member of Habitat for Humanity: Women Building a Legacy. She was recently named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Eligibility & Awards Working Committee. Gabarra is also an active member of the Washington, DC-based Athletes for Hope foundation. In 2011, Gabarra joined Dr. Jill Biden and Chelsea Clinton on the official U.S. Delegation on Air Force Two to the Women’s World Cup Final in Germany. In 2012, Gabarra received the United States Sports Academy’s Distinguished Service Award. Gabarra was selected as the recipient of the 2017 Women’s Soccer Award of Excellence. Established in 1999 to recognize those who have brought honor and distinction to women’s soccer, Gabarra joins the likes of Michelle Akers, April Heinrichs, Kristine Lilly, Tony DiCicco and Anson Dorrance as elite members of the women’s soccer community, who have previously been bestowed this accolade. -
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Garth, Todd
Todd S. Garth - Originally from suburban Westchester County, NY, I have lived in the DC area for nearly forty years, with the occasional semester in Madrid and Buenos Aires. At 17, I left home for a study-abroad year in Brazil, where I completed high school. I majored in Classics in college and, a few years after earning my B.A., entered graduate school and stayed there longer than anyone should admit to. Eventually I earned an M.A. in comparative literature and a PhD in Spanish; I joined the faculty at USNA in 2000. I teach both Spanish and Portuguese here and pursue research on Latin American and comparative literature, having published two books on early 20th-century Latin American writers. My research interests now focus on the concept of heroism in literature—there is no contemporary theory of the heroic, and I hope eventually to come up with one. I am also at work on a historical novel, based on my own family history, that features a heroine defined by characteristics entirely at odds with the Western heroic tradition. Ask me what that means. To the best of my knowledge, I was the first openly gay faculty member at the Naval Academy. This is not a major theme of my life or career here—it consisted mainly of being the first gay faculty member who made no effort to hide his personal life to anyone who cared to know. Though I did once make a splash by objecting, very publicly, to the Naval Academy’s handling of a planned protest by visitors against the U.S. armed forces’ “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. That’s the last time I was on the radar. My husband, a retired law librarian and current writer of fiction, has been with me for thirty-six years; we’ve been legally married for eleven of those years. Two years ago, he suffered a catastrophic stroke and has had a very limited recovery. This setback has completely changed the tenor and rhythm of our lives. You can ask me what that means too. (Hint: I’ve aged a lot in the last two years.) I addition to really liking my work—the teaching and the scholarship and the administrative stuff (I served as associate chair of my department for two years)—I also love to garden. My little garden is the closest thing I have to either pets or children. In addition to devoting time towards my husband’s care, I’ve also started working with him as a sort of editorial assistant, now that he needs extra help to get his writing done, and I’m the manager of a blogzine on writers and writing that he founded about ten years ago. I try to stay physically active and I’m a reasonably faithful Navy football fan. Mostly, though, I read. I read a lot. -
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Gentry, Sommer
Sommer Gentry is Professor of Mathematics at the United States Naval Academy, and is also on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is a senior investigator with the U.S. Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients. She has a B.S. in Mathematical and Computational Science and an M.S. in Operations Research, both from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT. Professor Gentry builds operations research models to improve access to organ transplantation. She has ignited revolutionary changes in the distribution of organs for transplant, by showing that redistricting U.S. liver allocation areas would reduce geographic disparity in access to liver transplants and save hundreds of lives each year. She also designed optimization methods to maximize the number of kidney transplants possible through kidney exchanges, and served as an advisor to the United States and Canada in their efforts to create national paired donation registries. Her work helped convince Congress to clarify the legal status of kidney paired donation in December 2007. Gentry’s research is funded by a major grant from the National Institutes of Health and her findings have been highlighted in major media outlets including Scientific American, Time Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Science, the Discovery Channel, and National Public Radio. Her work appears in esteemed journals like Operations Research in Health Care, the American Journal of Transplantation, and the Journal of the American Medical Association. Sommer Gentry is the 2021 recipient of the US Naval Academy’s Class of 1951 Civilian Faculty Excellence in Research Award. She also received the Mathematical Association of America’s Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning Mathematics Faculty Member. As a human being, her primary qualities are boundless enthusiasm and energy, and a love of dancing and community. She dances every single day of her life, joyfully and gratefully. -
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Haberland, Nancy
Nancy Haberland is in her 20th year as a member of the Navy Sailing coaching staff. She started her coaching career at the Academy as an Assistant Dinghy Coach leading the team to a second place finish in the singlehanded nationals. Subsequently, she worked as Assistant Coach for the Varsity Offshore Sailing Team. In the summer and fall, she runs the JV Offshore team and staff. In the winter and spring, she shifts focus to prepare midshipmen for offshore sailing and racing. Nancy has sailed thousands of miles with team members up and down the eastern seaboard. Over the years, she has worked with hundreds of midshipmen teaching them how to work as a team and providing leadership opportunities as a beginning to their career as a Naval Officer. Personally, Nancy grew up in Illinois and graduated from Miami of Ohio University with a degree in Dietetics and Management. Before her coaching career, she worked as a Public Health Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant. Nancy is an Olympian. She represented the United States at three summer Olympic games. In the Barcelona and Athens games, she participated as an athlete in the discipline of sailing. For the 2008 games in Beijing, China, she was selected by her Olympian peers to be one of two athlete representatives. Outside of sailing, Nancy stays active competing in triathlons and marathons. -
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Harbin, Brielle
Brielle Harbin is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the United States Naval Academy, where she teaches courses on American constitutional development, media and politics, and race, gender, class, and sexuality in U.S. politics. Dr. Harbin’s research agenda is three-pronged. She studies how the American public forms opinions related to social problems in the United States (e.g., drug use and addiction and racial discrimination) as a result of their social identities, media representations, and personal experience with these issues. She examines how these understandings emerge in the general public as well as how these same dynamics manifest and affect teaching and learning in the university classroom. Prior to joining the USNA faculty, Dr. Harbin was a Vice Provost Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. She still serves as a fellow with the Penn Program on Public Opinion Research and Election Studies. Dr. Harbin received a Ph.D. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University. She also received a M.A. in Political Science from Brown University and a B.A. in Government from Smith College. -
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Harris, Scott
Chief Scott C. Harris is assigned as the 9th Company Senior Enlisted Leader at the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Chief Harris enlisted in the Navy from Albuquerque, NM attending basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois on October 26th, 2004. Following Recruit Training; he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Goose Creek, SC to attend Nuclear Machinist Mate “A” School and Nuclear Power School, completing his nuclear training pipeline attending Prototype at the S8G training platform in Ballston Spa, NY. His follow-on tours include: In June 2006, he reported to USS Olympia, SSN 717 in Pearl Harbor, HI. While onboard, he performed duties as a Nuclear Machinist Mate, completing a 4-year overhaul. During this tour, he advanced to Petty Officer First Class and qualified in Submarine Warfare and as a Navy SCUBA Diver. In August 2009, he reported to USS Nebraska, SSBN 739 Gold Crew, Bangor, WA. During this tour, he served as the Engineering Department Training Assistant, Command Fitness Leader, and Assistant Quality Assurance Officer. Chief Harris completed 5 Strategic Deterrent Patrols, and received his Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Pin. In September 2012, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command as a Nuclear Power School instructor and Section Leading Petty Officer. While onboard he served as Assistant urinalysis program coordinator, departmental command career counselor, and graduated over 2000 students. He also completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees during this tour. Additionally, he was selected to Chief Petty Officer in 2014. In February 2016, Chief Harris reported to PCU Delaware, SSN 791, Newport News, VA as Machinery Division Leading Chief Petty Officer, completing S9G Reactor Plant Design School. He also performed duties as Command Fitness Leader, Area CPO 365 PT Coordinator, CPOA Vice-President, and Command Financial Specialist. Shortly after completing this tour he qualified as a Engineering Department Master Chief. In January 2019 he reported to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD having completed Recruit Division Commander “C” School and has served as 9th Company Senior Enlister Leader, Submarine SCUBA program LCPO, Master Training Specialist Coordinator, and Economics Instructor. While at USNA he was named an Associate Fellow for ethical leadership by the VADM James Bond Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Chief Harris’ personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and various other unit and service awards. -
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Hickie, Gavin
My name is Gavin Hickie and I am the Director of Rugby at the United States Naval Academy. It is a job I love and feel very privileged to work closely and often with 150+ Midshipmen. Originally from Dublin, Ireland I am also a very proud American citizen with an American born wife and a two year old boy, born in Annapolis. We also have another boy on the way in March 2021! My wife Jess is the dietitian to the Brigade of Midshipmen at the Midshipman Development Center. Before coming to the Naval Academy, I was the rugby Head Coach at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Prior to moving to New Hampshire, Jess and I lived in Southern California for four years. In my previous life before coming to the States, I was a professional rugby player in Ireland and the U.K. My family all have very strong links to the sport with my Father and cousin playing rugby for Ireland. My entire life has been around the sport of rugby. Allied to this, I am the author of the rugby book, Rugby Revealed and also a podcaster interviewing rugby coaches and team owners as well as focusing on the leadership lessons acquired from the sport and how these lessons can help you in all aspects of your life. It is my intention to commence a post graduate course in psychology in 2021. My hope from this course is to get a deeper and my honest understanding of myself while also developing my leadership skills so as to best aid the Midshipmen and help them become the very best leaders they can be. -
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Howe, Jennifer
Chaplain Howe is a native of Bellville, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Counseling from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, and a Master of Divinity with a Clinical Counseling concentration from Ashland Theological Seminary. Chaplain Howe is a Professional Counselor licensed by the Ohio Social Worker, Marriage and Family Board. She is ordained and endorsed for Military Chaplaincy by the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Commissioned in 2013, Chaplain Howe reported to Naval Support and Activity Panama City, Panama City Beach, Florida where she served as Command Chaplain. While assigned to NSA Panama City, she provided pastoral care for the Sailors, Marines and Soldiers at Naval Diving Salvage and Training Center, and the Center for EOD and Diving, in addition to 4000 civilians across 18 tenant commands. In February 2016, Chaplain Howe reported to COMNAVSURFLANT Ministry Center, Norfolk, Virginia. She was assigned to the USS MONTEREY (CG 61) and deployed to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After her return, she served the staff and ships of DESRON 28 before being assigned exclusively to the USS BULKELEY (DDG 84). In 2018, Chaplain Howe reported as Command Chaplain to 8th Communication Battalion, II MEF Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In addition to caring for the Battalion’s 1200 Marines and Sailors, Chaplain Howe was selected to deploy as the Marine Information Group (II MIG) forward Chaplain in support of a NATO level exercise, Trident Juncture, in Vaernes, Norway. She supported six II MIG Battalions with over 3000 Marines and Sailors. Chaplain Howe received orders to the United States Naval Academy and reported in July 2020 where she currently serves as the 6th Battalion Chaplain. LT Howe is a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer. Her personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), Navy Achievement Medal, with other campaign and service awards. -
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Jackson, David
David Jackson is a 1979 graduate of U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management. He participated in Offshore Varsity Sailing as a Midshipman and skippered 44’ Luders Yawls and the 56’ sloop, ALLIANCE. His 1/C cruise was aboard ALLIANCE as she sailed in the Baltic and made a transatlantic crossing. Upon commissioning, he qualified as a nuclear trained Surface Warfare Officer and eventually had three commands, which all saw combat operations in the Arabian Gulf. He commanded USS IMPERVIOUS (MSO-449) where he and his crew spent the eight months conducting Mine Countermeasures operations off Kuwait prior to, during, and following Operation DESERT STORM. He next commanded USS STOUT (DDG-55), which conducted United Nations sanctioned Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) and 49 TOMAHAWK missile strike missions in support of Operation DESERT FOX. Three weeks after 9/11, Dave took command of Destroyer Squadron 50 and Middle East Forces in Bahrain. During this year-long tour he served as Sea Combat Commander over 17 ships from ten countries supporting Al Qaeda Leadership Interdiction Operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was the MIO Commander for UN sanctions enforcements and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM preparations. Dave retired from the Navy as a Captain in July 2005 and worked in industry for ten years both at DRS Technologies, where he was Vice President for Border and Force Protection Programs and later was the Chief Operating Officer at Allen & Shariff Corporation. After leaving industry in 2015, Dave began serving as an adjunct senior military instructor at U.S. Naval Academy, teaching Moral Reasoning and Ethics for Naval Leaders (NE203). He also re- qualified for offshore skipper and began facilitating experiential leadership development of Midshipmen by sailing each Summer with the Offshore Sail Training Squadron (OSTS) program. Dave was hired as the Maintenance Director for Navy Sailing in June 2016. Since rejoining the Naval Academy, Dave has taught five semesters of NE203 and taken Midshipmen offshore over four Summer OSTS cruises. -
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Malek, Samar
Dr. Samar Malek is a structural engineer and Associate Professor at the United States Naval Academy. Her expertise is in the mechanics, analysis and computational modeling of lattice and continuous shell structures. She practiced as a structural engineer before returning to academia and uses her industry experience to inform her research questions. A constant objective in her research is to derive simple, analytic solutions, and design guidelines to help the engineer quickly assess the structural design in the early stages of design. Dr. Malek is currently researching the application of gridshells as deployable, structural solutions for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief needs. Her collaborators include the Naval War College, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). Dr. Malek earned her B.S. in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and her S.M. and Ph.D. in Structures and Materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She was awarded the 2012 Marshall-Sherfield Fellowship (awarded to one American scientist or engineer) by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission and completed her post-doctorate at the University of Bath with Prof. Chris Williams. Dr. Malek has served as: • Engineering Co-Chair for the 2018 Advances in Architectural Geometry Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden; • Guest Editor, with Dr. Chris Williams, for a special issue of the NEXUS Journal of Architecture and Mathematics on Shell and Tension Structures: Structure, Aesthetics, and Mathematics 2017; • Session co-organizer & chair, and/or Member of Scientific Committee for the IASS Annual Symposiums - 2019, 2018, 2017; • Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Space Structures. -
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Melton, Michael
Michael Melton joined the Navy Women's Soccer program in January of 2019 with nine seasons of Division I collegiate coaching under his belt. He begins his second season on staff ahead of the team's 2020 campaign. In his first season with the Mids in 2019, Melton helped the team reached the NCAA Tournament for its first postseason berth since 2007. Working primarily with Navy's defense and goalkeepers, Melton guided the backline to a dominant campaign that saw the Mids post 13 shutouts and give up just 12 total goals over 22 games for an 0.52 goals against average that ranked 13th overall in NCAA Division I. Specifically in Patriot League play, Navy gave up only two goals in nine regular season contests. Individually, goalie Sydney Fortson earned a spot on the All-Patriot League First Team for going 13-3-3 with an 0.60 GAA and 10 solo shutouts. Prior to Navy, Melton built up a strong coaching resume at the Division I ranks as he was most recently on staff at Mercer University in Macon, Ga.. While an assistant with the Bears during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Melton served as the program's recruiting coordinator and assistant camp director while also overseeing academic progress and player development, including video scouting analysis and on-the-field training sessions. In competition, Melton and the Bears collected 19 victories over his two season on staff and saw six players earned postseason SoCon awards. In addition to his time at Mercer, Melton was involved as the southeast scout for the U.S. youth women's national teams, with main focus on the U14 and U16 age groups. Along with his duties with the national team, Melton was involved with the Region III ODP and served as the head coach of the 2002 Georgia State ODP Team. He was heavily involved in coaching education and currently holds a USSF "A" license. Additionally, Melton is an instructor of USSF "E" and "D" licenses. Prior to Mercer, Melton was on staff at Xavier University, where he spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Musketeers from 2014 through 2016. As part of his responsibilities with Xavier, Melton served as the recruiting coordinator for Xavier. He also oversaw academic progress as the team recorded a GPA of 3.5 or higher for five semesters. Melton's first stop in the SoCon Conference came in 2013 when he was an assistant coach Samford University. Melton helped lead the Bulldogs to a 13-6-2 record. He assisted in on-field training, creating scouting reports and overseeing team travel. Melton also served as a staff coach at Birmingham United Soccer Association. Prior to his time at Samford, Melton was a graduate assistant coach at Ole Miss for two seasons, with main duties of video analysis and camp coordinator. While in graduate school, Melton was also the varsity boy's soccer coach at Oxford High School for two seasons, helping guide the team to a 2013 5A State Championship. As an undergrad, Melton served as the women's soccer video coordinator at Ole Miss from 2009-2011. Melton earned a bachelor's degree in applied science from the University of Mississippi in 2011 and a masters in recreation administration in 2013. -
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Millman, Jane
Jane Millman is the Director of Basic Sail Training at the United States Naval Academy. She brings over ten years of leadership to USNA’s Sailing Program and previously recognized for building a strong culture of high performing sailing programs for Annapolis Yacht Club, Beverly Yacht Club and Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation. As the Director, she currently trains and builds a team of civilian instructors and newly commissioned Ensigns on the basics of sailing a Navy 26 so they can teach the Plebes how to sail during Plebe Summer. In building a team, Jane looks to create a culture of safety, fun, and loyalty as the primary goals. As a certified US Sailing Level I, II, III Instructor Trainer, Jane has certified over 300 individuals across the US since 2014, using safe sailing practices and teaching techniques. In addition to certifying students in sailing instruction, she is also a USCG 50-ton Captain and a Powerboat Instructor Trainer. One of her favorite courses to teach is a safe powerboat handling course to a woman’s only class. With her multiple levels of certification, Jane was selected to represent US Sailing as one of seven American coaches among the different Olympic sports to participate in the 2018-19 International Coaches Enrichment Certification Program (ICECP) hosted by the US Olympic Committee in partnership with Olympic Solidarity and University of Delaware. As one of the thirty-two coaches from around the world, she participated in course work, in-person training and the development of a project to help elevate the sport of sailing in the US. In May of 2019, Jane traveled to Switzerland, gathered with the other international participants to present to a panel from the US Olympic Committee, Olympic Solidarity, Associations of National Olympic Committees, and her peers. -
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Morrow, Chuck
Chuck Morrow is the Deputy Director of Retail Merchandise & Midshipmen Store Manager for the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD), United States Naval Academy. There he oversees all retail operations including the Midshipmen Store, USNA Visitor Center Gift Shop, and navyonline.com, where 100% of all profits go to support the Brigade of Midshipmen. Chuck joined the Naval Academy family in October, 2015. Previously he spent over twenty years supporting Washington State University, through managing operations at two retail locations. From 2004-2015, Chuck was the store manager for “Crimson & Gray”, an off-campus college bookstore. Chuck was one of three individuals who started Crimson & Gray for its owner, Nebraska Book Company in August 2004, growing the operation into a established business in the Pullman, WA community. Previous to Crimson & Gray, Chuck worked on campus at the Students Book Corporation where he served in various roles including Department Manager, Division Manager, and interim General Manager. He was there from 1994-2004. Active in the business community, Chuck has served on serval committees and boards throughout the years for organizations such as the Pullman Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of College Stores. In 2018 he joined the Board of Directors for the Independent College Bookstore Association where he is currently serving as President. In addition to serving on boards and committees, Chuck has been involved with the teaching and facilitating of many seminars and conference events over the years. -
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Neal, Ronnie
RONNIE NEAL Ronnie Neal serves as the Strategic Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Admissions at the United States Naval Academy. With over 12 years of experience in Development and Enrollment Management, Ronnie comes to the Naval Academy having served most recently as the Development Officer for Institutional Advancement at Virginia State University (VSU). Taking pride in having a multifaceted skill set, his ability allowed him to develop comprehensive marketing plans that both Development and Admissions could benefit from. While pursuing his graduate degree, Ronnie began to hone in on an ability that would help him throughout his career. With the need for practicum experience, he found it difficult to obtain the right opportunity to be sufficient to complete his program. With that, he launched his very own Marketing & Promotion company and was able to successfully execute several events and programs that were equivalent to the experience that was required. As a Development Officer at VSU, Ronnie successfully Raised over $250k annually and established partnerships with outside educational organizations that yielded over 1000 students to the University. Through strategic cultivation, he was able to leverage corporate sponsorships that propelled the University’s giving numbers and also developed a pipeline of internships for the students through them. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Ronnie has always identified with the less privileged and underrepresented groups around the country. He “cut his teeth” in his profession within the (HBCU) Historically Black College & University space. He was able to establish great relationships from his travels; strong enough to be recommended to work with several nationally known foundations and organizations. These opportunities helped Ronnie work with foundations established by Super Bowl XLVI Champion and New York Giant legend, Victor Cruz and Global icon, Shawn “Jay – Z” Carter. At the Naval Academy, Ronnie is responsible for cultivating relationships and establishing awareness for the USNA to populations across the country. He hosts several programs for the USNA Office of Admissions that brings over 200 people to Annapolis to visit and learn all about the Academy. He earned both his B.S and M.S. in Sport Management at Virginia State University. Currently, Ronnie is enrolled in the Cornell Diversity & Inclusion certification program and is looking to complete his certification by April 2021. -
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Neel-Feller, Broderick
Lieutenant Broderick Neel-Feller is a native of Fairfax, VA, attended the United States Naval Academy, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics in 2014. Upon completion of the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program, Neel-Feller served on the USS Seawolf (SSN 21) and the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23). Neel-Feller serves at the United States Naval Academy as a Company Officer, the Alcohol and Drug Education Officer, and Assistant Coach for the Women’s Rugby Team. Neel-Feller is honored to have served on teams that have been awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Navy “E” Ribbon. -
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Osborne, Tyler
Tyler Osborne I am currently in my 3rd year, serving as the Head Squash Coach at the Naval Academy. In my first 2 years, I have been the coach of 2 Intercollegiate National Doubles Championship winning teams and currently hold an overall record of 22-22. During my short tenure, I helped Navy join a conference for the first time in school history (The Mid-Atlantic Squash Conference (MASC), which includes Virginia, Franklin and Marshall, Drexel, George Washington, Dickinson and M.I.T. Last year, Navy had its first ever MASC All Conference Team honoree in Jack Lentz. Prior to joining Navy, I served as the first ever full-time assistant coach for the men’s and women’s teams at my alma mater, Princeton University. During my time, I helped coach 5 All-Americans and several top 4 team finishes for the women’s program. While a member of the team, I helped the Princeton men’s team win the 2012 National Championship and become two-time Ivy League Champions. I was a first team All American during the 2013 year and a 4-year All-Ivy team member. I graduated in 2015 with a psychology major and wrote my senior thesis on the phenomenon of Choking under pressure in athletics. I am native to Canada, having been born in Thunder Bay Ontario with two younger brothers and a younger sister. I currently reside in Annapolis with my wife Stephanie and our newly adopted dog, Oslo. -
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Parker, Kyle
Lieutenant Parker is a native of Vacaville, California. He earned a Bachelor of Science in both Mechanical and Civil Engineering from California State University Chico and a Master of Science in Coastal and Ecological Engineering from Louisiana State University. He was commissioned through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program in November of 2015. He graduated with distinction from Naval Nuclear Power School and upon completion of Prototype and Submarine School reported to the USS Alabama (SSBN 731). Aboard the USS Alabama Lieutenant Parker served as the Chemical and Radiological Controls Assistant as well as the Assistant Weapons Officer. He participated in two Pacific strategic deterrent patrols and one extended refit period including a dry-docking availability. During this period he earned his Submarine Warfare and Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer Qualifications. Ashore, Lieutenant Parker is currently an Instructor at the United States Naval Academy in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He serves as the departments TAD coordinator, Plebe Academic Advisor, and Submarine Company Mentor. -
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Ross, Brad
Brad Ross was born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland. In 2008, he graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and again in 2009 with a Master’s degree in Humanities with a concentration in Ethics. While at Duke, Brad was a two-time captain of the lacrosse team, three-time All American, and two-time Scholar All American. After graduate school, Brad was drafted in the second round of the Major League Lacrosse draft and proceeded to play professionally for four years and was a two-time league champion and MLL All Star. Ross began his coaching career at Brown University, and has made stops at Bryant University, and The Ohio State University, before arriving at Navy in the Fall of 2019. A part of a quarterfinalist team in 2015 and a NCAA runner up team in 2017, Ross was named the Division One Assistant Coach of the Year in the Fall of 2017. -
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Woodall, Daquann
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, ABHC(AW/SW/IW) DaQuann L. Woodall graduated High School in Las Vegas, NV in 2005. He reported to Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL, on April 18, 2006. Upon completion of Basic Training, he attended ABH “A” School at Naval Air Technical Training Center in Pensacola, FL. His first assignment was to the USS WASP (LHD-1) in Norfolk, VA from September 2006 to April 2012 serving as the V-1 Flight Deck Division Crash and Salvage Assistant Leading Petty Officer and earned his Enlisted Aviation and Surface Warfare Specialist qualifications. Flight operations include Operation Snow Flake, his technical expertise was assigned to write the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization manual for the Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter F-35 and Osprey MV-22. Additionally, he completed two United Services Military Apprenticeship Program certificates as a FireFighter Any Industry and Fire Fighter, Crash, Fire Rescue Air Transportation. In May 2012, Senior Chief Woodall transferred to Fleet Logistics Squadron 40 (VRC-40) and served as the Career Counselor Leading Petty Officer where he advanced to Petty Officer First Class. In fall 2012, he volunteered for an assignment to Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, IL. As a Recruit Division Commander he trained 11 Divisions, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Associate degree, certified Master Training Specialist, delivered 23,454 Sailors to the fleet and was selected to Chief Petty Officer. After reporting to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in April of 2016, he was assigned as the V3 Hangar Deck Chief, leading 90 Sailors in aircraft maintenance, aircraft moves and firefighting evolutions. Later, he was hand selected to be a Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer of the Restricted Personnel Department, coordinating and implementing rehabilitation processes for Sailors that have been awarded Non-Judicial Punishment. During his tour aboard he earned his Information Warfare specialist qualification, graduated the Senior Enlisted Academy and selected to Senior Chief Petty Officer. He is currently serving at the U.S. Naval Academy as the 2nd Battalion LCPO, 10th Company SEL and Leadership Instructor. ABHCS Woodall’s personal awards include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Leadership Award, Good Conduct Medal (4), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2), Distinguished Leadership Award (FLOC), Senior Enlisted Academy Peter Tomich Award and other various campaign medals. -
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Yu, Angela
Angela Yu is the Deputy Director of International Programs at the U.S. Naval Academy. in 2015 she joined the international office after serving 5 years in the USNA Languages and Cultures Department teaching Japanese. At USNA, Angela is a member of the Security Cooperation Workforce; creator, coordinator and instructor of the Semester Abroad Pre-Departure and Re-entry Seminars; and has served on several yard-wide committees. Additionally, she works with the U.S. Department of State African Military Education Program, specifically faculty development at the Benin Army Staff College. Immediately prior to coming to USNA, Angela worked at the non-profit organization Youth For Understanding USA/International Educational Services for close to a decade, operating in roles including the Deputy Director of the International Secretariat, Director of Development, and Admissions Officer. She was also the Chairwoman of the Board of YFU UK in London. A native of Michigan, Angela has extensive overseas experience, beginning with a year high school exchange to New South Wales, Australia in 1986, followed by close to 12 years in Asia, including working 2 years in Beijing as the only Western member of a Japanese-Chinese joint venture hotel management team. She has travelled to over 20 countries. Angela received a Master’s Degree in National Security and Statecraft in 2005 from the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC and a Bachelor’s in Japanese Studies from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan in 1995. She is fluent in Japanese with advanced proficiency in Chinese and intermediate level Spanish. -
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Zaccheo, Lauren
Lauren Elizabeth Zaccheo (Basl) was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with honors and commission from the United States Naval Academy in May 2012. Following graduation and commissioning, Ensign Zaccheo reported to USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) homeported in Virginia Beach, VA. She served as the Communications Officer, responsible for radio communications and network administration. She met the ship while it was deployed to the FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility in September 2012. Upon return to homeport, she successfully led her division through a rapid workup cycle, which included a rigorous Cyber Security Inspection. In February 2014, she deployed again to the FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility. Also during her first tour, she held collateral duties as the Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) Primary Account Manager and lead Family Advocacy Program point of contact. In September 2014, Lieutenant Junior Grade Zaccheo fleeted up on the USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) for her second division officer tour as the Training Officer. In that capacity, she managed the command’s training program of over 300 officers and enlisted, which included scheduling an aggregate 1,100 students for Navy schools. She also worked closely with Afloat Training Group (ATG) staffs to schedule and coordinate pre-deployment Basic Phase events. In August 2016, Lieutenant Zaccheo began her tour at the United States Naval Academy with an assignment to the Office of Admissions. During that tour she served as an Admissions Counselor, Plans and Programs Officer, and Blue and Gold Officer Liaison Officer. Lieutenant Zaccheo additionally had the opportunity to concurrently serve as the USNA Summer Seminar Assistant Officer-in-Charge in 2017 and as the Officer-in-Charge in 2018. She separated from Active Duty in 2019, and was hired as a Department of the Navy (DON) Civilian by the Office of Admissions. Lauren served as the Regional Director for Region 1, which covered all candidates and prospective midshipmen in the Northeastern United States. Currently, she serves as the Regional Director for Region 0, responsible for applications and outreach in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. -
