New appointments

Kris Gorman, PhD, joined the school as a project manager for the Mobile Market Study. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College and PhD in brain and cognitive sciences from the University of Rochester. Previously, she served at the University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation. 

Kelaine Haas, PhD, joined the school as chief of staff in the Dean’s Office. Haas previously served as the director of integrated education at the Medical School. She earned a PhD in genetics, cellular biology and development from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University.

Dana Hurley, BS, joined the school as the associate for the Adult and Gerontological Health Cooperative. She previously served in the School of Nursing Dean’s Office and the Department of Chemistry. She has a bachelor’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Iowa State University.

Courtney Knutson, MA, joined the school as a BSN transfer student success adviser on the School of Nursing’s Rochester campus. Previously she served as a student success coach at the University of Minnesota Rochester and an academic adviser at the College of Liberal Arts. She earned a master’s degree in leadership in student affairs from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth with a focus in management and psychology.

Cynthia Matthias, PhD, joined the school as a research professional for the MEND-R project. She previously served as a graduate research assistant on the MEND-R project. She earned a PhD in organizational leadership and policy development and a master’s degree in evaluation studies from the College of Education and Human Development from the University of Minnesota. She earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Grinnell College.

Zully Maya, BS, joined the school as a class scheduler and administrative assistant in the Office of Academic Programs. Previously she served as TA/peer-tutor to other computer science students and supported development efforts in the college’s outreach center as a student worker. She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Macalester College.

Karen McCray, BA, joined the school as the PhD and certificate programs coordinator. Previously she served as a coordinator of disability support at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond, Washington. She earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Design Institute in San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in history from The University of Iowa.

Sammi Neuens, BS, joined the school as the assistant for the Child and Family Health Cooperative. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Metropolitan State University. Previously she was a human resources specialist for Alliance Health Care.

Sandy Nikolov, MFT, joined the school as research professional for the Home Food Inventory project. She has previous experience at La Familia Guidance Center, Cigna, Park Nicollet and Hennepin County. She earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Argosy University and bachelor’s degree in psychology from La Universidad del Salvador Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Elaine Pioske, BS, joins the school as a grant manager in the Office and Nursing Research and Scholarship. She has served as a grants and contracts professional for the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for the past 20 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in recreation resource management from the College of Natural Resources at the University of Minnesota. 

Alexa Squire, BA, joins the school as a Master of Nursing program coordinator. Previously, she served as an academic adviser in the College of Biological Sciences. She also served as an educator in K-12 and adult education at public and charter schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in TESOL from Middlebury Institute.

Katherine Wagner, BA, joins the school as the assistant for the Population Health & Systems Cooperative. Previously, she served as an administrative coordinator for M3 Realty. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Saint Benedict.