When: Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 1-4 PM
Where: University Center, Anchor Ballroom C
Schedule:
1:00-1:15 Check in, Welcome, and Networking
1:15-1:45 Speaker – Alexa Hight & Joe Miller
2:00-3:15 Panel Discussion - Moderator: Joe Miller, Panelists: Ramadan Abdelrehim, Lisa Comparini, Alyssa Mason, Dara Orbach
3:15-3:30 Q&A
3:30-4:00 Closing and Networking
Joe Miller is the Director of Research Engagement at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and leads a team that is charged with serving as a research and community engagement hub, helping to realize and enhance the public impact of the university through multiple programs and strategies. Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Texas State University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Prior to joining the staff at TAMU-CC in 2004, Joe spent 15 years working as an administrator at adolescent residential treatment centers, supervising staff that cared for victims of abuse and neglect. Currently at TAMU-CC, the Office of Research Engagement under Joe’s leadership seeks to develop and support a community of practice within TAMU-CC that’s focused on making an impact by leaving a legacy in the community. Joe serves as Vice Chair of the University Institutional Review Board and is the Chair of the Islander Impact Council, which aims to promote consistency, coordination and positivity in the relations between the university and external entities.
Ramadan Abdelrehim is a dedicated Ph.D. student whose passion for geophysics extends beyond the boundaries of academia. With a rich academic background, including a master's degree in applied Geophysics from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and a bachelor's degree in Geophysics from Sohag University, Egypt, Ramadan brings a wealth of knowledge to the field.Currently pursuing his Ph.D. in the Coastal and Marine System Science program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Ramadan's research explores the integration of geophysics, remote sensing, hydrogeology, numerical modeling, and GIS techniques. He focuses on understanding the subsurface of barrier islands, such as Padre Island, and identifying vulnerable areas prone to breaching during storms and hurricanes.
In recognition of his exceptional work, Ramadan has received several honors and awards, including among many others the prestigious SEG Near-Surface Geophysical Research Award, Corpus Christi Geological Society, and Coastal Bend Geophysical Society Scholarship. This award reflects not only his academic excellence but also his commitment to using science for the betterment of society.
Dr. Comparini is a developmental psychologist (Clark University, Ph.D.), associate professor, and undergraduate coordinator in the department of Psychology and Sociology, as well as the director of the TAMU-CC Center for Humanities. She began her research with an interest in discourse and identity, and how these contribute to culturally relevant constructions of power, agency, and perspective-taking in children. This work led to a more explicit interest in feminist philosophy, methodology, and praxis. Focusing on similar phenomena (discourse, agency, identity), she examines knowledge production in the context of the ongoing importance of research on social justice. This has led most recently to work with students on language and gender, privilege awareness, and with 4 other TAMU-CC faculty on the newly launched GULF Scholars program. Together with faculty and students from across several disciplines, we approach possibilities for coastal resilience through collectivist systems of community care & knowledge production in collaboration with community stakeholders.
Alyssa Barrera Mason has led the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District as Executive Director since early 2018. Prior to leading the downtown team, Alyssa worked for The City for seven years, serving as the City’s first Business Liaison for the City Manager’s Office where she coordinated internally for economic development, downtown redevelopment, and tourism efforts and with partner agencies.
Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2010 and Master of Public Administration in 2012, both from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Alyssa was honored as Corpus Christi Under 40 in 2013. She is a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 42and has served on Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Board, Young Business Professionals of the Coastal Bend Board and TAMUCC Alumni Board. She is an Economic Development Finance Professional, a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council and an Emerging Leader Fellow through the International Downtown Association.
Dara Orbach explores evolutionary biology with a focus on the co-evolution of anatomy and behavior, reproductive morphology, sexual selection, and behavioral ecology. While mostly focused on marine mammals, she is a comparative biologist with research experience in other systems including birds, bats, and fish. Dara has published more than 35 peer review papers and book chapters, including an open access book with Springer Nature (“Sex in Cetaceans”) in September 2023 that had more than 30,000 downloads within four days. Dara is an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi.