Dr. Maria Velez-Hernandez most recently served as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and is an Associate Professor of Biology. Since joining the University in 2015, Dr. Velez-Hernandez has led several grant-funded programs to enhance the undergraduate research experience and create a pathway to graduate and doctoral studies. In addition to mentoring students in the classroom and lab space, Dr. Velez-Hernandez is the founding faculty advisor of the Women in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science (WIMENS) student organization.