Meet the Staff
Dr. Tom Gilmore
Program Director
Dr. Tom Gilmore assumed the Directorship of UROP in August, 2007. He is a Professor in the Department of Biology, where he has been teaching and conducting research since 1987. Dr Gilmore received his AB in English from Princeton University and his PhD in Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to coming to Boston University, he performed post-doctoral research at the University of Wisconsin at Madison with the late Nobel laureate Dr. Howard Temin. Dr. Gilmore’s primary area of research focuses on the molecular biology of cancer, especially as it relates to lymphoma. However, more recently, he has also been conducting research on the evolutionary origins of the immune response in simple marine organisms, such as sea anemones. Dr. Gilmore has authored approximately 100 scientific publications, and his research has been recognized by awards from the American Cancer Society. Research in his lab is currently funded primarily by the National Cancer Institute and the National Science Foundation. In addition to training graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, Dr. Gilmore has taken a strong interest in undergraduate research and has had approximately 70 undergraduate researchers in his lab during his 22 years at Boston University. In 2009 he was awarded the Metcalf Cup and Prize in recognition of his contributions to undergraduate education at Boston University.
To contact Tom Gilmore, send an email to gilmore@bu.edu or call the UROP Office.
Melissa Christine
UROP Program Manager
Melissa Christine joined the UROP Staff in May 2007 after working with the Pre- Professional Advising Office at Boston University since July 2003. She graduated from American University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication. In 2007, she earned a master’s degree in Policy, Planning and Administration (with a specialization in Higher Education Administration) from Boston University, and is currently working towards a master’s degree in School Counseling.
As Program Manager for UROP, Melissa handles many financial and operational aspects of the program, including the UROP application and funding process and program promotion to students and other groups. She also coordinates UROP workshops and events such as the annual UROP Symposium.
Melissa is available to meet with students and faculty to discuss UROP’s programs and the application process. She is also happy to meet with students who would like to have their application “previewed” prior to the submission deadline.
To contact Melissa, call the UROP office or email her at melissac@bu.edu.
Kate Sutlive
UROP Program Administrator
NEAGEP Program Manager
Kate Sutlive joined the UROP Staff in October 2007, soon after relocating to Boston from Athens, GA. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Art History, and is currently working towards a master’s degree in Art History at Boston University.
As NEAGEP Program Manager, Kate oversees the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) application process and program. Responsibilities of this position also include recruiting students for SURF and the STEM field graduate programs at Boston University. As UROP Program Administrator, Kate assists in processing applications and awards, prepares publicity materials, and oversees the student employees of the office. She is available to advise students on the role that UROP can play in their education and assist those who are in the process of completing their applications for funding.
To contact Kate, please call the UROP office or email her at ksutlive@bu.edu.
Student Staff
In addition to the professional staff, student employees assist with UROP’s operations and can answer many questions regarding program offerings and technical questions regarding the application forms. Our current students, Laurie, Caroline, and Stephanie can be reached by calling the UROP Office or sending email to urop@bu.edu.
Faculty Advisory Committee
The UROP Faculty Advisory Committee reviews applications for most UROP awards and advises the staff on matters of academic policy for the program. This year’s committee is comprised of the following faculty members:
- Catherine Caldwell-Harris, CAS Psychology
- John Celenza, CAS Biology
- Robert Chodat, CAS English
- Sean Elliott, CAS Chemistry
- Gary Jacobson, CAS Biology
- Susan Kandarian, SAR Health Sciences
- Tyrone Porter, ENG Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
- Sayon Roy, MED Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nutrition
- Michael Smith, ENG Biomedical Engineering
- Anna Swan, CAS Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Evimaria Terzi, CAS Computer Science
- Alice Tseng, CAS Art History
We welcome full-time BU faculty members who are interested in participating in the Faculty Advisory Committee to contact the office. Faculty from all disciplines are eligible for consideration.