UROP – Meet the Staff

Dr. Tom Gilmore
Director

Dr Tom Gilmore assumed the Directorship of UROP as of August, 2007. Dr Gilmore is a Professor in the Department of Biology, where he has been teaching and doing 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 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. In addition to training graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, Dr Gilmore has taken a strong interest in undergraduate research and has had approximately 60 undergraduate researchers in his lab during his 20 years at Boston University. Dr Gilmore served as a member of the UROP Faculty Advisory Committee before assuming the Directorship of UROP.

To contact Tom Gilmore, send an email to gilmore@bu.edu or call the UROP Office.

Melissa J. Christine
UROP Program Manager

Melissa Christine joined the UROP Staff in May 2007 after working with the PreProfessional Advising Office at Boston University since July 2003. She graduated from American University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication. She earned her master’s degree in Policy, Planning and Administration with a specialization in Higher Education Administration from BU in 2007.

As Program Mangager for UROP, Melissa handles the 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 and to speak with groups regarding UROP. She is also happy to meet with students who would like to have their application "previewed" prior to the submission deadline. To make an appointment with Melissa, call the UROP office or email her at melissac@bu.edu.

Kate Sutlive
UROP Program Administrator

Kate Sutlive began working with the UROP Office in October 2007, soon after relocating to Boston from Athens, GA. Kate is happy to be translating her passion for education (she was a Montessori teacher after graduating from Mount Holyoke College) into a position that works towards providing exceptional opportunities to dedicated students.

Kate’s position as Program Administrator allows her to participate in a wide variety of experiences. She assists in processing applications and awards, prepares publicity materials, and oversees the student employees of the office. She particularly enjoys advising students on the role that UROP can play in their education and assisting 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.

Richard Rowley
NEAGEP Program Manager

Richard arrived in Boston and was eager to join the BU staff in January 2006 as Program Manager for the NEAGEP and WISE Programs. He graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and a B.A. in Design from Brigham Young University. With previous work experience in two Upward Bound programs Richard enjoys assisting students attain goals of higher education. Born in Hawaii, he grew up with a strong appreciation for cultural diversity and has particular interest in multicultural and diversity issues.

Richard's responsibilities are split between the NEAGEP Office and the Provost Office. At the Office of the Provost he functions as the Affirmative Action Officer for Faculty Actions, reviewing the proposals for all faculty searches on the Charles River Campus. NEAGEP (Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate) responsibilities include executing the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program as well as networking, representing, and recruiting underrepresented minorities for BU science and engineering programs.

To contact Richard, email him at kalanaka@bu.edu or call the UROP office.

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 and Julie, 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 funding for most UROP awards and advises the staff on matters of academic policy for the program. Members generally serve 3 year terms. This year's members include:

Susan Kandarian , SAR Health Sciences
J. Gregory McDaniel, ENG Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Anita Patterson, CAS English
Chantal Stern, CAS Psychology
Sean Eliott, CAS Chemistry
Margrit Betke, CAS Computer Science
Gary Jacobson , CAS Biology
John Celenza, CAS Biology
Jodi Cranston, CAS Art History
Ulrich Heintz, CAS Physics

Any full-time BU faculty member who is interested in being a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee should contact the academic director. Faculty from all disciplines are eligible for consideration.