Tania Lopez-Silva has joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology faculty as an assistant professor in the department of materials science and engineering. As an engineer, she designs advanced biomaterials that mimic and interact with the immune system and other biological environments. Prior to her new role, she was a postdoctoral researcher with the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Lopez-Silva earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Rice University in Houston.
Diana Hechavarria is the new faculty director of the Diana International Research Institute at Babson College, where she teaches as a professor of entrepreneurship. Her work examines the intricate dynamics people encounter during the early stages of launching new ventures, with a particular emphasis on gender, underrepresented, and social perspectives. Earlier in her career, she taught at Texas Tech University and the University of South Florida.
Dr. Hechavarria is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she majored in sociology with a minor in women’s studies. She holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from Florida International University and a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Cincinnati.
Michelle Heinan was recently appointed program director for the developing physician assistant graduate program at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. Her background includes nearly three decades of experience in physician assistant education, leadership, and accreditation. Most recently, she was assistant dean for accreditation and a professor at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee.
Dr. Heinan received her bachelor’s degree in medical science from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia, master’s degree in health administration from Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin, and her doctor of education degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
Vera Combs was recently appointed assistant provost for student support and SACSCOC accreditation liaison at Hampton University in Virginia. A faculty member with the university for the past two decades, she previously served as assistant dean of student affairs and assessment for the School of Pharmacy. As a scholar of pharmacology and toxicology, Dr. Combs focuses her research on drug abuse and addiction.
Dr. Combs earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Hampton University and her Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Santiba Campbell is the new chief strategy officer at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. An associate professor of psychology, she recently had a stint as the college’s interim vice president for academic affairs. Her scholarship focuses on the psychological well-being and success of African Americans in the face of racial discrimination.
Dr. Campbell is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina, where she majored in psychology. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Delaware.