Dieter Boeyaert, Scientist I, Department of Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics

The research environment in the College of Engineering implies that several groups are present on campus: students (undergraduate and graduate students), postdocs, faculty and staff. Each of these groups has different interests and needs. To ensure the needs of the staff are represented in the College of Engineering, the CoE CASI has an important role to which I would like to contribute. In this role I can use my past experience in representing the needs of a certain group in a research environment. During my undergraduate and master studies at the KU Leuven (Belgium), I served as the student representative in the educational and departmental council (2012-2016). Later on, when I was a graduate student in the research center of Juelich (Germany), I was spokesman of the PhD students on campus (2017-2019), and after that I joined the UW-Madison in 2021, I was part of the executive board of the postdoc association at the UW-Madison (2023) and represented the postdoctoral researchers in the Immigration and International Issues Committee of the university (2022-2023). Since October 2023 I am a staff scientist in the NEEP department. Topics which I find important for staff are the problems originating from funding uncertainty we are often facing, and the visa-related issues for international staff members.

Justin Bozza, Business Operations Specialist, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

I am a Business Operations Specialist in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and since October 2023, I’ve been working at the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory. In my role, I’m responsible for purchasing, processing expense reimbursements, tracking revenue and expense data, drafting financial reports, and supporting our core users.

What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity it gives me to assist students, faculty, staff, and researchers from across campus and throughout the state of Wisconsin. If selected to serve on the College of Engineering CASI, I’m excited to continue supporting our community in a broader capacity.

My current position has allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from across the College of Engineering, and these connections have been incredibly valuable. I look forward to finding new ways to strengthen collaboration and communication across departments.

In my free time, I enjoy reading lately, I’ve been especially interested in books on anthropology. I also love spending time outdoors, whether fishing, hiking, or taking pictures of plants that catch my eye. When I’m not outside or reading, I’m usually indoors spending time with my partner and our two cats, Noodle and Kikko.

Thank you for your consideration,

Justin

Jackie Cooper, Lab Manager, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

I am completing my first 3-year term on CASI and feel I offer a very different perspective from most others on the board. I work full-time, in-person as a lab manager (25 years!) - working with undergraduate and graduate students daily in research and our instructional lab, managing a core lab facility used by students and other researchers on campus (this includes doing all the billing for use, maintaining equipment, etc.), as well as ordering lab supplies for CEE and a group of faculty in CBE (working with accountants and other staff in both departments). I've learned so much about the college and campus administration/policies/etc. during this time with CASI. I am interested in continuing on the board with a goal of improving communication between CASI and the rest of the staff in the COE (there is so much we learn during meetings that other staff should also know - the CASI Meet & Greet events plus the all-staff luncheon have been great starting points, but I'm hoping we can do more). I hope you will vote for me so that I can continue to be a (sometimes loud!) voice representing COE staff.

Jennifer Detlor, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

I am excited to be considered for CASI and to contribute to its mission of representing and advocating for academic and university staff in the College of Engineering. As an Assistant Teaching Professor in Mechanical Engineering, I bring both experience and a deep commitment to inclusive, evidence-based teaching and institutional improvement. I see CASI’s work as essential to the well-being and success of the college, and I would be honored to contribute to that mission.

My current role leading a course transformation initiative in statics has given me a valuable perspective on how collaboration across departments, centers, and leadership can drive meaningful change. This work is grounded in continuous data collection, reflection, and shared decision-making with groups such as CTLM, CEETE, and the ME department. I strive to approach these efforts with transparency, active communication, and a willingness to learn—principles that strongly align with CASI’s value of collaboration.

I also recognize that behind every successful initiative are dedicated staff members who deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported. Throughout my academic career, I’ve prioritized compassion—not just as empathy, but as action. Whether through mentorship, inclusive classroom practices, or advocating for changes that improve our students’ and colleagues’ experiences, I believe in showing up with courage and care for others.

Serving on CASI would allow me to extend that commitment by amplifying the voices of staff across the college and working to ensure that policies and decisions reflect their diverse needs and strengths. I value the commitment CASI demonstrates to perseverance and integrity, especially in challenging contexts, and I would bring those same values to my role on the committee. As someone who actively engages in both the scholarship and practice of teaching, I am well-positioned to help bridge communication between staff and leadership, and to support strategic improvements that benefit our whole community.

Ultimately, I want to help foster an environment in which all staff—regardless of role or background—feel that their contributions matter. CASI’s mission to serve as a strong, values-driven voice in shared governance is one I believe in deeply, and I hope to support it through collaborative, compassionate, and committed service.

Mary Fitzpatrick, Scientist II, Dean’s Office

I have served on CASI for a 3 year term, and am nominating myself for another term. I have been with the College of Engineering for 12 years in a role of Academic Staff Scientist. My background is in engineering – I hold a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa, and a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University. I was a practicing engineer in medical devices (GE Healthcare) and software industries for 17 years before returning to earn my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, specifically focusing on women and underrepresented groups in engineering. In my current role, I focus on program evaluation for non-academic programs, and original research on engineering education. I’m responsible for the Educational Environment in Engineering (E3) student survey, which will now be a longitudinal survey given each Spring to assess students attitudes towards and experiences in the College. It is very important to me that CoE continue on it’s mission to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. In my 3 years serving on CASI, I have served on the Planning and Tending subcommittee and currently serve on the Communications subcommittee. I would like to continue to serve to help CASI move towards a strong communication strategy to all University and Academic Staff in the College, and to support their mission to advocate to the Dean and Executive Associate Dean on issues for University and Academic Staff.

Nathan Jung, Teaching Faculty, Program for Engineering Communication

I am currently serving as Chair of CASI for the 2024-2025 year and I am running to ensure that the incoming Chair for 2025-2026 has continued support during the transition to a new CASI and new leadership. I have previously served as Co-Chair of CASI and I have been on the Communications subcommittee for the past three years. During my time in CASI I have helped codify our strategic plan, run elections, helped manage events, secured an independent budget, and more. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to help the organization support *all* staff in the coming years.

Rob Kohlhepp, IT Director, Computer-Aided Engineering

I have been the director of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) for over 20 years and continuously advocate for my staff and other staff. I have also been part of steering and leadership teams across a variety of staff development and retention initiatives, such as IT Leaders Program and UW Women in IT. I would like to help be a change agent as we move into an era of a new Dean and through the construction and opening of a new building.

Libby Miller, Graduate Advisor, Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (Interpro)

I recently joined the College of Engineering as a Graduate Advisor for the online graduate degree programs in Interpro in January 2024. I am a proud badger, having completed my undergraduate degree in Legal Studies with a Certificate in Gender & Women’s Studies at UW Madison in 2015. I am happy to be returning to my alma mater after a few years working as an Admissions Coordinator at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee then as a Graduate Advisor with the University of California Santa Cruz. In my masters program, I studied Organizational Leadership & Communication and developed a strong interest in learning to navigate organizational change and improving communication across an organization. I would love to put my knowledge to good use in supporting CASI’s efforts to advocate for the needs and concerns of our staff!

Kathryn Rasmussen, Accountant II, Department of Mechanical Engineering

During my three years with College of Engineering, I have dedicated myself to learning about the various opportunities and challenges occurring within the college. I would like to use what I’ve learned to help other employees, especially during this transitional period within the College. Having attended CASI meetings and served as an alternate for a current CASI member, I feel I am ready to commit to a larger role within CASI. I have been heavily involved with our department’s (Department of Mechanical Engineering) Workday transition planning, and I believe those skills will be especially valuable this upcoming year. I also serve on our department’s administrative staff social and development committee, which plans professional development & team building content for our administrative staff. I am excited to share what I’ve learned through that committee to bring those ideas to the larger College of Engineering community. 

Mondira Saha-Muldowney, Department Administrator, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Please consider my self-nomination to the College of Engineering Committee Advocating for Staff Interests (CASI). As the Department Administrator for Biomedical Engineering (BME), I oversee the operations of a growing department and work closely with our staff to support research, education, and outreach. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with staff across other departments, expanding my knowledge base and gaining appreciation for the shared challenges and strengths across the College.

With 25+ years of experience across industry, academia, and non-profits, I have found that staff are the backbone of every successful organization. That belief has driven my commitment to building transparent systems, advocating for staff development, and fostering an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work.

During my time at the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) in the School of Medicine and Public Health, I collaborated with colleagues from Nursing, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Human Ecology, and different SMPH departments. These partnerships helped me learn and share the best practices, launch new initiatives, and support team growth.

I also initiated the Big Ten Biomedical Engineering Department Administrators community of practice, where we serve as sounding boards for one another. This network allows me to bring an external perspective to CASI—offering insight into how peer institutions are navigating shared challenges. For example, as WorkDay implementation moves forward, I have learned from others who have already gone through it about the importance of clear communication, sufficient training, and consistent support for staff.

Beyond UW, I serve on the boards of two local non-profits—Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Madison Country Day School. These roles have deepened my appreciation for shared governance and the importance of elevating stakeholder voices to inform policy and drive meaningful change.

I am especially drawn to CASI’s mission and meeting culture, which emphasize respectful dialogue, transparency, and inclusive representation. I value CASI’s role as a consultative body to the Dean and a platform for staff voices—particularly those who may not always feel comfortable speaking up. I have worked hard to build systems that increase access to information and decision-making, and I would bring that same people-centered and initiative-taking approach to CASI.

Since joining the College of Engineering, I have been grateful for the opportunities and support I have received. I want to continue to learn from my peers. It would be an honor to represent both academic and university staff in this important mission —ensuring that all employees have the tools, recognition, and opportunities they need to thrive.