September’s New Hires
Join us in welcoming our newest team members to the University of North Dakota!
This month, we’re excited to introduce 35 new benefited employees who bring diverse skills, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to excellence.
HIGHLIGHTED HAWKS
To help you get to know them better, a few of our new Hawks at Work have shared short introductions.
Prajwal Mogaveera
Prajwal started at UND on September 16, 2024 as a Software Business Analyst in Academic Support Services serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. He received his Master of Science in Engineering Management from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from the University of Mumbai. Additionally, he holds certifications in Python, R programming, and various data analytics tools from Coursera. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the talented team at UND Aerospace and contributing to the development of innovative software solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of various aviation-related processes. I’m excited about the opportunity to learn from others, share my knowledge, and create impactful systems that support both students and staff in their daily activities.”
Alan Gohary
Alan started at UND on September 16, 2024 as a Business Advisor at the Center for Business Engagement & Development serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. he brings 4 years of military experience (Army) as well as experience from the hospitality industry. Over the past two and a half decades he has started two businesses, one of which went public in 2000, and supported many small business through the IE SBDC, winning the California State Star Business Advisor Award in 2016.
“I love spending time with my family, ride my Harley Davison, and play sports.”
Alan aims to continue pursuing his passion for helping small businesses, start and grow within his new role at the University.
Allie Pasch
Allie started at UND on September 3, 2024 as the Department Support Specialist, College of Engineering & Mines serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. She holds a Masters in Business Administration and brings a broad range of experience to her new position, including media planning, hockey officiating, business ownership, and private practice administration. “I’m excited to join UND…. I’m really looking forward to bringing my diverse background to contribute to the growth of our university.” Allie shared that she is hoping to visit all 50 states as a bucket list item.
Tony Olson
Tony started at UND on September 9, 2024 as an Academic Advisor for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. He has previous UND experience, both working as a composition instructor in the English Department and for the UND Upward Bound summer program. Tony owns a cat (named Emile) with his partner, as well as two aquatic African Clawed Frogs, all of whom bring him joy.
Jessi Pfaff
Jessi started at UND on September 23, 2024 as the Student Engagement Department Assistant for the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. She joins University after 10 years with Scheels, most recently as the Men’s Athletic Manager. “One thing that I look forward to is getting to meet new people and students from all over, as well as getting to learn more about the University.” Jessi shared. As a born and raised Grand Forks citizen, she recently purchased her own home, where she lives with two orange crazy cats, Simba and Nala (both are male).
Max Bourne
Max started at UND on September 3, 2024 as a Lead Instructor/Flight Manager for Flight Operations serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. He is a transplant from New York City, aiming to continue pursuing a career in aviation. He shared he is looking forward to helping those around him succeed in their roles and helping them achieve their own goals.
Viraj Chitnis
Viraj started at UND on September 3, 2024 as a Lead Instructor/Flight Manager for Flight Operations serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. Viraj originates from Elk Grove, CA, and is a UND Commercial Aviation alum who served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years. Viraj is looking forward to mentoring the Certified Flight Instructors within the program at UND and growing as a professional. Viraj hopes to one day visit family in India, hopefully by flying a plane there.
Meridath Jackson
Meridath started at UND on September 3, 2024 as a Lead Instructor/Flight Manager for Flight Operations serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. Meridath’s dream job as a child was working with dolphins and aquatic animals, which pushed her to get her scuba diving certification, of which she has now attained “diver master”. She is a world travel, having been to Palau, Croatia, and Italy. She hopes to add Portugal to the list.
Nicole Martin
Nicole started at UND on September 16, 2024 as a Clinical Instructor for the College of Nursing serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. Nicole brings 10 years of experience working in various higher education administration position, as well as over 15 years as a nurse, most recently serving as the Supervisor of the Family Birth Center at Altru Hospital.
“If I could go anywhere, I’d love to travel to Italy, sit in an outdoor cafe and sip delicious coffee.”
Nicole Rothenberger
Nicole started at UND on September 9, 2024 as the Events & Marketing Coordinator for the School of Law serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. Nicole has attained three Bachelor of Arts – Communications, International Studies, and Honors as well as 3 university certifications in professional & executive Communication, risk and crisis communication, and diversity & inclusion, all from UND. She shared that she is looking forward to continuing her journey with UND, and growing as a professional. She added “If I could go anywhere, I think I would travel back to South Korea! I lived there for a year while attending UND as a study abroad student. That year left a lasting impression on who I am as a young adult, and it helped me learn so much about diversity and culture.”
Kelly Laux
Kelly started at UND on September 23, 2024 as a Academic Technology Specialist for Teaching, Transformation and Development Academy serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. She is a UND alum, having attained a B.S.Ed. in Secondary Business Education and brings previous UND experience, having previous worked in tech support and as a lecturer. Kelly is an avid traveler, with plans to attend a fiber arts experience in Scotland next September. ” I knit, crochet, and spin yarn. Nearly every day, you will find me doing one of these things as I find it great for mental health and stress as well as helping to keep my brain active and challenged.”
Cole Wandler
Cole started at UND on September 9, 2024 as User Support Specialist for University IT serving the division of Academic Affairs & Provost. He brings IT and multimedia experience after working for the University of Utah, and returns to ND after a decade away from his home state. In his travels he’s visited Japan, and hopes to see the crystal clear waters of Fiji in the future. Cole shared one of his favorite ways to unwid is by playing videogames, and one of his bucket list items is to create an award-winning videogame.
Erik Sandberg
Erik started at UND on September 5, 2024 as a Academic Custodian for Facilities Management in Custodial/Maintenance serving the division of Finance & Operations.
“I’m especially looking forward to meeting students and faculty, and becoming a part of the vibrant campus life here.”
Erik shared he recently adopted a high energy cat named Coco, who has become the center of attention in his home. His favorite comfort food is the simple yet satisfying pasta with ground beef and tomato basil sauce. “It’s a hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and has been a staple for me since my university days.”
Kyle Jefferson
Kyle started at UND on September 23, 2024 as Partner Engagement Manager, Northern Plains UAS Test Site serving the division of Research & Economic Development. “I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Dakota. I have 10+ years experience building relationships with key partners and I look forward to continuing doing that in this position. I’m originally from Mandan, ND. After a busy day I enjoy spending time with my two sons to help me unwind.”
Melinda Banks
Melinda started at UND on September 16, 2024 as a Administrative Secretary, Biomedical Sciences serving the division of School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Melinda share she is excited to start at UND, as Grand Forks is closer to family and she appreciates how similar North Dakota weather is to Montana weather (where she is originally from). “I have been successful in many different areas from the American Red Cross to Broadwater County in Townsend, MT. I have worked in an operating room, a misdemeanor probation office, and I was once even the infamous Chuck E. Cheese.”
Cari Mack
Cari started at UND on September 17, 2024 as a Administrative Assistant for Biomedical Sciences serving the division of School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Cari brings prior UND experience as the previous Department Assistant at Nistler College of Business and Public Administration. Cari shared she and her husband recently became empty nesters, and their cat is still adjusting. “Piper does not seem to like that our boys are away at college. She follows us around everywhere.”
In addition to our highlighted Hawks, we’re pleased to introduce the full list of new employees who’ve joined the flock this month. Each of them is a valuable addition, and we’re excited to see the positive contributions they’ll make!
Academic Affairs & Provost
- Viraj Chitnis, Lead Instructor/Flight Manager, Flight Operations
- Matthew Cleveland, Lead Instructor/Flight Manager, Flight Operations
Finance & Operations
- Elizabeth Vande Streek, Senior Accountant – Student Finance, Controller
- Meera K Chhetri, Academic Custodian, Facilities Management Custodial/Maintenance
- Matthew Kibbon, Associate Vice President for Facilities, Facilities Management Custodial/Maintenance
- Brett McDougall, Journeyman Carpenter, Facilities Management Custodial/Maintenance
- Alex Marquette, Parking Application Analyst, Facilities Management Parking Services
- Charles Ganges, Operations Center Specialist, Office of Emergency Management
Research & Economic Development
- Kelly Ketola, UAS Operations Specialist, Northern Plains UAS Test Site
School of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Melinda Banks, Administrative Secretary, Biomedical Sciences
- Nicole Lenertz, Clinic Nurse – Registered Nurse, Minot Center for Family Medicine
- Brenda Riskey, Program Coordinator, Grand Forks Northeast Campus
- Abdullah Talash, Grant & Contract Financial Analyst, Research Affairs
- Michelle Meyer, Senior Project Coordinator, Rural Health
- Sarah Glasoe, Pharmacy Technician, Minot Center for Family Medicine
Student Affairs
- Bridget Santos, Lead Cold Food Preparer, Dining Residence
- Argentina Canales, Housing Custodian, Housing Residence
- Andy Larson, Advisor/Instructor, TRIO Programs
