The CHS dean’s office is pleased to welcome several new faculty fellows who will assist us with faculty and academic affairs and research. 

Derek Behmke, Ph.D., assistant professor, general chemistry lab coordinator, and associate chair in the Department of Chemistry, will be the founding faculty fellow focusing on special projects. Derek will work closely with the dean’s office to facilitate and implement large-scale projects like CHS summer camp, outreach events, and training.

Suzanne Mazzeo, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology, will be a faculty fellow for faculty affairs. Suzanne will work with the associate dean of faculty affairs to support and improve efficiency and scope in faculty development, mentoring, and promotion for the College of Humanities and Sciences. 

Sarah Seashols-Williams, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Forensic Sciences, will be the inaugural fellow for research and scholarship. Sarah will work with the CHS research team to revise key research and scholarship policies, facilitate research collaboration, and engage in strategic planning. 

Chris Burdett, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Political Science, continues as the faculty fellow for internal awards. He chairs the Internal Grants and Leave Review Committee and organizes the Dean’s Teaching Seminar. 

Laura Middlebrooks, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of English, will continue as a faculty fellow responsible for the summer series Promotion in Motion to support faculty preparing for promotion reviews in 2027-28.  

Anita Nadal, assistant professor in the Department of English, will continue as faculty fellow for community engagement.

Jonathan Waybright, associate professor in the School of World Studies, will continue as a faculty fellow for academic affairs for curriculum development.

Nick Wong, Ph.D., director of introductory mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, will continue as faculty fellow focused on badging and microcredentialing.

We are also welcoming applications for a new faculty fellow in Office and Administrative Space Management who will work with the Senior Executive Associate Dean for Administration and Analytics and other members of the dean’s office on all things related to faculty and administrative space, including department-controlled classrooms and conference spaces. Research space/labs will not be included in the work portfolio. Additionally, collaboration with university officials engaged in space management, to include the Provost’s office, VCU Facilities Management, VCU Space Management, and University Renovations will be expected.

Contact Darcy Mays (dmays@vcu.edu) for more information, and apply at VCUJobs today.