About the Authors

Dr. Allie DeLeo-Allen, DKB Solutions, LLC

Dr. Allie DeLeo-Allen brings over 11 years of diverse higher education experience spanning engineering education, student success initiatives, academic advising, and employer relations. With a strong academic foundation including a BS in Mechanical Engineering, MS in Engineering and Technology Management, and PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Education, Dr. DeLeo-Allen now specializes in proposal development, collaborating with higher education institutions, small businesses, and municipalities to secure funding and implement innovative programs. Her multifaceted background positions her uniquely at the intersection of engineering practice, education, and organizational development.

Ms. Alicia Boudreaux Kiremire MS, PE, PMP, FlowStream Management LLC

Ms. Kiremire is a grant consultant specializing in collaborative STEM education grants. She holds degrees in both engineering and education and has over 18 years of professional experience. Beginning as a grant writer then a project manager, Alicia has since moved into a training, consulting, and evaluation role. She is the Creator of the Complete Grant System and has worked on projects with budgets up to $6 million funded by NSF, NIH, DHS, FEMA, and the Department of Education.

Dr. Katie Evans, Houston Christian University

Dr. Katie Evans is the Dean of Science and Engineering and a Professor of Mathematics at Houston Christian University (HCU). Prior to HCU, she was on faculty at Louisiana Tech University for 16 years in the College of Engineering and Science, where she served in various administrative roles and is now Professor Emerita. Dr. Evans is passionate about interdisciplinary efforts to provide innovative and applicable learning experiences to students. Dr. Evans serves on the Gulf Scholars Program Standing Committee for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She is also the Chair of the New Programs Committee with the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, recognized by the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. She earned her B.S. in Mathematics from Morehead State University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Mathematics at Virginia Tech, followed by a postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University.

Dr. Anne Case Hanks, University of Louisiana Monroe

Dr. Anne Case Hanks currently serves as the Director of the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. She is responsible for the academic programs and faculty within the School of Sciences. She is a Professor in the Atmospheric Sciences program. Dr. Case Hanks obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Toledo and a PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology where she focused on Atmospheric Chemistry. Dr. Case Hanks is a passionate advocate for STEM education, training, and teaching. She is committed to advancing innovation in STEM pedagogy within higher education and supporting faculty development in the sciences. She also works to promote STEM within K-12 to motivate and create the next generation of scientists. Her recent work includes developing a Natural Hazards and Disaster curriculum for high school, summer outreach for elementary and high students interested in STEM, and helping to establish a Louisiana Mesonet.

Dr. Krystal Corbett Cruse, Louisiana Tech University

Dr. Krystal Corbett Cruse is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Louisiana Tech University. As the First-Year Engineering Programs Coordinator, she manages the university’s first-year engineering course sequence. She also serves as the Director of the Office for Women in Science and Engineering, where she creates opportunities to build community among female faculty and students. She is the PI of a Track 2 NSF S-STEM grant (awarded Fall 2022) titled, “S-STEM SUCCESS: Supporting Undergraduates through Curricular and Co-Curricula Engagement and Student Scholarships.” She uses her various roles to support her research focused on engineering education.