Meal With A Mentor

Dr. Sherleena Buchman: PhD in Instructional Technology (2016)

Current role: Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Affairs, College of Health Sciences and Professions

Bio: Dr. Buchman (Sherleena) is an experienced nurse educator and curriculum leader with over 25 years in nursing and 20 years in higher education. She is passionate about advancing healthcare education through innovative teaching methods, including simulation, virtual reality, and podcasting. She is dedicated to student success, faculty development, and interprofessional collaboration. Sherleena describes herself as "a small-town nurse who worked hard and cared deeply. I believe that my journey is proof that with persistence, purpose, and heart, anyone can achieve their goals."

Jenna Lada: BA in Anthropology (2014)

Current role: Applied Anthropologist: Senior Justice Analysis

Bio: Jenna is an applied anthropologist with over 7 years’ experience in policy analysis and more than a decade in qualitative research. She received her BA in Anthropology from OHIO in 2014 and MS in Conflict & Dispute Resolution from the University of Oregon in 2017, during which she conducted fieldwork and mentored at-risk youth in Northern Ireland. In her current position with the US Government Accountability Office, she reviews the performance of federal law enforcement and immigration programs to improve government efficiency and inform Congress's work. Professionally, she takes great joy in connecting with students and young professionals and developing their career interests. As an experienced facilitator, Jenna is also passionate about cultivating opportunities for authentic connection in the workplace through dialogue and knowledge sharing.

Eli Burris: B.S.J. - Strategic Communication with specializations in marketing & sport management) (2016)

Current role: Associate Director of Social Media Strategy

Bio: Eli is a proud graduate of Ohio University and currently serves as the Associate Director of Social Media Strategy at his alma mater. His award-winning team creates content and engages OHIO's nearly 700,000 social media followers. He has a passion for photography that he gets to pursue as part of his several roles he's had at OHIO since returning to Athens in 2019. He enjoys mentoring social media student interns as well as any other Bobcats who have an interest in social and digital media, marketing and communication.

Eric Smith: Bachelor of Specialized Studies, Interior Architecture, Art, and Entrepreneurship, 2020

Current Role: Architecture Project Manager

Bio: Eric holds a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University, where he specialized in Art, Interior Architecture, and Entrepreneurship, as well as a Master's degree in Architecture from Kent State University. He possesses a diverse skill set and extensive experience in property restoration, including residences and multi-purpose buildings. Additionally, he has contributed to historic restoration projects that integrate traditional design with contemporary functionality. Eric is actively involved in community service as a member of the Elks and Rotary organizations. His technical expertise, architectural knowledge, and commitment to community engagement aim to foster meaningful and lasting impacts in his professional and personal pursuits.

Jaime Cosimati: University College, specialized studies, 2014

Current Role: Executive Assistant, Huntington Bank and Realtor

Bio: Hello! I am a 2014 graduate of Ohio University. I graduated with a major in specialized studies, focusing on business and sociology. Currently, I am an
executive assistant with Huntington Bank and also a real estate agent with Exp Realty. I was born and raised in Columbus, and currently live downtown
with my cat, George. I am a big concert and Blue Jackets fan! 

Jessica Kopelwitz: BBA, Finance and Business Economics (1999)

Current role: Associate Director, TechGrowth Ohio

Bio: Jessica's passion is supporting high-growth technology startups. She assists entrepreneurs and founders to evaluate, scale, and build their businesses. She has 7+ years in banking, 15+ years in the restaurant industry, and now 15+ years as an entrepreneur. Jessica has her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Business Economics from Ohio University, and her Masters in Business Administration from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. She is also a Certified Business Advisor and received her certification through Kent State University.

Jessica is also a mom and an ultrarunner, and the founding local group leader of Trail Sisters, Athens, and is always looking for new adventures.

Ayman Elbarbary: Master's in Applied Lingustics, 2023

Current Role: Arabic Teacher / Instructional Designer

Bio: Ayman Elbarbary is an associate instructor at the Instructional Systems Technology Department at Indiana University. He holds an M.S.Ed. in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from Ohio University. He has been a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at the University of North Georgia. Ayman taught Arabic at Ohio University while pursuing his M.A. Ayman is a double-major Ph.D. student in the Instructional Systems Technology and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures departments at Indiana University.

Tia Jameson: Bachelor of Sports Sciences and Masters of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy 2005 and 2017

Current Role: Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development

Bio: Hey Bobcats! The world of athletics is so enticing and keeps me motivated every day. As a former student-athlete, I was able to see all the possibilities
and resources that are afforded to us. My job is to create career readiness workshops and share resources that may lead to internships, job preparation,
and financial literacy so they can be strong leaders in the World. Come learn more about my day-to-day adventures with our Ohio student-athletes. This
could be you one day. 

Alyssa Manning: AA Social Science, 2022; BA Political Science and Global Studies: War & Peace, 2024; Master of Public Administration, 2025

Current Role: Consulting Grants/Funding Specialist

Bio: I am a triple Ohio University alumna, where I completed my associate’s, bachelor’s, and MPA studies with a focus on public service and community impact. My time at OHIO shaped my interest in public-sector problem-solving, including an internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in emergency management, and eventually I landed my first full-time job from my connections at OHIO. I now work as a Grants/Funding Specialist at Verdantas, supporting municipalities as they plan and develop water, transportation, and recreation projects. In my role, I help communities navigate funding opportunities, strengthen applications, and move critical infrastructure projects forward.

Mary Ellen Smalley: BS of Journalism, 2001

Current Role: Director of brand and cause awareness at Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Bio: Mary Ellen Smalley is 2001 graduate of the Scripps School of Journalism. After a 15 year career as a newspaper and TV journalist she pivoted to nonprofit communications. She’s been with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption for more than 10 years overseeing brand journalism, PSAs, paid media, earned media, social media, stewardship and brand research. She lives in Columbus with her husband, Jerod, and cat, Mr Brian Williams.

Olivia Ujlaki: Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 2021
 

Current Role: Manager of Event Marketing, Americas

Bio: Olivia Ujlaki is a graduate of the Scripps College of Communication (B.S.J) and Emerson College (Masters of Digital Marketing). She has worked in the B2B event space in addition to B2C for luxury travel and restaurant experiences. Olivia enjoys all things Disney, and paying it forward to the next generation of digital marketers.

Paige Kirby: Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 2021

Current Role: Merchandiser at Bath and Body International 

Bio: Paige is a 2021 graduate with a BS in Journalism and a minor in Fashion Retail. While she was a student at OU she was involved in the Student Alumni Board and was the owner of her own business. She started her career at Pelotonia and is now a merchandiser for Bath and Body Works International. She was a founding member of the Young Alumni Cohort and has a passion for helping students realize their potential and how to live their best lives post-grad.

Marcquis Parham: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management, 2007, Master of Recreation and Sports Pedagogy, 2008

Current Role: Assistant Director of Career Services, Adjunct Instructor, & Phd Student

Bio: Marcquis Parham has served as an Assistant Director for Career Employer Engagement and adjunct instructor at the Patton College of Education for over the past decade. Marcquis is a service-focused influencer, educator, lifelong learner, career and life consultant, an active fitness enthusiast who is a certified personal trainer (ACE), a proud former student athlete and a four-year letterman with the Ohio University Football Team, and a PhD student in the Higher Education and Counseling program. Marcquis returned to Ohio University to empower, and develop future leaders 

Valerie Carpico: BS in Criminal Justice (2003)

Current Role: The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center: Criminal Justice Policy

Bio: Valerie Carpico leads the work for planning and implementing initiatives to reduce recidivism, strengthen family engagement, and improve reentry outcomes for the family programs and the Reentry 2030 initiative nationwide. Previously, Valerie was the reentry coordinator in Fairfield County, Ohio, where she leveraged partnerships between law enforcement and behavioral health. In this role, she facilitated a local reentry coalition of community agencies and coordinated new behavioral health programming within the local jail. She also served as the Stepping Up coordinator, setting new goals and initiatives for her county focused on sober housing, jail screening tools, and a crisis stabilization facility. Valerie is committed to human-center approaches to reduce recidivism and build strong, safe communities.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Career Development Coordinator Holly Kidd: hkidd@ohioedu

Megan Spearman: BA in Psychology (2019)

Current Role: Qualified Mental Health Professional

Bio: Megan Spearman holds 6 years of experience working in mental health, including inpatient treatment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, multiple outpatient facilities for adults experiencing homelessness and addiction, and outpatient contracting within a public school. Megan’s professional experience guided her to Capella University, where she is currently obtaining her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Megan is passionate about helping her clients of all walks of life achieve their goals and feel their best by navigating life’s challenges and traumas. She loves to unwind with her son, husband, and pets, and loves to hike, ski (go Snowcats!), read her Kindle, play Animal Crossing, and crochet.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Career Development Coordinator Holly Kidd: hkidd@ohioedu

Tyler Grubbs: B.S.S. Specialized in English, Philosophy, and History

Current Role: Success Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences, Ohio University

Bio: Tyler Grubbs began his higher education journey as a non-traditional, first-generation student at Ohio University Southern. In 2018, he completed the Bachelor of Specialized Studies program, concentrating in English, Philosophy, and History.

Following graduation, Tyler worked as a Remodel Associate at Walmart. However, his passion for higher education soon led him back to academia, where he served as the Department Assistant for Arts & Sciences at Ashland Community & Technical College—an experience that ultimately paved the way for his return to Ohio University Southern.

Tyler rejoined OUS as an Advising and Retention Specialist before transitioning into the role of Success Advisor. He currently serves as a Success Advisor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Ohio University’s Athens campus.

Outside of work, Tyler enjoys reading, writing poetry, watching football, listening to music, and exploring ideas that challenge him to think more deeply.

To learn more about this Regional Campus Meal with a Mentor event, contact Ohio University Southern Career Development Coordinator Laura Holbrook: holbrookl@ohio.edu