About Davidson College

Dr. Kevin Smith is the Chair and Herman Brown Professor of Biology at Davidson College, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. With a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Tennessee, Smith brings extensive expertise in conservation biology, biodiversity, and data analysis to his role. His teaching portfolio includes general biology, conservation biology, and data analysis courses, with a strong emphasis on integrating quantitative skills and data science using tools like Excel and R programming. Smith is particularly noted for his commitment to evidence-based teaching methods and inclusive pedagogy, striving to ensure success for a diverse student body. His research focuses on analyzing biodiversity loss, understanding human interactions with ecosystems, and local forest habitat conservation. Smith has developed courses such as "Excel for Beginners" and "Data Analysis Basics with Excel and R," reflecting his belief in making quantitative and data science skills accessible to all students. Beyond the classroom, he contributes to public understanding of ecological issues through media engagements and continues to bridge the gap between rigorous scientific research and practical conservation challenges.

Pete Benbow is the James B. Duke Assistant Professor of Practice in Data Science at Davidson College, bringing over a decade of industry experience as a developer, team leader, and consultant in data engineering and business intelligence to his academic role. Joining Davidson's faculty in 2024, Benbow focuses on teaching the practical and ethical application of data science methods, emphasizing storytelling, problem-solving, and societal impact. His approach to education, both in traditional classrooms and through online platforms like edX, prioritizes accessibility and relevance, helping students discover their potential in data technologies. Benbow's impact extends beyond academia, with his edX courses on SQL databases and Microsoft Power BI reaching nearly 200,000 learners worldwide since 2020. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer since 2021 and holder of several Microsoft data platform certifications, Benbow bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice, contributing to professional workshops and national conferences on various technical topics, thus preparing students for the evolving landscape of data science and technology.

Dr. Che Smith is a versatile data scientist whose career spans industry, academia, and public health sectors. Currently serving as a Senior Analytics Engineer at Netflix on the Content and Marketing Analytics Research team, she previously held the position of Visiting Assistant Professor in Data Science at Davidson College from 2019-2020. Smith's diverse background includes experience in local and federal government public health agencies, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Her research focuses on modeling longitudinal data, with emphasis on variable selection, bias reduction, and effective visualization of complex datasets. In her teaching, Smith introduces students to the practical applications and common misunderstandings of data science and statistics in everyday life. Her multidisciplinary approach combines rigorous statistical methods with real-world applications, bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice. At Netflix, Smith is actively involved in recruiting for the Content Data Science team, seeking candidates who are passionate about data storytelling. Her unique blend of experiences in public health, academia, and corporate analytics positions her as a valuable contributor to both the academic understanding and practical application of data science across various fields

Beth Adams is a certified Project Management Professional who describes herself as an "organizer of chaos" and an "expert at getting things done." Her professional skills are complemented by her personal life as a busy mother of two young boys, demonstrating her ability to manage complex situations both at work and home. Adams' expertise extends beyond traditional project management into the realm of emerging technologies, as evidenced by her involvement in teaching the "AI Prompt Engineering for Beginners" course at Davidson College. This course likely focuses on the increasingly important skill of effectively communicating with AI systems to produce desired outputs. By teaching this course, Adams is contributing to the education of students in a rapidly evolving field, helping to prepare them for a future where interaction with AI systems will be increasingly common. Her ability to bridge the gap between project management principles and cutting-edge technology education makes her a valuable asset in both professional and academic settings, particularly in areas where organizational skills intersect with technological innovation.

Amy Gascon is a multifaceted professional serving as the Education Program Manager at the Hurt Hub@Davidson, Davidson College's innovation and entrepreneurship center. With a decade of expertise in entrepreneurship support programs, Gascon plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and business acumen among students. She co-leads the Nisbet Venture Fund program, providing funding and support for student ventures, and is instrumental in community engagement efforts for entrepreneurial initiatives. Gascon's versatility is evident in her involvement with teaching "AI Prompt Engineering for Beginners" at Davidson College, demonstrating her engagement with cutting-edge technologies in education. Additionally, her background in teaching improv and sketch comedy adds a unique dimension to her skill set, likely enhancing her ability to foster creativity and adaptability in students. Through her diverse roles in program management, entrepreneurship support, and innovative education, Gascon contributes significantly to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the evolving business and technology landscapes.

Amy Gascon serves as an Education Program Manager at Davidson College, bringing a decade of expertise in entrepreneurship support programs to her role. Her professional background is uniquely complemented by her experience teaching improv and sketch comedy, suggesting a dynamic approach to education that combines business acumen with creative thinking. At Davidson, Gascon's impact extends to cutting-edge technology education, as evidenced by her involvement in teaching the "AI Prompt Engineering for Beginners" course. This course likely focuses on equipping students with skills to effectively communicate with and utilize AI systems, a crucial competency in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Gascon's diverse skill set, spanning entrepreneurship, creative arts, and emerging technologies, positions her as a versatile educator capable of preparing students for the multifaceted challenges of the modern business and tech worlds. Her role exemplifies the intersection of traditional entrepreneurship education with innovative approaches to learning and technology adoption.

Dr. Miguel A. Morales-Chan is a distinguished leader in digital education and e-learning at Universidad Galileo, holding multiple key positions including Director of Digital Education, Vice-principal of the Von Neumann Institute, and Project Manager for GalileoX and ProfXXI. With a Ph.D. in Information and Knowledge Engineering from the University of Alcalá de Henares and two master's degrees in educational management and e-learning, Dr. Morales-Chan brings a wealth of expertise to his roles. As the Director of the Digital Education Area and Coordinator of MOOC production for edX at Universidad Galileo, he has spearheaded the creation of over 50 successful MOOCs, attracting more than 1,000,000 student enrollments. His contributions to the field include authoring the book "Discover the Power of ChatGPT in the Classroom: 90 Templates for Creating Effective Prompts for Teaching" and conducting research on MOOCs, Artificial Intelligence in Education, STEAM, and Micro-Credentials. Dr. Morales-Chan's impact extends to course development, where he leads courses on AI applications in digital marketing and marketing strategy at Davidson College and Universidad Galileo, showcasing his commitment to bridging academic knowledge with practical industry applications in the rapidly evolving field of AI and digital education

Dr. Rocael Hernández-Rizzardini is a multifaceted leader at Universidad Galileo, combining academic expertise with entrepreneurial acumen to drive digital transformation in education. As the Director of GES (Galileo Educational System), he spearheads the university's Digital University initiative, overseeing diverse teams that specialize in learning, marketing, communications, technology, and research. His vision for a "Future University" aims to bridge traditional education with cutting-edge digital approaches. Additionally, as Director of the Von Neumann Institute, Dr. Hernández-Rizzardini focuses on developing innovative online degrees to enhance global educational accessibility. His influence extends beyond academia; as CEO of a corporation in the IT industry, he leverages his extensive project experience across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Latin America to champion purposeful innovation. Dr. Hernández-Rizzardini's work encompasses various international projects, including PROF-XXI, MOOC-MAKER (Erasmus+), and ESVI-AL (ALFA III), demonstrating his commitment to advancing e-learning and accessibility on a global scale. His unique blend of academic insight and business acumen positions him as a key figure in reimagining education for the digital age.

Vanessa Ai represents a groundbreaking approach to education, serving as an AI-powered instructor for courses offered jointly by Davidson College and Universidad Galileo. As an amalgamation of cutting-edge AI technologies including ChatGPT, HeyGen, and DALL-E, Vanessa embodies the innovative integration of artificial intelligence in higher education. Under the guidance of DavidsonX and GalileoX staff, she has been instrumental in collating, organizing, and presenting materials for a series of courses focused on AI applications in digital marketing.

Steve Kaliski, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and Writing Studies at Davidson College, brings a wealth of experience from his decade-long career in New York City's theatre scene to his academic role. As a theatre director, playwright, and actor with credits on Broadway and Off-Broadway, Kaliski continues to serve as the Artistic Director of Adjusted Realists, his own theatre company. His expertise extends beyond traditional theatre, as he trains businesses and individuals in public speaking and storytelling skills. Kaliski's academic journey includes teaching stints at Fordham University, Brooklyn College, Long Island University, and recurring guest artist appearances at Yale University. At Davidson College, he has developed innovative courses such as "Applied Storytelling" and "Just Be Yourself: The Art of Acting in the Workplace," which blend theatrical techniques with practical communication skills for professional settings. These courses reflect Kaliski's unique approach to education, emphasizing the application of storytelling and acting principles to enhance workplace communication and presentation skills, thus bridging the gap between artistic expression and professional development.

Dr. Erland Stevens is a distinguished faculty member in the Chemistry department at Davidson College, bringing a wealth of experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery to his role. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1997, specializing in nitrogen heterocycles under Will Pearson, Stevens pursued postdoctoral studies at The Scripps Research Institute with K. Barry Sharpless. Joining Davidson College in 1998, he has since become a cornerstone of the chemistry program, regularly teaching medicinal chemistry to junior and senior undergraduates. Stevens' expertise extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his involvement in the continuing education program at GlaxoSmithKline's Research Triangle Park site in 2006 and 2007. His contributions to the field include authoring the textbook "Medicinal Chemistry: The Modern Drug Discovery Process," published by Pearson Education, which has likely become a valuable resource for students and professionals in the field. Stevens' research focuses on the synthesis and activity of antiviral nucleoside analogues, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to advancing pharmaceutical science. His career exemplifies the integration of academic research, industry relevance, and dedicated teaching in the field of medicinal chemistry.

Rebecca Weeks Watson is an accomplished entrepreneur, innovator, and educator who brings her extensive Silicon Valley experience to her roles as an adjunct professor at Davidson College's Hurt Hub for Innovation and the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce. With a 16-year career in Silicon Valley, Watson has been on the founding teams of digital media and marketing startups, leading Business Development departments, with one startup acquired by Meredith Corporation and another by Taptica. Her innovations have earned her two U.S. technology patents, and she has been a sought-after speaker at over 50 conferences. Watson's multifaceted experience as a founder, co-founder, angel investor, and advisor provides her students with invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem. At Davidson College, she teaches "Building a Lean Startup," a 7-week course that covers essential topics for aspiring entrepreneurs, including idea generation, customer acquisition, sales and marketing strategies, hiring, fundraising, and key metrics measurement. Watson's teaching philosophy emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to investigate, experiment, test, and iterate as they develop new products and services. Beyond her academic roles, Watson continues to inspire through "The Reveal," a groundbreaking interview series she founded, featuring high-profile business leaders sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges.

Dr. Laura Sockol, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Davidson College since 2015, brings a wealth of academic and clinical experience to her role. With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a predoctoral internship at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Sockol's background is rooted in rigorous psychological training. Her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College, which included a secondary education certification in English and social sciences, informs her multidisciplinary approach to teaching. At Davidson, she teaches courses in abnormal psychology, research methods in clinical psychology, and leads a capstone seminar for senior psychology majors. Sockol's research focuses on perinatal mental health, particularly risk factors for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the early postpartum period, as well as effective treatments for perinatal psychopathology. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with the Steiner Young Investigator Award from the North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Early Career Investigator Award from the Women's Special Interest Group of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. Clinically, Sockol specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy for mood and anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on women experiencing issues related to reproductive transitions

Dr. A. Malcolm Campbell is a distinguished Professor of Biology at Davidson College, renowned for his groundbreaking work in genomics education. As the director of the James G. Martin Genomics Program, Campbell has made significant contributions to undergraduate biology education, particularly in the field of genomics. He teaches advanced courses such as "Genomics, Proteomics and Systems Biology" and "Laboratory Methods in Genomics," integrating cutting-edge research into undergraduate curricula. Campbell's innovative approaches to teaching have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Elizabeth W. Jones Award for Excellence in Education from the Genetics Society of America (2013), recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2012), and the Bruce Alberts Award for Excellence in Science Education from the American Society for Cell Biology (2006). His impact on biology education extends beyond the classroom; Campbell was the founding co-editor-in-chief of CBE Life Sciences Education and the founding director of the Genome Consortium for Active Teaching (GCAT), which has trained over 360 undergraduate faculty and reached more than 24,000 students nationwide. Campbell's contributions to the field include co-authoring the first comprehensive genomics textbook for undergraduates and serving on the governing council of the American Society for Cell Biology (2012-2014). His work exemplifies a commitment to bridging the gap between advanced genomics research and undergraduate education, fostering a new generation of scientifically literate and skilled biology students.

Owen Bezick, a recent graduate of Davidson College, exemplifies the rapid transition from student to professional in the tech industry while maintaining strong ties to academia. Graduating in December 2020 with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Data Science, Bezick has quickly established himself in multiple roles. He currently works as a Solutions Engineer, applying his technical skills across various industries to solve complex problems. Simultaneously, Bezick contributes to high-profile research projects, working with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the College Crisis Initiative, demonstrating his ability to apply data science skills to diverse and impactful areas. His connection to Davidson College continues in an educational capacity, where he instructs a Professional Certificate program in "Web App Development for Data Scientists," consisting of two courses. This role allows Bezick to share his fresh, industry-relevant knowledge with current students, bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application in the rapidly evolving fields of web development and data science. Bezick's multifaceted career, spanning industry, research, and education, showcases the diverse opportunities available to recent graduates in computer science and data science fields.

Kristen Eshleman is a pioneering figure in digital learning and innovation, having served in various key roles at Davidson College for nearly two decades before moving to Trinity College in 2021. As the Director of Innovation Initiatives and previously the Director of Digital Learning Research & Design (DLRD) at Davidson, Eshleman spearheaded initiatives to integrate cutting-edge technology into liberal arts education. Her work focused on enhancing the residential student experience through digital innovation, collaborating closely with faculty to identify and implement pedagogically valuable technologies. Eshleman played a crucial role in the DavidsonX program as an educational technologist and co-authored the book "Librarians and Instructional Designers: Collaboration and Innovation" (2016). Her approach emphasizes creating opportunities for free inquiry, risk-taking, and innovative thinking in education, reimagining how digital technology can enhance liberal arts learning. Eshleman's expertise spans from instructional technology in humanities to leading college-wide digital transformation efforts, making her a respected voice in the field of educational technology and innovation.

Robert McSwain serves as an Instructional Technologist at Davidson College, bringing his expertise in videography to enhance the institution's digital learning initiatives. With a B.S. from Appalachian State University, McSwain plays a crucial role in the production of DavidsonX courses, where he is responsible for all filming and editing. As the dedicated videographer on all DavidsonX course teams, McSwain's work is integral to creating engaging and high-quality video content for online learners. His skills in video production and editing contribute significantly to the visual appeal and effectiveness of Davidson College's online course offerings, helping to translate complex academic content into accessible and engaging visual formats for a global audience of learners on the edX platform.

Jayme Sponsel has established herself as an educational leader at Davidson College's E.H. Little Library, where she serves as Assistant Director for Research & Instructional Design. After earning her B.A. in Philosophy from St. Olaf College and Master's in Information and Library Science from Simmons University, she has focused on empowering students through information literacy and research skills development. Her work includes leading initiatives in scholarly communications and research instruction, notably contributing to faculty development through programs like "Scholar Profiles & Altmetrics" where she teaches strategies for enhancing research visibility. As part of the Research, Learning & Outreach team at Davidson, she collaborates with faculty and instructional designers to integrate critical information engagement into the curriculum. Her expertise spans research methodology, instructional design, and digital scholarship, helping shape opportunities for Davidson students to explore, adapt, and create knowledge throughout their academic journey.

Dr. Mark Sample is a distinguished Associate Professor of Digital Studies at Davidson College, where he is spearheading the development of the innovative Digital Studies program. His multifaceted career spans literary scholarship, digital humanities, and creative computing. Sample's research and teaching focus on experimental literature, new media, and algorithmic culture, bridging traditional humanities with cutting-edge digital practices. His scholarly contributions include a groundbreaking examination of torture representation in videogames published in Game Studies, and a critical analysis of digital humanities' approach to contemporary literature featured in Debates in the Digital Humanities. Sample's collaborative work on "10 PRINT CHR$(205.5+RND(1)); : GOTO 10," a book exploring creative computing and the Commodore 64, showcases his commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship. As a practitioner, Sample creates digital poems and algorithmically-generated Twitter bots, exemplifying his hands-on approach to digital creativity. His work at Davidson College involves building the Digital Studies program, which investigates the role of digital creativity, culture, and methodology in contemporary life, positioning him at the forefront of integrating digital scholarship into liberal arts education.