TUFTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Chef, Associate Director for Culinary Excellenc
Al is inspired every day by his amazing Tufts Dining co-workers. He is an avid fan of Japanese food, the Boston Red Sox, and making furniture. At lunchtime you can find him enjoying the fresh, local, seasonal produce at the kosher vegan station at Dewick, a love of his since he was as a young student in Mexico where his school had a garden. In his leisure time, Al volunteers to bring awareness of food insecurity in marginalized communities.
Job Titles:
- Retail General Manager - Hodgdon, Kindlevan Café
Collaborating with co-workers that share his desire to achieve excellence in the workplace inspires Amit. He is motivated by the amazing students he interacts with every day, and shares their passion for Tufts Dining's many international dishes. When not at work, Amit spends time volunteering and working on home improvement projects.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Strategic Communication and Marketing
Since Cape Cod is Amy's favorite place to be, it makes sense that New England seafood is her favorite fare. She is passionate about creating innovative ways to promote the success of Tufts Dining, and Grain Bowls from Hodgdon. Running, gardening, and coordinating her busy family's activities, keep her occupied when not working at Tufts.
Job Titles:
- Administrator to the Dean
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- Director Communications and Web Strategies
- Web & Communications
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- Retail Manager - Hodgdon Food - on - the - Run
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- Retail Manager - Hodgdon Food - on - the - Run, Tower Cafe'
A true fan of Mediterranean food, Turo especially finds lamb pitas at Hodgdon a favorite. He has a great love of cooking and traveling but loves to snorkel. Spending time with his extended family keeps him busy in his time away from work.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
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- Assistant Dean for Faculty Advancement
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- Associate Dean for Research
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- Professor, Occupational Therapy
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- Administrative Coordinator
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- Senior Lecturer, Romance Studies
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- Director of Administration
Working closely with the Executive Administrative Dean, Brandon Mennillo provides oversight on all administrative and financial matters pertaining to the school with specific emphasis on policy development, employee compensation and equity, core facility management, online academic programs, and summer course administration. Additionally, Brandon represents the School on several University-wide committees pertaining to Human Resources, IT, and space & facilities management.
Job Titles:
- Application Administrator - Tufts Technology Services
Being Scottish, Brian loves fish - smoked, of course! What he likes most about working with Tufts Dining are the fantastic people he interacts within every facility. He is a professional percussionist, a private pilot, and plays soccer, and coaches Senior Babe Ruth baseball. He enjoys spending time with his family - especially fishing with his father.
Job Titles:
- Director of Academic Space Management
Chef Carlos is fluent in 3 languages and has triple citizenship acquiring his last - American - just several years ago. He follows many famous chefs and political figures and enjoys reading books and spinning music (as a former DJ). His favorite food at Tufts is the Egg Shakshuka and slow-cooked short ribs sandwich. But to Carlos - it's all about Brunch!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director / Derby Entrepreneurship Center
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- Faculty and Academic Affairs Officer
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- Dean of Undergraduate Education
Chris Swan is directly responsible for developing, implementing and assessing academic advising and the administration of the degrees awarded in 13 engineering disciplines. He serves as the School of Engineering's point person on educational policy.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Alumni Relations
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- Assistant Director, Business Operations
A long-time fan of pork char siu, Connie enjoys a variety of dishes at Tufts Dining as well as the ever-popular gluten-free lasagna. Tufts has been her work home for over 35 years - the last 7 of which have been with Tufts Dining. A long admirer of Queen Elizabeth, she has enjoyed her travels with her family, walking and getting together with friends. In Business Operations, she constantly sees how business changes as well as the people within it - thoroughly appealing and interesting every day.
Job Titles:
- Chef Manager, Dewick - MacPhie Dining Center
"I love food and food loves me" is a mantra Chef Corey relates when talking about favorite foods. She enjoys developing new recipes that are healthy - but more importantly, flavorful and colorful! When not at work in the summer you can often find Chef at local farmer's markets picking out the freshest of the fresh!
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
As the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, Craig Thomas leads the digital, traditional, and social media marketing strategy for, and manages all internal and external communications within, the School of Engineering.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Staffing & Training
"Hospitality" and Customer Satisfaction are the reasons Dante works at Tufts Dining. He enjoys all sports - from basketball to ping pong to street hockey - especially when playing with his family. Soups of all kinds with a special preference for Ginger Butternut Bisque and Ceviche are his favorite foods at Tufts.
Job Titles:
- Interim Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
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- Chef Manager - Pax Et Lox Glatt Kosher Deli
Chef Walls thoroughly enjoys really hot spicy foods. His favorite cuisine is Louisiana Cajun and the hotter - the better. In fact, he makes his own hot sauce because no one else can make it with as much heat and spice as he can. When not with his family and family of pet dogs, his other passion besides cooking is his Harley. Motorcycling is his great leisure past-time on the rare times he has time to spend. He enjoys creating new recipes for Pax et Lox Glatt Kosher Deli and cooking with and for friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning
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- Dean 's Message
- Karol Family Professor
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- Associate Dean of Student Diversity, Inclusion, and Success
The Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion (DSDI) serves as a resource for all undergraduate and graduate students across Arts and Sciences, SMFA at Tufts, and the School of Engineering. The division offers opportunities for students to think about social identities and the ways they impact our lives and the world. As the Associate Dean, Ellise LaMotte represents the needs of A&S, SMFA, and SOE students on the university-wide Cabinet on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and she supports the university's Center for STEM Diversity along with the seven Identity Centers: Africana, Asian American, FIRST, Indigenous, LGBT, Latinx, and Women's as they support their student populations.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Catering and Logistics
While at work and while away, Eric likes to "eat, drink & be merry" in the wonderful world of food. His passion for fine foods spans the globe with favorite restaurants from New York to Nashville. He enjoys learning and teaching about food with his adult children and always being a part of the Tufts University Family.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Faculty for Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
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- Assistant Professor, Economics
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate Professor, Philosophy
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- Physics & Astronomy Representative ) Professor, Physics & Astronomy
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate Professor, Religion
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- Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist
"No two days are the same", says Gary about working in Tufts Dining. "I enjoy the variety of daily challenges". After joining the dining team in 2011, he has worked in various roles. Currently, he supports Tufts Dining through procurement and contracts in the Tufts Finance organization. Home improvement projects keep him busy in his time away from work - especially with his family and dog, named Finn!
Job Titles:
- Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Clinical Affairs
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- Professor, Theatre, Dance, and Performance Art
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- Professor of the Practice, English
Job Titles:
- Chef Manager, Carmichael Dining Center
Hassan Lamlaihi Chef Manager, Carmichael Dining Center hassan.lamlaihi@tufts.edu Hassan believes in leading by example, working with people patiently, and providing the support and tools needed for his team to be successful. When not at work, Hassan enjoys taking nature walks, painting, and spending time with family. He is a fan of the amazing variety of international cuisines offered by Tufts Dining. His favorite dish is the house fried rice at Carmichael.
As the Catering Sales Manager for Tufts Catering, Heather can combine her two passions: making a client's vision for their event into reality and her love of food. Her favorite food at Tufts is the Tuna on Rye with extra pickles at Pax et Lox. When not at work, Heather's three kids keep her busy with their many activities.
Job Titles:
- Lecturer, Earth and Climate Sciences
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- Mathematics Representative
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- Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering
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- Senior Communications Specialist
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- Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for the School of Engineering
- Executive Administrative Dean
As the Executive Administrative Dean, Jim Sarazen serves as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for the School of Engineering, and also as the school's lead administrative representative on all university-wide matters.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Dean and the Executive Administrative Dean
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- Research Partners & Resources
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- Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion
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- Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies
Jennifer Stephan oversees a team of advisors to provide holistic academic support for all undergraduate students in the School of Engineering. She collaborates with students, parents, faculty and staff university-wide to enable students to best meet their academic and personal goals, access campus resources, and navigate struggle or crisis. Stephan is responsible for School of Engineering orientation events and pre-major advising. She guides and implements changes to undergraduate academic policy, degree requirements, senior degree certification, and their associated processes.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director Dining Services & Planning
Jesse is a complete BBQ enthusiast! Not only does he participate in BBQ competitions, but his favorite foods at Tufts are also all things BBQ. He is equally fond of all Mexican Foods and watching football. Jesse's favorite part of work is that the job always provides the ability to be creative and developing exciting new concepts.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Job Titles:
- Unit Manager, Dewick - MacPhie Dining Center
A firm believer in "anything is possible" (the impossible just takes a little longer), Chef Jonathan truly enjoys working and interacting with so many different people at Tufts. A forever-fan of all Boston Sports Teams, he also enjoys anything Mexican - especially the Taco Tuesday Bar. Family, friends and the beach are his favorite activities.
Job Titles:
- Unit Manager for Central Kitchen & Bake Shop
Making impactful changes and providing excellent service energizes Justin in his work with Tufts Dining. A golfer and salt-water fisherman, he enjoys sharing these and Street Foods with his family. At Tufts, you can find Justin enjoying Sundried Tomato and Seafood Pasta and Thai Shrimp Chowder.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Job Titles:
- Dean of Graduate Education
As Dean of Graduate Education for the School of Engineering, Karen Panetta leads efforts to develop and strengthen engineering graduate programs. She works closely with faculty, students, administrators, and staff to recruit highly talented graduate students, to support current students in their academic studies and research, and to continue to develop graduate programs that prepare students for success in their fields.
Job Titles:
- Director of Research Administration for the School of Engineering
As Director of Research Administration for the School of Engineering, Keleigh Sanford provides administrative leadership for research activities, including pre- and post-award support for sponsored projects and guidance on issues related to compliance.
As a nutritionist, it is no surprise that Kelly enjoys helping others find foods that are best for them. Her favorite foods include the fresh strawberries from a local farm to the Carmichael tamales and Diwali Dinner at Dewick. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring New England with her family.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, Office of the Secretary of the Faculty
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Tufts Gordon Institute / Tufts Gordon Institute
develops technology leaders, providing training in vital skills and educating leaders who will go on to be innovators and problem solvers. As Executive Director, Kevin Oye oversees the institute's academic programs and connections with industry.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
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- Graduate Programs Coordinator
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- Representative of the Administration at Large
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- Senior Director of Development
Kosta leads fundraising efforts for the School of Engineering, including annual support, major gifts, planned gifts, and corporate/foundation gifts. He manages a team of front-line fundraisers and administrative staff along with partnering with other advancement colleagues to ensure continued generous philanthropic support and positive alumni engagement.
Job Titles:
- Chef Manager, Dewick - MacPhie Dining Center
Kosta Tranxidis Chef Manager, Dewick-MacPhie Dining Center kosta.tranxidis@tufts.edu Kosta's past culinary experience includes working in fine dining restaurants and test kitchens, as well as working in Italy, Thailand, and Greece. Kosta is a lifelong musician and enjoys playing guitar. He also enjoys travel, trying new restaurants and breweries, and anything involving the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Chef Manager - Commons Marketplace, Hotung Café
Chef Lei enjoys pineapple, ice cream and the Rice Crispy Treats from the Tufts Dining Bake Shop and the Boba Teas at Hotung Café! She is an avid gardener in her spare time along with spending a great deal of time with her very large close family. She's fond of stand-up comedy shows.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Media Relations
- Associate Director, Media Relations, Tufts Health Sciences
- Read More - Friedman News & Media
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- Associate Dean for Hospital Affairs Chair Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
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- Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
Dean of Research Matthew Panzer works collaboratively with faculty, fostering research between departments, other schools, and outside sponsors, while working with the Director of Research Administration on all aspects of research administration, including compliance and financial issues.
Job Titles:
- Director of Financial Aid
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- Associate Director of Retail Operations
Having joined the team in 2014, Melody has enjoyed the various cultures represented by the foods and people of Tufts Dining. Often found at the Pita station at Hodgdon, her favorite foods include Sushi, Korean BBQ, and Hot Pot. She leads all the retail dining on campus including Kindlevan, Hotung, Pax et Lox to name a few. In her rare spare time, she enjoys boxing, and of course - cooking!
Job Titles:
- Director of Tufts Center for Engineering
- Director, Center for Engineering Education and Outreach
Merredith Portsmore is the Director of Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO). A leader in K-College engineering education, the CEEO works to prepare the next generation of problem-solvers by conducting cutting-edge educational research and transforming that research into tools, interventions, and outreach services. Merredith oversees the overall Center mission, managing the overall operations, finances, and outreach services as well as providing the infrastructure and support for the cohort of faculty in engineering and education that have research housed at the Center.
If there's Chicken Carnitas on the menu, you can be sure, Michael will be there. An avid runner, he also enjoys being the captain of his local kickball team. Working with a team that is both diverse and creative is a major reason he works with Tufts Dining.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Programs Coordinator
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- Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
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- Retail General Manager - Commons Marketplace, Hotung Café, SMFA Café, Mugar Café
A self-described proud "Disney adult", Michelle can be found reveling in the Chocolate Mousse from the Tufts Dining Bake Shop or the Chicken Broccoli Penne. She enjoys keeping up with food trends and food photography.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions & Professional Education / Tufts Gordon Institute
Job Titles:
- Unit Manager, Carmichael Dining Center
When not at work - Pasquale enjoys a round of golf or playing football with friends. What he loves most about Tufts Dining is the continuous opportunity to be creative every day. He is a real fan of Mexican and Italian cuisines especially Tufts Dining pizza and all the different Asian foods offered here.
Job Titles:
- Administration and Support
- Director, Dining & Business Services
Originally from Hawaii, Patti Klos arrived in New England (via Indiana) to work at Tufts in 1989. Salmon of all types and the Spiced Chickpea Taco Salad are her favorite Tufts Dining items. She loves creating a community for Tufts students and the smart, hard-working, and dedicated staff she works with. In her more leisurely moments, she designs and constructs quilts - mostly for friends and family - with more than 70 quilts to her credit.
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Senior Lecturer, Child Study and Human Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Distinguished Senior Lecturer, History
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- Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
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- Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs
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- Associate Director, Career Center
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- Professor, Mechanical Engineering
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- Associate Professor, International Literary and Cultural Studies
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- Senior Lecturer, Classical Studies
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- Assistant Unit Manager, Carmichael Dining Center
Sabato enjoys collaborating with his Tufts Dining colleagues and appreciates how the team shares the same vision. His favorite Tufts Dining dish is the brisket at Carm, it is slow-roasted for 16 hours and seasoned to perfection. He was born and raised in Naples, Italy, which greatly influenced his passion for pizza! His time outside of work is spent playing the clarinet, video games, and practicing martial arts.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Faculty Affairs Ad Interim
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chemistry
Ally enjoys spending time at the beach and hiking. She is a fan of so many different items at Tufts Dining that she can't pick just one favorite! She is passionate about working with her team to help nourish the young minds of the future. Her all-time favorite dish is her mom's jerk chicken and rice as it reminds her of her island heritage.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate Teaching Professor, Computer Science
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- Professor, Physics and Astronomy
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- Data Systems Administrator - Tufts Technology Services
Sonya has a passion for intricate things that go together. In both her work with Tufts Dining's point-of-sale and meal plan technology and her off-work love of completing complex puzzles, she exhibits how connections resolve issues. A New England favorite - Chowders - are one of her go-to menu items in Tufts Dining.
Job Titles:
- Chef Manager - SMFA Café, Hodgdon Food - on - the - Run
Street foods are a real favorite for Chef Steven - much more so than fine dining. He is especially fond of Latin, Italian, and BBQ. He can't identify his go-to foods in Tufts Dining because the variety is awesome! Traveling and spending time with family keep him busy away from work.
Susan enjoys almost all types of foods; the falafel bar at Dewick is her go-to at Tufts. Her favorite thing about working at Tufts Dining is working with other people that are passionate about food and hospitality. When not at work, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, taking day trips, and listening to true crime podcasts.
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- Deputy Director, Media Relations, Tufts Health Sciences
- Public Relations
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- Deputy Director, Media Relations
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- Associate Professor, Sociology
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- Graduate Student Representative, Graduate Student Council
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- Associate Professor, Chemical & Biological Engineering
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Professor of the Practice, School of the Museum of Fine Arts