New Firebirds

Atilade Adedeji

Assistant Professor of Biology
College of Arts and Sciences

Atilade Adedeji is a microbiologist specializing in environmental microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and freshwater microbial surveillance. His research focuses on developing accessible methods to detect antibiotic resistance and monitor water quality. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University and his Ph.D. through a joint program between North-West University and Rutgers University. He completed postdoctoral training at Stony Brook University.

Travis Beach

Emergency Manager Coordinator
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Travis Beach is an emergency management and public safety professional with more than 30 years of experience in disaster response, fire and EMS, law enforcement and higher education. He holds an MBA and degrees in administration of justice and fire science, with expertise in emergency planning, incident management and multi-agency coordination.

Elizabeth Bell

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Gabriela Berfaly Campos

Assistant Professor of Education
Community College

Berfaly Campos is an early childhood education professional with more than 10 years of experience working with children in public and private school settings. She holds a master’s degree in innovative early childhood practices and human development and is committed to advancing effective teaching and child development.

Ariel Adanna Ezirike

Lab Technician, Science
Community College

DayQuan Garrett

Career Counselor
Office of Career Services

DayQuan Garrett brings experience in workforce development, research, consulting and program evaluation for nonprofit organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree from the University of New Haven and is committed to advancing effective, community-focused programs.

Jovon Gerald

Associate Director of Alumni Affairs
David A. Clarke School of Law

Jovon Gerald is an experienced educator and nonprofit leader. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Averett University and a bachelor’s degree in communications and African American Studies from Virginia State University. She is passionate about student success, alumni engagement, and community impact.

Donna Harris

Staff Assistant
CAUSES, Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure

Donna Harris brings more than eight years of experience in student support, workforce development, community outreach and program coordination. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human relations from Trinity Washington University and is committed to fostering opportunities that strengthen communities and support student success.

Angela S. Henderson

Assistant Professor of Social Work
College of Arts and Sciences

Angela S. Henderson co-created the University of the District of Columbia’s Master of Social Work program and established the first environmental social work concentration at an HBCU. She earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and MSW and Ph.D. degrees from Howard University.

Oqueive Horne

Events Operations Associate
Student Center, Student Development and Success

Oqueive Horne is a University of the District of Columbia computer science graduate with experience in event operations, data science, cloud computing and technology. He is passionate about using data and technology to solve problems, improve operations and create meaningful community impact.

Gail L. Hunter

Visiting Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences

Gail Hunter is a psychology educator who develops experiential, arts-based and theory-to-practice learning strategies that enhance student engagement and learning. Her interests include psychological development, health psychology and active learning. Hunter created the Step-Through Model and Schema Quest Card Game to support interactive, reflective learning experiences.

Lewis Johnson

Chief Research Officer and Senior Vice President of Research
Office of University Research

Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., is a physicist and senior academic administrator with over two decades of experience in scaling institutional research enterprises and driving student success. He most recently served as the associate provost for strategic initiatives at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he led a $10M+ portfolio to elevate national rankings, research productivity and graduation rates.

Danielle McBeth

Principal Gifts Officer
Office of Institutional Advancement

Danielle McBeth is a higher education, government relations and resource development executive with more than two decades of experience securing institutional resources and building strategic partnerships. She has helped secure more than $100 million in funding and holds degrees from American University Washington College of Law and Florida A&M University.

Carlton Deane Robinson Jr.

Police Officer
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Carlton D. Robinson Jr. is an Army veteran, entrepreneur and security professional with extensive experience in leadership and public service. He is pursuing a degree in data engineering and artificial intelligence and is committed to professionalism, continuous growth and building a positive legacy through service and innovation.

John K. Wright II

Assistant Professor of Computer Science
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

John K. Wright II specializes in cybersecurity governance, cloud and IoT security, identity and access management (IAM), artificial intelligence security and quantitative cyber risk analytics. His research develops evidence-based frameworks that help organizations prioritize cyber risks, secure emerging technologies and strengthen cybersecurity resilience.

Zachary Eugene Chavet

Athletic Trainer
Athletics

Raised in Shanghai, China, and educated in the United States, Zachary Eugene Chavet holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in athletic training from A.T. Still University. He's excited to to be a part of Firebird Nation!