Gaines, Michael S.
Assistant Provost, Professor of Biology

Michael Gaines received his master's and doctorate degrees in ecology from Indiana University. After 22 years on the faculty of the University of Kansas, he became Chair of the Department of Biology at UM in 1992. In 2004, he left the Chair in order to concentrate on undergraduate and community outreach programs as Assistant Provost. Besides teaching courses in introductory biology, research ethics, and research design for undergrads, Dr. Gaines directs and serves as campus coordinator for multiple research and community outreach programs. Dr. Gaines' scientific interests focus on the ecological genetics of endangered small mammal species in South Florida.

Janos, David P.
Associate Director, Associate Professor of Biology

David Janos received his master's and doctorate degrees in Botany from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor).  He was a post-doctoral fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama for four years before joining the University of Miami faculty in 1979.  Since 2002, he has collaborated with Dr. Gaines to write grant proposals for research training of underrepresented, underserved minority students.  He is a mycologist, ecologist, and tropical biologist who investigates the effects of beneficial, root-inhabiting fungi on plants including those with importance for agriculture or forestry.

Robertson, Maria J.
Manager

Maria is a Miami, FL native who started her career with UM in 1998.  She has worked at the Miller School of Medicine, School of Law, Human Resources, School of Business and now the Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach for The College of Arts and Sciences.  Maria earned her Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Miami, and currently is working towards a Masters in Liberal Studies at the University of Miami.

Luce, Kristen E.
Program Coordinator

Kristen joined the Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach in 2007. She is responsible for all K - 12th grade programs in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. Prior to moving to Miami, Kristen lived in Boston for several years while working in corporate marketing and client relations. Kristen earned her bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, and currently is working towards her master's degree at the University of Miami.

Berio-Blanco, Daritza
Assistant

In 2008, Daritza joined the Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy from Florida International University in 2005. After graduation, Daritza became a certified science teacher for MDCPS. During her years as a middle school science teacher, she participated in the summer programs Research in Ecology and Science Made Sensible provided by the office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. Daritza will pursue a master's degree at the University of Miami.