rural Experts

Magaela Bethune

Assistant Professor of African American StudiesLoyola Marymount University

Dr. Magaela Bethune is an expert on adolescent socialization, behavior, health, & development at intersections of race, gender, & sexuality.

J. Andrew Hansen

Associate ProfessorWestern Carolina University

Lisa J. Merlo

ProfessorUniversity of Florida

Dr. Lisa Merlo’s research focuses on mental health, well-being and professional fulfillment among healthcare professionals.

Lori Wilkinson

Professor of SociologyUniversity of Manitoba

Professor of Sociology, specializing in immigration and refugee studies and survey methods

Joe Brown

Assistant Professor, Environmental EngineeringGeorgia Tech - COE

Joe Brown’s research interests include water infrastructure sustainability and detection methods for pathogens in the environment.

Joseph S. Tiedemann

Professor Emeritus of HistoryLoyola Marymount University

Joseph S. Tiedemann is Professor of History at Loyola Marymount University.

Granger Morgan

University ProfessorCarnegie Mellon University

Granger Morgan's research addresses problems in science, technology and public policy.

Thomas Felke, Ph.D., M.S.W.

Expert in social issues and social justiceFlorida Gulf Coast University

Thomas Felke researches social issues such as food insecurity and affordable housing.

Scott Rader

Associate ProfessorWestern Carolina University

Charles “Scott” Rader has entrepreneurial work experience in the areas of information technology product development and management.

Marlo Vernon, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences, School of Public HealthAugusta University

Skilled in Program Evaluation, Grant Writing, Program Development, Public Health Research and Data Analysis.