Lauren Sheldon Brinsko, Assistant Professor in Residence, Kinesiology

Brinsko’s research focuses on injury prevention. She received her PhD from UConn in kinesiology and also holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from UConn. She worked as a visiting assistant professor at UConn last year. Brinsko is a licensed athletic trainer and has worked with communities in Connecticut and Florida.

Julia Burkett, Assistant Clinical Professor, Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences

Burkett’s research interests are neurodegenerative diseases, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, and emerging zoonoses. Burkett received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from St. George’s University in Grenada. She has been licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Connecticut and Michigan and holds an institutional license in Kansas.

Jerry Diakonikolas, Instructor in Residence, Allied Health Sciences

Diakonikolas’ research interests include oral microbiome diversity changes. He received his master’s degree in health care genetics from UConn as well as his certificate in medical laboratory science. Diakonikolas has also worked at Yale New Haven Health as a medical laboratory science clinical instructor.

 Maureen Kahiu, Assistant Cooperative Extension Educator, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

Kahiu’s research focuses on turfgrass management and developing best practices for herbicide application. Kahiu holds a PhD in plant, soil, and environmental science from the University of Tennessee. She previously worked as a golf course superintendent in Nairobi, Kenya.

Avishesh Neupane, Assistant Extension Professor, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture

Neupane’s work focuses on sustainable agriculture through advanced soil microbiology to make soil more efficient at carbon storage and nitrogen use. Neupane holds a PhD in geography from the University of California, Los Angeles. He was a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Tennessee.

Jacob Rohde, Assistant Professor, Allied Health Sciences

Rohde’s research focuses on health communication and behavioral science. He holds a PhD in media and communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master of public health from Harvard University. Rohde previously worked as a research scientist at RTI International and a cancer prevention fellow at the National Cancer Institute.

Megan Woodrum Setser, Assistant Professor, Animal Science

Setser’s research focuses on animal behavior, welfare, and health related sciences to better inform decisions about animal production and care. She holds a PhD in animal and food science from the University of Kentucky. Before coming to UConn, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vermont and University of Wisconsin River Falls.

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