Mary Kate Donias
Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Saint Anselm College
Mary Kate became involved with NH-LIFT when she was asked to serve on the Academic Infrastructure and Research Facilities working group. As you may know, the purpose of this group is to create a statewide network of core facilities intended to broaden access to advanced instrumentation and technical expertise towards the support of research, workforce training, and economic development.
In Mary Kate’s words, “Access to instrumentation is so important for teaching and research. I was excited to learn more about other campus’ resources and how equipment might be shared.” May Kate went on to share achieving the goals of NH-LIFT will create a platform for long-term success.
As an avid teacher and learner, Mary Kate considers herself lucky that her life’s work combines the two. She feels her research makes her a better teacher.
A quilter, reader and traveler, Mary Kate is also a big NHL fan. Her passion for hockey began with a childhood love of the Hartford Whalers and continues on with the Boston Bruins.
Wonderful to meet you Mary Kate!
Geoff Cook
Associate Professor of Biology and Health Science
New England College
Geoff serves as chair of the NH-LIFT Early Career Research Trainee working group. Geoff has been involved in the NH INBRE program for many years and can attest to the positive impacts of that program on students, colleagues, and NEC. However, his research is more aligned with that of the National Science Foundation making NH EPSCoR and LIFT an exciting and natural fit for his research.
Through NH-LIFT, Geoff hopes to build a multi-institutional collaboration that focuses on better understanding Earth’s marine environment. Through these collaborations, Geoff seeks to identify novel conservation strategies that aim to protect, maintain, and restore the ecological functions of marine communities.
As a teacher and mentor, Geoff enjoys helping students cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the natural world through scientific exploration—both above and below the waterline. This summer Geoff will serve as Faculty Mentor to two NEC undergraduate students researchers funded through NH-LIFT.
With over 25 years of experience conducting research on coral reefs and marine ecosystems, Geoff is also an accomplished SCUBA instructor who has spent more than 5,000 hours underwater.
When not teaching and inspiring students, both above and below the waterline, Geoff enjoys exploring the world with his family. Thanks for sharing Geoff!