Connect with Douglass Staff

Dr. Hayet Bensetti-Benbader is the Director of Computing and STEM Career Initiatives and the Director of the Computer Science Learning and Living Community. She is known for her international, multicultural background. Dr. Bensetti has several years of field experience in finance and 10 years of teaching experience. She is a technology steward with a mission to improve learning experiences through instructional design.

Dr. Leslie Danehy is currently the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. Dr. Danehy has worked in higher education for over 20 years as an administrator, coach, instructor, and as an emotional intelligence consultant. She completed her doctoral work at Wilmington University and wrote her dissertation on emotional intelligence and leadership. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at Providence College where she played soccer and basketball.

Dr. Madinah Elamin is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She holds a Masters in Social Work and a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers. Her career has focused on improving the lives of students. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and sits on a number of boards tasked with improving the lives of children. Madinah enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and re-watching old sitcoms.

Dr. Lorne S. Joseph is the Director of Engineering and STEM Research Initiatives at Douglass WiSE and the Director of the Douglass Engineering Living Learning Community. She is an alumna of the University of the Virgin Islands (B.S. Chemistry) and the Rutgers School of Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering).  Lorne is an ardent steward of STEM with a passion for supporting and mentoring Women in Science and Engineering.

Sonia Khalil is Douglass WiSE’s operational support person who will manage and support programs and administrative needs. Sonia has a BS degree in Engineering from NJIT.

Dr. Lydia Prendergast is the Associate Dean and Director of Douglass WiSE. Dean P, as many students call her, has worked in higher ed for over 20 years. She is a 3-time alumna of Rutgers in engineering and STEM education. Her dissertation focused on a hands-on learning experience for first-years and is the basis of Intro to Engineering in the Douglass Engineering LLC. Dr. Prendergast is passionate about providing engaging STEM experiences.

With over 25 years in education, Andrea has extensive experience as an educator, mentor, certified career coach, and certified mindfulness instructor. She has a master's in educational leadership from Columbia University's Teachers College & holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, where she played basketball. Andrea's mentoring philosophy focuses on holistic wellness and meeting students where they are.