Meet the Staff of the WiderNet Project

Meet the Former Staff of
The WiderNet Project

WiderNet would like to recognize and thank the people who have made contributions to the eGranary. Many features of the eGranary that are presently in use are the past contributions of these staff members, interns and volunteers. Unless otherwise noted, the profiles are from when they worked or volunteered at WiderNet.

	Bethany Anderson

	Miranda Manigold
	Publicity Coordinator
	Miranda came to the University of Iowa from Southwest Michigan and is a junior majoring in Interdepartmental Studies. Miranda worked for Mid-West Family Broadcasting, a local radio station in Michigan, for over eight years and worked her way up to an Account Executive in Sales and Marketing. With Miranda’s desire to further her career, she returned to school to finish her Bachelor’s degree. Miranda has a passion for marketing and hopes to continue in this field after graduation.

	Mary Abboud
	Publicity & Communications
	Mary has more than 20 years professional experience in public relations, communications and marketing, mostly working for the University of Iowa. She received her Master’s Degree in Journalism from the UI in 1991. She has served as director of the UI Office of Health Science Relations and as assistant director of the UI Tippie College of Business Executive MBA program. Her work for The WiderNet Project involves publicity and communication efforts to increase awareness and support of “the awesome and outstanding WiderNet Project that is making the world a better place."

	Armando Alvarado

	Mica Anders

	Bob Arens Ph.D.
	Technician Assistant
	Bob is a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at teh University of Iowa, specializing in Natural Language Processing. He joined WiderNet in May 2006 to help upgrade the eGranary search engine and continues to assist in its development.

	Grace Arnold
	Project Assistant
	Grace is a junior at West High School. She began babysitting for Cliff's kids three years ago and eventually began working at WiderNet. She is excited about the opportunity to gain computer experience. She is not sure of her plans after high school.

	Ruhee Arora
	Librarian Intern
	Ruhee is an Intern at The WiderNet Project doing librarianship work.

	Ritu Arya
	Java Programmer
	Ritu is a graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa and a Bachelor's degree in Statistics from University of Delhi, India. She joined The WiderNet Project in October 2006. She wants to gain as much experience as she can while working with databases and scripting languages.

	Virapandita Baccam MIS
	Technician
	Vira is currently an MIS student at the College of Business at the University of Iowa. Vira started in 2004 as an intern and is currently employed as a technician at The WiderNet Project. Vira attained his Associate's degree in 2002, and will receive his Bachelor's in December 2005. Vira mainly works with developing protocols for the eGranary server configuration under Microsoft Windows 2000 Server and several Linux distributions. He has gained experience in user administration through the use of Active Directory and Samba.

	Erika Barber
	Domestic eGranary Consultant
	Erika is a graduate of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa and is currently participating in the development of an eGranary portal for prison populations.

	Neda Barrett
	Office Manager
	Neda holds a Master's in business with a major in management from Sweden. She moved to Iowa City in April and started working for The WiderNet Project in July 2006.

	Matthew Bartlett
	Project Clerk

	Nissa Beeler
	Project Clerk
	Nissa is a senior at the University of Iowa, majoring in German, International Studies and Political Science with a minor in Spanish. She has been with The WiderNet Project since February 2004.

	Christopher Bell

	Sharon Benzoni
	Volunteer Coordinator
	Sharon is senior at the University of Iowa, working on her Bachelor's degree in environmental biology, with a minor in linguistics. She is trying to figure out what to do with rest of her life and is leaning toward the public health fields. But she may just run off and become a poet and surfer. If you have any other suggestions, please e-mail her. She has been working with The WiderNet Project since March 2006. She has a hodgepodge of experience in working with student groups and non-profits over the last four and a half years.

	Brent Berends
	Computer Technician
	Brent is a computer technician at The WiderNet Project who performs many tasks including fixing and maintaining office computers, installation, documentation and content management.

	Rebecca Berg BS
	Librarian
	Rebecca is a Librarian working on the Ponseti portal and the Zambian Nursing portal. She is in the Graduate program of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa and has worked at both the Waterloo Public Library and the Rod Library at the University of Northern Iowa.

	Jason Bertram
	Programmer
	Jason is working as a Database Programmer at The WiderNet Project. He is also an Informatics major at the University of Iowa who will finish his undergraduate degree this fall. He worked with WiderNet on several database projects before becoming a staff member.

	Manuela Bianco
	Volunteer

	Suzanne Biekart MA
	Publicity Assistant
	Suzanne, a Dutch native, holds a Master's degree in drama. After working as a theater production manager and being responsible for the internal and external communication for a public health service, she left The Netherlands and is currently living in Iowa City. Suzanne is looking forward to learning more about public relations and helping out with all other interesting projects at The WiderNet Project.

	Oduntan Bode
	Database Developer
	Oduntan holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics and is pursuing an additional Master's degree in Management Information Sciences. At The WiderNet Project, he is designing databases and gathering information resources for decision makers.

	Varsha Borde
	Java Programmer
	Varsha is a Java Programmer at WiderNet. She worked here several years ago and returned to help with the Global Disability Rights Library.

	Aaron Brandt
	Graphic Designer

	Anthony Browne
	eGranary Programmer
	Tony obtained a degree in Computer Science in December 2005 and has been a programmer at WiderNet since January 2005. His focus is on the proxy-server component of the eGranary, the eGranary update service, the eGranary digital library search engine, the eGranary configuration interface, and general programming at WiderNet. He intends to gain valuable experience developing large-scale software projects at WiderNet.

	Calvin Bryant
	Computer Refurbishment Volunteer
	Calvin is volunteering testing and assembling computers.

	Melissa Buttner
	Alliance Coordinator

	Megan Carberry BA
	Publicity Assistant
	Megan completed a summer internship at The WiderNet Project as a Publicity Assistant and now is our lead Publicity staff person. She graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, with a B.A. in English. Megan is a native of the small town of Winfield, Iowa. She is interested in working with NGOs and non-profits on environmental and human rights issues. Megan enjoys reading, writing and being in the ocean especially scuba diving, which she hopes she can integrate into a future career.

	Courtney Caviness
	Project Assistant
	Courtney is currently studying within the field of mass communications at the University of Iowa. Her current position is Communications and Publicity Assistant with The WiderNet Project. Courtney has a substantial background in graphics and Web design and hopes to gain further knowledge in both the areas of Web page design and public relations.

	Ruy Cervantes
	Intern

	Pengyu Chen
	Computer Refurbishment Volunteer
	Pengyu Chen is a volunteer at The WiderNet Project to gain more knowledge about computers, and he is currently getting computer-testing experience.

	Tarun Chougule
	Computer Technician

	Brett Christiansen
	Database Programmer
	Brett is a senior at the University of Iowa. He is currently enrolled in the Tippie College of Business and is majoring in Management Information Sciences. When he is not 'scraping' sites, he is often doing odd jobs around the office such as working on the Web site or with the database. He has been with The WiderNet Project since June 2006.

	Angela Christiansen
	Project Assistant

	Tracy Collins BFA
	Office Manager
	Tracy is an Iowa native and graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.F.A. in dance. After spending six years performing with several dance companies in the Chicago area, Tracy returned to the Hawkeye State. She has since worked for several state and local non-profit organizations coordinating events, public relations and fundraising. Tracy enjoys the opportunity to serve people around the world as part of The WiderNet Project team.

	Megan Conley
	Librarian
	Megan is a graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), is working as a Reference Assistant in the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, and will be a teaching assistant next fall for School of Library. She a Librarian at WiderNet

	Patrick Connolly
	Volunteer

	Ernie Cox
	Area Librarian

	Claire Cullis
	Publicity Intern

	Katharine Dale
	Content Coordinator
	Kate holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Arts in Anthropology, both from the University of Iowa. Her experience lies in research and reference, with an emphasis on Special Libraries. She began working for The WiderNet Project in March 2005. Her current focus is on eGranary content and in working with volunteer librarians to improve the resource database Web interface so that contributors from around the world can assist in the future development of the eGranary.

	Michelle Darcy
	Course Developer
	Misha holds a B.A. in English with an emphasis in writing and speaking. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Eastern Europe, she has more than four years of teaching experience in various subjects including ESL, biology, math, business writing and teaching methodology. Currently, she is working with UI Prof. Jim Giblin to develop an eGranary course on Environmental History in Africa.

	Ben Dattilo
	Computer Refurbishment Volunteer
	Ben is an engineering student. He has his own business taking apart and building up computers during the summer. At The WiderNet Project, he has been doing great work helping the tech team.

	Andrew Dehner
	Videographer
	Andrew is a film student at the University of Iowa. He is currently organizing The WiderNet Project's cache of video footage into a video. In his free time, he enjoys shooting rubber bands across the office and emptying the candy dish.

	Ziqiang Deng

	Siana Djambazka
	Project Clerk
	Siana is from Sofia, Bulgaria, and is pursuing a B.S. in finance and a minor in Spanish at the University of Iowa. She is helping with organizational tasks for the WiderNet Project, including its database, website and inventory. She also handles all questions and donations. One of her goals is to update the project's business plan as part of an independent study for her degree.

	Sarah Dorpinghaus MLIS
	Librarian
	Sarah is a Librarian at The WiderNet Project for the summer of 2009. She graduated in May from the Graduate Program in the School of Library and Information Science, focusing on Special Collections, Digital Libraries, and Ethics of Information Organization. Previously, Sarah taught World History and A.P. European History at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids.

	Francis Dube
	Course Developer
	Francis is a Ph.D. candidate in History at the University of Iowa and is currently working on his dissertation. The title of his dissertation is “Cross-border movements, Disease ecology, and Public Health: Institutional Responses to disease and the history of Public Health in central Mozambique and south-eastern Zimbabwe, 1900-1990.” His interests are in Modern African History, South Asian Environment and Health in Global Perspective, and History Occupational and Environmental Health. He joined The WiderNet Project in the fall of 2005.

	Zakir Durumeric
	Systems Administration and Development
	Zakir is currently a project assistant at The WiderNet Project who primarily works with systems administration and development. He started working at The WiderNet Project in 2003 as a junior at City High School with over seven years of experience in Web development and computer hardware.

	Chris Ehrman
	Ponseti Portal Developer
	Chris is a School of Library and Information Science graduate student. He is helping to create a portal for the eGranary Digital Library about the Ponseti method of treating clubfoot.

	Lindsay Erger
	Publicity Intern
	Lindsay is a senior at the University of Iowa studying English and Communication Studies. Outside of school and WiderNet Lindsay holds a variety of campus leadership roles, including her position as Vice President of Marketing and fouding member of Student in Advertising, and Campus Events Director for the 2009 Homecoming Council. In the future Lindsay hopes to continue working with non-profit organizations.

	Kafui Etsey
	Volunteer

	Christopher Eveleigh
	Program Manager, Partnerships and Alliances
	Chris is a software industry professional with over 10 years experience creating and implementing product tactics, strategy and communication. He has facilitated and finalized numerous partnerships and created product requirements based on customer and market need. His focus at WiderNet is developing partnerships and alliances that will help evolve the project from being grant-funded to being self-sustaining.

	Yi Fang

	Kim Femling
	Project Intern

	Jason Fisher
	Project Intern
	Jason is a May 2003 graduate of the University of Iowa where he majored in Management Information Systems. He hopes to gain important database development skills and experience while working with The WiderNet Project that will prepare him for future endeavors.

	Holly Fox
	Public Relations
	Holly is a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations. She is also working to obtain an International Business Certificate. She started working with The WiderNet Project in the spring of 2006. She hopes to gain experience in the field of public relations.

	Kim Francis
	Program Coordinator
	Kim graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in anthropology. She has been working as program coordinator of The WiderNet Project since March of 2002, but has been working for the University of Iowa since 1999. Prior to working at the University, she worked in the travel industry.

	Kristin Franklin BA
	Volunteer
	Kristin is a volunteer with Public Relations and Marketing. She graduated in December with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Marketing at the University of Iowa where she was also involved with the Dance Marathon as an Intern. She has just had her interview with the Peach Corps and hopes to be working with the Peace Corps somewhere this fall.

	Brigid Freymuller
	Digital Librarian
	Brigid is a Digital Librarian and coordinator of various content specialists for the Global Disability Rights Library. Also a student at the University of Iowa, she is a History and Classical Language major who has worked as a Research Assistant in Political Science on the Hawkeye Poll for the past three years.

	Tyler Geurink
	Project Assistant

	Jeff Gilbert

	Ellen Gogerty
	Project Clerk
	Ellen is currently a student at the University of Iowa majoring in International Studies with an emphasis in global resources and the environment and a minor in Japanese. She grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and has a passion for traveling all around the world. After graduation she hopes to maybe spend several years with the Peace Corps and earning her Masters in environmental studies.

	Sunday Goshit

	Josh Greenwood
	Project Clerk

	Britton Grim
	Technician
	Britton is a second-year student at the University of Iowa. He began working with the project in the spring semester of 2004. From creating workstations from spare parts to fixing problems with e-mail, he has received much experience working at The WiderNet Project. Britton has studied many foreign languages and hopes that a major in French language translation and International Business (combined with his IT experience) will open up many doors in the future.

	Ryan Guffy
	Partnerships Assistant
	Ryan is an senior undergraduate student majoring in Economics and International Business. He is originally from Ames, Iowa, and is a transfer student from Iowa State University. He is unsure about his plans following graduation, but knows he would like to leave Iowa. Ryan likes to travel and exercise.

	Sachin Gupta B.Tech.
	Programmer
	Sachin is a Java programmer at The WiderNet Project. He is an MBA student at the University of Iowa's College of Business. Previously he worked at Infosys Technologies, Ltd., in Bangalore, India, for British Telecom for four years as a Program Analyst and Software Engineer.

	Jessica Haas
	Volunteer Coordinator

	Lauren Haldeman
	Publicity Volunteer
	Lauren is a volunteer helping WiderNet with Web site conversion.

	Teela Hammell
	Librarian and Content Developer
	Teela is a Library and Content Editor who will be a senior at the University of Iowa in the fall of 2008. Teela is majoring in Journalism and International Studies with an emphasis on Human Rights and African Studies. She is planning on joining the Peace Corps after college, then getting her master's and pursuing a career in the human rights sector of a non-profit organization and maybe doing some freelance travel writing along the way. Teela loves reading, writing, playing sand volleyball and spending as much time as she can with her awesome family and friends. She left to study abroad in Spain.

	Lisa Herrmann
	Project Assistant
	Lisa is a student at the University of Iowa. She is a Computer Science major and hopes her experience working for The WiderNet Project gives her valuable computer knowledge that will improve her marketability after graduating.

	Kelly Hidlebaugh
	Digital Librarian
	Kelly is a Digital Librarian working on the Global Disability Rights Library at WiderNet.

	Sabrina Hootman

	Kazuko Horiuchi
	Project Intern

	Alek Ismayilov
	Technician
	Alek is a junior at the University of Iowa, majoring in Management Information Systems. He thinks The WiderNet Project is a great start for his career and by working here he hopes to gain enough knowledge and experience in the IT field which is so important to have after graduation.

	Solomon Jatta
	Volunteer Librarian
	Solomon is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Iowa who will be working on development of a Gambian public health portal at WiderNet.

	Krishna Jhaveri
	Area Librarian

	Matt Johnson

	Jacob Juhn
	Webmaster

	Janina Kamm
	Survey Development Assistant
	Janina is a senior in English and Psychology at the University of Iowa who has interned for the last three summers with Monogram Market Research and Advertising in Chicago. She has been involved with Internet surveys and questionnaire development, which is very helpful in her position as Survey Developer Assistant of The WiderNet Project's new quality control study.

	Maranda Kammerude

	Brian Keen
	Database Programmer

	Stuart Kershaw
	Web Development Volunteer
	Stuart is an English major at the University of Iowa. He joined The WiderNet Project in the fall of 2007. He enjoys reading, writing, and walking his dog. He hopes to someday become a gypsy guitar player. Stuart designs departmental web sites for the University of Iowa. He looks forward to learning the more complicated aspects of development and helping out in any way that he can.

	Ozgen Kilic
	Database Engineer
	Ozgen is a graduate student in industrial engineering. He received his Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in Istanbul and is planning to get his master's degree in May 2008. He is currently revamping The WiderNet Project's databases and building applications for WiderNet staff.

	Youngwan Kim MA
	Partnerships and Fundraising Manager
	Youngwan is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of Iowa. Holding a Master's degree from the University of California, San Diego, specializing in international development and NGO management, he has completed an internship with UNICEF and worked with various international NGOs.

	Brandt Kinzle Marketing
	Technician Assistant

	Jason Knight
	Volunteer

	Adam Kurth
	Computer Technician
	Adam is a Ph.D. student in Political Science and comes to The WiderNet Project after serving as the technology coordinator at Scattergood Friends School.

	Amanda Kusek
	Publicity
	Amanda graduated from the Northfield Mount Hermon School in the spring of 2006. Born in Northfield, Massachusetts, she is now a freshman at the UI majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing.

	Eric Kusiak
	Publicity Volunteer
	Eric is a philosophy and political science major at the University of Iowa.

	Nicole Lebo
	Volunteer Coordinator

	Shaun Leong
	Content Volunteer
	Shaun is a student at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, who is volunteering remotely.

	Zhuqing "Jenny" Li
	Volunteer
	Jenny is an intern at the WiderNet Project and student at Scattergood Friends School in West Branch, IA.

	Lin Lin
	Database Programmer
	Lin is a database programmer from China and holds a degree in Actuarial Science

	Shu Liu
	Programmer

	Li Liu MS
	SQL and PHP Programmer
	Li is an SQL and PHP programmer for The WiderNet Project. He has been a Senior Database Architect for Bank of America and Verizon as well as a Software Engineer and Software Developer for several other firms both in the US and China. He has an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a B.S. in Mechanics from Peking University, China.

	Saweda Liverpool
	Graduate Assistant
	Saweda is originally from Sierra Leone, but has spent the greater part of her life in Nigeria. She is presently a graduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a dual Masters degree in Third World Development Support and Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on economic development. Her undergraduate degree was in Economics from the University of Jos, Nigeria. Her present area of interest is in technology, communication and development from a gendered perspective. She worked with Cliff for a year in Nigeria in 1998, where her interest in technology and development was stirred. Working with The WiderNet Project, she hopes to develop some information technology skills and also be practically involved with projects on digitalization in Africa.

	Charisse Madlock-Brown
	Ponseti Informaticist/Content Librarian

	Carolina Madrid
	Area Librarian/Content Editor

	Arindam Majumdar
	Programmer
	Andy is a Java Programmer. He has six years of industry experience in IT services working with Oracle Financial Services Software and JP Morgan Chase and Co. in Tokyo, New York and Houston. Currently, he is a graduate student in the MBA program at the University of Iowa.

	Elaine Markuson

	Nathaniel Marra
	Project Assistant
	Nathan is pursuing degrees is Russian and Global studies. He is also interested in the field of computers and technology and uses that in assistance to The WiderNet Project. Nathan hopes to eventually go to graduate school and study in a joint international studies and law program.

	Carrie Marsh

	Maria Martin
	Graphic Designer

	Yury Maryan
	Technician Assistant
	Yury is a junior at the University of Iowa, working on his Bachelor's degree in neurobiology. He hopes to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist. He has been with The WiderNet Project since November 2005.

	Rachel McCartney BA
	Librarian and Volunteer
	Rachel is a transfer student from Delta College in Michigan. She worked at WiderNet as the Head Librarian while finishing her undergraduate degree in philosophy and is currently volunteering here as part of a project for her Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) at the University of Iowa.

	Joe McCorkle
	Network Administrator
	Joe is originally from the Quad Cities and is currently a senior at the University of Iowa completing his Bachelors of Business Administration Degree, dual-majoring in Finance and Marketing. Joe is looking very forward to graduating in December of 2008. He brings eight years of experience working at John Deere in Information Technology.

	Andrew McGrean
	Portal Developer
	Andrew is an economics major who is working for The WiderNet Project on an eGranary portal about economics in developing countries with Michael Smith.

	Joseph McKinley MM
	Programmer
	Joseph is a volunteer SQL and PHP database programmer at WiderNet. He has an Bachelor's in Music from the University of Iowa and Master's in Music from the New England Conservatory. He is currently an applicant for the Master's program in Library Science.

	Juli McLoone MA
	Librarian
	Juli is a Librarian at The WiderNet Project for the summer of 2009. She graduated from the University of Iowa in May with an M.A. in Library and Information Science and a Certificate of Book Studies, with a focus on Special Collections and cultural resource management. She also has an M.A. in Anthropology from the UI and previously studied landscape aesthetics and sense of place in the context of sustainable development in southern Mexico.

	Jennifer Mills
	Project Clerk
	Jennifer is a junior at the University of Iowa majoring in entrepreneurship for performing arts. After graduation, she hopes to own a dance studio or work with a theater company. She started at The WiderNet Project in the fall of 2005 and hopes to gain experience in computers as well as entrepreneurship to help her career.

	Jane Monson MA
	Digital Librarian
	Jane began at WiderNet as a SLIS Fellow doing an IMLS project in the fall of 2008. Now she is working as a Digital Librarian for WiderNet's Intel project.

	Heath Morris
	Technical Volunteer

	Angela Murillo
	SLIS Fellow
	Angela is a SLIS Fellow who will be doing an IMLS project with The WiderNet Project for the fall of 2008.

	Andrea Murphy

	Uyen Nguyen
	Database Programming Intern
	Uyen is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in Management Information Systems. She is currently doing an Academic Internship at WiderNet.

	Dat Nguyen
	Computer Technician
	Dat works with WiderNet in computer maintenance involving documentation, installation and configurations. His parting words: "I joined WiderNet...and have learned many things...So I want to thank all of you for the opportunity to work together, and for teaching me something about this business. Things are rolling here at WiderNet Project and I wish you the best for a very bright future!"

	Addisu Nibret
	Programmer
	Addisu is working as a Java Programmer this summer. Originally from Ethiopia, he is a graduate student in Computer Science at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa, and is doing his Curricular Practical Training with The WiderNet Project.

	Tom Nicknish
	Computer Technician
	Tom is working on upgrading our email system.

	LavanyaLatha Nivarthi
	Course Developer
	Lavanya is a graduate student in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at The University of Iowa's College of Education. She hopes working at The WiderNet Project will help her gain knowledge about technology in teaching. Prior to working with The WiderNet Project, Lavanya taught Management Information Systems in India.

	Laura Nothnagle
	Volunteer
	Laura is an Iowa City-based volunteer for The WiderNet Project who is assisting with Web site conversion.

	Ntokozo Nzama
	Volunteer
	Ntokozo is a student at the University of Iowa and volunteer at The WiderNet Project working on a project for South Africa.

	Emily Obert AA
	COEP Volunteer
	Emily is a Partnerships volunteer at The WiderNet Project. She is a junior at the University of Iowa with a Sociology major and Philosophy minor. Before beginning at the University, she was a Leap Teacher in the Iowa City School system and also worked at Kirkwood Community College with the Work Place Learning Connection.

	Florin Oprescu
	Graduate Assistant
	Florin is a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Public Health, Department of Community and Behavioral Health. He has seven years of experience with NGOs and holds an MPH degree from the University of Iowa. For him, The WiderNet Project is the perfect place to combine his strong interests in global public health and information technology. His activities include health-related material selection and collection, curriculum development, strategic planning and grant writing.

	Elena Osinskaya
	Project Intern
	Elena is a graduate student in Library and Information Science specializing in Special libraries. During the summer of 2003, she worked primarily with the eGranary Library gathering medical and information science resources.

	Saurav Pandit
	Java Programmer

	Sean Patin
	Volunteer
	Sean is an International Studies and Economics major. He is working with Partnerships. His backgrounds includes sub-Saharan Africa and India where there are organizations and projects trying to achieve large-scale connectivity.

	Todd Peczkowski

	Bonnie Pedersen
	Project Assistant
	Bonnie is studying Biology, Global Health Studies and French. She became interested in The WiderNet Project in order to gain computer and international work experience. Her interest in Africa grew after a medical project the summer of 2000 in Kenya and a public health and research project in The Gambia the summer of 2001. Her future plans may include a career in the medical field with an international focus.

	Allison Peeters
	Project Clerk
	Allison graduated from Wilton, Iowa, a small town 30 minutes east of Iowa City. She is now a freshman at the University of Iowa and is a pre-business major.

	Jarod Peters

	Jayant Raj BE
	Java Programmer
	Jayant is a Java Programmer at WiderNet. He has six years of experience in Web-based application development and business analysis in organisations such as HSBC and Wipro Technologies. Currently, he is a graduate student in the MBA program at the University of Iowa. His undergraduate degree is in Computer Engineering from the University of Pune in Pune, India.

	Pushpalata Rajpal
	Technical Volunteer
	Pushpa has a Masters Degree in Business Administration with experience working as a Quality Analyst and Accounting Executive at home in India. While pursuing a certification in Java and database administration, she would like to expand her knowledge and skill set while effectively utilizing her experience. With The WiderNet Project she plans on utilizing her time in contributing to the well-planned efforts of making technology available to the remote corners of the world. On the other hand, she likes to travel and explore the beauty of the planet we are on.

	Jennie Rambo
	Volunteer

	Anil Ramchandani
	Database Programmer
	Anil is a Graduate Student in the School of Business. He designed a database for Capmark Financial Group and is also experienced in installing hardware, such as RAM, CMOS, CD players and more, which is very helpful to The WiderNet Project.

	Rebecca Ramsey BA
	Digital Library Fellow
	Rebecca is a graduate student in the School of Library and Information Science and an IMLS Digital Library Fellow at the University of Iowa. Her background is in music education, information technology and religious studies. She is creating an internet forum that will facilitate communication among eGranary users.

	Megan Roth
	Publicity
	Megan joined The WiderNet Project to help with strategic communication in June 2007. She is currently a student at the University of Iowa, where she studies both Journalism & Mass Communication and International Studies.

	Tiisetso Russell

	Ana Paloma Santos-Maddox
	Transportation Operations

	Abbie Sawyer
	Staff Writer
	Abbie graduated in May 2006 with degrees in Journalism and Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Spanish. Her background includes video production and writing for media and print organizations. Since joining the WiderNet staff in May 2006, she has assisted with grants, technical and business writing.

	Mike Schmitz
	Project Assistant/Volunteer
	Michael is a student at the University of Iowa. Working at The WiderNet Project, he hopes to gain good computer experience as he is pursuing a Management Information Studies and Computer Science majors. He hopes to eventually work in a technology consulting firm. Mike was an employee of The WiderNet Project from 2000 to 2003. Twice during this time, he could be found traveling with Cliff to Nigeria and Ghana training African university technicians. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management Information Science from the University of Iowa in the summer of 2002. He has three years of experience working for Cerner Corporation including a year he spent in London designing an online bookings system for the National Healthcare System (NHS) of the United Kingdom.

	Shawn Sebastian
	Partnerships Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
	Shawn is originally from Ames, Iowa, and is currently a senior at the University of Iowa completing his degree in English and Religion. He has spent the last 2 ½ years working in India with The Best Practices Foundation, an NGO that conducts research and documentation in development with special focus on gender, governance and livelihoods. He has worked in rural villages in India and has had experience in natural resource management, rural entrepreneurship development, microfinance and education. Shawn looks forward to being part of The WiderNet Project team and working toward its mission.

	Sarah Shebek
	Publicity Intern
	Sarah does not go to the University of Iowa, although she is from Iowa City. She is a journalism major attending Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Sarah is excited to be working for WiderNet this summer and give it the exposure it needs to have an even better chance of reaching the information poor worldwide. After graduation, she hopes to do something related to her major while working for a non-profit organization.

	Emily Silliman

	Sonia Silva
	Area Librarian

	Antwon Simmons
	Technician Assistant

	Manikaran Singh
	Computer Technician

	Sergio Sixto
	Volunteer Computer Technician
	Sergio is a returning volunteer who works refurbishing computers and cleaning hard drives so they can be used in computer labs. He also helps to organize our donation storage room.

	Daniel Smith J.D.
	Content Volunteer
	Daniel is a Special Collections Librarian volunteering for The WiderNet Project remotely from North Carolina.

	Michael Smith
	Portal Developer
	Michael is a political science major who is working with The WiderNet Project on an eGranary portal about economics in developing countries with Andrew McGrean.

	Jenna Spiering
	Volunteer

	Kathryn Stackhouse

	Neena Stephen
	Development Coordinator
	Neena recently graduated from The University of Iowa with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and an emphasis in Global Health Studies. She has a variety of experience working with non-profit agencies and is very excited to work with The WiderNet Project.

	Bryan Stusse
	Librarian
	Bryan is a Librarian at The WiderNet Project.

	Yu Su
	Content Librarian
	Yu Su is an eLibrarian working for The WiderNet Project and also assists director Cliff Missen with his summer course at The University of Iowa. Yu Su is an Education and Administration major in her Junior year at the University of Iowa.

	Catherine Szulyk
	Programmer

	Hulisani Takalani
	Volunteer
	Hulisani is a student at the University of Iowa and volunteer at The WiderNet Project working on a project for South Africa.

	Anne Talbot
	Database Volunteer
	Anne is pursuing a major in MIS, a Japanese minor and an International Business Certificate. As a volunteer, she will be learning, researching and helping with database management. She credits Sarah Zdenek for anything she learned during high school.

	Mazin Talha
	Technician Assistant
	Mazin is currently a Computer Science student at the University of Iowa. Mazin started in the summer of 2005 as a volunteer and now works as a general technician at The WiderNet Project.

	Kuy Tang
	Volunteer Java Programmer
	Kuy is a volunteer Java Programmer working on eGranary utilities and rewriting some of the code. He is also a West High student who has worked with WiderNet as a volunteer since he was in middle school.

	Canan Tapia BS
	Web Database Developer
	Canan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. She started working at The WiderNet Project as a database developer intern during the spring semester of 2003. Now she continues working at WiderNet doing database programming while she hopes to gain more valuable computer knowledge and experience in the computer and information science field.

	Angelika Taylor
	Publicity Volunteer
	Angelika Taylor is a Senior in Communications at the University of Iowa and Public Relations Volunteer at The WiderNet Project.

	John Taylor BA
	Graphic Designer
	John is the Graphic Designer at WiderNet. He is a recent graduate from the University of Iowa with a degree in Art.

	Justin Thiltgen
	Project Assistant

	Jordan Thomas
	Computer Technician
	Jordan is a computer technician at The WiderNet Project and junior at the University of Iowa majoring in English and Creative Writing. He has worked at CompUSA setting up and selling computers.

	Colin Thompson
	Intern
	Colin is an Intern at the WiderNet Project and student at Scattergood Friends School in West Branch, IA.

	Maida Tilchen

	Lindsey Tinnell
	Project Clerk
	Lindsey is a freshman at the University of Iowa. She started working at The WiderNet Project in the spring semester of 2005. She does the basic tasks that need to get done from day to day and recently started small public relations tasks. Lindsey is double majoring in English and Journalism with a minor in Women's Studies. She plans on becoming an editor of a women's magazine and hopes that by working here that she will gain a broader knowledge of computers and computer skills and gain experience working in PR.

	David Tokuhisa
	Computer Technician/Volunteer
	Dave is a computer technician at The WiderNet Project after having volunteer for us loading cargo containers. He has degrees in Biology and Computer Science and has worked many years for both Rockwell and Fiserv.

	James Tyler
	Project Clerk
	Jamie is a sophomore at the University of Iowa. He started working with The WiderNet Project near the end of the spring semester of 2004 as part of a his work study. As a clerk, he does anything that needs to get done from moment to moment from making copies to updating the eGranary Digital Library. He is a Religious Studies major who plans to attend Seminary after college and also an aspiring writer.

	Kylie VanZee
	Public Relations Assistant
	Kylie is a freshman at the University of Iowa majoring in Studio Art. She has worked extensively with the Adobe suite, which will be very helpful for our Publicity staff.

	Sanchita Vivekshankar
	Volunteer Librarian
	Sanchita is a volunteer librarian who recently graduated from Visvesvaray Technological University in Karnataka, India, with a degree in Electronics. She will be with WiderNet through the fall while her husband finishes his degree at the UI.

	Annah Vollstedt
	Intern
	Annah is an UI intern at The WiderNet Project. Before joining The WiderNet Project, she actually was part of a Siouxland Tanzania Educational and Medical Ministries' (STEMM) service project that set up an eGranary in Tanzania.

	Courtney Walters
	Content Librarian
	Courtney is a graduate student of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa. She worked during the 2007-2008 school year to create an Injury Prevention portal for the eGranary. She now volunteers by cataloging resources for the eGranary remotely.

	Minglu Wang MA
	SLIS Fellow
	Minglu is the new School of Library and Information Science Fellow for the Spring 2009 semester. She came to the University of Iowa as a graduate student in Sociology from Dalian, China, but transferred to Library Science last year and is currently working on her Master's Degree.

	Yanhong Wang
	Librarian
	Yanhong is a Librarian at The WiderNet Project. She graduate this spring with a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Iowa and received her undergraduated degree in English Literature from Tianjin Normal University in Tianjin, China.

	Mary Weber
	Publicity Assistant
	Mary is a Publicity Assistant at WiderNet and sophomore at the University of Iowa.

	Ryan Wells
	Project Assistant
	Ryan is a graduate student in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies in the College of Education, with interests in International Education and Educational Technology. He is working primarily on the eGranary Digital Library for The WiderNet Project.

	Kathrynne Wesley-Wells

	Matthew Wilhite
	Project Clerk
	Matthew is currently finishing his first year in the Master's Program at the University of Iowa's Religious Studies department. He is currently studying Chinese Buddhism during the Ming Dynasty, in particular he is studying Pure Land - Chan syncretism.

	Maxwell Willard
	Computer Refurbishment Volunteer
	Max is probably The WiderNet Project's youngest volunteer at age 13.

	Georgeanna Williams

	Sarah Willis

	Kimberley Willyard
	Volunteer Coordinator
	Kim is The WiderNet Project's Volunteer Coordinator. She is also a junior in Anthropology/Psychology at the University of Iowa and worked last summer coordinating a foreign exchange program for Youth for Understanding of Des Moines.

	Juanita Wilson

	Peter Yohe
	Technical Support
	Peter is one of the technical assistants for WiderNet and the eGranary Digital Library. He also is one of the trainers at WiderNet for eGranary related projects, having traveled twice to Nigeria to conduct server management training.

	Sarah Zdenek
	K-12 Portal Developer
	Sarah is a long time Iowan who just began her MLS studies this summer. She has spent the last five years teaching high school. The opportunity to work with the eGranary Digital Library brought her to Iowa City specifically, and she is looking forward to learning much and helping more.

	Tegan Zimmerman
	Public Relations Assistant
	Tegan is currently a student at the University of Iowa majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Mass Communication. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in public relations and work as a PR agent for a firm. When she has free time, she enjoys running and spending time with family and friends.

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