Staff Advice and Implementation Committee

Staff Advice and Implementation Committee

A group of nine women stand together, smiling, in front of a winter-themed balloon arch with blue and white balloons and snowflake decorations, at an event called Winter Wellness Fest.
People seated at round tables with light blue tablecloths in a large hall, decorated with blue and white balloons and large murals on the walls. Some are standing and talking, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Staff Advice & Implementation Committee (SAIC) advises the Dean of Engineering on strategies and best practices that strengthen staff engagement and expand professional development opportunities across the School of Engineering. There are three subcommittees that staff across the School can join: Community Building, Professional Development, and Social Events & Wellness Committee.

Quick Links

Three women smiling and posing together in front of a Winter Wellnessfest sign, with snowflake decorations and blue balloons on the wall behind them. One woman holds a printed schedule or flyer.
A tray of pink and chocolate cupcakes topped with red heart candies, surrounded by pink sugar cookies, all displayed on white platters on a table with sunlight shining on them.
Several people stand around a table covered with jars and containers, selecting and scooping items. The scene takes place in a bright room with tall white columns and a coffered ceiling.

Community Building Subcommittee

Community Building Subcommittee

The SAIC Community Building Subcommittee (SAIC CB) works to strengthen connection and collaboration across the MIT School of Engineering. The committee develops recommendations and initiatives that foster a supportive, engaged workplace where staff contributions are valued and heard. By encouraging broad participation in planning and decision-making, the committee helps build a strong, cohesive community aligned with the school’s mission of excellence and impact.

SAIC CB has previously led initiatives such as a Staff Headshots Clinic, developed a Guide for Inclusive and Accessible Events, and conducted a School of Engineering-wide staff survey to explore what attracts individuals to MIT, what encourages them to stay, and what influences their decision to leave.

2026 Members

  • Co-Chair: Alethia Mariotta (ChemE)
  • Co-Chair: Kezia Chee (MechE)
  • Victoria Bautista (DMSE)
  • Laura Beretsky (MITES)
  • Amanda Beyer-Purvis (EECS)
  • Mindy Blodgett (IMES)
  • Jenni Clesas (Tata-MIT Alliance)
  • Alice Boo (BE)
  • Jedrek Dineros (Professional Education)
  • Malgorzata Hedderick (Professional Education)
  • Danuta Forbes (BE)
  • Pam Fradkin (AeroAstro)
  • Maxine Jonas (BE)
  • Amy Levin (LGO)
  • Hannah Mishin (MechE)
  • Reza Rahaman (TLC)
  • Justin Vieira (Professional Education)
  • Edith Wun (NSE)

Professional Development Subcommittee

Professional Development Subcommittee

The SAIC Professional Development Subcommittee (SAIC PD) supports the growth and advancement of staff across the MIT School of Engineering. The subcommittee identifies valuable career development resources, designs targeted workshops, and recommends new ways to share opportunities across the community. Its goal is to help staff strengthen existing skills, build new ones, and explore meaningful career paths within MIT.

SAIC PD has previously led initiatives such as staff career development panels, networking events, and the SAIC Staff mentorship program.

2026 Members

  • Co-Chair: Maren Axe (SCM)
  • Co-Chair: Ellan Spero (IDSS)
  • Matt Altieri (MIT Mission Innovation X)
  • Carolina Bastidas (MIT Sea Grant)
  • Priscilla Capistrano (EECS)
  • Cara Diaz-Rohrer (CEE)
  • Ericka Elghazi (TLC)
  • Tamara Galoyan (Lemelson-MIT)
  • Corlyn Key (DMSE)
  • W. David Lee (IMES)
  • Kendrik Yan Hong Lim (MechE)
  • Amber Li (DMSE)
  • Sam Locke (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Brian Lombardo (Lemelson-MIT)
  • Damion Mannings (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Shelbi Parker (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Maria Riefstahl (MIT Sea Grant)
  • Alexis Runstadler (BE)
  • Neza Sheikh (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Fahim Shinwari (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Kristi Stone (NSE)
  • Kasey Tenggren (IDSS)
  • Anne Wilson (MechE)
  • Xiang Zhang (IMES)

Social Events & Wellness Subcommittee

Social Events & Wellness Subcommittee

The SAIC Social and Wellness Subcommittee (SoWell) helps plan and coordinate events and activities that strengthen community and promote well-being across the MIT School of Engineering. From social gatherings to wellness initiatives, the committee creates opportunities for staff to connect, recharge, and build lasting relationships. Its work supports a positive, welcoming culture that enhances collaboration and makes the School a more engaging place to work.

SoWell has previously led initiatives such as the annual WinterWellnessFest, the annual SoE Lawn Party, a Social Onboarding guide, and the annual Staff Events & Activities Grant Program.

2026 Members

  • Co-Chair: Amanda Bendzel (ChemE)
  • Co-Chair: Flora J. Keumurian (CBI)
  • Wafa Ahmed (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Haley Anderson (EECS)
  • Isabel Bourelle (MechE)
  • Michelle Carmichael (IDSS)
  • Carolyn Carrington (NSE)
  • Claudia Forero-Sloan (TLC)
  • Emilie Heilig (MechE)
  • Kristin Meschisen (BE)
  • Anza Mitchell (NSE)
  • Saana McDaniel (MechE)
  • Eunice Nganga (AeroAstro)
  • Kaitlyn Searl (Lemelson-MIT)
  • Abbey Simmers (MechE)
  • Jeremy Rossen (IDSS)
  • Jason Sparapani (DMSE)
  • Aurelia Tompkins (MechE)

SAIC Steering Committee

SAIC Steering Committee

The SAIC Steering Committee is composed of the chairs of the three SAIC subcommittees along with leadership from the Dean’s Office. The group meets monthly to review progress, align priorities, and ensure that each committee’s work supports the school’s mission and goals. Members are expected to attend regular meetings and contribute actively between sessions through individual and small-group efforts that help move initiatives forward.

2026 Members

  • Maren Axe (SCM)
  • Alethia Mariotta (ChemE)
  • Kezia Chee (MechE)
  • Amanda Bendzel (ChemE)
  • Flora J. Keumurian (CBI)
  • Michele Lynn Harris (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Heather Kispert Hagerty (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Catherine Kim (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Ellan Spero (IDSS)
  • Nandi Bynoe (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Macall Coombs Zimmerman (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Mary Beth Gallagher (SoE Dean’s Office)
  • Julie Kukharenko (SoE Dean’s Office)

Membership

Membership

Membership in SAIC is voluntary and open to all MIT School of Engineering employees who are eager to contribute, share perspectives, and help address issues that matter to administrative and support staff. No special expertise is required, just an interest in collaboration and a commitment to improving the staff experience.

Call for Applications

A call for applications is sent annually via email, and interested staff are encouraged to discuss participation with their supervisor before volunteering.

For questions about participating in SAIC, please contact us.