Staff Advice and Implementation Committee

Staff Advice and Implementation Committee

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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.

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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.

The Community Building subcommittee 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.

2025 Members

  • Co-Chair: Maxine Jonas (BE)
  • Co-Chair: Amanda Beyer-Purvis (EECS)
  • Moustafa Ali (BE)
  • Moala Bannavti (CEE)
  • Amilton Barbosa Botelho Jr. (DMSE)
  • Victoria Bautista (DMSE)
  • Laura Beretsky (MITES)
  • Andi Blumenau (Deshpande)
  • Alice Boo (BE)
  • Kezia Chee (MechE)
  • Pam Fradkin (AeroAstro)
  • Amy Levin (LGO)
  • Alethia Mariotta (ChemE)
  • Hannah Mishin (MechE)
  • Reza Rahaman (TLC)
  • Justin Vieira (Professional Education)
  • Zhengpeng (Jason) Wan (BE)
  • Anne Wilson (MechE)
  • Edith Wun (NSE)
  • Duhan Zhang (DMSE)

Professional Development Subcommittee

Professional Development Subcommittee

The SAIC Professional Development Committee (SAIC PD) supports the growth and advancement of staff across the MIT School of Engineering. The committee 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.

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

2025 Members

  • Co-Chairs: Samantha Pennino (CEE) and Maren Axe (SCM)
  • Amazigh Ankji (MechE)
  • Marine Bender (DMSE)
  • Priscilla Capistrano (EECS)
  • Pranav Chhaliyil (CTL)
  • Ana Paula do Nascimento (DMSE)
  • Joey Dorion (CTL)
  • Cara Diaz-Rohrer (CEE)
  • Ericka Elghazi (TLC)
  • Tamara Galoyan (Lemelson)
  • Paige Hansen Colburn (BE)
  • Amber Li (DMSE)
  • Haoran Li (CEE)
  • Janine Liberty (AeroAstro)
  • Sam Locke (SoE)
  • Rachel Ornitz (AeroAstro)
  • Shelbi Parker (SoE)
  • Neza Sheikh (SoE)
  • Kristi Stone (NSE)
  • Aurelia Tompkins (MechE)
  • Xiang Zhang (IMES)

Social Events & Wellness Committee

Social Events & Wellness Committee

The SAIC Social and Wellness Committee (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.

The Social Events and Wellness subcommittee 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.

2025 Members

  • Co-Chairs: Amanda Bendzel (ChemE) and Flora J. Keumurian (CBI)
  • Wafa Ahmed (SoE)
  • Isabel Bourelle (MechE)
  • Michelle Carmichael (IDSS)
  • Carolyn Carrington (NSE)
  • Jedrek Dineros (Professional Education)
  • Ella Disbennett (BE)
  • Claudia Forero-Sloan (TLC)
  • Emilie Heilig (MechE)
  • Brian Lombardo (Lemelson)
  • Emily Loveland (IMES)
  • Jay Matthews (CEE)
  • Kristin Meschisen (BE)
  • Anza Mitchell (NSE)
  • Saana McDaniel (MechE)
  • Eunice Nganga (AeroAstro)
  • Gregory Soloviev (SoE)
  • Jason Sparapani (DMSE)

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.

2025 Members

  • Maren Axe (SCM)
  • Samantha Pennino (CEE)
  • Maxine Jonas (BE)
  • Amanda Beyer-Purvis (EECS)
  • Amanda Bendzel (ChemE)
  • Flora J. Keumurian (CBI)
  • Michele Lynn Harris (SoE)
  • Heather Kispert Hagerty (SoE)
  • Catherine Kim (SoE)
  • Nandi Bynoe (SoE)
  • Macall Coombs Zimmerman (SoE)
  • Mary Beth Gallagher (SoE)
  • Julie Kukharenko (SoE)

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 email the Steering Committee at saic-steering@mit.edu