Dean’s Student Advisory Board
Faculty/Staff Member of the Month
2022
Christopher Laincz
Awarded April 2022
Associate Professor of Economics Christopher Laincz joined Drexel in 2003 after earning his doctorate in economics from Duke University. He is also a Drexel alum, earning his bachelor’s degree in international area studies in 1991. His research focuses include macroeconomics and monetary economics, industrial organization and economic development, and he served as director of LeBow’s PhD program from 2012-2020. Sam Gedeon, first-year student majoring in behavioral economics, business and organizations, says, “Professor Laincz is truly the best instructor I’ve had at Drexel! He is so supportive of his students and really takes the time to make sure we understand content. He also has the best dad jokes.”
Shawna Morse
Awarded March 2022
Shawna joined LeBow in August 2018. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Pennsylvania. Third-year student Shivani Patel says, “Shawna is a gem at LeBow: you ask her for help on one thing, and she’ll help you with another ten things! She does everything in her power to help you plan, give answers and provide you with the best experience. Whenever I leave a conversation with Shawna, I’m always feeling good.”
Yoto Yotov
Awarded Feb. 2022
Prof. Yotov joined LeBow in 2007, after receiving his PhD in economics from Boston College. His research is focused on international trade, and his work appears in leading economics journals. First-year student Kate Coyne says, “Yoto has a pure passion for teaching and truly cares for his students. I took his class on a last-minute whim, and it was the best decision that I could have made. More than anyone else, he practices what he preaches and is willing to invest in the success of his students.”
Daniel Dorn
Awarded in Jan. 2022
Prof. Dorn joined LeBow in 2003 after receiving his PhD in finance from Columbia University. Sophia Ziajski, a fifth-year finance major says, “Prof. Dorn is an incredible person and professor within LeBow! His passion for teaching is evident in every lecture, and all his students know that he genuinely cares about their success in his courses. He goes above and beyond for his students in many ways including offering late night office hours on weekdays, creating meaningful assignments with real-world applications and supporting the establishment of the new Summer Analyst Program Resources initiative within the Finance Undergraduate Resource Blackboard.”
2021
Yasmeen Mayes
Awarded in Nov. 2021
Yasmeen joined LeBow in 2018 after graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences. She serves as the advisor for Drexel Women in Business and as co-chair of LeBow’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Action Group and has worked to launch the Drexel LeBow Black Alumni Network (DLBAN). “Yasmeen does a lot to create exceptional opportunities for the community here in LeBow,” says senior Rashmi Dogra. “I had the opportunity to work with her as my advisor for Drexel Women in Business. She is quick in connecting alumni with current students, providing opportunities with Fortune 500 companies, as well as leading the Drexel Women in Business Alumni Council.”
Ashley Latorre
Awarded in October 2021
Ashley joined the Undergraduate Advising Team at LeBow in June 2018 where she serves as an Academic Advisor to students pursuing degrees in Business and Engineering, Business Administration and Economics. Prior to joining LeBow, Ashley graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in Organizational Management and Business Administration from Drexel in 2018. Ashley is currently working towards completing her Masters of Science in Information Systems. Diotima Roy, a fourth-year student who has Ashley as her advisor, states, “Ashley always goes above and beyond to help me out regarding any questions or concerns I have had regarding classes or co-op, and she does so with a lot of patience. She is one of the most positive and upbeat people I have met at Drexel, and I am glad to have her as my academic advisor.”
Porsche Johnson
Awarded in June 2021
Porsche joined LeBow in 2012 and currently serves as program manager of LeBow BRIDGE and the assistant director of undergraduate programs. Current students and alumni describe her as consistently going above and beyond in her support of the LeBow undergraduate community. Class of 2021 graduate Bianca Mitchell says, “Porsche never ceases to amaze us! She facilitates and moderates meetings for the BRIDGE advisory council that includes some key stakeholders from the LeBow and Drexel community, and she is developing LeBow’s NAIOP camp starting next month. Even the 360-degree photo booth from the Graduation Final Walk event was her idea!”
Andrew Genetta
Awarded in May 2021
Andrew is a seasoned civil litigation lawyer with 30 years of successful law practice experience in the private sector specializing in complex & general commercial and tort issues, and has taught at LeBow since 2005. Mina Johnson, a second-year student in his Business Law I class, says, “Genetta’s teaching style is one of the best that I have seen, especially during online classes. The Socratic style of teaching through conversation and fact patterns helps students like myself who may not be familiar with contracts and business law to really learn and engage with the content. I have really enjoyed the class so far, and more importantly, I have understood the content through the effective teaching.”
Diana Sandberg
Awarded in April 2021
Diana received her Master’s in Finance from LeBow in 1992 and has been an integral part of LeBow since 2005. Jomo Davis, a current 2nd year LeBow student shared, “Professor Sandberg has been instrumental in helping build a strong, active community at LeBow, specifically within the investment/finance side. I’ve been able to see firsthand the way she creates a better environment for business students through her advisory role for the Society of Security Analysts, and her phenomenal leadership of the Dragon Fund.”
Dana D'Angelo
Awarded in March 2021
Dana serves as clinical professor of general business in the LeBow College of Business and has been an integral member of the faculty for over 30 years. Sophia Desko, a third year LeBow student describes Dana as someone who “goes out of her way to help students in and out of the classroom.” Dana received her MBA from LeBow in 1992 and in 2020, she was awarded the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.
Aqila Clement
Awarded in Feb. 2021
Aqila joined Drexel in 2016 after a decade leading admissions, enrollment management and institutional research for federal & state programs and policies in elementary and secondary education. She shares her experiences with the undergraduate services team through initiatives in recruitment and undergraduate programming for first-year and transfer students to LeBow. Aqila holds a M.Ed. in higher education, a Graduate Certificate in institutional research and a certificate in computer science, and she is currently pursuing a master’s in computer science. Diotima Roy, a pre-junior economics major, says Aqila “is one of the sweetest people at LeBow and on any given day, she never fails to greet you with a warm smile!”
Michelle Pearl
Awarded in Jan. 2021
Michelle joined LeBow in May 2019 and has worked for Drexel University since 2008. Prior to LeBow, Michelle worked on the Recruitment team for the College of Computing & Informatics assisting both undergraduate and graduate students as well on the Events & Visitor Relations team within Enrollment Management & Student Success. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Loyola University Maryland and a Master’s in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Temple University. Fritz Lorcale, a first-year Business & Engineering major, describes Michelle as “one of the most caring staff members in LeBow.”
2020
James Rinier
Awarded in Dec. 2020
James Rinier joined LeBow in 2016 and is an assistant clinical professor of accounting at Drexel’s LeBow College of Business. He brings years of industry experience to the classroom and is a popular choice for students looking to take accounting courses. Sam Morningstar, a finance and accounting major, describes Professor Rinier as “one of the most enthusiastic professors I’ve ever met” and as someone “who goes the extra mile to show that he truly cares about his students.”
Lauren D’Innocenzo
Awarded in Nov. 2020
Lauren D’Innocenzo, PhD, is an associate professor of Management at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. She has conducted research in various areas such as understanding team effectiveness by exploring compositional elements and contextual influences, and emergent team dynamics. She brings real-world experience to LeBow from her time working with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and hospitals. D’Innocenzo holds a PhD from the University of Connecticut and was recently named a Top 40 Under 40 Business Professor by Poets and Quants.D’Innocenzo’s passion for teaching is evident in her thoughtful and holistic approach to helping students both inside and outside the classroom. Christian Maxey, a student majoring in organizational management at LeBow, has had Dr. D’Innocenzo twice and recalls how influential she was in both courses: “Her knowledge of our course material, awareness of shifting and evolving trends in business, and broad expertise in her field is remarkable. The care and compassion she has for her students is what makes her so incredible.” D’Innocenzo’s classes are often lauded for being beneficial for professional development, but are all the more transformative in one’s personal lives too. “She remains a mentor to me to this day,” Maxey added.
Brad Sodowick
Awarded in Feb. 2020
Brad Sodowick, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of finance at Drexel LeBow College of Business. In addition to his teaching career, he has a diversified education in psychology, business and medicine, and has worked for hospitals and non-profit organizations and acted as a consultant for various financial institutions. Sodowick has several medical awards and publication credits to his name. Rajeev Nunna, a finance major in LeBow, says of Sodowick, “[He is] a professor who will do whatever it takes to help his students understand and enjoy course material. [He’s] someone who seems like they truly love their job.”
Randall Thomas
Awarded in Jan. 2020
Randall Thomas, fondly known as “Randy” to the Drexel community, joined the LeBow Starbucks team in 2017 as a cashier. Due to his exceptional performance reviews and his ability to build connections with students, faculty and staff alike, he was promoted to shift supervisor in late 2019. Anyone who’s been to the LeBow Starbucks can attest to the fact that Thomas has made their day at least once, whether it be with a quick dry-witted joke and a smile or simply by remembering their regular order.
2019
Jackie McCurdy
Awarded in Dec. 2019
Jackie McCurdy joined LeBow in 2005 and leads the Undergraduate Student Services team. Undergraduate Student Services provides an array of support to students including academic advising, graduation clearing, academic support, academic standing, course scheduling and student advocacy. Jackie holds an undergraduate degree in english and a master’s in education. Ruth Thomas, a finance major in LeBow, says of McCurdy, “[She is] someone who really knows how to make LeBow feel like home. [She is] truly committed to student success.”
Caitlin Brady
Awarded in Nov. 2019
Caitlin Brady joined LeBow in 2017 as the associate director of Undergraduate Programs. Brady supports student success through programming, leadership development and college-wide diversity & inclusion initiatives. Brady holds an undergraduate degree in communication studies and a master’s in higher educational counseling and student affairs. Sam Morningstar, a finance and accounting major, describes Brady as “the most warm-hearted, enthusiastic, and hard-working person ever.” Bella Santosusso, a recent graduate, says of Brady, “[She] pushed me to be the student, leader and friend I didn’t know I had the potential to be.”
Mukit "Mo" Wali
Awarded in Oct. 2019
Mo is one of the most well-known members of the LeBow community. You can always find him in the building during the evenings and late nights caring for our facilities and sharing his warm personality with students. Mo also works as an elementary school teacher during the daytime. For all students, Mo will always provide great conversation, positivity and encouragement. He is an integral part of the LeBow team and has played a positive role in LeBow students’ college experience for years.