Name:  Dr. Kristin Dade
Your position: I run a state grant called the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and a federal grant called the McNair Scholars Program. Both grants serve first-generation, underrepresented students pursuing careers in Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) or PhD.
 
Educational Background: M.S.Ed. & PhD
 
What is most interesting about your position? Seeing students achieve their hopes and dreams.

What has been your biggest professional challenge? Completing my PhD while being a single mother.
 
What was your background before your current position? Before working in higher education, I worked as a Banker and at an Emergency Room on a Navy base.
 
What would you be doing if you weren't in your current position? I am doing exactly what I hoped to be doing when I embarked on this journey.
 
What is the most interesting issue in your field today? That even in this day and age, we are still lacking diverse representation among our medical professions and the professoriate.
 
What are you most proud of? Being the first person in my family to hold a PhD.
 
What other organizations are you involved with? Associate of Program Administrators of CTEP & STEP, Inc. (APACS) and National Academic Advising Association (NACADA)
 
What advice would you give to someone new to the field? Listen to the student. Hear their needs before you offer advice.
 
What software/web tools do you use regularly? Peoplesoft; Microsoft Office Suite, Google
Favorite social media platform:  Facebook.

What do you do to relax?   Read and watch tv.

What is the most daring thing you've ever done? I am not a fan of bugs, so the most daring thing I have ever done would be to hike to Taughannock Falls without my bug spray.
 
What would you like to learn?   Everything. I wanted to remain in higher education because I am a life long learner.
 
Is there anything about you that others would be surprised to know?   My daughter and I share the same birthday.

Thank you Kristin!