Lab Lead - Dr. Cassie Jamison

Dr. Jamison started as an Assistant Professor in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Experiential Engineering Education department in 2022. She has a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with an Engineering Education Certificate as well as an MS in Biomedical Engineering, all from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering Science with three minors (mathematics, biology, Spanish) at Wartburg College (Waverly, IA) before that. 

In her free time, Dr. Jamison likes to play soccer, get outside for a walk with a good audiobook, bake, or curl up on the couch with her two dogs.

PhD Student, Engineering Education - Jamael Ajah

Jamael holds three degrees: a Master's of Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware (2023), a Master's of Materials Science and Engineering from the African University of Science and Technology in Abuja, Nigeria (2021), and a Bachelor's of Chemical Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria (2017). Jamael's research interest lies in platforms that offer equitable access to education, ensuring that a significant portion of recipients in underserved communities are motivated to learn during school and prepared to transition seamlessly into their chosen profession upon graduation.

Jamael also enjoys talking with people of all ages and believes that interactions with everyone should be graceful, considering the brevity of life and the power of words. He also likes music (listening, singing, and sometimes dancing alone). Following in his dear father's footsteps, he is an upcoming writer (crafting birthday messages for friends, etc).

PhD Student, Engineering Education - Heather Malino

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Rowan University in 2014, Heather worked for eight years at DuPont in their Industrial Biosciences division, holding several positions in research, manufacturing, and marketing. In 2022, she returned to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. With a passion for mentoring and teaching new engineers, Heather decided to pursue a PhD in Engineering Education. She aspires to continue solving problems by applying novel scientific techniques and to embrace lifelong learning. Additionally, she is committed to sharing her research and knowledge with future generations of scientists and engineers.

PhD Student, Engineering Education - Rebecca Spirer

Rebecca Spirer holds both a B.Eng. and M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. After spending several years in industry, she returned to academia to pursue a Ph.D. in Engineering Education at Rowan University. She is currently a member of the Jamison Lab Group, where her research focuses on understanding and addressing the gap between academic preparation and industry expectations in engineering. 

Outside of her academic work, Rebecca enjoys building with LEGOs, playing video games, and spending time with her two beloved Rottweilers, whom she proudly brags about. 

THRIVE Postdoctoral Scholar, ExEEd - Jacque Tawney, PhD

Dr. Jacqueline Tawney is a THRIVE postdoctoral fellow in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Experiential Engineering Education department. She received her PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2024, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel in 2018. Her research and teaching are centered on building a more compassionate and critically engaged STEM community. 

Jacque enjoys creating and appreciating art in all forms, practicing yoga, spending time in nature, and hanging out with her loved ones.

MS Student, Mechanical Engineering - Joey Midiri

Joey holds a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University (2024) and an Associate's of Engineering in from Atlantic Cape Community College (2022). He has continued his work at Rowan University with a focus on the emerging field of soft robotics, with his primary research area being novel soft actuator development and design. He is also involved in the educational side of the field, and has worked in soft robotic educational research, teaching, and project design.

Among Joey’s personal interests are topics in engineering history, biology, and theology. Outside of his collegiate studies you can find him tending to his flock of chickens, collecting model trains, and hiking in the Pine Barrens of Southern New Jersey.

Briana Lavine

Briana completed a summer research experience in the Jamison lab in 2023 with co-advisement from Dr. Justin Major. Her work looked at students' motivations to participate in engineering-adjacent, out-of-class activities. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in BME at Purdue University.

Kathy Trieu

Kathy completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rowan University in May 2025. She was part of the Cultivate Soft Robotics Design Team, a group dedicated to developing educational modules that introduce undergraduate students to the field of soft robotics. As part of this initiative, Kathy co-authored a published paper and presented it alongside her colleague, Joseph Midiri, at the 2024 ASEE Annual Conference. She is now working for DMAVA.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends, exploring new restaurants, and hanging out with her cat.