Meet the Mentors

Chrismond Smith is a dedicated physicist and educator with advanced expertise in nanoscale materials characterization, computational modeling, and collaborative research. He holds an M.S. in Physics from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Chicago State University (CSU). As a Compass Researcher at CSU (2024–2025), Chrismond applied Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Peakforce TUNA techniques to map nanoscale surface topologies and analyze electrical properties. His research background includes synthesizing materials via Pulsed Laser Ablation at UTSA (2017–2023), performing plasma simulations at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2021–2022), and analyzing particle collisions at CERN (2015). His work, supported by the DOE NNSA, has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Chrismond excels in cross-disciplinary collaboration, partnering with physicists, chemists, and engineers to solve complex challenges. He is proficient in Python, computational physics methods, and advanced electron microscopy. As an Adjunct Physics Faculty at CSU (2024), he designed engaging curricula for diverse learners, leveraging hands-on experiments to enhance comprehension. His leadership extends to professional organizations: he served as President of CSU’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) (2013–2015), mentoring students for national STEM competitions. He remains actively affiliated with NSBE, the Society of Physics Students (SPS), and NOBCChE, reflecting his commitment to community and academic excellence. Chrismond’s technical versatility, research rigor, and dedication to education position him as a dynamic contributor to cutting-edge scientific endeavors.

Dominique Newell:  bio coming

Felicia Davenport: Hello! I’m Felicia Davenport, a biomedical research engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, where I apply my expertise in biomechanics to enhance human performance and aircrew safety. I recently earned my Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, following a B.S. in Physics from Chicago State University. My academic and professional journey has been fueled by a deep passion for applied sciences and learning through experience. As a competitive collegiate golfer, I was fascinated by the technical mechanics that improved my performance—an interest that clearly influenced my career path. I also discovered that connecting physical movement to scientific concepts enhanced both my gameplay and my understanding of complex material. This realization sparked my passion for mentorship: once I found what helped me learn best, I was eager to help others do the same. At Chicago State, I became a Learning Assistant for introductory physics and biology courses, where I worked to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowered students to grasp challenging concepts through personalized approaches. Later, as a graduate intern at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, I led a project as Principal Investigator while mentoring undergraduate students through their year-long research experiences. I truly enjoyed watching each student grow in confidence and capability—one of the most rewarding parts of my career so far.
I’m excited to continue supporting and uplifting emerging scientists through this mentorship program and look forward to sharing what I’ve learned along the way.

Joann Roberts (Jo): A native of Chicago, I am a licensed pilot and poet with a longstanding fascination for the cosmos. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics with honors from Chicago State University in 2021 and am currently gaining professional experience as a physicist and flight test engineer with the Department of Defense. While I am not presently enrolled in graduate school, I plan to begin advanced studies in physics, astronomy, or engineering in the near future—either in fall 2025 or spring 2026—with the ultimate goal of earning a Ph.D. in astrophysics or an Ed.D. in Science or STEM Education. My academic and professional interests are deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for understanding the Universe, with particular focus on space weather, planetary and exoplanetary atmospheres, and astronomical instrumentation, including optics, photonics, spectroscopy, remote sensing, and satellite technologies. I view the study of the cosmos not only as a scientific endeavor but as a pathway to greater insight into life and the human experience. In parallel with my technical pursuits, I am committed to education and outreach, especially at the intersection of science and the arts. I am passionate about integrating Hip Hop and poetry into the teaching of physics, astronomy, and mathematics, and I aspire to incorporate teaching into every stage of my career.

Kiara Fenner: I am currently a Lab Assistant at CSU, where I support both students and faculty in the QuBBE (Quantum Biology and Biophysics Education) program. I hold a PhD in physics from the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a proud CSU alum, my academic journey began in Dr. Garcia’s high-energy physics lab, which opened doors to incredible research experiences at national and international levels. Through this work, I had the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and study abroad at CERN, contributing to data analysis for particle collision experiments. During my undergraduate years, I also served as a Learning Assistant in both physics and mathematics courses, where I helped guide students through challenging concepts and labs. I further broadened my research skills by participating in two competitive NSF-funded REU programs—one at the University of Chicago, focusing on computational programming, and another at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I explored materials science through molecular simulations. During graduate school my research centered on computational biophysics. My work involved molecular dynamics simulations of globular proteins, and I was supported by the NIH-funded RISE fellowship. Additionally, I completed a research internship through the Department of Energy’s Office of Science as part of the MEISPP program. After completing my Ph.D. in physics, I returned to CSU to continue contributing to education and research. I have worked as an instructor in the QuBBE summer program for high school students and as an adjunct faculty member, teaching Physics I with Calculus.

Tim Sanders: I am Tim Sanders, a high school physics and math teacher with over 13 years of experience in education. I hold a master’s degree in astrophysics, and my teaching career has been shaped by both my academic background and my commitment to helping students build strong foundations in science. I have taught a wide range of physics topics, from classical mechanics to electromagnetism, and I strive to foster curiosity and critical thinking in all of my students. My involvement with the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhySTEC) has equipped me with effective strategies to enhance science education through collaborative efforts. Additionally, I have worked with the CIERA program at Northwestern University, gaining hands-on experience in astronomy research and mentoring aspiring scientists. Beyond the classroom, I am also deeply involved in coaching and mentoring, serving as a basketball coach and football coach. I am passionate about developing young athletes both on and off the field, helping them build discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills. I look forward to bringing my experience as both an educator and mentor to this program and supporting the next generation of scientists and leaders.

Trey Thompson: I am Trey Thompson, an Engineering Physicist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Physicist from Chicago State University. During that time, I was fortunate enough to be selected for a 8-week internship at the world's largest particle accelerator complex, CERN, in Geneva, Switzerland, and it was there that I received my first exposure to particle physics. Shortly after receiving my diploma, I started my career at FNAL as an Accelerator Operator. It was in that control room that I learned just how cool and difficult accelerator science is. I now work in our Accelerator Research Division on a machine known as FAST/IOTA where we look to study and discover new innovative ways to increase the efficiency of future accelerators. Beyond the science, I love supporting local art of all forms with a special interest in music, I look to shine my light on the young blossoming talent the city is cultivating as often as possible, and I'm a devout father to my daughter, Tsu. I hope to continue to inspire growth through this mentoring program.