Meet the Team

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Nathalia Holtzman

Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success

Dr. Holtzman is an Associate Professor in Biology and is serving as the Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success at Queens College. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto before moving on to her PhD at the University of Oregon. Since 2005, Dr. Holtzman has been a faculty member at Queens College, studying heart development and aquatic toxicology. As Associate Provost, Dr. Holtzman oversees many student success initiatives. This includes the Learning Commons, the Writing Center, the Office of Experiential Education, and the Center of Career and Engagement and Internships. Additional programs include the Office of Honors and Scholarship, the First Year Experience, and the Accelerate, Complete, and Engage QC program.

Additionally, Dr. Holtzman also oversees numerous grants including Howard Huges Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence Award (IE3) focused on DEI in the classroom, an NSF funded grant for design thinking and makerspace development, an NSF grant supporting computer science transfer students, a DOE grant focused on supporting STEM transfer students from LaGuardia Community College, in addition to several other CUNY funded projects.

Her work and advocacy continue to focus on the success of students and what Queens College can do in support of their learning and growth.

Sayashmini Madhow

Administrative Coordinator to Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success

Sayashmini Madhow graduated from Queens College, City University of New York in May of 2015, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Business and Liberal Arts. Following her undergraduate studies she joined the Experiential Education Team at Queens College, and served as a Coordinator for several experiential learning programs for two years. Currently, she is the Administrative Coordinator and assistant to the Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success under the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic affairs.

As a proud alumnus of Queens College and the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program, Sayashmini has been incredibly humbled by the opportunity to work for an institution that gave her the chance to attain a college degree. In 2019, she earned a Master of Science in Business Management and Leadership from CUNY School of Professional Studies and intends to continue her academic journey by completing a Ph.D in Global Leadership or Organizational Change and Leadership.

Sayashmini is skilled in administration, project management, student development, college access, civic engagement, community outreach, and team development. She is a team player and has an affinity for creating a harmonious, fun working environment which is productive and efficient. Sayashmini has great appreciation for giving back to the community and enjoys volunteering. She considers herself an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. She loves experiencing new cultures and spends all of her free time traveling to new countries.

What is a fun fact about you?

I climbed a flux tower at a Forestry Research Station, 60km north of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Donna Smith

Director

Learning Commons

What is a fun fact about you?

I have been at Queens College since the womb! My mom was completing her Master's Degree at QC while pregnant with me. So, when I tell people I have been at QC for a long time, I mean I have been here, for a /long/ time.

Jorge Velez

Director

Freshman Year Initiative

What is a fun fact about you?

I've volunteered or worked with students, parents and educators in the following places: US, Guyana, Brazil, Ethiopia and China.

Taruna Sadhoo

Director

Macaulay Honors College

What is a fun fact about you?

I enjoy visiting museums with my family.

Zavi Gunn

Director

Center for Career Engagement & Internships

What is a fun fact about you?

I am the 2022 recipient of the NCPTW’s Ron Maxwell Award for Distinguished Leadership in Promoting the Collaborative Learning Practices of Peer Tutors in Writing (The NCPTW Ron Maxwell Leadership Award).

Andrea Rosso Efthymiou

Director

Writing Center

What is one tip you have for student success, directed towards a student?

Practice is key.

Allan Edmond

Assistant Director

STEM Learning Center

What is a fun fact about you?

I was a DJ at my college radio station.

Cristina Di Meo

Director

Experiential Education

What is a fun fact about you?

I previously worked as an academic advisor at Queens College.

Ivan-Scott Lee

Director

ACE QC

Student Success Team Org Chart