Jeffrey C. Sun, J.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator and Project Director
University of Louisville
Roles & Responsibilities: Professor of Higher Education and Affiliate Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Innovation & Strategic Partnership, MAPS PI & Project Director and Curriculum Team member.
Education: BBA, MBA, Loyola Marymount University; JD Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University; M. Phil., Ph.D., Columbia University
Experience: Dr. Sun has been working in higher education since 1998. He has taught at New York University, Teachers College at Columbia University, University of North Dakota, and University of Louisville. His research focuses on higher education law and policy as well as professional education.
Fun fact: Dr. Sun has been employed continuously since he was 16, so it might explain why he values the education-to-work initiatives. He is from San Francisco, but he enjoyed immensely living in Grand Forks, ND explaining why he likes cold weather. He has 10 nieces and nephews identifying whom he gets to spoil.
D'Neika Lopez
Director, Professional Development and Community Engagement
University of Louisville
Responsibilities: D'Neika is responsible for registered apprenticeship program (RAP) development at the University of Louisville. She serves as Project Manager for RAP portfolio (overseeing processes, timeline, deliverables, etc.). D'Neika also manages data collection and reporting of performance for University of Louisville Registered Apprenticeship Programs to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Education: Associate of Arts at Jefferson Community and Technical College. Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College. Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville.
Experience: D'Neika spent 8 years in the United States Army Reserves as a Unit Supply Specialist and a Human Resource Specialist. She worked in the Office of Medical Student Affairs in a role directly supporting student success and wellness for 3 years prior to joining the MAPS team.
Fun fact: Her favorite television shows (and movies) are the ones where the hosts/characters are tasked with hunting down some lost historical artifact. She absolutely loves the National Treasure movies and the Discovery Channel television show, Expedition Unknown.
Annika Bennett
Director, Academic Design and Employer Engagement
University of Louisville
Responsibilities: Annika works with employers and academic units at the university to develop and expand apprenticeship-style programs in Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Healthcare. She also coordinates all marketing and employer engagement efforts.
Ruth Echiejile
Program Coordinator, Sr.
University of Louisville
Roles & Responsibilities: In her role Ruth assists with marketing and communications, apprenticeship program development, event planning and logistics.
Education: Bachelor in Petroleum Engineering, University of Louisiana Lafayette; Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Louisville. Pursuing a Master in Higher Education Administration, University of Louisville.
Experience: In previous roles, Ruth has worked as Staff Support at the International Office and as a Digital Marketer at the College of Business.
Fun fact: Ruth is a good cook and has watched the TV show Friends more than 50 times.
Tomeka Shelton
Professional Development Specialist
University of Louisville
Responsibilities: In Tomeka's role, she will assist with MAPS grant.
Education: BSOLL and MSHROD from University of Louisville.
Experience: Tomeka worked in the HR department in CEHD for a year and before that, She worked at the dental school for 2 years.
Fun fact: Tomeka loves to cook and likes to try food from different countries and culture.
Caitlin Fugate
MAPS Apprenticeship Navigator and Advisor
Gateway Community & Technical College
Responsibilities: Caitlin connects students to registered apprenticeship program opportunities, provides supplemental student support, and oversees completion of GCTC’s RAP programs according to approved curriculum plans.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Leadership from Northern Kentucky University.
Experience: Caitlin has a background in Student Advising and Success Coaching as well as part time teaching. She has worked at Gateway Community and Technical College for 9 years. She is currently pursuing her Communication Teaching Certificate at Northern Kentucky University. Caitlin also serves on two local government Boards in Boone County, Kentucky.
Fun fact: Caitlin is an only child, but is expecting her fourth child in August. She loves boating at Lake Cumberland and taking trips each year with her family to the beach.
Crystal Mozee
Apprenticeship Project Coordinator
Jefferson Community & Technical College
Responsibilities: Crystal partners with Jefferson Community and Technical College's Faculty and Workforce Solutions Department to increase apprenticeship programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and IT industries.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning from University of Louisville.
Experience: Crystal started working in education as an Instructor with middle school students at JCPS. She enjoyed education and knew she wanted to pursue a career in post secondary education, which led to her current current position at Jefferson Community College.
Fun fact:Crystal loves to bake, cook, and take road trips with her daughter.
Heather Turner, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Policy for the SKILLS Collaborative
University of Louisville
Responsibilities: Overseeing all aspects of research and publishing related to the grant
Education: B.A. English at Temple University, M.A. English at University of Delaware, M.A. Higher Education Administration at UofL, Ph.D. in Higher Education at UofL
Experience: Nearly 10 years of experience in higher education; over 6 years at UofL; over 3 years in LEAD
Fun fact: She is an avid hiker and trail runner, and has over 85 houseplants.