STAFF AND ADVISORS

Lon Kaufman, Dean

Lon Kaufman is the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and the Dean of the Honors College. He is a Professor of Biological Sciences and served as the Head of UIC's Department of Biological Sciences from 1998 until accepting his current position as dean and vice provost in 2003. Since 1998, he has also held a position as Affiliate Professor of Bioengineering. Prof. Kaufman was named the Richard G. and Carole J. Cline University Scholar in 1994 and was a CIC-ALP Fellow in 1996. His research on the regulation of gene expression during early leaf development has received continuous federal funding since his arrival at UIC in 1985.  Prof. Kaufman has published a large number of research papers and holds several patents. He served on the editorial board of Journal of Plant Physiology from 1991-1993, as the President of the Midwest Society of Plant Physiologists in 1996, and as Panel Director for the Plant Growth and Development Program at USDA in 1999.

Janet Madia, Executive Associate Dean

I was born in the former Cabrini Hospital just a few blocks from my office, so my roots in the UIC neighborhood literally and figuratively go way back. I transferred to UIC from a small liberal arts college, fell in love with the place, and haven't left since! I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in Hispanic Studies at UIC, and am currently finishing my doctorate in Education. It's been a privilege and a pleasure to help Honors College students achieve their academic and life goals over the past 20 years, and I continue to learn from them every day.

Laura Junker, Associate Dean

I am an archaeology professor in the Department of Anthropology who carries out research on the ancient civilizations of Southeast Asia. I earned my B.A. in Anthropology at the University of Michigan, where I was an undergraduate Honors student, beginning my career-long interest in university Honors programs. An Honors Thesis on pre-colonial Philippine archaeology led to graduate work in archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania (M.A. 1984) and at the University of Michigan (Ph.D. 1990). In addition to my work on academic affairs at the Honors College, I currently carry out archaeological research programs on 10th-16th century Philippine maritime trading chiefdoms and late first millennium B.C. fortifications and warfare in northern Vietnam..

Stacie Williams, Assistant Dean

I have been working in the Honors College since 1992 after completing my degree in education.  I went on to complete my Master’s degree in teaching of mathematics in 1995.  I work with students throughout their entire time in the Honors College, beginning with admission, serving as an academic advisor, and coordinating the graduation convocation.  I also work on planning Honors College courses, and maintaining student records.

Sigmund Burdin, Senior Resource and Policy Analyst

B.A. Criminal Justice and Psychology; I work in the College and for the office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, mining the academic data of the University to assist in shaping educational policy for UIC and the College. In addition to providing technical support for students and staff, I work with the student support team of the Honors College. In the support team I provide guidance, support, and instruction to the student staff as we develop technical expertise and systems that in turn provide tools to the staff of the college. The technical support team provides students real world experience and an environment to develop professionally. My former experience includes establishing the Student Mediation center in the Dean of Student Affairs office and traveling to all three UI campuses to implement an Enterprise Data Warehouse.

Jennifer Kosco, Assistant to the Dean

I’ve been with the Honors College since 1996.  I received a BA in Media Communications from Governors State University, and I’ve completed all coursework towards my MA in Communication from UIC.  I'm very lucky to work with our honors students; I learn something from them every day!  I’m the advisor for Alternative Spring Break, the Honors College tutoring program, Phi Eta Sigma, Tau Sigma, the Ampersand (the Honors College newsletter), and I’m the P.R. officer for Phi Kappa Phi. My hobbies include gardening, cooking, traveling, and photography.

Martha Duran, Assistant to the Dean

I received my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from UIC in 2004 and joined the staff of the Honors College in the fall of the same year. My responsibilities involve coordination of various scholarships, the Faculty Fellows program and assisting with various aspects of Records and Registration for the college.

I received my Bachelors in Biology from UIC in 2007 and began as part of the Honors College staff a few months later. I enjoy working with the students and helping them in our advising sessions. I get to assist in just about every part of the Honors College and I am lucky to get to work with all the students and staff members.

Jacob Mueller, Director of Operations

Having worked at UIC for 13 years, I joined the Honors College in the Fall of 2007. I manage the facilities, budgeting, purchasing and HR functions of the Honors College as well as the production of special events. I particularly enjoy working with students in a mentoring or teaching capacity, and Honors College students are amazing. I’m looking forward to working with many of them as they pursue their academic and holistic goals. I received my BA in English from UIC, and am now pursuing an MA in English Education. My wife and I enjoy animated discussions about music, films and books. Our daughter (who is about to go off to college) and our Bernese Mountain Dog (who barely made it through puppy school) keep us entertained.