We are pleased to introduce new faculty members to the College of Community Innovation and Education. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be invaluable to our students and community. Learn more about their teaching backgrounds and what research interests they bring to the college.
Andrea C. Borowczak, Ed.D.
Professor and School Director
School of Teacher Education
Andrea C. Borowczak is a professor and school director in the School of Teacher Education. Borowczak was previously a professor and associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Education at the University of Wyoming. Her areas of expertise include secondary science education, partnerships and integrated STEM education. Borowczak has extensive grant experience with over $10 million awarded in funded projects from international, national and local agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Security Agency and the Wyoming Department of Education.
“I am honored to be at UCF and work with the accomplished and dynamic faculty, staff and students to move teacher education forward in Florida. What an amazing time to be a Knight,” she says.
Vijay Francis Chillar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Criminal Justice
Vijay Francis Chillar is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice. Chillar received his doctorate in criminal justice from Rutgers University-Newark. He is a UCF alum, from which he received his criminal justice bachelor’s degree. Chillar’s work focuses on spatial analysis of crime patterns, crime control technology, organizational behavior, and the integration of academic research and police practice. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, Journal of Quantitative Criminology and Journal of Criminal Justice.
“As an undergraduate student at UCF, I was provided the opportunity to obtain a quality education and participate in the Honors in the Major program, which prepared me for graduate school. I look forward to giving back to my alma mater and UCF students by fostering their academic interest in the classroom and via collaboration on research projects,” he says.
Ashley Connors, Ph.D.
Visiting Lecturer
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Ashley Connors is a visiting lecturer in the School of Global Management and Informatics. She is also a triple Knight with over 10 years of experience in higher education management and administration. Connors graduated from the UCF public affairs doctoral program in 2021. Her research interests include social infrastructure, public-private partnerships and higher education institutions.
“After years working in university administration, I decided to make the leap to a faculty line in the hopes of having a greater impact on the lives of UCF students, and to share my own experiences and knowledge in higher education human resources management,” she says.
Alondra Garza, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Criminal Justice
Alondra Garza is an assistant professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and a member of the Violence Against Women Faculty Cluster Initiative. She received her doctorate in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. In 2021, she was named as a Ruth D. Peterson Fellow by the American Society of Criminology. Garza’s research interests focus on identifying and addressing institutional responses (criminal legal system, universities, victim service providers, society) to crime victims. Some of her recent research has appeared in Crime & Delinquency, Journal of Interpersonal Violence and Violence Against Women.
Jill Harrington, Ed.D.
Visiting Lecturer
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Jill Harrington is a visiting lecturer in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics. Most recently, Harrington served as the dean of the School of Health Sciences at Ana G. Mendez University, leading the development of the new U.S.-based programs in health sciences. Harrington has nearly 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, as well as health management and regulatory education. Her areas of expertise include health administration, health policy and regulatory affairs, medical coding, and healthcare reimbursement and finance.
“I'm excited to return to a full-time faculty role in a program known for a high level of excellence in healthcare management education. Also, a university like UCF provides so much opportunity for interdisciplinary and global collaboration, which can truly enhance the learning of our students,” she says.
Shiva Jahani, Ph.D.
Visiting Lecturer
Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research
Shiva Jahani is a visiting lecturer in the Department of Learning Sciences and Educational Research. Since 2015, Jahani has served as a statistician for the College of Community Innovation and Education. She earned her doctorate in organizational behavior with a focus on knowledge management and sharing from the University of Science, Malaysia. As an adjunct, Jahani has taught courses in research, data analytics, revenue management, and yoga and meditation. She is excited to start this new role as a visiting lecturer.
Devon Jensen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education
Devon Jensen is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education. His areas of expertise include higher education leadership and governance, as well as the link between higher education and economic development.
Jensen brings a “wealth of knowledge and experience in graduate education as well as retention and recruitment issues for which our higher education program and department will benefit broadly,” says RoSusan Bartee, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education.
Paula Santana De Tice, M.A.
Visiting Lecturer
School of Teacher Education
Paula Santana De Tice is a visiting lecturer in the School of Teacher Education. Santana De Tice will receive her doctorate in mathematics education this fall and become a UCF alumna.
“I love mathematics education and, in particular, teaching and connecting with students — including pre-service teachers — and UCF offers the perfect opportunity to continue growing in my professional development. Additionally, working and continuing learning with such a high-level and nationally recognized faculty is a privilege for me,” she says.
Andrew Sullivan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nonprofit Management
School of Public Administration
Andrew Sullivan is an assistant professor in the School of Public Administration. Sullivan’s research focuses on nonprofit management, collaborative governance, homelessness and urban policy. His research has been published in journals including Journal of Public Administration Theory and Research, Public Management Review, Urban Studies, Urban Affairs Review, and Cities. He earned his doctorate in public policy and administration from the University of Kentucky in 2021.
“I’m excited to join UCF to join the great scholars working in my research areas. I’m also looking forward to working with and mentoring students in the School of Public Administration, especially doctoral students, to help them achieve their career goals,” he says.
Giang Vu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Healthcare Informatics
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Giang Vu is an assistant professor in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics. His work focuses on the intersection of dental public health policy, health data analytics and health outcomes research. Oral health and diabetes, economic evaluation of dental preventive care services, dental insurance benefits for populations with systemic diseases, and oral health disparities are among Vu’s areas of expertise.
“UCF is a great university where I can teach students and collaborate with faculty to conduct research related to dental health services. After work, I can also enjoy life in Orlando, the City Beautiful,” he says.
April Walker, J.D.
Visiting Lecturer
Department of Legal Studies
April Walker is a visiting lecturer in the Department of Legal Studies. She received her juris doctor degree from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. She has over 10 years of experience in litigation. Her areas of expertise include civil rights, conflict resolution, mediation and litigation strategies. Walker is excited to join UCF to help prepare undergraduate students for successful law-related careers and build a solid foundation for law school.
Erin White, Ed.D.
Visiting Instructor
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Erin White is a visiting instructor in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics. She will be teaching medical terminology this summer and fall and is excited to mentor the next generation of Knights.
“I joined UCF in 2020 as an adjunct instructor, and I am so excited to continue my UCF journey in 2022 as a visiting instructor. UCF has provided many opportunities for my career after graduating in 2012. I have worked in higher education since 2015 and truly enjoy working with students to help them reach their full potential,” she says.
Cynthia Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Health Services Administration
School of Global Health Management and Informatics
Cynthia Williams is an assistant professor in the School of Global Health Management and Informatics. She is a UCF alumna from the doctoral program in public affairs. Her research focuses on health information technology and how it can be used to affect the cost, quality and access to healthcare services. Her areas of expertise include remote monitoring, electronic medical records and chronic disease management. Williams says she is looking forward to increasing collaborations and opportunities in research and funding.