Valli Sarveswaran, Ph.D.
Director
Phone: 216.802.3391
Email: v.sarveswaran@csuohio.edu

Dr. Valli Sarveswaran received his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organometallic Chemistry from Cambridge University, England and his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Among his credentials are the following:

• Education and Outreach Administrator - Environmental Molecular Science Institute, Univeristy of Notre Dame - 2004-07
• Research Associate - Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame - 2001-03
• Research Associate - Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky - 2000
• Research Associate - Department of Chemistry, University of Winnipeg, Canada - 1998-09

Gina Huffman, MPA
Asst. Director
Phone: 216.802.3376
Email: g.c.huffman@csuohio.edu

Ms. Huffman earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. She has worked as an academic advisor, program coordinator and held administrative post at Cleveland State University since 2003. She began her career in education at Cuyahoga Community College with the United States Department of Education, TRIO programs. She is a vigorous advocate for programs, services and resources that assist students realize their academic, personal and professional goals. Gina’s community service continues to be part of her ongoing commitment to Greater Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region. She serves as volunteer for planning committees of various organizations, whose mission is to champion social justice.

Elise Johnson
Secretary
Phone: 216.802.3360
Email: e.johnson4@csuohio.edu

Education: 2007 Howard University Graduate with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Management. Currently, Elise is pursuing a Master’s of Labor Relations and Human Resources at Cleveland State University.

Activities: She was a member of Circle K Community Service Club, Howard University Chapter, and served on the executive board (2004-2005). She is a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Inc., where she served as the Vice President of Membership (2006-2007), as well as in various other capacities on the Executive Board. She is an active member of National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and has served as a Lead Mentor for NSBE’s Project SEEK Program for 3rd through 5th graders during the summer of 2007. Presently she serves as a Youth Leader at her church, and continues to participate and organize various community service projects.

Future Plans: To obtain a Master’s Degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources at Cleveland State. Then go on to Law School and obtain a J.D.MPA concentrating in Employment Law and Labor Relations. She hopes to one day combine all of her passions into her dream career.

Vennela Mullangi
Graduate Assistant
Phone: 216.802.3360
Email: mcnairga2@csuohio.edu

Education: 2008 Andhra University Graduate with a Bachelor's of Pharmacy. Vennela is now pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Clinical & Bio- analytical Chemistry.

Activities: Vennela was a member of Pharmacy Association in Andhra university, India (2004-2008). She has held the position as Secretary of Cultural Affairs in Andhra University during (2006-2007) and she was also member of Bal Vikas, an organization that takes care of orphans in India. Presently she is a member of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry.

Future Plans: To successfully obtain a Doctoral Degree in Clinical & Bio- analytical Chemistry at Cleveland State University. Then get into a pharmaceutical industry to work as a scientist.

Felicia Mercado
Graduate Assistant
Phone: 216.802.3360
Email: mcnairga1@csuohio.edu

Education: 2011 Kent State University Graduate with a Bachelor's of Science. Felicia is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Community Health at Cleveland State University.

Activities: Felicia was a member of the Upward Bound Program at Kent state University (2004-2011) and she remains a UB Alumni. She was also an active member and mentor in the LIFE program at KSU (2006-2011). She was on the advisory board committee for the women's resource center at KSU (2010-2011).

Future Plans: Felicia plans to obtain a Masters in Community Health. She plans to work for a non-profit or profit organization that not only works with local communities but also international communities.

Former McNair Staff

Elizabeth Trouten PT, DPT
Former McNair Graduate Assistant

Education: Graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science (2007); Graduate of Cleveland State University with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2010)

Activities: After Board Certification, Elizabeth started her career as a physical therapist at MetroHealth Medical Center. She works with individuals while they are patients in the hospital, assisting them and enabling them to maximize their mobility and independence. Elizabeth is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, and a member of the Women's Health Section.

Future Plans: Elizabeth is interested in pursing knowledge related physical therapy interventions for individuals affected by neurological conditions, individuals affected by pelvic floor dysfunction, and for children. She is also interested in volunteering abroad with her husband.