Molly Beard is a lifelong learner and creative force whose journey bridges science, art, and psychology. With degrees in Biology and Interior Design, she has built two thriving businesses, MB Interiors and JBC art manufacturing—while recently earning a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology and beginning her doctorate. A passionate advocate for using art and education as tools for healing, she now focuses her research on taboo subjects like sibling sexual abuse, aiming to foster awareness and give voice to survivors. Whether designing spaces, mentoring CEOs on the psychology of color, or building platforms like Your Story is Your Power, Molly Beard brings deep empathy, intellectual curiosity, and precision to everything she does. She lives with her husband and four dogs, balancing it all with grace and grit, wrapped in creativity.

Justin Bunker turned a lifelong curiosity for how things work into a powerful career in cybersecurity. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and intelligence expert, Bunker used his GI Bill to help pay for a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Cybersecurity—all while he is co-raising a family of two young sons with his spouse, working full-time, and mentoring others. At National University, he captained the Cyber Team and led offensive security competitions, helping organizations uncover and fix vulnerabilities before real attackers can strike. Now thriving in offensive cybersecurity, Bunker blends his military discipline, academic training, and technical skills to help protect critical infrastructure—proving that education, coupled with intellectual curiosity can be a launchpad to a secure, rewarding future, especially for self-starters like him. He currently works for a leading AI defense technology organization as the Staff Cybersecurity Engineer, and also maintains a role as Security Researcher for the Synack Red Team.

With over 25 years of progressive leadership in healthcare administration, Dr. Robert Clegg exemplifies National University’s “ANDers™” spirit—balancing simultaneous roles as a healthcare executive, university professor, and lifelong learner. He currently serves as Chair of the Health Administration Department at A.T. Still University, teaches at National University, and is the Rural Executive Director of Operations and Quality at Benson Hospital and Northern Cochise Community Hospital in southeastern Arizona. A former Navy Corpsman, Dr. Clegg holds a Ph.D. in Human Services with a focus in Healthcare Administration from Capella University, a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Fresno State and earned a Master of Law and Business from National University. He is also a published scholar with eight peer-reviewed articles, five book chapters, and numerous academic and professional presentations.

Kristen Crawford is a resilient mother, entrepreneur, and recent psychology graduate from National University, whose path to becoming a therapist was shaped by profound and transformative personal experiences. After surviving a near-fatal accident and later navigating the complex medical needs of her firstborn daughter, Kristen found her calling to guide families through crisis with empathy and clarity—transforming pain into purpose and healing, especially when it’s for parents of young fragile children trying to navigate a complex healthcare scenario. With a thriving business halted by the pandemic, and a deep well of compassion, she returned to school with a mission and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Kristen is now preparing for graduate studies to pursue dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Dr. Jovelyn Du-Quiton found her purpose in statistics. Her doctoral research leveraged machine learning (ML) to improve outcomes in ankle arthrodesis surgery by analyzing anonymized clinical trial data. She developed a framework to generate predictive models of surgical success based on three perspectives: CT imaging, surgeon evaluations, and patient-reported outcomes in pain, function, and quality of life. This work addresses a critical need—ankle fusion failures are costly and risky, yet adoption of advanced analytics in healthcare remains limited. By bridging clinical expertise, patient experience, and imaging data, Du-Quiton created a holistic ML-driven model with real-world impact. She now hopes to apply her framework to similar challenges in knee and shoulder procedures, believing that this approach can reduce suffering, lower costs, and improve care across orthopedic medicine.

Dr. Brenda Fonseca is a health scientist researcher focused on the intersection of plant-based nutrition, brain health, and preventative science. An award-winning recent PhD graduate from National University, she earned Dissertation of the Year, honored for her clinical trial studying the effects of lutein on teen eye and brain health in the digital age. As a Global Technical Services Lead and former neuroscience full-time faculty member, she brings decades of expertise to developing scientifically backed nutritional interventions. Fonseca’s passion lies in translating complex research into practical health solutions—most recently by designing lutein-rich gummies from marigolds and leading studies on rosmarinic acid in spearmint. Her mission is clear: to build a healthier world through evidence-based, plant-derived innovations.

Dr. Ian Grugan is a criminal justice reformer, educator, and LGBTQ+ policy advocate whose work bridges personal experience and systemic change. Today he works as Adjunct Professors in Criminal Justice and Public Policy Faculty and a NYS Public Policy Advisor. Overcoming early challenges with a learning disability and what he recalls as “harmful religious therapy,” Grugan became a leader in New York’s juvenile justice transformation, helping implement Raise the Age legislation and the Gender Recognition Act. As a former grant specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice, he oversaw $200 million in criminal justice funding. He also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching courses on juvenile justice, queer criminology, and public policy. Grugan’s commitment to equity and dignity within the justice system has made him a trusted voice for diverse communities.

Marjorie Haubry is an Auditor and IT Support Specialist with the U.S. Navy, known for combining technical expertise in COMSEC and infrastructure oversight with a strategic, people-first leadership style. With a background in sociology and an MA in Human Behavioral Psychology, she specializes in coaching teams, optimizing systems, and navigating complex environments with precision and empathy. Trained in agile scrum and Six Sigma (yellow belt), she balances a demanding military career with motherhood and a passion for lifelong learning. Stationed in Spain, she leads with radical optimism, focusing on mission success through collaboration, resilience, building efficiencies, and clear communication. When she gets leave, she’s traveling in Europe with her four-year-old daughter.

Brandon Hicks is a U.S. Navy Chief (E7) with 16+ years of service, currently serving as a Disaster Preparedness Operations and Training Specialist. With a TS/SCI clearance and a deep technical background as a Construction Electrician, Hicks has led in roles from Facilities Management to Command Training. Recently, he completed his Associate of Science in Business while on shore duty and is now working toward his BBA. A passionate lifelong learner, he’s earned nearly 60 professional certifications and volunteers regularly in the communities where he’s stationed. As the first Navy Chief in his family, Hicks is building a legacy of service, leadership, and education—for his fellow sailors and for his young son watching it all unfold.

Chris Ibe (Christian Ibe- Weems) is a healthcare leader and military veteran dedicated to service, resilience, and value-based care. As Provider Network Account Manager at Scripps Health, he brings expertise in medical logistics, contract negotiations, and healthcare systems optimization. A former U.S. Army combat medic and current Company Commander in the Royal Lao Airborne, Ibe integrates his military discipline with academic excellence, holding a Master of Public Health and numerous certifications. His lived experiences—from early personal loss to overcoming a traumatic brain injury—fuel his commitment to inclusive, compassionate healthcare. A mentor to veterans and students with disabilities, Ibe continues to lead with integrity, striving to improve systems and empower others through education, empathy, and service.

Dr. Insalaco is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in addiction and substance use disorder treatment. With over three decades of experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, she recently earned her PhD in Psychology, focusing her dissertation on the measurable impact of compassion on clinicians’ professional quality of life. Her research demonstrates that compassionate care predicts lower clinician burnout, lower secondary traumatic stress, and greater satisfaction in their work. Dr. Insalaco’s work challenges outdated “tough love” models and provides empirical support for integrating compassion into substance use disorder treatment. She currently serves as Director of Quality Outcomes and Model of Care at Ashley Addiction Treatment, where she continues to apply and expand evidence-based practices rooted in the science of compassion.

Beth Krumenacker began her career in education, pivoted to law, and ultimately found her true calling advocating for foster children with trauma-induced learning challenges. After adopting her son through foster care, she realized the school system lacked understanding of trauma’s impact on language development and learning. Leveraging her background in law and special education, Beth pursued a Master of Education at National University, focusing on trauma-informed practices in IEP planning. Today, she works to educate parents, teachers, and school leaders on how trauma can delay language acquisition and may manifest as misunderstood behaviors. With plans to develop training toolkits and curriculum, Beth is helping reshape how educators and caregivers support children healing from early adversity.

Celia Landa is a passionate early childhood educator dedicated to ensuring toddlers receive the qualified teaching they deserve during the most critical years of brain development. As a mother of three and the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, she brings personal experience and professional insight to her work. While earning her B.A. in Early Childhood Education, she applied her studies directly in the classroom, creating engaging, developmentally appropriate activities for infants and toddlers. Landa believes learning begins at birth and champions hands-on, curiosity-driven approaches. Her journey from hesitant student to fearless educator exemplifies the power of perseverance, and her mission is to nurture every child’s potential from the very beginning.

Erica Merrell’s journey from hairstylist to scientist is powered by passion, persistence, and purpose. Originally dreaming of forensic criminalistics, she earned associate degrees in Mathematics and Forensics before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at National University—where her love of labs and genetics truly came alive. Now working as an undergraduate researcher and lab assistant, Merrell is known for her infectious enthusiasm and deep curiosity, especially in gene analysis and molecular biology. Her ultimate goal is to make science serve justice—solving cold cases, ending the backlog of untested assault kits, and using DNA to right legal wrongs. Driven by gratitude and supported by a Key Grant, she’s building a career centered on impact and advocacy. Her story is one of transformation, determination, and limitless potential in the world of science.

Dr. Talbatha Myatt is a passionate advocate for health equity and lifelong learning, with a career devoted to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations through Medicaid. With a Doctorate in Health Administration and multiple advanced degrees, she combines lived experience with policy expertise to champion continuous Medicaid coverage and health literacy across communities. Currently serving as a Health Insurance Specialist with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Myatt provides oversight and guidance for Medicaid and CHIP programs across multiple states, impacting more than 10 million beneficiaries. Her work bridges federal policy with state-level realities, ensuring people receive the care they need. Rooted in compassion and a deep belief in human dignity, Dr. Myatt’s leadership is shaped by personal challenges, academic rigor, and a lifelong commitment to making life less difficult for others.

Dr. Monica Peña-Villegas is a dedicated educator and advocate committed to expanding the college going rates for underrepresented students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Inspired by her own experiences and those of her children, she has devoted her career to breaking down systemic barriers in education. From social work to school counseling to earning her EdD, her journey reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education. Now serving as Associate Director of the Early Academic Outreach Program, Dr. Peña-Villegas uses research, policy advocacy, and public engagement to empower families and educators. Her mission is simple but profound: to ensure every student, regardless of background or ability, has a fair shot at success.

Valerie Ramos exemplifies the spirit of National University’s “ANDers™” student—balancing life as an active-duty soldier, military spouse, mother of seven, caregiver, community volunteer, EMT, real estate entrepreneur, and now, proud college graduate. Driven by a family-first philosophy, Ramos pursued her long-held dream of earning a bachelor’s degree to set an example for her children and community. She completed her B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communications through NU’s flexible online program, all while juggling multiple roles. A member of the President’s Circle and national honor societies, Ramos now plans to expand her real estate ventures and also launch a second business. Her journey proves that dedication, service, and education can thrive side by side—with family always at the heart.

Frank Rodriguez Hernandez is an active-duty Navy Corpsman, husband, and new father who recently earned his Associate of Science in Human Biology from National University. While serving full-time and raising a newborn, he also became a licensed Vocational Nurse and was accepted into the Navy’s highly competitive Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program to become a Registered Nurse. With seven years of service and prior experience as a combat medic with the Marines, Rodriguez Hernandez is passionate about trauma care and has a growing interest in anesthesiology. Inspired by his mother’s work in healthcare, he’s committed to making a long-term impact in military medicine. His success is powered by strong time management, a future-focused mindset, and a desire to help others through compassionate care.

Dr. Hashim Shaik, a pioneering data scientist, exemplifies the power of perseverance and lifelong learning. As the first in his family to earn a doctorate, he broke barriers and advanced innovation in AI and machine learning. His doctoral research introduced a scalable, AI-driven method for modeling environmental elements like foliage to enhance network planning for 5G and 6G deployment. By creating digital twin simulations, Dr. Shaik addressed limitations of traditional LiDAR and UAV methods. Now a consultant, he provides ethical, trustworthy AI solutions across telecom and finance sectors. His journey—from professional to scholar—underscores his vision to lead AI initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and real-world impact.

Kevin Thompson is a dynamic law enforcement professional known for his resilience, curiosity, and commitment to lifelong learning. He has found his place in law enforcement and public safety, where his leadership and passion for growth have made a lasting impact. As a Deputy Sheriff, instructor, union representative, incident response team member, and many more roles within his community, Kevin is dedicated to elevating both his department and community. His academic work—including a capstone on drone technology in law enforcement, earned him the prestigious President’s Circle Award. Kevin is driven to lead, mentor, and innovate, continually seeking new ways to enhance public safety while upholding ethics and civil liberties.

Erica Vivar’s path to earning her bachelor’s degree was shaped by perseverance, grit, and transformation. A first-generation college student who once struggled with school, poverty, and self-doubt, Erica overcame repeated setbacks—including academic failures, single motherhood, and housing instability—by refusing to give up on herself. Inspired by her mother’s sacrifices and motivated by the desire to build a better future, she pushed through her fears, passed courses she had seen as impassable obstacles, and ultimately earned her degree with straight A’s, the Dean’s List, and President’s Circle honors. Today, Erica is not only a proud homeowner and healthcare professional but also proof that resilience can change the course of a life, and a family legacy. Her journey is one of rising above limitations to discover strength, purpose, and self-belief.

Dr. Alexander Watt’s pioneering Ph.D. research harnesses quantum computing and Data Science to transform early disease detection through medical imaging. Motivated by the tragic loss of his mother to late-diagnosed cancer, he developed a quantum-enhanced AI model that identifies lung anomalies with 87% accuracy and reduces processing time by 66%. His prior role as Senior Principal Optical Engineer at L&T Technology Services/Meta showcased the potential of quantum-augmented AI. Beyond healthcare, his models hold promise for defense, environmental monitoring, and many other fields. Dr. Watt urgently calls for ethical guardrails as AI and quantum technologies venture into uncharted realms. Transitioning to a professorship at the National University, he aims to inspire the next generation of scientists while honoring his mother’s wish to be a good man.