Jeanette Herman, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Academic Initiatives
Director, Bridging Disciplines Programs
Hometown: I mostly grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but I’ve now lived in Austin for more than twice as long as I’ve lived anywhere else.
Favorite spot on campus: The Battle Oaks near 24th St., except in the springtime, when I love walking by the mountain laurel near the Architecture building.
Favorite place to eat in Austin: Uchiko
What do you most enjoy about your job? I love seeing the amazing work students do as part of their BDP certificates, especially when students explore outside of their major and comfort zones, and end up doing something that changes their paths for the better.
Larissa Noake, Ed.M.
Senior Program Coordinator
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Favorite spot on campus: The plaza in front of the Harry Ransom Center
Favorite place to eat in Austin: East Side Café (RIP, since it closed recently)
What do you most enjoy about your job? Working with the fantastic, dedicated, and hard-working BDP staff team to support our equally fantastic BDP students. Both our BDP staff team and students inspire me daily!
Tressa Olsen, B.S.
Senior Administrative Associate
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Favorite spot on campus: The Color Inside, the skyspace on the rooftop of the SAC
Favorite place to eat in Austin: Garbo’s
What do you most enjoy about your job? I enjoy that the work is something different every day.
Julia Chinnock, M.A.
Senior Academic Advisor
Digital Arts & Media and Media, Culture & Identities
Hometown: I grew up in Wyoming, about 2 hours north of Denver, Colorado
Favorite spot on campus: I love the Harry Ransom Center – the landscaping, the beautiful windows, the outstanding archival collection – all of it!
Favorite place to eat in Austin: Lucky Lab Coffee
What do you most enjoy about your job? BDP students and alumni are creative, curious, and committed. I love working with them as they change the world!
Katie Davidson, M.A.
Associate Academic Advisor
Design Strategies, Environment & Sustainability, Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship, and Social Entrepreneurship & Non-profits
Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona
Favorite spot on campus: The Blanton
Favorite place to eat in Austin: Komé
What do you most enjoy about your job? The thing I enjoy most about being an Academic Advisor is the ability to connect, support, and learn from students with a wide variety of interests and skills.
Janelle Lim, B.S.
Associate Academic Advisor
Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies, Ethics & Leadership in Business, Ethics & Leadership in Health Care, Ethics & Leadership in Law, Politics & Government, Ethics & Leadership in Technology & the Media, Public Policy, and Museum Studies
Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lots of love for my college town, Bloomington, Indiana.
Favorite spot on campus: I like to go upstairs in the Union to relax facing the courtyard and enjoy the view out of the heat.
Favorite place to eat in Austin: I am a major fan of dukboke and sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken. Soha on Anderson Lane does them well!
What do you most enjoy about your job? The campus is beautiful. The students are engaged and inspiring. The BDP Team is made up of great people!
Shannon Rose, M.P.A.
Associate Academic Advisor
Children & Society, Human Rights & Social Justice, and Social Inequality, Health & Policy
Hometown: Montreal, Québec, Canada
Favorite spot on campus: The Turtle Pond
Favorite place to eat in Austin: Enoteca Vespaio
What do you most enjoy about your job? Students sharing their accomplishments & connecting students with resources that help make those accomplishments possible.
Find full staff bios on the BDP Staff page.