Advisory Board Members
Dr. Mario Borunda
Dr. Mario Borunda is an Associate Professor of Physics and Undergraduate Research Coordinator at Oklahoma State University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2003, where he was an LSAMP fellow. He continued his studies in Physics, receiving his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 2008. He spent four years as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. Dr. Borunda has also been a visiting researcher at Harvard University. Dr. Borunda’s research explores electron transport and the properties of condensed matter. His work at the University of Texas at El Paso involved using α-particle spectroscopy as a teaching tool. As a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow, he performed calculations on electronic conductivity in two-dimensional systems, proposed and described an atom-laser coupling scheme that induces spin-orbit interaction in ultra-cold atoms, and simulated electron transport in graphene. At Oklahoma State University, his research has focused on quantum information, the quantum-to-classical boundary in chaotic systems, and theoretical methods to predict novel materials for energy production and electronic applications. Dr. Borunda is enthusiastic about working with underrepresented students and has produced a positive impact with OK-LSAMP scholars, SACNAS, American Physical Society, and as President-elect of the National Society of Hispanic Physicists.
Dr. Ina Agnew
Dr. Ina Agnew serves as the Vice President for Student Services at Oklahoma State Institute of Technology. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management and Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1986 and her Master of Science degree in Human Services from Murray State University in 1999. Dr. Agnew completed Ph.D. degree requirements in Occupational Education from Oklahoma State University in May 2014. During her career she has been successful in implementing proactive measures to assist students in retaining financial aid, which subsequently led to an increase in retention.
Dr. Kent Smith
Dr. Keith Smith currently serves as Associate Dean in the Office for the Advancement of American Indians in Medicine and Sciences and Professor of Anatomy in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK. He began his undergraduate career at Cameron University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry in 1989. He continued his studies at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas, receiving a Master of Science degree in Biology in 1991, followed by a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma in 2002 Dr. Smith’s research focus is in taxonomy, phylogeny and biogeography of late age mammals from the Great Basin and Great Plains of North America. Dr. Smith has founded or co-founded and directed numerous programs promoting Native American students in the areas of STEM education, including the Native Explorers Summer Research Experience for undergraduates, which was featured in a 2015 edition of Diverse.
Dr. Jeanie Webb
Dr. Jeanie Webb serves as the President of Rose State College. Her career in higher education has spanned over thirty years where she has worked not only as an accomplished administrator but also as a dedicated faculty member. Since 2013, Dr. Webb has brought a renewed energy and focus to Rose State as it transitions to a new generation of students. Under her leadership, Rose State graduation and retention rates are the highest in years. Dr. Webb began her education at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and then transferred to Northeastern State University where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies Education and her Master of Science degree in College Teaching/Personnel Services. She received her doctoral degree in Higher Administration/Adult Education from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Webb completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University and at the University of Oklahoma where she was a Kellogg Fellow.
Dr. Ronald S. Ramming
Dr. Ronald S. Ramming has served as Sr. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Connors State College since July 2014. He was raised on a diversified livestock and crop farm in Hinton, OK. Dr. Ramming attended Connors State College, graduating in 1985 with an Associates of Science degree in Agriculture. He then completed his undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Oklahoma State University and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1987. Dr. Ramming continued his education at the University of Tennessee as a graduate teaching fellow and earned his Master of Science degree in Animal Science. He later returned to OSU to obtain his Ph.D. in Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration. Dr. Ramming started his career in 1990 at Connors State College as an Agriculture Instructor and Assistant Livestock Judging Team Coach. In 1998, he became the Director of Distance and Extended Education and six years later took over as Dean of Enrollment Services. Dr. Ramming was promoted to Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services in 2009 and named Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2012.
Dr. John Chaney
Dr. John Chaney is currently a Regent’s Professor and Director, Marriage and Family Clinic, American Indians Into Psychology Program, and the Center for American Indian Studies at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Chaney received his Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He received his M.A. in 1988 from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his M.Ed. (1982) and B.A. (1981) from the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Chaney’ research focuses in two broad areas of research: health/pediatric psychology and multicultural issues related to American Indians.