New Firebirds

Atilade Adedeji

Assistant Professor, Biology
College of Arts and Sciences

Atilade Adedeji, Ph.D., is a microbiologist specializing in environmental microbiology, antimicrobial resistance and freshwater microbial surveillance. His research focuses on developing accessible methods to detect antibiotic resistance and monitor water quality. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University and his Ph.D. through a joint program between North-West University and Rutgers University. He completed postdoctoral training at Stony Brook University.

Travis Beach

Emergency Manager Coordinator
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Travis G. Beach is an emergency management and public safety professional with more than 30 years of experience in disaster response, fire and EMS, law enforcement and higher education. He holds an MBA and degrees in administration of justice and fire science, with expertise in emergency planning, incident management and multi-agency coordination.

Jovon Gerald

Associate Director of Alumni Affairs
David A. Clarke School of Law

Jovon Gerald is an experienced educator and nonprofit leader. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Averett University and a bachelor’s degree in communications and African American Studies from Virginia State University. She is passionate about student success, alumni engagement, and community impact.

Donna Harris

Staff Assistant
CAUSES, Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure

Donna Harris brings more than eight years of experience in student support, workforce development, community outreach and program coordination. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human relations from Trinity Washington University and is committed to fostering opportunities that strengthen communities and support student success.

Lewis Johnson

Chief Research Officer and Senior Vice President of Research
Office of University Research

Lewis Johnson, Ph.D., is a physicist and senior academic administrator with over two decades of experience in scaling institutional research enterprises and driving student success. He most recently served as the associate provost for strategic initiatives at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he led a $10M+ portfolio to elevate national rankings, research productivity and graduation rates.

Danielle McBeth

Principal Gifts Officer
Office of Institutional Advancement

Danielle McBeth is a higher education, government relations and resource development executive with more than two decades of experience securing institutional resources and building strategic partnerships. She has helped secure more than $100 million in funding and holds degrees from American University Washington College of Law and Florida A&M University.

Carlton Deane Robinson, Jr.

Police Officer
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management

Carlton D. Robinson, Jr., is an Army veteran, entrepreneur and security professional with extensive experience in leadership and public service. He is pursuing a degree in data engineering and artificial intelligence and is committed to professionalism, continuous growth and building a positive legacy through service and innovation.

Zachary Eugene Chavet

Athletic Trainer
Athletics

Raised in Shanghai, China, and educated in the United States, Zachary Eugene Chavet holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in athletic training from A.T. Still University. He's excited to to be a part of Firebird Nation!

Rhonda Bowman

Administrative Staff Assistant
College of Arts and Sciences

Rhonda Bowman is an administrative professional with more than 10 years of experience in higher education and government services. She previously served with the District of Columbia government and UDC’s Academic Resource Center. Bowman holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Trinity Washington University and is pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and organizational management. 

Unique Johnson 

Public Safety Dispatcher
Office of Public Safety and Emergency Services

Unique Johnson is a public service professional with more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement. A Washington, D.C., native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in human services. 

Jaleya Leonard

Executive Director
Human Resources

Jaleya Leonard brings 14+ years of progressive HR leadership in operations, compliance, talent acquisition and organizational development. A native of Washington, DC, she holds a Master's in Administration from Trinity Washington University. The proud mother of one son, she enjoys reading, volunteering and has a passion for people-centered leadership grounded in purpose. 

Carlos Puerta

Applications Integration Analyst
Office of Information Technology

Carlos Puerta is a technology professional focused on designing and implementing solutions that empower people and strengthen organizations. Originally from Cali, Colombia, Puerta attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he received a master's degree in data science and a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Lisa Robinson

Senior Communications Associate
Office of Marketing and Communications

Lisa Clayton Robinson is a mission-driven writer and editor who served as the longtime writer in the office of Children’s Defense Fund President Emerita Marian Wright Edelman and most recently as a senior writer and editor at Symphonic Strategies. She is originally from Massachusetts and is the parent of three young adult children.

Jamilia B. Shipman

Director of Alumni Relations
Office of Institutional Advancement

Jamilia B. Shipman, CFRE, brings extensive experience in alumni engagement, philanthropy, nonprofit management and higher education advancement. Shipman holds a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Christopher Newport University.

Gregory Smith

Public Safety Service Desk Technician
Office of Information Technology

Originally from Prince George's County, Maryland, Greg Smith has a background in network infrastructure and cybersecurity. He is a proud brother of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., by way of the Delta Mu Chapter at Bowie State University, and is passionate about the continued growth and advancement of HBCUs. Outside of work, Greg is a musician with experience in piano and marching percussion, enjoys photography and cars and is committed to giving back through community service.

Samuel Van Horn

Project Assistant for Soilless Systems
College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)

Sam Van Horn advances sustainable food systems through climate-smart agriculture and nutrition-focused solutions. He oversees all soilless farming operations—including hydroponics, aquaponics and aquaculture—at Firebird Research Farm and UDC’s Urban Food Hubs, supporting innovative urban food production and community health. 

Aubrey Yeboah

Program Manager
Title III

Aubrey Yeboah builds strategic partnerships, develops impactful marketing campaigns and leads programs that drive meaningful results. He holds an MBA in international business from Fort Hays State University and a degree in marketing and business management from Winston-Salem State University. His experience spans workforce development, higher education, entrepreneurship and community engagement.