Dr. Sherry Krayesky-Self,
Director of the Student Center for Research, Creativity, and Scholarship (SCRCS)
Dr. Sherry has 18 years of experience teaching biology at the University level. Her research focuses on the discovery of unknown benthic life history stages of marine bloom-forming microalgae that are associated endolithically with calcium carbonate-lined inner cells of crustose coralline-forming rhodoliths. She is also a skilled microscopist and an effective lab manager. In 2014 she and a small group of students developed the peer education program "Academic Mentoring Matters" that operates under the moto of “peers helping peers achieve their academic and personal goals." Undergraduate student research experiences (SRE) have been incorporated into all her endeavors. She has worked and published with several undergraduate students overseeing Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) granted by the National Science Foundation and Undergraduate Research Grants provided by UL, Lafayette.
Todd Henry, Coordinator Specialist
Todd started his position as Coordinator Specialist with the Student Center for Research, Creativity, and Scholarship in October 2021. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and worked as a Medicaid Analyst for the Department of Health and Hospitals for the State of Louisiana for 11 years. He stated working for UL Lafayette in the Admissions Office. He worked there for 3 years, followed by 9 years working for the Department of Physics as an Administrative Assistant. He is an expert at processing purchasing forms, personal action forms and all other critical University paperwork. He currently receives and tracts University funding that is distributed to faculty through ASRE grants. Todd helps in making this center successful through his prior experience.
Jessica White, M.S.
Academic Content Coordinator
Jessie is a first-generation college graduate. She earned a master's degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Juvenile Justice from UL Lafayette in 2015. Her areas of concentration and study are inequities within the criminal justice system, criminology, social justice, and diversity. Jessie has held many roles at UL Lafayette, including student, graduate assistant, academic advisor, faculty and staff instructor, and student success associate. Serving in her roles at UL Lafayette, Jessie has been able to aid in students' success, help students navigate through university life, and assist students in achieving their academic and life goals. In the Student Center for Research, Creativity, and Scholarship (SCRCS), Jessie is responsible for the development of academic and research content for the Advance Student Research Experience program.
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Graduate Assistants
Nirmal Gope
Nirmal is from Bangladesh. He is pursuing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Higher Education. He has three years of working experience in the Office of Undergraduate Research at Lamar University. He identifies himself as a servant-leader and is looking forward to serving the undergraduate research community at UL Lafayette.
Email: nirmal-chandra.gope1@louisiana.edu
Ipek Kaya
Ipek is pursuing her master's degree in Informatics. She earned her bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Turkey and worked as a civil engineer for 2 years. Her role at the Student Center for Research, Creativity, and Scholarship is the Undergraduate Research Conference Manager. Ipek coordinates and manages the Undergraduate Research Conference and our Advance Student Ambassadors. She is looking forward to encouraging undergraduate students to achieve their research goals.
Email: ipek.kaya1@louisiana.edu
Sarika Mangalpally
Hello, I'm Sarika Mangalpally and I am from India. Currently, enrolled in a Master's degree in Computer Science. I am delighted to share that, now, I am also part of Advance Student Research as a Graduate Assistant for this academic year. Hoping I will be a good help in enhancing all your career pathways. If you need any help, you can reach me through email.
Email: sarika.mangalpally1@louisiana.edu
Undergraduate Student Workers
Micaiah Alfred
Hello! My name is Micaiah Alfred. I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I major in Kinesiology with a concentration in sports management. I don't know exactly what I would like to do when I graduate but, I plan on using Kinesiology as a way to open many different pathways. Outside of school and work I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also like to play video games and basketball.
Jacques Laughlin
Jacques Laughlin is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology. He is a first-generation immigrant from Belgium, as well. He plans to earn a P.H.D. and become a psychiatrist so he can help others and save lives. Outside of school and work, he enjoys playing guitar and reading and writing.
