Staff

Staff

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Andrew Allison

Reactor Supervisor in Training

Andrew Allison received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the US Naval Academy in 2010. He then completed US Navy Nuclear Power Training out of Charleston, SC in order to serve as a submarine officer aboard the USS Alabama, a ballistic missile submarine out of Bangor, WA. While assigned to the USS Alabama, he qualified as a Prospective Nuclear Engineer for the S8G reactor design. Following completion of his submarine tour, Andrew served as a planning officer for US Strategic Command where he was awarded a Joint Service Commendation Medal for his efforts.

In 2017, Andrew transitioned from active-duty Navy to the Naval Reserves. As a reserve officer, he supported 6th fleet for coordinating anti-submarine warfare operations. In 2019, he graduated from Madison College with a technical diploma as an automotive technician and resigned from the Naval Reserves.

In 2020, Andrew Allison joined the University of Utah as a Nuclear Engineering M.S. graduate student and began working towards a senior reactor operator license for the University of Utah's TRIGA reactor. In 2021, he was hired by the University of Utah as a reactor supervisor in training for the University's Nuclear Engineering Facility.

Kelsey Arnold

Marketing & Communication Specialist

Kelsey Arnold is the Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She manages and oversees the department marketing efforts as well as department outreach. Kelsey holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Technical Communication from Colorado State University and a Bachelor's degree in Geoscience with an emphasis on Operational Meteorology from Mississippi State University. During her free time, Kelsey enjoys traveling, aerial fitness, bowling, hiking, cooking, & spending time with her husband; Sean, Lab/Chow Mix; Missy, and Tuxedo Cat; Westley. 

Mark Bryant

Technician and Safety Officer

Mark Bryant is our department’s technician and safety officer. His days are filled with not only helping staff and faculty with projects and research, but he is constantly working with our students on their research. He ensures that all research projects and tests are done efficiently, effectively and safely.

Olivia Calvillo

Undergraduate Academic Advisor

Olivia serves as an academic advisor for undergraduate civil and construction engineering students. She also assists students who are interested in the Nuclear Minor option. Olivia holds a Master’s in Education in College Students Services Administration from Oregon State University. A fun fact about Olivia: She’s spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington) and really enjoys the mountains and sunny weather here in Utah!

Tiffany Hortin

Administrative Manager

Tiffany Hortin is the Administrative Manager for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She is oversees the daily operations of the department. She assists with the department hiring and onboarding processes, faculty grants, and faculty appointments. Tiffany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Lawrence University. When she is away from the office she trains for triathlons and is usually found outdoors with her family. 

Wendy McKenney

Undergraduate Construction Academic Advisor

Wendy McKenney serves as an Academic Advisor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.  She advises for the following degrees: BS in Civil Engineering, BS in Construction Engineering, MS in Construction Engineering, minor in Nuclear Engineering and BS in Civil Engineering at the Utah Asia Campus.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Utah.  Her favorite part about being an academic advisor is supporting and empowering students to reach their academic, professional and personal goals!  When not advising, Wendy can be found running half marathons and spending time with her husband and furbabies.  

Cathy Merkel

Accountant

Cathy Merkel is the Accountant for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She assists with and monitors the faculty research grants, purchasing, budgeting, and travel. Cathy holds a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of Utah, and she is a Certified Public Accountant. In her free time, Cathy enjoys going on walks, knitting, and spending time with her family.

Courtney Phillips

Graduate Academic Advisor

Courtney serves as the Graduate Academic Advisor within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She supports graduate students in the fields of Civil, Environmental and Nuclear Engineering, from prospective students through degree completion. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Vermont. In her free time, you can find her trail running in the Wasatch or gardening at her home.

Vince Wang

Research Scientist

Dr. Meng-Jen (Vince) Wang is a research scientist of the Nuclear engineering program under the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is actively participating in various research activities, which includes computational work on the UTRIGA reactor, reactor operation for research projects, exploring new research ideas with the UNEP facility, and working on collaborated project with other faculty members at the University of Utah. Dr. Wang received his BS in Physics (Fu-Jen Catholic University), MS in Nuclear Engineering (National Tsing-Hua University), and PhD in Nuclear Engineering (Virginia Tech). His expertise is particle transport simulation, includes method development and its applications. He enjoys working with the faculty members from different research expertises. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or fishing.