Get to Know the Newest Members of the W&L Community – 7/12/23 The following individuals recently joined the Washington and Lee employee workforce.
Nicholas Barber, Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience – The College
Nicholas Barber, assistant professor of earth and environmental geoscienceQ. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Pennsylvania about 45 minutes north of Philadelphia. I received my bachelor’s degree in geoscience from Drexel University in 2018, graduating with distinction and a minor in chemistry. I received the Goldwater Scholarship and the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship during my undergraduate days, which allowed me to study volcanic systems in Yellowstone and the Northeast Pacific Ocean. During my senior year, I was awarded a Gates Cambridge scholarship via the Gates Foundation, allowing me to pursue a doctorate in earth sciences at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. I was a member of Churchill College during my doctoral studies, and I served as a postgraduate representative to the Department of Earth Sciences and chair of our department’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) working group. I passed my thesis defense in August of 2022. After this, I began a Wares Postdoctoral Fellowship at McGill University in Montréal, Canada. I have been blessed to make the journey to both the U.K. and Canada, and now to Lexington, with my partner Ashleigh Jugan. We have been together since 2013, and were married in 2020.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I grew up camping in the Appalachians with my family and friends so I can’t wait to have such regular access to hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking! I’m also excited to have ready access to bluegrass music at the Lime Kiln music venue.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I listen to blues, bluegrass, and country music to unwind. I enjoy reading, primarily nonfiction, and I love exploring new recipes when I cook for my family. I am a big fan of Philadelphia sports teams and the Tottenham Premier League soccer team.
Michelle Cowan, Assistant Professor of Business Administration – The Williams School
Michelle Cowan, assistant professor of business administrationQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I was born and raised in Texas and worked in Houston for 12 years as a professional writer and editor. I earned my doctorate in technical communication and rhetoric in May, and my research focuses on workplace writing, assessment and health communication. I live with my husband and five little dogs.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I am very excited for all the hiking opportunities and to hopefully kayak or canoe. I used to canoe a lot and want to get back into it. My husband and I are enthused about visiting towns and parks all across Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C. We have family in Williamsburg and hope to visit them soon as well!
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
My husband and I enjoy reading, hiking and museums. I am a musician/songwriter (primarily a vocalist) who plays piano and a little guitar. It would be great to jam with local musicians. I also love cycling and swimming, and have taught spin classes for seven years.
Matt Eaker, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications – Communications and Public Affairs
Matt Eaker, assistant director of athletic communicationsQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I grew up in Schaumburg, Illinois which is about 25 minutes from Chicago. I have three sisters, Jenna (28), Maggie (20) and Jillian (18). I graduated from North Central College in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and completed my master’s degree in sports leadership in 2023 while working as a graduate assistant in the Sports Information Department.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I enjoy watching movies such as comedy and psychological thrillers. I enjoy watching Chicago sports teams such as the Bears and Cubs, as well as the Professional Lacrosse League (PLL). I also enjoy video games including Madden, MLB The Show and many others.
Trinity Muterspaugh, General Services – Dining Services
Trinity Muterspaugh, dining servicesQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have studied three years at Old Dominion University. I am interested in event/wedding planning and I love being an aunt.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
I love going to Sweet Things! They have the best waffle cones.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I absolutely love to read. I also love to paint and craft. Dancing and singing are my hidden passions.
Tasha Sorrels, Custodian – Athletics
Tasha Sorrels, athletics custodianQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I was born and raised in Buena Vista, Virginia and currently still reside there. In my spare time, I enjoy playing softball for a local RARO league, as well as spending time supporting my niece and nephew in their many sports endeavors.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I often unwind by sitting on my front porch swing with my two miniature dachshunds. I also really enjoy the outdoors and warm weather.
Q. Any favorite regional spots or activities you are excited about?
One of my favorite local spots is Glenn Maury Park in Buena Vista. I spend many weekends frequenting live local music and festivities.
Amira Walker, Research Services Resident Librarian and Assistant Professor – University Library
Amira Walker, research services resident librarian and assistant professorQ. Tell us a little about you and your background.
I have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Texas, a master’s degree in teaching ESL from the University of Texas at San Antonio and I am wrapping up a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas. I have a background in teaching, writing and even spent a summer as a park ranger. I’m married with three daughters, ages 11, 8, and 18 months.
Q. How do you unwind or have fun? Any hobbies or hidden talents?
I love to knit, garden and bake! At one point, I ran my own home bakery and sold pies and cinnamon rolls at the Dallas Farmers’ Market. As much as I love gardening, I’ll admit I’m not great at it, but I’m looking forward to trying my hand at gardening in Virginia. I’ve recently picked up crocheting and would like to get back into painting, which I used to do when I was younger. I’m always looking to learn new creative skills!
Q. Anything in particular you are looking forward to at W&L?
The community at W&L really made an impression on me during my interview. As soon as I hopped on my flight back to Texas, I knew I wanted to come back and spend more time getting to know everyone. I’m so glad that I will get to do that!
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