AIMI Advisory Council

Cicio is a data-driven manager with a demonstrated history of working in continuing education, community engagement and program development. Cicio is skilled in strengths-based leadership and relationship-building and specializes in evolving existing programs, identifying strategic opportunities and implementing new initiatives.

Her experience includes working with internal and external partners and developing new relationships as she expands and develops programs. Prior to her time at Rutgers, Cicio served as the community education coordinator at Prevent Child Abuse – NJ, where she developed and delivered research-based workshops and events to groups statewide.

Cicio is a two-time graduate of Rutgers, having earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice and a master’s of public administration there. She also has completed a teaching certificate and a diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace certificate.

Dr. Finke is a research expert in R&D, mathematical modeling, and engineering systems. With a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Penn State, he supports applied research at the intersection of design innovation and data analysis. His work spans defense, design optimization, and smart systems.

Dr. Sharareh “Sherri” Kermanshachi was named the college’s associate vice chancellor and associate dean for research on Aug. 1, 2023. She previously served at the University of Texas at Arlington as a professor of civil engineering; director of research initiatives in the College of Engineering; director of the Center for Transportation, Equity, Decisions and Dollars Technology Transfer programs; and director of the Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environment (RISE) Lab.

Dr. Kurzweg leads a nationally ranked engineering program with over 1,600 students. His research in optical microsystems, antennas, and biosensing has earned support from NSF, NIH, and DOD. He has published 80+ papers, holds multiple patents, and brings academic and administrative experience from Drexel and Penn State.

He has served as principal or co-principal investigator for approximately $9.5 million in funded research and has published more than 80 journal and conference papers. He also holds multiple patents.

Tanna Pugh is the director of PennTAP, responsible for overseeing the programs and personnel who offer technical assistance to small and midsize companies throughout the Commonwealth. Prior to joining PennTAP, Tanna had a 25-year career divided between industry and academia.

Tanna Pugh brings years of experience in building and sustaining long-term relationships, tech transfer, as well as program and business development. She most recently worked with Airgas as an account manager, where she marketed and sold products for this leader of industrial, medical, and specialty gases.

Expertise in health economics, health services and outcomes research, epidemiology, theoretical/applied econometrics and biostatistics.

Expertise in a wide range of therapeutic areas including oncology, surgery, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental illness.

16 years of experience as researcher and teacher in academia and consultant in pharmaceutical industry.

Leading an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, economists, statisticians, analysts, students, program coordinators, and scientists to accomplish goals stated in funded projects and managing contracts, budgets and fulfilling milestones and deadlines in a timely manner.