The Matrix

Aditi Mitra

Professor of Sociology, was born in India, but grew up in several continents (Asia, middle-east and Europe). After completing her primary and secondary education in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), she earned her bachelor's degree (with honors) in English Literature from India, a masters degree in Mass Communication from England (British Chevening Scholar) and a doctorate in Sociology from the U.S. Her areas of specialization are in Social Inequality, Social Psychology, Gender, Globalization, Women's Studies, Mass Media and International Relations. She has been teaching General Sociology, Gender, International Relations/ Globalization, Culture and Business Communication for several years at various institutions around the world. Her current research includes Race and Gender Inequality, Non-governmental Organizations, Global Feminisms /International Women's Movement and Development of International Women’s Studies.

Patricia Richard-Amato

A textbook writer, lecturer, and consultant, is Professor Emeritus at California State University, Los Angeles where she coordinated graduate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and taught Multicultural Education. She was born and raised in Minnesota where she did her undergraduate work. She received a Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque in 1983. Her experience includes teaching Language Arts and English as a Second Language (ESL) at Pueblo High School in Tucson, Arizona and in the Jefferson County Schools where directed an ESL center. Dr. Richard-Amato has given keynote speeches in Slovakia, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, and across the U.S. and has taught at TESOL Academies and Institutes in the U.S. and abroad. Among her several books are: Making It Happen: From Interactive to Participatory Language Teaching (3rd ed); Academic Success for English Language Learners: Strategies for K-12 Mainstream Teachers and The Multicultural Classroom (both edited with Ann Snow); World Views: Multicultural Literature for Critical Writers, Readers, and Thinkers; Exploring Themes; and Worlds Together. In 1983 she was awarded a Mildenberger Medal by the Modern Language Association.

Joan Mikow

Joan Mikow grew up and was educated in Queens, New York. She received a B.S. in Nutrition at Queens College and received a M.S. from Columbia University's Teachers' College in Nutrition in Public Health. She became a Registered Dietitian after completing an internship at The New York Hospital.

She spent her professional career working in hospitals and nursing homes in Fairbanks, Alaska and Wenatchee, Washington.

Joan and her husband chose to retire in Colorado Springs and enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities available, such as fly fishing and hiking. They have two grown children living in different states, so they always have someone to visit.

The American Association of University Women has been an important part of her life and represents values that she believes in - equity for women and girls, lifelong education and positive societal change.

Marguerite Arai Cantu

Tom Christensen

Tom Christensen, Dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, joined the faculty of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Department of Physics and Energy Science in 1989. He has served the campus as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean and dean. Dr. Christensen has received both the College and campus Outstanding Teaching Awards and the Chancellor’s Award to recognize his service and teaching. Dr. Christensen’s research in experimental surface physics has led to 17 published papers in international science journals and over 90 presentations at scientific meetings. He has been the principal investigator on over $0.5 million in research grants and contracts for work in surface physics and in science education. In his spare time, Dr. Christensen plays string bass with the Pikes Peak Philharmonic orchestra and bass guitar with the Physics Classic Rock and Roll Orchestra.