Marie McDowell joined the UCSD research office in June 1995. She was for many years the head librarian for a federal research center that specialized in studies in organizational psychology, educational technology, manpower, and human factors engineering. Just prior to coming to UCSD, she was with District Counsel for the IRS, an office of attorneys that represent the IRS in Tax Court. In addition to a Master of Library Science degree, Marie has undergraduate degrees in English and anthropology.

Jo Ann Manuccia joined the UCSD research staff in March 2002. She previously worked in Development’s Foundation Relations and Leadership Gifts office, where she provided support with foundation prospect research and coordinated complex projects and site visits. Prior to coming to UCSD in 1999, Jo Ann worked as a legal assistant for 21 years. Her experience includes work in the commercial law departments of two large San Diego law firms; more recently she was the legal assistant and office manager for a sole practitioner. Jo Ann has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, with a major in Psychology from the City University of New York’s Hunter College. She also completed the Legal Assistant`s Program at the University of San Diego.

Angela Thieman joined the UCSD research staff as a research analyst in February 2000. Prior to this position, Angela worked as a policy analyst for a public policy consulting firm in Washington, D.C. She analyzed policy developments related to environmental and women`s health issues and provided srategic planning and issues management support for clients. Angela graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor`s degree in English Literature and a minor in Spanish..

Sara Benignus joined the UCSD research office in January 2003. Prior to this position she worked as the program assistant for UCSD Chancellor’s Associates, helping with membership and program management. Sara also worked at UCSD CONNECT as the assistant to the late director, Bill Otterson. Before coming to UCSD, Sara was a manufacturers rep in Boston, MA and surrounding communities. Additional experience includes administration and public relations for a contractor in Kansas City, Kansas. Sara graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications and a minor in French. She has completed coursework in the UCSD Fund Raising and Development Professional Certificate program.

Chris Hatch joined the research department team as a Research Analyst in July 2004. She has more than five years experience in Development at UCSD including the Major Gifts and General Campus offices. For the past year, Chris has worked for Sarah West, Associate Vice Chancellor of University Development, as an administrative assistant. Before coming to UCSD, Chris was employed in retail banking in the San Francisco and San Diego areas handling consumer and business loans. She received her BA degree in economics from UC Berkeley. Chris and her husband, Robert, live in Point Loma. They have two children, Andrew and Elizabeth, currently attending graduate school.