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School Welcomes 11 New Staff in 2024
The School of Data Science continues to grow, and in 2024 welcomed 11 new staff members to support evolving areas like student affairs, career development, information technology, facilities management, and communication. Meet the newest members, what drew them to the School of Data Science, and fun facts.
Ben Beach
Editorial Content Manager
Email: ben.beach@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 407
Ben has joined the Communications Team to oversee the content calendar, write and cover news, research, and events, and maintain the website. With two decades in financial news and research, he brings expertise in editorial management, content strategy, and team leadership to higher education. "The chance to work in a mission-focused environment with forward-looking subject matter was such a tremendous opportunity, reinforced by the outstanding faculty and staff I’ve met."
A UVA graduate with a B.A. in Government, Ben worked as a sports reporter, editor, and columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He remains a passionate fan of (nearly) all sports, especially the Hoos and Manchester United.
Fun fact: Ben was the drum major of both his junior high and high school marching bands, but swapped the baton and the French horn for guitar.
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Emma Cox
Program Manager, Office of Equity and Inclusion
Email: nkp9ch@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 354
Emma came to the School of Data Science from Philadelphia where she received her M.S.Ed. in Education, Culture, and Society from the University of Pennsylvania. She previously lived in Richmond, Va., where she worked at an educational nonprofit facilitating inclusion and belonging workshops. In 2019, Emma earned her bachelor's from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in community and nonprofit leadership with a certificate in criminal justice.
Emma enjoys working at the School of Data Science because of the many opportunities to learn, share, and collaborate with a wide range of people at UVA and in the greater Charlottesville community. “I particularly enjoy expanding my understanding of data science concepts, which is an entirely new area for me, through our many events and programs.”
Fun fact: When traveling, Emma enjoys going on whale watching tours. So far, she has encountered minke whales and belugas in Québec, humpbacks in Virginia Beach, and blue whales in California.
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Kim Devine
Senior Instructional Technology Specialist
Email: hxa7zd@virginia.edu
Location: remote
Kim Devine holds a master’s degree in instructional technology and began her career in corporate training, gaining experience in project management and user experience design. For over 20 years, she has worked in online higher education as an instructional designer and technologist, creating courses for undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs. Her interests include improving learning experiences through quality standards and collaborating with faculty to integrate educational technologies and experiential learning into course design.
Kim is excited to contribute her expertise to the School of Data Science. She lives in Bristow, Va., with her husband and their retired therapy dog, Goldie. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and exploring the DMV’s restaurants, museums, and attractions.
Fun facts: Kim enjoys early morning indoor and outdoor swimming, and loves to cook and replicate meals she experienced while traveling, especially perfecting her pizza-making skills.
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Margaux Jacks
Creative Manager
Email: mgj4n@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 411
Margaux brings over a decade of experience in creative strategy for higher education. She most recently served as senior graphic designer at Eastern Mennonite University and previously as associate director of art direction at EAB, collaborating with over 80 schools. At UVA, she was director of creative services for the College of Arts & Sciences, leading a team to shape the College’s brand across web, print, social media, and events. Before moving to Charlottesville in 2013, Margaux spent nearly 20 years in Washington, D.C., working on campaigns for organizations such as VDOT, Maryland Parks and Recreation, and the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, where she led branding efforts for national smoking cessation initiatives.
Now, Margaux is excited to help the School of Data Science’s brand grow, supporting enrollment, faculty hiring, and community engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys family time, sports, yoga, interior design, and painting.
Fun fact: When making her college decision, top of the list was the formerly named Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science with a softball scholarship.
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Stephanie Joynes
Assistant Director, Career and Professional Development
Email: nkt6nq@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 142
Stephanie Joynes brings over a decade of experience in career education, employer relations, and experiential learning at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has honed her expertise through her roles at The College of William & Mary, Raymond A. Mason School of Business and Hampden-Sydney College. Before transitioning to career education, Stephanie built her career in marketing and cultural education at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution.
Stephanie earned her B.A. in English and Anthropology from Syracuse University and her M.A. in the Social Sciences from The University of Chicago, where her thesis explored legal and ethical implications of DNA research on Native American human remains housed in museum collections nationwide.
“Working in career education, I saw the rapid growth and interdisciplinary impact of data science, and when UVA announced its new building, I knew it was my chance to join an exciting initiative with talented colleagues and inspiring students.”
Fun fact: Stephanie tells people her favorite movie is The Red Violin, which she believes is an excellent movie. However, her real favorite movie is Clue. “It's a classic, quotable and should never be remade.”
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Jay Luther
Data Scientist
Email: wed8sw@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, 3rd Floor
Jay Luther serves as a data scientist working for Professor Don Brown. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to graduate school, Luther worked as a civilian software engineer for the Department of Defense. His B.S. in Computer Engineering and B.A. in German were completed at the University of Rhode Island. “I came here as Charlottesville is a great place to live and I love the collaborative environment here at the School of Data Science.”
Fun fact: Luther lived in Germany for a year and worked there for six months.
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Tighe O’Loughlin
Academic Administrative Assistant
Email: rce2sb@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 237
Tighe is a recent graduate from Virginia Tech where he majored in philosophy and minored in English literature. Prior to joining the School of Data Science, he worked as a groundskeeper on a private farm that raised Irish wolfhounds.
“I've had great experiences with formal education, and my time as an undergrad student profoundly enriched the way I understand myself and the world. I'm interested in supporting people's ability to live complex, curious lives in any way I can, and I see my position at the School of Data Science as a way to do that.”
Fun fact: Tighe grew up in Charlottesville and attended Albemarle High School.
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Jason Ring
Director of Information Technology and Strategy
Email: rdz8vy@virginia.edu
Location: 102 Cresap Road, Room 105
Jason has over 25 years of experience in Higher Education IT management, including roles at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and as Associate Vice President of Information Technology at the Wisconsin Technical College System. He has focused on initiatives to improve data utilization in decision-making and operations. Jason is excited to bring his expertise to the School of Data Science.
He was impressed by the School of Data Science and its staff during his visit to UVA and is grateful to join such a forward-thinking organization.
Fun fact: Originally from Virginia, Jason joined the Navy with the intention of exploring beyond his hometown. However, he was stationed in Norfolk, Va., just a few hours away from where he grew up. During his service, he spent three months in Italy waiting for confirmation on which command would cover his return flight home. He wasn’t mad about the delay.
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Eugeniu Rotari
Grants and Contracts Specialist
Email: zrh8cg@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 456
Eugeniu has extensive experience in nonprofit grant management, having most recently worked as partnership coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council. He has also held roles at Concordia, Projecte Sociale, and Project Casa Mare in Moldova, developing and managing project proposals. Eugeniu holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in social work from the Free International University of Moldova, along with a master’s in public health from the University of Missouri, Columbia, through a Fulbright Student Award.
Fun fact: Outside of work, Eugeniu enjoys playing board games, especially Dungeons & Dragons.
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Beth Holt Wright
CAPS Psychotherapist
Email: mdj7wf@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 144
Beth has been a licensed psychotherapist for 25 years. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Richmond and a master’s in social work from the University of Georgia. Beth is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, and has received training in Internal Family Systems for complex trauma, brain spotting, Hakomi, core energetics, dream work, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and traditional modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and psychodynamics. Additionally, Beth received a certification in Integrative (holistic) Health from the University of Arizona.
“I love my time so far at the School of Data Science — the student affairs team, the supportive culture, and the close parking.”
Fun facts: Beth enjoys cooking spicy food to honor her Cajun background, hiking, and glamping.
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Elodie Wolfe
Facilities Manager and Space Planning Coordinator
Email: mdj7wf@virginia.edu
Location: 1919 Ivy Road, Room 237
Elodie Wolfe serves as a Facilities Manager and Space Planning Coordinator, bringing extensive experience in administrative excellence, event and space planning, and building project coordination. With a strategic mindset and innovative approach, she has a proven ability to enhance organizational efficiency and build meaningful partnerships. Elodie’s expertise in managing complex tasks, coordinating major events, and fostering collaboration across university departments and external partners makes her a valuable addition to the team. A UVA alumna with a B.A. in History and Religious Studies, Elodie is passionate about creating impactful, personalized solutions to optimize spaces for students, faculty, and staff.
Fun facts: Elodie enjoys gardening, often choosing rare and challenging plants to grow—and occasionally arguing with them when they don’t cooperate. She’s also a fan of live music and loves catching shows at The Southern.
