NHSN Staff
National Office Staff
Sheila Kaupert
National Office Manager
As the National Office Manager I work closely with the Executive Director in the implementation of the diverse NHSN research, programmatic, and administrative components. I help support the ongoing growth of the membership and programs, as well as manage, maintain, and develop the NHSN website-based quarterly newsletter, El Faro. I provide support and serve as liaison to our membership, National Steering Committee, and Subcommittees.
In 2003, I received my B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University, and began working for the NHSN in 2004. I am currently completing a Master’s in Public Health, and hope to build a career in international development and women’s health.
Jane Brooks, MSc, CMM
Program Coordinator
As Program Coordinator I am responsible for website updates as well as coordinating programs and meetings. Please contact me for any matters related to the NHSN website and NHSN programs.
I hold a Masters in International Hospitality Management. In addition, I am a Global Meeting Planner (CMM) and have worked extensively with the University of Miami on program development. Prior to coming to the USA, I worked in Asia Pacific and Europe. If you have updates for our website or have questions about the events and programs within the Network, please do not hestiate to contact me.
Membership Subcommittee Staff
Jean Carnal
Membership Subcommittee Coordinator
As membership subcommittee coordinator, I work directly with NHSN members and nominees to gather all membership materials. I also manage the NHSN membership database for the organization. If you have any questions regarding the membership process or would like to change any contact information, please contact me. I will be happy to assist you.
In 1981, I received my B.S. in Zoology from Southeastern Louisiana University. My degree led me to a career as a Research Associate for Louisiana State University Health Science Center. It was my involvement with drug research that led to my assisting NHSN’s Membership Subcommittee.
Mary (Betsy) Giaimo
Membership Subcommittee Coordinator
I am currently an assistant to the Membership Subcommittee at the NHSN, and am delighted to be working for such a prestigious network. I am also an instructor of Physiology at the LSU Health Sciences Center where I run the teaching laboratories as well as the department website. My research interests are in the area of cardiovascular dysfunction related to alcohol and HIV.
Training Institute Staff
Evelio Salinas Escamilla
Institute Coordinator
I am Coordinator of the NHSN Interdisciplinary Research Training Institute (IRTI) on Hispanic Drug Abuse held at the University of Houston, Hilton Hotel. As a Social and Behavioral Researcher at the Center for Drug & Social Policy Research, Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston, I also provide research support on the University of Houston Drug Abuse Research Development Program. I have a baccalaureate degree in Mexican American Studies, Political Science emphasis from the University of Texas at San Antonio. My experience includes working in both university research and private legal sectors.
As a Mexican bi-national, I appreciate the complexities of being foreign-born and living near and around the U.S. Mexico border. I have interests in political and policy-making issues affecting Mexicano, Mexican American and Chicano communities. I have worked with Dr. Avelardo Valdez, NHSN Training Institute committee chair, for more than 13 years since his undergraduate years at UT San Antonio. I am fortunate to work with and learn from Hispanic investigators that research important Hispanic questions in areas of substance abuse, treatment and policy. The Training Institute provides the opportunity and experience for graduate students and early career drug investigators to work with senior research scientist and government liaisons within the Network.
It is my pleasure to assist you with any questions regarding the Training Institute.
International Sub Committee Staff
Ian A. Mendez, M.A.
Assistant to the International Research Collaborations Subcommittee
I have been a student member of the National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse since 2003. It was not until 2005, however, that I began working as a staff member of NHSN. During this time, I have worked as an assistant to Dr. Antonio Cepeda-Benito, Chair of the International Research Collaboration Subcommittee of the NHSN. My duties include processing application packets for new international members, organizing meeting schedules and minutes, and preparing quarterly and annual reports on the progress of the international committee. Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding the international branch of the NHSN.