Our People

Dr. Kristan Cilente Skendall serves as Associate Director of the Gemstone Honors Program in the Honors College at the University of Maryland, where she teaches GEMS102 and co-teaches GEMS202. She works closely with the research teams, faculty mentors, and librarians. Dr. Skendall received her B.A. degree in Sociology and History from the College of William & Mary (VA), her M.A. degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arizona, and her Ph.D. in College Student Personnel at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Skendall previously served as the Assistant Director for Orientation and Leadership Programs at Georgetown University and Senior Coordinator for Community Service-Learning at the University of Maryland, where she oversaw the development of the Alternative Breaks program on campus from 2005-2008. Additionally, Dr. Skendall has worked with the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs, ACPA-College Student Educators International, and the U.S. Department of Education with the Committee on Measures of Student Success.

Dr. Skendall’s research focus is primarily related to college student leadership and service-learning. Her dissertation, Socially Responsible Leadership: the Role of Participation in Short-term Service Immersion Programs, connected leadership outcomes with short-term service immersion programs and service-learning participation in general. Additionally, Dr. Skendall has published several articles and book chapters related to student leadership, alternative spring break, multiple identity development, and new professionals needs. Dr. Skendall has taught graduate-level courses on research methods, leadership, and student development in addition to undergraduate leadership courses and Gemstone courses.

Vickie Hill serves as Assistant Director of the Gemstone Honors Program in the Honors College at the University of Maryland. She has provided dedicated service for the Gemstone Honors Program for over 15 years.

Vickie received her B.S. degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice, and her Master’s in Education from the University of Maryland University College. She is currently a candidate for a Ph.D. in Leadership and Management from the Capella University conducting extensive research on diversity in leadership. All while pursuing higher education, Vickie has been with the University of Maryland campus community 30 years.

She currently coordinates activities for 35+ faculty mentors and purchasing activity for 35+ research teams. Vickie manages the day-to-day operations for all Gemstone Honors program to include financial services, course management, facilities and communication. Vickie provides guidance to the financial liaisons for 35+ research teams and under her leadership the Gemstone Honors program has successfully passed every financial audit for the past 15 years. She also supervises the Operation and Team Support program. Over her 30+ years at the University, Vickie has developed, mentored and influenced students from all walks of life.

She also serves as an Elder at Kingdom Harvest Ministries where she holds the position as Director overseeing the youth, women and singles’ ministries. She is also a christian educator instructor and provides guidance for youth church. She is the proud wife of Melvin Hill and she is the mother to three beautiful children.

Leah Tobin is the Assistant Director of Student Engagement for the Gemstone Honors Program. In her role with the Program, Leah facilitates the First-Year experience, including two first-year seminars and coordinates the co-curricular opportunities which complement the students' four-year research project. Always interested in education, Leah majored in Elementary Education at American University and later received her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration from The George Washington University. Originally from New Jersey, Leah has made the DC area her home since 2002 and is proud to be a Terp! She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Student Affairs in the and looks forward to engaging in the research process alongside Gemstone students!

Jessica Lee serves as the Coordinator for Student Engagement for the Gemstone Honors Program in the Honors College at the University of Maryland, where she serves as the staff advisor for several Gemstone student leadership groups (Gemstone Leadership Council, Gems Camp Planning Committee, Gemstone CONNECT) and an academic advisor. Jessica is a double Terp and received her B.S. degree in Biological Sciences: Physiology & Neurobiology with a minor in Linguistics and received her M.Ed in Student Affairs at the University of Maryland. She is also the current House Director for Delta Gamma on campus and has served as a Staff Advisor for Alternative Breaks.

Jessica is also an Honors College and Gemstone alumnus- member of Team RITALIN. Her team’s research focused on how prenatal nicotine exposure (linked to ADHD) affects inhibitory control governed by the prefrontal cortex of the brain. During her senior year, she traveled to San Diego, CA with some team members to present their research findings at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. In addition to her involvement with Gemstone research, she was a research assistant for the Department of Linguistics Cognitive Neuroscience of Language lab and was a Baggett Summer Scholar, focusing on language acquisition and theory of mind.

Jessica was also heavily involved in the Gemstone Honors Program and around campus. She served as a section leader for all of the GEMS courses as a section leader for all of the GEMS courses and president of the Gemstone Student Council. Additionally, Jessica was a committee head and tour guide for Maryland Images, a recruitment ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and an intern for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.