Staff
The Office of Engaged Learning is part of SMU's Office of Student Academic Engagement and Success, which is directed by Associate Provost Sheri Kunovich.
Jennifer Ebinger
Senior Director
Email: jebinger@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3222
Dr. Jennifer Ebinger, EdD, is the Senior Director of the Office of Engaged Learning within the Provost Division of Academic Affairs at Southern Methodist University. In this role, she leads experiential learning initiatives, fostering out-of-the-classroom experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and high-impact educational practices. With over 25 years of experience in leadership, education, organizational change consulting, and program development, Jennifer has a proven track record of implementing innovative learning solutions that drive organizational success. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education, a Master’s in Teaching, and boasts extensive consulting and coaching experience. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys exploring creative endeavors, reading, cooking, hiking, and spending quality time with her two wonderful children.
Alisha Bailey
Assistant Director
Email: ambailey@smu.edu
Alisha Bailey serves as Assistant Director for the Pathways to Business and Industry Program. Before transitioning to OEL, she served as Program Manager in SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, where she led the engineering outreach camps for K-16. Alisha received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Spelman College and her Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from Alabama A&M University. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree, Alisha worked as a sixth and seventh grade mathematics teacher in Houston, TX, before transitioning back into the science field. Through her master’s program, her knowledge and focuses were fisheries, aquaponics, and water management research and by studying abroad in Nanjing, China, she broadened her skills in GIS. Alisha worked for the government in the environmental health field as an Environmental Compliance Specialist for several years in Atlanta, GA. Outside of work, Alisha is continuously dedicated to service by volunteering at Ronald McDonald House Dallas, as an advisory board member with Women Leading Technology, serves on the Board of Directors for The GEMS Camp, a proud alumna of Leadership ISD Dallas County Civic Voices Fellowship, and a member of Junior League of Dallas.
Kelly Chandrapal
Program Coordinator
Email: kchandrapal@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3223
Kelly Chandrapal comes to SMU most recently from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s art museum where she worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students in her position as the Learning Resources Coordinator. Prior to working at UNC, she implemented educational programs in museums and taught elementary and high school art in Texas public schools. Kelly earned a BFA in Visual Art Studies from The University of Texas at Austin and MA in Museum Science from Texas Tech University. She is a Texas native but new to Dallas and is looking forward to becoming a part of the SMU community!
Adam Neal
Program Manager
Email: asneal@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-3205
Adam Scott Neal serves as Program Manager for Research programs in the Office of Engaged Learning. He coordinates the Engaged Learning Fellowship and Undergraduate Research Assistantship programs and related events. Adam is a composer working in a variety of genres, from toy piano solos to modern dance scores. Recognized as “exquisitely crafted,” Adam’s music “draws the listener inward, encouraging intimate dialogue” (Creative Loafing Atlanta). His music has received nearly 300 performances in 32 states and 15 countries. Adam has also published research on computer music, lo-fi, improvisation, and popular music education. Adam earned a PhD at the University of Florida and previous degrees at Queen’s University Belfast and Georgia State University.
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Olivia Prioleau
Project Specialist Email: oprioleau@smu.edu
Phone: 214-768-6885
Olivia Prioleau serves as the new Project Specialist in the Office of Engaged Learning. She coordinates the Big iDeas and Mustang Mentors peer mentoring program. Prior to coming to SMU, Olivia earned her M.Ed in Higher Education Leadership from Texas Christian University. While at TCU, she advised first-year leadership programs, student organizations, and coordinated large-scale programs in her role as the Graduate Assistant in the Student Activities Office. She earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina and is a Charleston, South Carolina, native. She is excited for her new journey at SMU and to serve more students on the Hilltop.
Neha Husein
Entrepreneurship Fellow
Neha Husein graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2019 with degrees in Human Rights and Marketing. Driven by a strong commitment to social impact, she founded Just Drive, a startup focused on reducing distracted driving accidents. Today, Neha is the Senior Event Producer for Vegandale, an international festival that celebrates vegan food, music, and art. In addition to her professional achievements, Neha is passionate about mentoring and supporting collegiate entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and growing their own ventures.
David Son
Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Research
David Son has been a professor in the Department of Chemistry at SMU since 1996. Dr. Son received his B.S. in chemistry from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI) and his Ph.D. in chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA). Dr. Son was a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, D.C.) before coming to SMU. Dr. Son conducts research on the synthesis of inorganic and organometallic polymers for a variety of applications including drug delivery, additive manufacturing, and aerospace. At SMU, Dr. Son has been awarded the Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Award, the Thomas W. Tunks Distinguished University Citizen Award, and the ‘M’ Award. Dr. Son has also served as Faculty in Residence at Boaz Residential Commons from 2014-2022.