Program Faculty and Staff
2024 SSIP Faculty
Bryan Fischer, M.S.
Lecturer, Computer ScienceBryan Fischer brings a unique perspective to the Computer Science department as a non-traditional student and an alumnus of Gonzaga.
Alireza Toghraee, Ph.D.
Lecturer, Mechanical EngineeringGary R. Weber, Ph.D., P.E.
Director, Engineering Management; Assistant Professor, Mechanical EngineeringMeirong "Mary" Zhang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering2024 SSIP Staff
Mary Hunt
Office Manager & Assistant to the Dean(509) 313-3522
Mindy Ratcliffe
Program Assistant III(509) 313-3559
Lexi Durbin
Peer MentorLexi Durbin is a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Kirkland, Washington, who works in the Music Mansion and the Tribology Lab at Gonzaga. She loves rock climbing, swimming, snowboarding, hiking, and plays in the Bulldog Band! She has always been fascinated with engineering and sustainability, and after taking classes in materials and architectural engineering, she decided to pursue mechanical engineering. She would have loved access to a program such as SSIP in High School and is sincerely looking forward to helping others discover how they can pursue their passions through Engineering and Computer Science.
Lola Faix
Lola Faix is a senior civil engineering student from Denver, Colorado! She loves staying active through hiking, snowboarding, and every intramural sport GU has to offer. She also works as a research assistant for SEAS, studying the effectiveness of man-made beaver dams on restoring river habitats. She is Social Chair of the Society of Women Engineers and has a blast putting on fun events to empower and encourage women throughout the school. She is so excited for SSIP for a week of learning with a whole lot of fun!
Marcy Mount
Peer MentorMarcy Mount is a Senior Math and Spanish major from Dallas, TX. This summer she is working as an administrative assistant for the SEAS Dean's office. During the school year, she tutors Gonzaga students for the Math Department. In her free time, Marcy loves to be outside, reading a good book, or hanging out with her friends. Coming from an all-girls high school that strongly supported women in the STEM fields, Marcy is so excited to be a part of SSIP and work with other women interested in STEM!
Sydney Pifer
Peer MentorSydney Pifer, a Junior at Gonzaga University, is passionate about pursuing her degree in Mechanical Engineering. Originally from Gig Harbor, WA, she finds joy in activities like skiing, snowboarding, and crocheting during her free time. Recently inspired by her experience at the Madrid Open, she's taken up tennis as a new hobby. Sydney loves taking any chance she gets to connect with and meet new people interested in the engineering field, especially young women like her!