EXCEL Staff

Hi! My name is Haley Santarelli, and I am a third-year Civil Engineering major. I graduated from North Fort Myers High School, where I majored in Theatre. I know, quite the switch from attending an arts high school to pursuing engineering. That being said, my favorite classes have always been math-based, and here at UCF,…

Russell is a graduate student pursuing his master’s degree in Computer Engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from UCF in 2025. During his first year, he participated in the EXCEL program and enjoyed the experience overall. He was also a past ULA for Math Launch, as well as a UTA/ULA for the…

Mary Kate Wilkerson is the STEM Engagement Manager for iSTEM and oversees the GEMS Mentoring Program. After graduating with a BA in Theatre Arts from Rollins College and earning a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida, Mary Kate has worked with youth and young adults in a variety of settings across…

Melissa Dagley is the Executive Director of iSTEM, a collaborative effort between the Colleges of Education, Engineering and Computer Science, and Sciences, established to promote and enhance UCF efforts on STEM education and educational research. Previously the director of Academic Affairs for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, she advised both undergraduate and graduate…

Sarah Evans is the Associate Director of the EXCEL/COMPASS program within UCF’s Center for Initiatives in STEM (iSTEM). In this role, she designs and manages programs that enhance STEM education and provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. After earning her BA in Physics from Rollins College, Sarah taught Advanced Placement Physics for 10…