Our People

 Meghan Dovick is the Director of the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program at the University of Utah and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics. She brings over fifteen years of experience in higher education, spanning course design, instruction, research, and academic administration. Her expertise lies at the intersection of environmental science and policy, and she is passionate about interdisciplinary approaches that help prepare graduate students to become workforce-ready leaders and innovators. She currently teaches MST 6200 – Professional Development and MST 6963 – Special Topics: Environmental Field Methods and Analysis.

Meghan currently serves as President of the National Professional STEM Master’s Association (NPSMA), the leading organization supporting workforce-aligned STEM graduate programs nationwide. In this role, she helps guide national conversations around best practices in workforce readiness and professional preparedness, with a focus on aligning graduate education with the evolving needs of industry and labor markets. She frequently presents at NPSMA’s national conferences on topics such as professional development, program innovation, and strategies to enhance the graduate student experience.

She also helps lead Workforce Development efforts for the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine (SWSIE), one of the inaugural NSF Regional Innovation Engines. Her work with SWSIE focuses on building industry-academic partnerships, supporting experiential learning, and aligning education and training efforts with regional innovation and economic priorities.

Meghan holds a BS in biology, an MS in environmental law and policy, and a PhD in geomicrobiology.

MST 6110 – Business Development

MST 6200 Professional Development

MST 6974 Professional Experience Project Planning

MST 6975 Professional Experience Project

Alexandra Rivas is the Associate Director of the Professional Science Masters program at the University of Utah. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education. She has organized and created various academic programs. Alexandra loves to share knowledge and inspire a love for learning. She has expertise in business, economics, marketing, leadership, entrepreneurship, and project management, as well as a deep understanding of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. She is passionate about discovering solutions for addressing disparities and inequalities in access to resources and education.

Alexandra serves the National Professional Science Masters Association on the website update committee. This organization helps to guide PSM programs nationwide and is considered the leader in STEM and workforce development.

Alexandra has a BS in Information Systems, an MS in Economics, an MBA, and is PMP certified.

Michelle studied biology and English as an undergraduate and went on to work as a field biologist and high school science teacher. She then returned to the University of Utah to complete a PSM in Environmental Science. Her deep interest in the intersection of science and culture led her to work in
informal science outreach and education before returning to the PSM as program coordinator in January 2023. As a former student in the program, Michelle is passionate about the student experience and uses her unique perspective to ease the way for incoming and current students.

MST 6500 – Scientific Reasoning, Spring

Bryan has a degree in the philosophy of science, focusing on biology and psychology. His academic research focused on many areas, mostly on explaining intelligent behavior and associated ethical issues. He has worked in technology for the last dozen years, leading various companies' virtual and in-person educational programs. 

MST 6600 – Applied Statistics, Fall

Dr. Ray Hoobler is currently a director of technical program and project management for Applied Materials, Inc. He was the PSM program director from 2016 until 2022 and has taught both professional and technical courses for the PSM program including the Applied Statistical Techniques course since 2017. He brings 20+ years of industry experience to the PSM program having roles in both science and management.

Dr. Hoobler completed an MBA from Western Governors University, a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University, and a B.S. in Chemistry from Marshall University. Prior to his industry work, his academic experience includes positions as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at JILA, University of Colorado, Boulder, and as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Alabama.

ray.hoobler@utah.edu

Ray Hoobler on LinkedIn

MST 6210 – Business Operations, Spring

Shad Slaughter is a proud University of Utah alumnus and is currently the head of warehousing and fulfillment for Monolith Brands Group. He has been teaching the operations and project management course in the PSM program since 2015. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt. He has 20 years of operations and supply chain experience in upper management roles including VP of Operations for Xlear, Inc., and CEO of Utah Truffles. Shad earned an MBA from Westminster College.