Meet Our Team | University of Miami

	Gaines, Michael S. Assistant Provost, Professor of Biology Michael Gaines received his master's and doctorate degrees in ecology from Indiana University. After 22 years on the faculty of the University of Kansas, he became Chair of the Department of Biology at UM in 1992. In 2004, he left the Chair in order to concentrate on undergraduate and community outreach programs as Assistant Provost. Besides teaching courses in introductory biology, research ethics, and research design for undergrads, Dr. Gaines directs and serves as campus coordinator for multiple research and community outreach programs. Dr. Gaines' scientific interests focus on the ecological genetics of endangered small mammal species in South Florida.
	Janos, David P. Associate Director, Professor of Biology David Janos received his master's and doctorate degrees in Botany from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). He was a post-doctoral fellow of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama for four years before joining the University of Miami faculty in 1979. Since 2002, he has collaborated with Dr. Gaines to write grant proposals for research training of underrepresented, underserved minority students. He is a mycologist, ecologist, and tropical biologist who investigates the effects of beneficial, root-inhabiting fungi on plants including those with importance for agriculture or forestry.
	Robertson, Maria J. Manager Maria is a Miami, FL native who began her career with UM in 1998 after years of working in the corporate sector. She earned her Bachelors in Business Administration and her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Miami.
	Berio-Blanco, Daritza Program Coordinator In 2008, Daritza joined the Office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy from Florida International University in 2005. After graduation, Daritza became a certified science teacher for MDCPS. During her years as a middle school science teacher, she participated in the summer programs Research in Ecology and Science Made Sensible provided by the office of Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach. Daritza will pursue a master's degree at the University of Miami.