People Directory

Nicholas Smaligo

Community Resilience Liaison

Pronouns:

he/him/his

Email:

nsmaligo@iu.edu

Nicholas Smaligo is focused on supporting rural communities in their efforts to address challenges related to food systems, water resources, and climate adaptation.

Denny Spinner

Executive Director

Email:

dspinner@iu.edu

Denny Spinner leads the Center for Rural Engagement's efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers.

Nicole Vasconi

Hoosier Quality of Place Liaison

Email:

nvasconi@iu.edu

Nicole Vasconi is invested in working with communities on sustainable strategies for growth that leverage and strengthen local arts, culture, history, and quality of place.

Gina Vertrees

Project Manager

Email:

gvertree@iu.edu

Gina Vertrees helps staff and partners work with rural communities by implementing project management systems and improving efficiencies across the center’s work.

Jeni Waters

Associate Director of Communications

Pronouns:

she/her/hers

Email:

watersje@iu.edu

Jeni Waters shapes the visual identity of the center, implements strategic communication plans, and coordinates projects to ensure the timely and successful completion of communication initiatives.

Emily Alford

Head of Government Information, Maps and Microform Services (GIMMS)

Phone:

(812) 855-8155

Email:

alfordem@indiana.edu

IU Human Trafficking Working Group; Thinking Outside the Book: Community Engagement with Rural Libraries; Washington County Rural Health and Wellness Initiative

Britney Arce

Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Nursing

Phone:

(812) 855-0581

Email:

barce@iu.edu

Health, Sustaining Hoosier Communities:  Health Clinics for Preventative Screenings in Rural Counties in Southern Indiana

Bob Autio

Research Geologist, Indiana Geological and Water Survey

Phone:

(812) 856-1904

Email:

rjautio@iu.edu

Resilience: Building climate, soil, and water monitoring infrastructure to improve water-resource planning and STEM education in Daviess, Dubois, and Greene Counties

Angela Babb

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Ostrom Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis

Phone:

(317) 760-7272

Email:

ababb@iu.edu

Health: Complex Food Provisioning Strategies and Food Insecurity among Older Adults

Alain Barker

Director, Entrepreneurship and Career Development, Jacobs School of Music

Phone:

(812) 856-5719

Email:

abarker@iu.edu

Quality of Place: Co-Chair (beginning July 2021); Jacobs School of Music
Community Engagement Initiative