Dr. Rieck joined Penn State’s Office of Undergraduate Education in 2016 from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he served as the chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Arts and professor of choral music and music education. He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction (Music Education), as well as master's and bachelor's degrees in Music Education, all from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As associate vice provost and associate dean for Undergraduate Education, Dr. Rieck leads undergraduate research initiatives offered through the Office of Undergraduate Education, including the University’s annual Undergraduate Exhibition and leadership for the Student Engagement Network.

Tineka has dedicated the majority of her 2-decade career in higher education to mentoring students and helping them reach their academic and personal goals.  She started her career in higher education at Franklin and Marshall College coordinating extracurricular programs in the arts and has worked in Georgetown University’s Office in International Programs, at the Institute of International Education with the Boren Awards and for AMIDEAST a non-profit that focuses on exchange with the Arab world.  She joined Penn State in 2017 where she was serving as the Assistant Director for Advising in Education Abroad until she joined the URFM team in April 2023.  She holds a bachelor's from New York University and a master’s from Queen Mary College, University of London.

Peyton has served as a high school science educator for the past five years in his hometown of Odenton, Maryland. He is proud to have facilitated extracurricular career opportunities for his students as well as having developed the first ever English language learning science program at Arundel High School. In addition to his educational career, Peyton has direct research experience including biological research within the University of Maryland Neurological Research Center, as well as historical research under Dr. Biskupska at Sam Houston State University. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Maryland, and a master's degree in History from Sam Houston State University. He hopes to continue to serve as an educational mentor and career facilitator as the Assistant Director within the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring at Penn State University.

Caylie joined the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office in September 2022. Originally from the Du Bois area, Caylie and her husband moved closer to State College. She has her license in Cosmetology where she specialized in chemical and color services. After 7 years in the cosmetology field, she realized she was more interested in an office environment. Caylie enjoys being able to solve puzzles and making an office move smoothly for the staff. Caylie will be your first line of contact with URFM for all your questions and scheduling needs.

Elif is a PhD candidate in the Department of Economics. Her research explores the economic impacts of labor and development policies. She is also passionate about teaching and mentorship. She has taught undergraduate economics courses, served on student panels for prospective researchers, and participated in mentoring workshops with the American Economic Association. Elif holds a double major in Industrial Engineering and Economics from Koc University. Outside academia, she has competed professionally as a ballroom dancer in her home country, Turkiye, as well as in the United States. With her multidisciplinary background and dedication to educational growth, she is excited to support students through URFM at Penn State.