SUNY Potsdam

Director of the Center for Undergraduate Research 

Carleen Graham is Professor of Music and has directed The Crane Opera Ensemble since 1991. Her stage directing credits include the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the Orchestra Filarmonia das Beiras in Aveiro, Portugal, Central City Opera, Berkshire Opera Company, Tanglewood Music Center and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  She received the 2009 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2006 SUNY Potsdam President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the 2007 Potsdam College Foundation Board Fundraising Volunteer of the Year. Carleen received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ohio University-Athens, a Master of Music and Graduate Diploma in Vocal Performance from New England Conservatory of Music, and a Doctor of Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include opera and performance pedagogy, education outreach and arts advocacy. She is a member of OPERA America, the National Opera Association, and the College Music Society and has articles published in The Journal of Singing, and in Opera America publications.  She is thrilled to be involved with the Center for Undergraduate Research and looks forward to interacting with faculty and students from all departments on campus.

Interns

Publications and Web Communication

Jordan Ricks is a sophomore Art Studio major who plans to concentrate in Digital Design. He was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City and graduated from Heritage High School. Growing up he had strong interest in the world around him which fueled his desire and love for traveling. When he is not honing his skills in art, he can be found enjoying the outdoors from white water kayaking to long road trips. While his passion for art burns strong, he has always had a love for science, especially Geology.  Jordan's plan is to graduate with a BFA, and to attend grad school in NYC at SVA. After grad school he hopes to peruse a career in either cartooning, animation, graphic design, or video filming or editing.  Jordan is eager to be working at The Center for Undergraduate Research where he will be able to hone his skills in video editing and at the same time provide The Center with a functioning and informative video archive to allow students to see what we are about. Jordan plans on keeping the web page easy to use and up to date for both student and faculty alike.

Office Assistant & Receptionist

Stephanie Ruiz is a Junior Art Studio Major at SUNY Potsdam.  She is from the Bronx in New York City, and graduated in 2009 from Aquinas High School.  Growing up, she always enjoyed art projects and eventually developed it as a skill.  In high school, she took a pre-college Interior Design course, and is focusing on Art History along with many other Art Aesthetics at SUNY Potsdam. Her plan is to graduate SUNY Potsdam and attend graduate school in New York City, concentrating on Interior Decorating and Photography.  Stephanie is eager to work in the Center of Undergraduate Research in order to interact and associate with those who have been a great help to the University and with anticipation do the same for the department and the students on campus.