2016 New Faces
New Faculty
Enrique Blair, PhD
Dr. Blair came to Baylor in fall 2015 after completing his PhD in electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame. The combination of Baylor’s emphasis on excellence in teaching and research and its commitment to Christian values drew Dr. Blair to join Baylor’s faculty.
His research interests include quantum mechanics, open quantum systems and molecular computing. Dr. Blair has been involved with several multidisciplinary projects modeling the dynamics of nanometer-scale molecular computing devices known as quantum-dot cellular automata and their interaction with the environment.
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Dr. Blair has served in the U.S. submarine fleet and has taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. Outside of research and teaching, he enjoys running, photography, martial arts and computer programming.
Sunghwan Lee, PhD
After earning his PhD at Brown University, Dr. Lee worked as a postdoctoral researcher at M.I.T. and Harvard University where his research focused on transparent flexible electronics and energy conversion devices such as thin film transistors, solar cells and fuel cells based on amorphous oxide semiconductors, CVD-grown conjugated polymers and oxide ion conductors. His search for a faculty position that would allow him to combine teaching, research and missions led him to Baylor where he enjoys working alongside students and faculty in the classroom and research laboratory.
Outside of work, Dr. Lee enjoys playing a variety of sports and walking his dog with his wife.
Linda Olafsen, PhD
Dr. Olafsen received her master’s degree and PhD in Physics from Duke University. In addition to holding a previous faculty position at the University of Kansas and teaching fourth, fifth and sixth grade students at Live Oak Classical School, Dr. Olafsen served as a faculty member at Baylor in the Department of Physics.
The opportunity to integrate faith into the classroom and expand Baylor’s research platform were major draws for Dr. Olafsen. Her research focuses on semiconductor laser devices and nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications, and she is excited to help develop courses on topics that relate to her research.
Dr. Olafsen is married to Dr. Jeffrey Olafsen, associate professor in Baylor’s Department of Physics. They have two children, John and Susanna. Together, they enjoy cheering on the Baylor Bears and the Live Oak Falcons.
NEW STAFF
Sarah Beth Miller
Program Director of Teal Residential College
Sarah Beth Miller is an active member of the ECS Living and Learning community at Baylor. While new to the role of Program Director at Teal Residential College (TRC), Sarah’s role began nearly two years ago as a graduate apprentice for ECS.
Sarah holds a BA in Education from Furman University and is completing her MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Baylor. She was attracted to Baylor because of its mission to develop leaders in academia while also inspiring Christian formation.
“Baylor is leading the world of higher education when it comes to things in academic affairs and student life," said Sarah. "I knew I wanted to be a part of a place whose values aligned with my own while promoting the type of academic environment that is important to me."
At TRC Sarah pairs her organization and administrative skills with her passion for inspiring students as they experience college. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, serving the youth at her local church and exploring all that Waco has to offer.
Sara Baker
Administrative Associate, Department of Computer Science
As a former elementary school secretary, Sara Baker knows a thing or two about how to balance faculty and student needs. As the newest Administrative Associate in the Department of Computer Science, Sara supports Computer Science faculty members with their administrative tasks and class preparations, giving faculty more time with students.
As the Department of Computer Science prepares to move their offices to the Hankamer Cashion Complex and launch a PhD program, Sara’s attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects will be an asset to the faculty she serves.
“My first year at Baylor has gone really well. Everyone here at ECS has been very warm and welcoming," says Sara. "I love being in an academic environment and interacting with our students. It's amazing to watch students grow not only academically, but spiritually as well."
Outside of the office, Sara enjoys reading and taking hikes with her husband, their two teenagers and two "spoiled" dogs.
Jacob Singletary
Director of Development
After contributing to Baylor's annual giving development efforts for the past nine years, Jacob Singletary decided to switch gears and step into a new role as Director of Development for the School of Engineering & Computer Science. As a Baylor alumnus, Jacob is excited about the impact students, faculty and staff have on the Baylor family, the Waco community and the world.
"The very best part of being at Baylor are the relationships we share. From a development perspective, it's learning about the impact Baylor and the School of Engineering & Computer Science has on our alumni, friends and parents," said Jacob. "It’s finding out what Baylor constituents are passionate about, sharing the projects, scholarships and research we’re doing at the School and inviting others to join us with their time, talents and treasures!"
Jacob and his wife have four children who keep them very busy. His oldest son is currently a freshman pre-business major at Baylor. In his spare time, this self-proclaimed gaming nerd can be found playing CoD, various MMO’s and other video games.