Sam joined the Civil and Environmental Engineering staff in 2018, and runs the day-to-day operations of the Department. A native to Portland and a former PSU student, Sam uses her comprehensive knowledge of the city and university to connect students and faculty with the resources they need to be successful. She is particularly passionate about supporting non-traditional student populations, and is an advocate for social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice in higher education. Prior to joining Portland State, Sam coordinated events for environmental nonprofits, managed communications and executive administration for renewable energy companies, and provided consulting and design services for residential and commercial solar energy installations in the Pacific Northwest. She is an amateur gardener, an intermediate chef, and an expert epicure.