Santa Clara University

David Tauck
Faculty Director
I moved into Casa Italiana the morning that the new part of our building opened in 2003; two years later I became the Faculty Director of the da Vinci RLC. As a biology professor I routinely teach Human Physiology and Nutrition, as well as a course for non-science majors called Fitness Physiology. In the fall, Kathy Gordon and I offer members of our community a 1 unit, Pass/Fail elective called da Vinci 101 to promote Italian culture by showing and discussing popular Italian movies. I hold a BA in biology from Middlebury, a PhD in physiology from Duke and completed post-doctoral fellowships in anesthesia at Stanford and in neuroscience at Harvard. Most recently, just for kicks, I earned an MA in Spanish at Middlebury. I travel whenever possible; I've seen grizzly bears and wolves in Alaska's Gates of the Arctic National Park, penguins and condors at the southern tip of South America, koalas and wallabies on Kangaroo Island off the southern coast of Australia, eagles in the Republic of Georgia (north of Iran between Azerbaijan and the Black Sea) and pigeons on Piazza San Marco in Venice.

Kathy Gordon
Resident Director
I was born and raised in Orange County and moved to Oregon and Iowa to receive my undergraduate (Pacific University) and graduate (Iowa State University) degrees. I then spent two years working with international programs at North Carolina State University and then another three years after as a Resident Director back in Oregon at Pacific University. I live in beautiful Casa Italiana with my dog Maybe and cat Mac and spend my free time with marathon television on DVD viewing sessions, hours walking around shopping in the many fun malls in the area, reading novels, and lounging at local coffee shops. I have a killer sweet tooth and will try to keep my office- across from the mailboxes- stocked with candy, so please visit to grab a few pieces (otherwise I may eat it all!).

Cheska Concepcion
Community Facilitator (2nd Floor)
"Hey there! My name is Cheska Concepcion and I am absolutely thrilled to join the da Vinci community! I am a Junior and as a Communication and French major with an International Business minor I have high hopes of someday becoming either a broadcast journalist, a teacher in France, a Rafting guide, a public relations agent, or even a Resident Director. Who knows? Maybe I’ll do it all! I don’t really like idle time so when I can, I surround myself with the stuff I love: my Jillian Michaels circuit training workouts, quality time with family and friends, a serious dark chocolate obsession, long bike rides, movies, food adventures, and learning Italian on my own. I was born in the heart of Manila in the Philippines, but the Bay Area has been my home for a long time. Last year I was a CF in Sobrato Hall working with an amazing staff and thriving in the dynamic, close-knit nature of my residents. I hear it’s just as awesome (and more!) here in Casa so I can’t wait to meet and get to know you all! It is a privilege to serve as a second floor CF for da Vinci--I just know we are going to have such a blast!"

Matt Smouse
Community Facilitator (2nd Floor)
"How’s it going, da Vinci? My name is Matt Smouse. I’m a junior majoring in Finance and Music Composition. I’m coming back from a semester abroad in London. I had a great time living in Europe, but I am very excited to come back and live in Casa! I'm from Corvallis, Oregon. I love everything about the Pacific Northwest. I also love watching and talking about all sports. I'm a huge music fan too, and I love going to concerts. I make the best chocolate chip cookies you'll ever eat. Come and find me!"

Amelia Evans
Community Facilitator (3rd Floor)
"Aloha! My name is Amelia Evans, and I am an Irish lass from Kailua-Kona, HI.  I crossed the Pacific to major in Environmental Studies and my own creation, Human Rights, here at Santa Clara University amongst the roses and squirrels.  I spent last semester studying development and globalization in Thailand, and it's an experience that I would love to share!  Come by my room (302) anytime to discuss current events, Harry Potter, what love is, Disney movies, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, the meaning of life in general, or really any topic of your choice.   If that's not enough to entice you, I have a blender for smoothies!  Shoots!"

Jennifer Batara
Community Facilitator (3rd Floor)
Heyo! I am a Senior Bioengineering major. Though my academics are heavily involved in the Sciences, I enjoy a diverse array of hobbies such as planning the piano, learning new languages, finding new tasty places to eat, cooking, and listening and dancing to music! My hometown of Portland, Oregon has fostered my love for the outdoors (I miss my Evergreen Trees and rain), so I'm always up for walks! I also love listening to stories, so come on by room 345 to tell me your tales of woe or awesomeness. Get pumped to live in the best RLC on campus, my home for the past 3 years, DA VINCI!!!!!