Santa Clara University

The Modern Perspectives Team

Faculty Director


Matthew Bell
Ph.D., University of California, San Diego

I am the Faculty Director (FD) of Modern Perspectives and an Associate Professor of Psychology.  As the MP FD, I work with the staff to plan events that bring our theme of leadership and ethics to life.  My role is really to be a resource for everyone in MP and a link to the academic community.   Among other things, one of my responsibilities is to link courses to the community so that students living together in Dunne are taking courses together.

In my role as associate professor, I have taught a variety of courses and have an active research program.  My research focuses on basic learning processes.  Much of my work involves collaborations with undergraduate research assistants (if you're interested, let me know – I'm always happy to chat about research & show you around the lab). I'm pleased I am able to be a part of the vibrant MP community and hope you find it as exciting and rewarding a place as we do.

Resident Director

Ben Medeiros
Ed. M., Washington State University


Hi, I am the Resident Director (RD) in Modern Perspectives Residential Learning Community, housed in Dunne Hall.  As the RD in this community, a big part of my role is to collaborate with the other members of the Leadership Team to create a vision for our RLC, which is carried out by the student leaders in our RLC system, the Community Facilitators, the Community Council, and our Front Desk Staff. 

Previous to Santa Clara University, I worked for Washington State University (Go Cougs!) for three years as a Residential Education Director, where I also finished my master's degree in Higher Education Administration.  Born and raised in a small Oahu windward town in Hawaii, I found that the cold, snowy winters of Eastern Washington weren't the best fit for me, and so I am enjoying the Bay Area sunshine as well as the Santa Clara community - both on and off campus. 

I live in the RD apartment with my wife Laura and my dog Kona on the first floor of Dunne Hall across from the front desk.  If the door is open, please feel free to stop by and say hi.  My office is also on the first floor, but is awkwardly tucked away behind the front desk.  If you're looking for me during the business day when the front desk is closed, just knock on the desk door and if I'm back there and not meeting with a student, I'll come out.  And of course, you can always reach me by calling me at (408) 554-2771 or via email at bmedeiros@scu.edu. 

Resident Ministers

Sally Koch

I am the Resident Minister for Modern Perspectives. I live on the second floor of Dunne Hall. Feel free to stop my place to chat about whatever's on your mind or come for small group or the weekly hospitality hours that I host. Come on by!

Assistant Resident Director

Jessica Kim

My name is Jessica and this will be my fourth and last year in Dunne. I love modern perspectives and I have learned the ins and outs of this entire RLC. I was a CF on 4th and 5th floor my past two years. I am currently studying marketing with a  retail studies minor. I also have taking lots of Chinese classes so I can now speak 3-4 languages. I love activities like board games, all sports (especially badminton), watching movies and doing puzzles. I have an adorable guinea pig named Eiggy!                  

Community Facilitators

First Floor, Lafayette Wing

Jeff Tobias

 

I am a goof ball with a serious side.  Let's kick it, watch a flic, maybe two. In my spare time I like to watch movies, play sports, swim, talk and laugh.  My hobbies are singing, guitar, watch movies, and being crazy.  This year, I am most looking forward to being looked up to by the freshman, being fun and having a good time with my residents.  But mostly I am looking forward to getting close with my CF peers. 

First Floor, Market Wing


Christina Lesnick

I am Christina, a computer science major from Hollister, CA.  You're likely to find me in my room coding and drinking way too much diet coke.  Aside from developing carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoporosis at a young age, I aspire to be a computer engineer in the Valley.  If you need help with math, or just need someone to talk to, I can provide excellent advice.  Take it from someone that knows what it's like to live the life of a sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated, fun-loving college student. 

Second Floor, Lafayette Wing


Jonathan Ahumada                                                                 

I am from San Jose, CA and I love California! My family and friends are a big part of me and shape who I am. My major is Web Design and Engineering with a minor in computer science and engineering.  I am outgoing, energetic, and enjoy helping others. I love learning new things and always willing to try new things. My favorite sport is soccer. In my free time I enjoy playing pool, mini-golf, bowling, or anything interactive.


Second Floor, Market Wing

Charlotte West

 

Hi, I'm a sophomore student at Santa Clara originally from Tacoma, WA.  I love cooking, eating, reading, pygmy lemurs, sloths, scuba diving, cat videos, swimming, camping, hiking, and arts and crafts!  I read a lot, but my favorite TV shows are Arrested Development, Pushing Daisies, and Lost. Most of all, I love meeting and getting to know new people!


Third Floor, Lafayette Wing


An Nguyen

Get excited residents cause I can't wait to meet you and get to know all of you better. It's going to be an absolutely amazing year with lots of fun memories. In my spare time I like to sing, watch TV, try and snuggle with my dog. My hobbies are Facebook creeping, meeting people, and making door decs. Trust me, I'm not crazy… just really friendly. :)


Third Floor, Market Wing

Nellie Bohac

My name is Nellie Bohac and I'll be a sophomore for the year 2011-2012. I'm very excited to be moving into Modern Perspectives next year as I've been living in CyPhi my freshman year. I'm undeclared in the business school and probably double majoring in political science. I love Harry Potter so if you're ever up for chatting about the books or movies come see me! I like to volunteer through SCAAP and I'm on our school's yearbook, The Redwood, which you make sure to buy.


Fourth Floor, Lafayette Wing

Todd Lane

Hi, my name is Todd and I am a second year CF.  A senior student from Seattle, Washington, I like to think of myself as calm, cool and collected and am always seeking the next adventure. I am down to earth and enjoy meeting new people, good music, hiking, travel, and finding a good deal.

Fourth Floor, Market Wing


Erin Teter                                                                                                                      

Hi, Everyone. My name is Erin Teter and I am from Redondo Beach, CA. I'm a very easy to get along with and I love interacting with people. My favorite aspect of Santa Clara is the people! Especially those who live in Dunne! They truly make the experience and I wouldn't be happy here if it were not for the friends I have made. I'm also a baller, so anytime you want to play basketball let's do it!


Fifth Floor, Lafayette Wing

Scott Hardy                                                                                

My name is Scott Hardy and I'm a sophomore from Boulder, Colorado.  Here at Santa Clara I'm studying bioengineering and going for a Spanish minor, but I definitely spend most of my time working on projects unrelated to these areas.  In my free time you'll find me staying up far too late designing websites, starting businesses, writing and filming movies, playing soccer, climbing mountains, playing piano, and just hanging out with friends.  If you're ever bored, swing by and watch a zombie movie with me!

Fifth Floor, Market Wing

Caitlin Hendricks

Hey Guys! I am so excited to get to know all of you this year and I hope we will become great friends. Adjusting to college or a new environment can be stressful, so I want you all to know that I am always here for you if you ever need anything.  I want to be known as a CF who is really fun and residents want to get to know me. My goals for next year are to become great friends with the staff and make my floor feel at home.