Chair – Sara Asad Syed
Hi my name is Sara and I’m thrilled to be leading the ASIS&T Student Chapter as Chair. After completing my Bachelor’s in History from King’s College London, I got to work in one of the top research libraries in the UK. In Spring 2025, I began my MLIS at SJSU and hope to specialise in academic librarianship and make information literacy more technologically advanced. I want to increase access to resources in underserved communities and advocate for diversity and inclusion in mainstream academia. In my free time, you will find me getting lost in a good book or experimenting with recipes in my kitchen!
Vice Chair – Ronna Del Rosario
Hi there! My name is Ronna Del Rosario, and I am a special session student in the Informatics program. As I’d like to combine my background in nursing with my budding interest in technology, I am eager to explore courses in the Health Career Pathway. I am also interested in UX/UI Design, especially in finding ways to create easily navigable and simple-to-use features for users. When not working or studying, you will most likely find me spending time with family and friends, reenergizing with boba at a local tea shop, practicing my coding skills, cuddling with my rabbit, watching anime, or unwinding with a good read – whether manga, webcomic, or a cozy book. I am excited to connect with you and get to know you better!
Programming Director – Eddie Lagos
My name is Eduardo (Eddie) Lagos. In my professional career, I have taught history to middle schoolers, been a school librarian for a private school, and a library assistant for public libraries. I have a B.A. in History. I grew up in southern California and still live there. I’m son of a mother and father who came from Mexico, so I grew up on Mexican food and Mexican sayings. Some of my core values include service to others and freedom. I enjoy photography and music.
Social Media Coordinator – Charlene Hardin
I recently joined ASIS&T as a student and appreciate the opportunity to meet others who are passionate about the ways technology connects people with the information they need most to survive and thrive.
I currently work for the Scottsdale Public Library in Adult Services (programming) and serve as the Volunteer Coordination Chair for the Immersive Learning Research Network. The MLIS will be my second master’s degree, my first was a Master of Science in Human Factors at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The places where human-computer interaction, user experience, and information services converge fascinates me.
Social Media (EC Assistant) – Tara Swindlehurst
I’m Tara Swindlehurst and I’m new to the SJSU MLIS program. I’ve taught abroad for most of my adult life in various countries such as Tanzania, Vietnam, and Japan. Most recently, I taught university students in Japan how to write academic papers and use the library for their research. This is what led me to looking into a MLIS degree. I love traveling and learning about the history and culture of different countries.
Alumni Liaison – Chris Reynolds
Hi there, I’m Chris Reynolds a recent SJSU Graduate and past ASIS&T SC Chair (2024-2025). Along with my MLIS, I have a BA in Studio Art from UC Santa Cruz. I’ve been active in leadership for the past few years and have made some great friendships along the way. As Alumni Liaison I hope to continue helping students find opportunities to connect to the larger ASIS&T community and provide insights for others as they transition into early career professionals.
Secretary/Treasurer – Amber Hilton
Amber currently works as a Branch Manager within a mid-sized library system. She has worked in libraries since March of 2024 when she began as a Reference and Circulation Clerk. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with patrons. Amber obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in Cognitive science. Her previous roles in community mental health, worker co-operatives & the hospitality industry inform her approach to public librarianship. Amber aims to become a change leader within her library system. She understands that more than just a repository of books; public libraries have become a place for skill exchange, connection and civic engagement. In her MLIS program she aims to focus on Data Science and Public Librarianship.
Membership Director – Tara Franklin
I am currently an iSchool student, enrolled in the MLIS program, additionally, I work at a military library as an assistant and always looking for new ideas and challenges. Previously, I have worked in technology, marketing and administration.
Webmaster – Yajaira De Haro
Hello! My name is Yajaira (Yuh-hi-ruh) and I’m an undergrad iSchool student at SJSU majoring in Information Science and Data Analytics. Throughout my undergrad journey, I have become interested in software engineering, data science, and UX/UI design. I transferred from community college and wanted to somehow involve myself in student organizations as an online student, which is how I found ASIS&T here at SJSU. Apart from my studies, I like to bake, decorate cakes, go shopping, and watch shows. My favorite one at the moment is an anime called The Apothecary Diaries”, which has me wanting to read the novel. I look forward to making the most of my time with this amazing community!
Editor – Diana Chang
Hello! My name is Diana and I graduated from UCI with a BA in Studio Art and a minor in Digital Art in 2014. During my time at UCI, I was the Creative Director of a student gaming club and was in charge of our blog content and newsletters, among other responsibilities. After graduating, I worked as a graphic designer for most of my career, with experience in creating newsletters, managing social media, and marketing. Although I have chosen positions I have a basic understanding in, I cherish every opportunity to master or learn new skills. Happy to be here!
Editor – Emma Cummings
Hey there, I’m Emma!
My BA was in German with a minor in Linguistics at San Francisco State University. I’m excited to be enrolled in the iSchool Informatics MS program as of January 2025. Some passions of mine are linguistics, art, creativity, multidisciplinary sciences and technology development. I hope to bring my growing knowledge of data to health and tech spaces now as a student and throughout my career, to blend beauty and creativity with science and numbers.
Editor (EC Assistant) – Tatiana Gutierrez
I live in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. I was born and raised here and love my community. I got my BA in English at UC Davis and I adored every minute I got to be in Davis. I am currently working as an all subject tutor at an independent study high school. I am organized, learn quickly, and love to help.
Editor (EC Assistant) – Nancy Powell
I am a first year graduate student in Informatics. I graduated from UCI with a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences and have been working in healthcare for the last 20 years.
Blog (EC Assistant) – Annalise Whitacre
I am a current blog writer and social media manager for an aerospace company, producing 3-5 blog posts a week in addition to writing and posting on our social media profile. I have experience working with SMEs, have passion for writing and discovering new topics, and have a special interest in sharing stories from underrepresented populations and emerging technology. As a current iSchool student, I am excited to offer my skills and have the opportunity to grow them in this position.
Faculty Advisor – Dr. Yu Chi
Dr. Yu Chi is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information at San José State University. Before joining SJSU, she was a tenure-track faculty member in the School of Information Science at the University of Kentucky and earned her Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her research lies at the intersection of human–data interaction, health informatics, and the societal impacts of human-centered technologies. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance well-being, promote data literacy, and support diverse information needs across communities. Her work has been published in leading journals and conferences in information science and health informatics. Dr. Chi is also dedicated to mentoring students and guiding them toward becoming independent researchers. Beyond research and teaching, she is actively involved in professional service. She currently serves as Communication Officer for the ASIS&T U.S. West Chapter.