Dr. Justin Micomonaco is an assistant dean in MSU’s Honors College. In this role, he oversees the academic advising team and undergraduate research programs. In addition, Dr. Micomonaco leads assessment and research efforts within the unit to inform and support the strategic plan set forth by the Dean. His work contributed to several recent initiatives that broaden access to honors programs, support and recruit underrepresented students, and promote student success. Dr. Micomonaco also collaborates with colleagues in other colleges and units on externally funded research initiatives which included an NIH training grant to encourage underrepresented students to pursue doctoral study in the biomedical sciences and engineering. During his time in the Honors College, Dr. Micomonaco has conducted research on understanding the impact of honors programs, understanding the impact of undergraduate research experiences on both students and faculty, and understanding factors that promote student success.
Dr. Micomonaco joined the MSU Honors College after completing his doctoral work in Michigan State University’s Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education program. His dissertation research examined living-learning communities as an intervention to promote disciplinary retention and learning outcomes in engineering education. While a graduate student, Dr. Micomonaco also contributed to multiple NSF-funded initiatives studying issues of organizational development, institutional change and leadership, development of future faculty, and STEM education. Dr. Micomonaco’s previous professional experiences included work in academic advising, the training and development of academic and residential staff, advancement, and athletics. He also holds academic degrees from Virginia Tech University (M.A. in Ed.) and Harvard College (A.B. in biology).