Dr. Julia Troche is the incoming program development and inclusive engagement fellow for the 2024-2025 academic year. Troche is an associate professor of ancient history and holds a Ph.D. in Egyptology from Brown University. She was awarded the university’s 2022 Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence, as well as the 2022 Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. This year, Troche was awarded an Outstanding Bear Bridge Mentor Award. She serves as co-founder and president of the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), Missouri Chapter and sits on ARCE’s national board of governors. Troche is also the incoming co-chair of the DEI committee for the American Schools of Overseas Research (ASOR). Her research focuses on ancient Egyptian history and religion as well as its reception throughout history.

 

Dr. Jason DeBode is the incoming inclusive engagement leadership fellow. DeBode is an associate professor in the department of management and has been with the department since 2014. His research primarily focuses on corporate executives, the diversity of executive teams, and how to effectively manage executive diversity to improve company decision-making and outcomes. DeBode teaches courses on strategic management, entrepreneurship and leadership development. In addition to his research and teaching, DeBode is actively engaged in leading education abroad programs and the Bear Bridge faculty mentoring program.