Staff
Dr. Diane Trees, Associate Vice President, Community Relations
Diane holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, a master's degree in Health Science, a bachelor's degree in Nursing, and a bachelor's degree in Biology with an environmental emphasis. As part of the Community Relations team, she serves on numerous local boards of directors with extensive involvement in the local chambers of commerce. Diane has a strong background of engagement in community and governmental affairs with a specific focus on awareness of the university as a truly metropolitan resource and partner in community affairs. She has lived in the Central Florida region for more than 30 years.
Mark Freeman, Public Affairs Coordinator
Mark holds a B.A. in political science, with a concentration in International Relations. Mark is currently seeking an M.A. in Environmental Politics at UCF, with research interests in environmental security, environmental skepticism and environmental justice. Mark was previously a Global Fellow under the auspices of the Lawrence J. Chastang Global Fellows Program at the University of Central Florida, conducting research on international issues. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Center, Mark was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for UCF's Political Science Department as well as an assistant for the Lou Frey Institute for Government and Politics at UCF. Mark is a native of Florida and has traveled throughout the Caribbean and Central America.
Gabriela Othon, Research Coordinator
Gabriela Othon holds a B.A. in Political Science, with a concentration in International Relations and Comparative Politics. She was previously a Global Fellow under the auspices of the Lawrence J. Chastang Global Fellows Program at the University of Central Florida, conducting research on international and environmental issues. She was a recipient of the department's Bledsoe Young Award in April 2005, given out annually to a graduating senior with outstanding accomplishments, especially in the area of writing and creative activities. Prior to joining the Metropolitan Center, she worked as a Global Connections Scholar; conducting research for a Title VI Grant examining the challenges of globalizing technology businesses in a cross-cultural Florida/India context. Othon is a native of Panama and speaks English and Spanish. She has traveled extensively in the Americas.