Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development

Dr. Richelle Bernazzoli (she/her) is the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD) at Carnegie Mellon University. She is a political geographer whose  research interests include militarism, security and identity, and Southeastern Europe. She received a 2011-2012 Fulbright grant to Croatia for her research on the Euro-Atlantic integration process in Croatian government and civil society. Prior to joining CMU, Richelle was visiting faculty in the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois, where she taught courses on international conflict and globalization, while also advising geography undergraduate students.  She subsequently served as the scholarships coordinator in the National and International Scholarships Program at Illinois, supporting undergraduate and graduate student applicants for prestigious external awards. While at University of Illinois, she partnered with Northwestern University to organize a national symposium on inclusive fellowships advising, with support from the National Association of Fellowships Advisors.

Richelle joined Carnegie Mellon in 2016 as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research and National Fellowships. She assumed the role of Director of OURSD in 2021. In this role, she oversees campus-wide research apprenticeships, grants, and fellowships for undergraduates, as well as the coordination of national and international fellowships applications for undergraduate and graduate students. She has developed programming to help undergraduate researchers build transferable skills in research design, research communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Richelle is active in regional and national professional organizations, presenting and publishing on various themes in high-impact educational practices. Her current research interests include the development of researcher identity and epistemic thinking in new researchers. In addition to her role in OURSD, Richelle serves as the advisor for the Eta Chapter of the Mortar Board Senior National Honor Society and has taught in the History Department. She serves on campus-wide committees and working groups for educational policy and practices, core competency development, and engaged and integrative learning.

Richelle received her B.A. in international politics from the Pennsylvania State University and MA and PhD in geography from the University of Illinois. Prior to entering academia, she spent nine years in the Army National Guard and served in the NATO KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. She is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fulbright Association, and Global Pittsburgh, with whom she hosts international scholars visiting the Pittsburgh area. In her free time, Richelle enjoys skiing (Alpine, Nordic, and roller!), backpacking, canoeing, trail running, triathlon relays, reading, and cooking.

Alex Johnson (he/him) is the Scholar Development Coordinator with OURSD at Carnegie Mellon University. He helps undergraduate students get involved in research, serves as a SURA instructor, and helps coordinate campus processes for fellowships like the UK Awards and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Prior to joining CMU in 2023, Alex was the Department Coordinator for Geology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked with students and faculty to facilitate departmental programming and office administration.

Alex undertook several independent research and creative projects as an undergraduate. He participated in two competitive fellowship programs as well as an artist-in-residency program to support a creative project. These programs transformed the trajectory of Alex’s undergraduate education, demonstrating to him the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship and introducing him to new academic and career opportunities. He hopes to connect current students to fresh ideas, opportunities, and paths for generating knowledge in his role with OURSD.

Alex received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021, with double majors in Environmental Studies and Communications. He also completed a minor in studio arts and a certificate in digital media. His undergraduate research focused on ecological science and strategies in environmental policy, specifically invasive species management. Alex is passionate about environmental issues, science communication, and the ways creative work and science can complement and build upon one another.

In his free time, Alex enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, painting, and playing the cello (his instrument of 14 years). He also loves seeing live music and exploring Pittsburgh with friends. He is always looking for new restaurant and coffee shop recommendations around the city!