Newest IFLR staff member eager to help program build on its strengths

Please join us in welcoming Mary Gebbia-Portice, our new Educational Program Coordinator, to the Institute for Food Laws and Regulations team. Mary will be the primary contact on all things related to students and D2L.

Prior to joining IFLR, Mary held a number of positions across MSU’s campus, including Academic Technology Coordinator for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, International Sponsored Student Program Coordinator in the Office for International Students and Scholars, Course Administrator an introductory computer science course, as well as Research Technologist in the Department of Physiology.

Mary has earned degrees in Physiology (B.S.) and Educational Technology (M.A.), both from Michigan State.

"Replacing our longtime program manager (Mary Anne Verleger) won't be easy, but we believe Mary has the background and experience to make this a smooth transition," said IFLR Director Neal Fortin. "We believe Mary will make an immediate impact with students and instructors alike, and that she will continue to help the program grow - both domestically and internationally."

Associate Director Melissa Card said "Mary will contribute organizational strengths to the program that will allow us to continue to add new courses and strengthen our enrollment numbers."

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Mary enjoys "being so close to so many rural and agricultural areas and being able to go hiking in the woods or kayaking in a lake that is so close to home."

"To me, MSU is a perfect balance because you can enjoy all the benefits of a world-class university as well as the benefits of living a little further away from the congestion of the big cities," she said. "I am very interested to learn about an area that is new to me (food laws and regulations) and that affects the daily lives of everyone. It’s an area that many people do not think about or consider but is so critical to the health and safety of each individual."