Staff

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Monica Prado Garcia serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Services. Prior to joining Dornsife, Monica served the USC community in both academic services and admission. She received her Master’s of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) and Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) from USC Rossier School of Education. Monica takes a solution-oriented and assets-based approach in supporting the operations of AIRE and affiliated centers. Monica hopes to foster a space in AIRE that connects students, staff and faculty in the pursuit of academic knowledge and excellence.

In her free time, Monica enjoys reading, practicing yoga and spending time with her family and friends, especially her two toddlers.

Email 📧 monicapr@usc.edu 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Melany Escobar serves as the Academic Program Manager for Dornsife Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE) at the University of Southern California. She earned her B.A. from UC Santa Barbara and her Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the USC Rossier School of Education.

In her role, Melany manages and supports academic and research engagement programs that connect students, faculty, and partners across USC. Her work includes program development and implementation, staff supervision, budget and operational management, event planning, and the coordination of academic and research initiatives. She serves as a key point of contact for AIRE and collaborates across departments and schools to support programs from planning through implementation.

Melany is especially passionate about creating opportunities that connect students with research, mentorship, and meaningful academic experiences.

Outside of work, Melany enjoys discovering new coffee shops and taking walks by the beach.

Email 📧 mgescoba@usc.edu 

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Thisuri Fonseka serves as the Academic Program Specialist at Dornsife Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE) for the Humanities. She received her B.Sc. from Cal Poly Pomona and will receive her Master of Arts in Medieval History from the University of Birmingham (UK). In her role, Thisuri coordinates event logistics, supports program operations, manages expense reconciliation, and collaborates with student staff to advance AIRE’s academic and research initiatives.

Outside of work, she can usually be found with a good book or enjoying a video game.

Email 📧 tfonseka@usc.edu 

Pronouns: he/him/his

Bryan Mecina serves as the Academic Program Specialist at Dornsife Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE) for Social and Life Sciences. He received his B.A. from the University of Southern California. In his role, Bryan coordinates event logistics, supports program operations, manages expense reconciliation, and collaborates with student staff to advance AIRE’s academic and research initiatives.

Outside of work, he can usually be found watching a movie or working on an art project.

Email 📧 mecinagu@usc.edu