Monica Prado Garcia, Associate Dean
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
Melany Escobar, Academic Program Manager
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Melany Escobar serves as the Academic Program Manager at Dornsife Academic Innovation and Research Engagement (AIRE). She received her B.A. from UC Santa Barbara, and her Master’s of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from USC Rossier School of Education. Melany plans and manages events, oversees student workers, handles budgeting, and supports daily operations. She serves as the main point of contact and collaborates across departments to support academic programs and research initiatives.
In her free time, Melany enjoys exploring new coffee shops and taking walks by the beach.
Email 📧 mgescoba@usc.edu
Thisuri Fonseka, Academic Program Specialist
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
Bryan Mecina, Academic Program Specialist
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
