DBA 7 Candidates

Michael Feldman

As the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s (JTA) Director of U2C Programs, Michael Feldman currently manages all projects specific to the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U2C) which aims to leverage existing infrastructure, use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles to connect various neighborhoods and districts throughout the downtown core of Jacksonville, FL. Prior to joining the JTA, Michael served as an U.S. Army Officer in the Military Intelligence Corps where he completed 3 deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon separating from the military in 2013, he held multiple leadership roles within supply chain and operations where he specialized in robotics platforms in customer fulfillment centers as an Amazon Robotics Process Engineer and also led a worldwide team in the last mile logistics’ space. 

Michael holds a B.S. from Florida State University, Master’s Degree from University of South Florida, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. 

After completing his Doctorate in Business Administration, Michael plans to continue his focus on revolutionizing public transportation through innovative and disruptive technology. 

Dr. Lisa Keil, DBA

Lisa is currently a full-time professor at Temple College in Temple, Texas, teaching classes in accounting and business. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the student business club and serves on various committees at Temple College. Lisa is a licensed CPA and has over 14 years of experience in the accounting field. Her accounting experience prior to teaching includes work in the governmental, non-profit, and private sectors. Lisa also volunteers with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, both teaching new volunteers and preparing returns herself.

Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland University College, a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University Central Texas. Upon completion of the DBA program, Lisa plans to remain in academia.

Originally from Wisconsin, Lisa, her husband, and two children have settled in central Texas. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and hiking on their ranch.

Christine Makama, ABD

Christine is a Finance and Accounts specialist with more than 7 years of experience in the public sector. She has extensive experience in financial and government operations, a frontline worker in higher education providing student support, and a passionate volunteer at Mental Health Connect England. Currently an employee with University of Wales Trinity Saint David serving as an Operations Administrator in London, United Kingdom. And she is also a Senior Planning Officer at Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Abuja in Nigeria. 

A lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma Academic Honor Society, United States of America, and a member of Chartered Management Institute (MCMI), United Kingdom. She holds a master’s degree in Global Business (MBA), Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting, and a Student Accountant with Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). 

Presently, pursuing a Doctorate degree in Business Administration (DBA) in-order to attain her long-time goal of a career in academia. Through research and real-world experience, she hopes to make positive impact and make transformational contributions in the fields of Knowledge Management and Finance. 

Christine is born and raised in Gombe State, Nigeria. She lives in London, married, and blessed with two children. Apart from work she loves spending time with her family playing scrabble and enjoys traveling around the world.

Tenia Miller, ABD

A native of Detroit, MI, Tenia Miller graduated from the University of Arizona Global with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and completed her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management in 2020.  She possesses 17 years of military leadership and organizational experience while bridging the gap between military and civilian transition. 

Currently, Tenia serves as the Leading Petty Officer at Naval Medical Readiness Training Command, Jacksonville, FL.  In this role, she is responsible for the leading Junior service members in the areas of Naval Customs and Courtesies, Career Programs, and Critical Care Training evolutions.  With her direct oversight, Sailors make informed professional and personal decisions that impact the care provided to military members and their families within the medical treatment facility.

Tenia explores the interconnectivity and functionality between the organizational and entrepreneurial ethos during her doctoral studies.  Upon completing her doctorate, she will utilize her applied research to examine military members' transition and their decisions to re-join corporate organizations or develop innovative startups that impact future generations. 

Dr. Thomas R. Pycraft, Jr., DBA

Mr. Pycraft graduated from Grace College in 2002 with Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting and Criminal Justice. After working a few years in the mortgage and real estate industry, he attended Cleveland State University where he earned a JD with a tax law concentration. He has been the managing attorney of Pycraft Law since 2010 where his firm has handled many types of cases including civil matters, family matters, consumer matters, probate cases, tax issues, and appellate cases. He has served as the Traffic Hearing Officer in the Seventh Judicial Circuit since February of 2015. In this role he handles all of the civil traffic tickets, except those involving injuries, in Flagler, St. John’s and Putnam counties.

 

Luke Voigt, ABD

Luke is currently employed with The Investment Centre at CBC Bank as a Financial Advisor. He works with residents and businesses in his community to develop financial plans and investment strategies. Overall, he has worked in retail and sales for over 10 years. 

Luke earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Valdosta State University. In 2018 he completed a Master of Business Administration from Mercer University.  

He loves working with his local community, and currently serves as the Treasurer of the Valdosta Latino Association which was formed in 2019 to serve the South Georgia Latino community by promoting integration, education, and cultural.  

He is pursuing a DBA with a concentration in Finance and Accounting and is interested in researching financial behavior of investors with regard to exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. 

Luke lives in Valdosta, GA, and is married with two girls (and a boy on the way in May 2021).