Brad Coston
Director of Information Technology
Brad Coston
Director of Information Technology
Phone: (206) 616-0949
Email: coston@uw.edu
Teams: coston@uw.edu
Meet Brad Coston!
With over 24 years at the University of Washington, Brad Coston is the Director of Information Technology, where he merges strategic insight with technical precision, overseeing everything from team management and budget planning to pioneering technology initiatives and championing staff development.
One of Brad’s most notable achievements is the successful centralization of computer resources within the School of Nursing. This streamlined approach has significantly enhanced efficiency, leveraging a small, agile team. The project demanded extensive project and change management from the IT team, encompassing the redesign of total resource lifecycle management, transforming procurement processes for IT equipment and services, and reshaping the culture around resource ownership. This rare accomplishment in higher education IT highlights Brad’s exceptional talent for resource optimization and his unwavering commitment to operational excellence.
At the heart of Brad’s work is a passion for technology and a commitment to helping people. He thrives on collaboration, intentionally building strong relationships across departments and connecting with new team members from day one. This proactive, people-centered approach has created a culture of service excellence, where his team goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality customer support.
Brad’s curiosity and drive to learn are constants. He actively seeks out emerging trends at conferences like EDUCAUSE, continually aligning his team’s work with the School of Nursing’s mission. For Brad, leadership is about more than just overseeing operations; it’s about assembling talented people, aligning with purpose, and tackling challenges as a unified team. With his vision and hands-on approach, Brad is propelling the UW School of Nursing’s IT team toward a future that’s more connected, efficient, and responsive to the needs of today’s students and educators.
Sarah Alkire
Assistant Director of Information Technology
Sarah Alkire
Assistant Director of Information Technology
Phone: (206) 685-6615
Email: skalkire@uw.edu
Teams: skalkire@uw.edu
Meet Sarah Alkire!
Since 2006, Sarah Alkire has been a dedicated leader in the UW School of Nursing’s IT department, currently serving as the Assistant Director of IT. She holds a Master of Science in Information Management and is ITIL certified, bringing both academic expertise and practical experience to her role. Sarah oversees the IT Service Desk, focusing on service management, IT operations, and strategic IT planning. Her responsibilities include ensuring compliance with UW security standards, managing software procurement, driving process improvements, and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in IT project management, service operations, and data analysis. She is particularly proud of leading her team through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, where quick thinking and creative problem-solving allowed the school to continue thriving. Her collaborative approach to leadership has been key in building a customer-focused and inclusive IT environment where professional development and teamwork are central.
Motivated by creating a positive and collaborative work environment, Sarah enjoys working alongside her team, recognizing their contributions, and providing growth opportunities. While excited about the potential of AI advancements, she is also mindful of the ethical implications and the importance of fostering diversity in IT. Sarah believes that embracing diverse perspectives is essential for innovation and solving complex challenges, both within her team and across the broader industry.
Nevine Isaak
Senior Interactive Web Developer
Nevine Isaak
Senior Interactive Web Developer
Email: isaakn@uw.edu
Teams: isaakn@uw.edu
Meet Nevine Isaak!
Nevine Isaak has been an integral part of the UW School of Nursing’s IT team since 2014, serving as a Senior Interactive Web Developer. She leads the WebOps service, designs and develops websites, and provides crucial UI and UX support for various SoN projects. With a mastery in web development and interactive design, Nevine ensures that every project she touches is both functional and intuitive for users.
Nevine’s day-to-day includes leading her team with a clear vision, meeting project deadlines, and keeping her skills up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. One of her proudest accomplishments was developing a fresh, user-friendly website for the School of Nursing, as well as creating a Kiosk application that helps visitors navigate the T-Wing building by providing maps and directions.
Passionate about her work, Nevine is motivated by seeing the impact of her designs and solutions on the school and its community. Her approach to problem-solving is methodical—breaking down challenges into smaller parts, analyzing them, and developing solutions step by step. Nevine values collaboration, fostering a respectful and empowering environment for her team and ensuring that all customers feel supported and satisfied.
Jeremy Peters
Senior Computer Specialist
Jeremy Peters
Systems Administrator
Email: jpeters9@uw.edu
Teams: jpeters9@uw.edu
Meet Jeremy Peters!
Jeremy Peters joined the UW School of Nursing’s IT team in May 2023 as a Senior Computer Specialist. In his role, he is responsible for the administration, maintenance, and security of the school’s infrastructure systems while also serving as an escalation point for workstation and client application issues. His daily routine includes monitoring system alerts, reviewing assigned tasks, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with his peers to ensure the smooth operation of critical systems.
Jeremy brings a wealth of experience to the team, particularly in administering Microsoft systems, managing network configurations, and creating detailed technical documentation. One of his proudest achievements was migrating a monitoring platform for Lumen Technologies’ Public Cloud system, which saved the company over $1.5M annually. His adaptability across diverse systems and platforms has proven invaluable in addressing unfamiliar challenges efficiently.
Motivated by a passion for helping others and the strong camaraderie within his team, Jeremy values collaboration and teamwork. He’s excited about the potential of AI-based tools in IT infrastructure and sees the development of new learning technologies as a key challenge for higher education. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys coaching little league baseball, tinkering with solutions, and spending time outdoors with his family. He lives by Arthur C. Clarke’s famous quote: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” which resonates deeply with his approach to finding creative solutions through technology.
Sahitya Panchagnula
Salesforce Administrator
Sahitya Panchagnula
Salesforce Administrator
Email: sahityap@uw.edu
Teams: sahityap@uw.edu
Meet Sahitya!
Sahitya joined the UW School of Nursing’s IT team in May 2022 as a Salesforce Administrator. In her role, she ensures that the Salesforce system runs smoothly and meets the school’s business needs. Her responsibilities include user management, customization, data management, and troubleshooting—ensuring a seamless experience for all users at the School of Nursing.
With a strong background in data analysis and management, Sahitya is most proud of her three Salesforce certifications and her designation as a Salesforce Ranger. These accomplishments, along with her Master’s in Management Information Systems, give her the expertise to optimize Salesforce and deliver impactful solutions. She is highly skilled in improving processes, and her ability to streamline data management drives better results for the school.
Sahitya finds motivation in the energy and enthusiasm of students, which reminds her of the positive impact her work can have. She loves solving problems and tackling new challenges, particularly finding ways to optimize how the school manages data and processes through Salesforce. Outside of work, Sahitya is passionate about dancing and is also a trained violinist, both of which help her stay balanced and energized in her personal and professional life.
Barb Crepeau
Computer Support Technician
Barb Crepeau
Computer Support Technician
Phone: (206) 616-7435
Email: bjac@uw.edu
Teams: bjac@uw.edu
Meet Barb Crepeau!
Barb Crépeau spent her first year at UW with the School of Medicine in October 2004 before joining the School of Nursing in September 2005. Hired as an Administrative Coordinator in BNHS(I) to support departmental operations and grant submissions, departmental operations quickly morphed into computer and software support, which led to Barb’s reclassification to computer support in December 2006.
In April 2008, after three years of being a key player in IT support for BNHI, Barb began dividing her position with the IT service desk. Barb continued her training in technical assistance, and in October 2013, she joined the IT service desk full-time.
Barb is a Computer Support Specialist for the IT Service Desk. She leads initiatives like DocuSign implementation, generates custom reports to support operations, and ensures a seamless onboarding and offboarding experience for customers. She provides guidance and mentorship for our other two technicians and our student workers. Her hands-on, agile approach to problem-solving allows her to adapt quickly to challenges, and she finds motivation in assisting people with frustrating technical issues.
Barb is ITIL 4 certified, (Information Technology Infrastructure Library). ITIL simplifies and standardizes the processes and stages of the information technology life cycle, helping design and implement the framework for IT best practices. Barb is currently pursuing her Salesforce certification and remains committed to professional development. She believes the rapid pace of technological advancements is both exciting and challenging for higher education and believes robust, empathetic technical support systems are essential for schools to adapt to new technologies effectively.
Barb’s expertise goes beyond technical skills; she fosters collaboration and actively supports the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Her calm demeanor and effective communication skills make her a trusted resource within the school. She believes that by listening, validating, and offering assistance with empathy, support interactions can transform frustrating ordeals into opportunities for connection and collaboration.
Janelle Azucena
Computer Support Technician
Janelle Azucena
Computer Support Technician
Phone: (206) 616-7435
Email: janazu@uw.edu
Teams: janazu@uw.edu
Meet Janelle Azucena!
Janelle Azucena plays a key role as a Computer Support Technician in the SoN IT team at UW’s School of Nursing. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and ITIL 4 certification, Janelle brings a strong foundation in technology and service management to her work. From managing IT requests and building custom forms to supporting faculty and staff, she is dedicated to improving processes and enhancing the user experience. Her ability to streamline workflows has made a significant impact, with one of her proudest achievements being the creation of request forms that simplify and improve daily operations.
Janelle is known for her patience and thoughtful approach to problem-solving. She carefully analyzes challenges, ensuring issues are fully understood before delivering precise solutions. This dedication, combined with her collaborative spirit, makes her an invaluable team member. Thriving in a flexible, supportive environment, Janelle values the teamwork and knowledge-sharing that drive her success. Her passion for technology and continuous learning keeps her and her team well-equipped to handle the evolving needs of the School of Nursing.
Looking ahead, Janelle is excited about the potential of AI to address global challenges like disease and climate change. While recognizing concerns about job displacement, she believes human qualities—creativity, empathy, and adaptability—will remain essential as technology advances, allowing us to harness it for positive change.
Kris Melewski
Computer Support Technician
Kris Melewski
Computer Support Technician
Phone: (206) 616-7435
Email: kmelewsk@uw.edu
Teams: kmelewsk@uw.edu
Meet Kris Melewski!
Kris has been an integral part of the UW School of Nursing’s IT team since 2014, working as a Computer Support Technician. In this role, Kris ensures that the technology and services used by staff and faculty are functioning smoothly, maintained, and up-to-date. From troubleshooting everyday computer issues to implementing new tools, Kris helps faculty and staff navigate and integrate technology into their workflows seamlessly.
Kris is highly skilled in troubleshooting a wide range of computer-related problems and takes pride in designing and implementing advanced systems for the future. One of Kris’s most significant achievements was creating and maintaining tools to streamline the setup of PC and Mac systems—customizing these setups to meet the unique needs of the school while ensuring efficiency. Kris is also proud of the upgrades made to the simulation lab and conference rooms, enhancing both functionality and the user experience.
Motivated by the desire to make technology interactions easy and enjoyable, Kris approaches every challenge with careful attention to detail and a commitment to asking the right questions. What Kris enjoys most about the team is their shared enthusiasm for exploring new technologies and discovering how these innovations can improve the lives of staff, faculty, and students.
Ronnie Deuna
Computer Support Technician
Ronnie Deuna
Computer Support Technician
Phone: (206) 616-7435
Email: rdeuna@uw.edu
Teams: rdeuna@uw.edu
Meet Ronnie Deuna!
Since joining the University of Washington’s Information Technology team in October 2021, Ronnie Deuna has been a dedicated Computer Support Technician II, offering expert assistance to faculty, staff, and students. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering, bringing a strong technical foundation to his role. His primary responsibilities involve supporting computing devices, software applications, and classroom technologies, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across the School of Nursing.
Ronnie takes pride in his comprehensive troubleshooting skills, which enable him to diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues effectively. His commitment to providing exceptional customer service ensures that faculty and staff feel supported and valued throughout the problem-solving process. One of his standout achievements includes playing a key role in upgrading the school’s conference room, where he coordinated with various teams and vendors to deliver a successful project.
Motivated by the supportive culture at UW, Ronnie approaches every challenge with a big-picture perspective, carefully assessing each situation and collaborating with his team to find the best solutions. Excited by advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, Ronnie sees the potential for these technologies to shape the future of higher education, while recognizing the need to navigate their impact thoughtfully.
Sarah Gerges
Service Desk Coordinator
Sarah Gerges
Service Desk Coordinator
Phone: (206) 616-7435
Email: sarahg83@uw.edu
Teams: sarahg83@uw.edu
Meet Sarah Gerges!
With a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Sarah brings a technical edge to her role as a Service Desk employee within the IT team at the UW School of Nursing. Every day, she’s transforming support operations by creating need-based IT solutions and high-visibility dashboards that empower executives to make informed decisions. Her work extends beyond support tickets; Sarah manages requests, oversees software renewals, and provides seamless customer service, ensuring the school’s IT needs are met with efficiency.
One of her proudest achievements? Leading the transition of the Canvas platform from Learning & IT to IT. Sarah handled this complex project with precision and adaptability, showcasing her passion for continuous learning. Her problem-solving approach is straightforward yet effective: ask the right questions, gather essential information, and deliver precise solutions.
Collaboration is central to Sarah’s role. She meets regularly with teams to understand their unique needs, finding inspiration in a supportive, knowledge-sharing environment. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to growth, Sarah exemplifies proactive service, empowering the UW School of Nursing to work smarter and stay connected every day.
Student Team
Supporting the Service Desk
Meet the Student Team!
Meet the Student Team!
Our highly skilled student workers are an integral part of the IT Service Desk at the School of Nursing, playing a crucial role in the seamless operation of IT services. They handle a variety of essential tasks, including inventory management, ensuring that equipment and supplies are readily available, updating the IT department’s news section to keep the school informed, and creating technical documentation to empower users and enhance internal processes.
Beyond their technical expertise, these student workers bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the team. Their problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and collaborative approach make them the glue that holds the IT team together, contributing significantly to the success of the School of Nursing’s IT operations.