UMass Boston

 Brendan W. O'Connor
 Director
 Brendan.OConnor@umb.edu

Brendan W. O'Connor, a combat veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has joined the William Joiner Institute as the new Director. Brendan served in the U.S. Army for 38 years before retiring. He served in the Cold War, the Drug War and the Global War on Terror on many continents. Brendan holds a B.S. in Health Sciences from Campbell University.

Brendan looks forward to using his vast experience to help the WJI become a leader facilitating objective discourse about the social consequences of war and military service, and producing positive change through research and service, as well as celebration of military veteran accomplishments.

He is excited and grateful for the opportunity before him, and looking forward to working with, and for, veterans, their families, and others impacted by war and military service.

Nicole SanJuan
Assistant Director
Nicole.SanJaun001@umb.edu

Nicole is currently a PhD student in the Sociology department at UMass Boston. She previously received her MA in International Relations from Free University Berlin, and BSc in Social Science with a focus in Political Science from University of Maryland Global Campus. 

She grew up in Fairhaven, MA, and served in the US Air Force as a medic for 7 years overseas. Upon completion of her service, she decided to stay overseas to study, travel, and work with refugees. She taught as an adjunct in military communities in Europe and the Middle East until beginning her PhD program in 2022.  

Nicole is interested in the political socialization of the military, veteran and refugee experiences, and the consequences of war around the world. In her free time, she enjoys traveling abroad and hiking with her partner. She looks forward to researching and contributing to the important work taking place at the WJI.

Zachary Salisbury
Development Officer
Zachary.Salisbury001@umb.edu

Zach is pursuing a Master of Business Administration. He received a B.A in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Binghamton University. He grew up in Marathon, NY, before serving in the U.S. Marines for 4 years before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Zach served as Independent Consultant prior to joining the institute.

Zach is interested in health & wellness, quality of life, and well-being in the farmer, first responder, military, and veteran community. He is interested in how programs and services are funded and how the impact and outcomes are measured and reported on.

Zach is eager to assist the Joiner Institute with expanding its audience, reach, and research portfolio by cultivating relationships with allies, partners, and anyone concerned about war and its social consequences.