Meet Our Team

Dr. Peter Miller

Peter Miller is a Professor in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studies leadership and coaching. Previously, Peter was an athlete, teacher, and basketball coach. For more information about Peter, refer to his CV or his University biography.

Maria Dehnert

Maria Dehnert is the Associate Director of BIOS and has worked in the athletic department at the University of Wisconsin since 2018. Maria earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an undergraduate degree from Bemidji State University, where she was captain and four-year letter-winner on the women’s soccer team.

Wquinton Smith

Wquinton Smith is a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studies the relationships and experiences of current and former student-athletes. Wquinton also holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from UW-Madison and works in the athletic department. While an undergraduate, he played point guard for the Wisconsin basketball team.

Landry Levinson

Dr. Landry Levinson holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he researches how coaches facilitate social capital towards athlete, institutional, and community development. Landry earned his master’s in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from UW-Madison and his bachelor’s in Kinesiology and Sport Management from the University of Texas at Austin. As a graduate assistant, he helps teach multiple classes in the Master’s in Sport Leadership Program at UW-Madison. Previously, he worked for the University of Texas Athletic Department, ESPN College GameDay, the Big 12 Conference, and multiple sports tech startups.

Estevan Molina

Estevan Molina is the Assistant Director of BIOS and Intern Manager. Molina is a doctoral student in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studies the intersections of education and college athletics. He received his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, juris doctor from University of Cincinnati, and master’s degree from Miami University. Previously, Estevan was an attorney, college athletics administrator, high school teacher, and wrestling coach. For more information about Estevan, refer to his CV.

Erin Connolly

Erin Connolly is a sophomore midfielder on the UW women’s soccer team. A native of Clayton, MO., Connolly studies leadership and coaching with the BIOS team.

Michael McCann

Michael McCann is a Research Contributor and Communications Associate with the Badger Inquiry on Sport. Michael is completing a Master of Science in Sports Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will begin a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, Higher Education Track, in Fall 2026. His research focuses on the post-sport transition experiences of college athletes, with particular interest in identity development, structural support gaps, and the role of higher education in preparing athletes for life after competition. Previously, Michael served for 21 years as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, where he led teams on domestic and international assignments, with a consistent focus on people development and career transition support.