Dana Mandell is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at Rutgers University, where she studies with Dr. Kraig Alan Williams. She currently serves as the director of the Rutgers Concert Band and frequently guest conducts the Rutgers Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and Symphony Bands. She also instructs the Marching Scarlet Knights and serves as a graduate assistant for the Rutgers University Bands.

Prior to arriving at Rutgers, Dana held the position of Assistant Band Director at the University of Notre Dame. There, her responsibilities included conducting concert bands, directing pep bands and chamber ensembles, instructing the Band of the Fighting Irish, and teaching methods courses.

Dana earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Arizona State University, where she served as a graduate assistant for the athletic band program and instructed the Sun Devil Marching Band. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she served as a student leader for the Minuteman Marching Band under the direction of the late George N. Parks.

Dana recently completed her fifteenth season as an educator in the marching arts and actively serves as an adjudicator, clinician, and consultant across the country.