Bloomfield College Shares Summer Issue of "On The Green"
The latest issue of the College’s award-winning magazine has arrived. Available in both print and digital, the summer issue contains a special Q&A and photo shoot with Dr. Marcheta P. Evans, the College’s history-making 17th President, and Richard A. Levao, President Emeritus. Additionally, the issue contains a touching tribute to Humanities’ professor Dr.
Dr. Marcheta Evans: Bloomfield College's History-Making 17th President
Bloomfield College Celebrates its Graduates at 146th Commencement
Bloomfield College embraced 313 new alumni at the College’s 146th Commencement Ceremonies on Friday, May 17. This Commencement marked Richard A. Levao’s final as President.
“It is such a great honor for me to be here today for my sixteenth and last time as your president,” expressed President Levao in his opening remarks. President Levao received the status of President Emeritus during the ceremony.
Bloomfield College's 146th Commencement is Friday, May 17
Bloomfield College will celebrate its annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. on the College’s campus. This is a ticketed event for students and their families.
The 146th Commencement will include remarks from honorary degree recipients Ras J. Baraka, the 40th Mayor of Newark, and Margaret H. Marshall, the 35th Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the only woman to serve as Chief Justice in its more than 300-year history.
Bloomfield College Giving Day Raises Over $32,000
Social and Behavioral Sciences Accordion List
- B.S.Binghamton University;
- M.A.Hunter College, City University of New York;
- M.Phil. Ph.D.The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Courses Taught:
PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology
PSY 231: Animal Behavior
PSY 245: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
PSY 310: Research Methods I
PSY 323: Biopsychology
PSY 333: Special Topics: Neuropsychology
PSY 333: Special Topics: Sensation and Perception
PSY 350: Drugs and Behavior
PSY 433: Special Topics: Psychopharmacology
PSY 450: Senior Research Seminar
HON 498: Honors Seminar
Biography
I am broadly trained in the fields of neuroscience, behavioral ecology, sensory ecology, and neuroethology. Following my undergraduate training, I worked as a research assistant studying the relationship between social behaviors and disease transmission in American crows. I then switched to laboratory-based research for my Masters thesis, where I examined the neurophysiological effects of environmental mold exposure on memory and cognition. For my doctoral research, I trained as a visual ecologist/neuroethologist and used both field-based and laboratory-based research techniques to investigate behavioral and sensory co-evolution among avian brood parasites and their hosts. I currently serve on the editorial board for Ornithology. You can find my publications on Google Scholar.
I thoroughly enjoy teaching and have taught and mentored students on a wide variety of topics and courses. I am always interested in working with students on research projects that extend beyond the classroom and have mentored numerous students on varied research projects of their choosing.
- B.A. M.A. Ph.D.University of Wisconsin
Dr. Esmail Najmi is a Professor of Sociology and the Chair of the Division of Social and
Behavioral Sciences. He has a B.A. in Film Studies and a Ph.D. in Sociology, both from
the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His areas of interest include social theory, class
analysis, sociology of culture/media, social revolutions, and research methods.
Courses Taught:
Statistics for Sociologists
Methods of Social Research
Classical Sociological Theory
Social Inequality
Selected Topics in Sociology (Punishment and Society; Digital Media and Social Life;
Power, Domination, and Modern Institutions; Contemporary US Society; and Cinema
and Society).
- B.A.Warren Wilson College;
- M.A.Queens College, City University of New York;
- Ph.D.The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Natascia Boeri
Ph.D., Graduate Center, City University of New York
B.A., Warren Wilson College
Courses taught:
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems & Public Solutions
Theory and Practices in Human Services
Methods of Social Science Research
Senior Capstones (Senior Seminar, Fall Internship)
Special Topics (Gender & Social Policy, Women & Leadership)
Dr. Boeri is an Associate Professor of Sociology, and specializes in gender, work, and social policy. Her current research is on mothers who use opioids and barriers to health and social services. Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and she was a 2015-2016 American Association of University Women Dissertation Fellow. She is an active member of the Sociologists for Women in Society, and has represented SWS as a delegate to the United Nations numerous times. Dr. Boeri’s teaching style emphasizes experiential learning and she is a strong supporter of undergraduate student research. Her publications can be found on Google Scholar.
- B.S.Brooklyn College of C.U.N.Y;
- M.A. Ph.D.Fordham University
- B.S. M.A. M.Phil. Ph.D.New York University
Ph.D. New York University
Courses taught:
- Deviance & Social Control,
- Criminal Justice & Race
- Prison Industrial Complex
- Sociology Spring Internship
Interests:
- Social justice activism
- B.A.Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- M.A. M.Phil. Ph.D.New York University
Vânia Penha-Lopes
Vânia Penha-Lopes is Professor of Sociology at Bloomfield College. She is also co-chair of the Brazil Seminar at Columbia University (2008-present) and was a member of the executive committee of the Brazilian Studies Association-BRASA (2010-14). A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Penha-Lopes graduated with honors from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (1982). She is also a graduate of New York University, with a Master’s degree in Anthropology (1987) and a Ph.D. in Sociology (1999). As a post-doctoral fellow at the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (2006-07), she did research on the first graduating class of Brazilian university quota students. She has received a number of awards, including the Carter G. Woodson Institute Predoctoral Fellowship in Afro-American and African Studies, from the University of Virginia (1996-98), and the Scholarship for Study Abroad from the Encyclopaedia Britannica do Brasil (1982), of which she was the youngest recipient. Dr. Penha-Lopes has lectured extensively on comparative race relations, African American fatherhood, and racism in Brazil and has been interviewed for articles in Diverse Issues in Higher Education, O Estado de São Paulo, and The Washington Post. Her work has been cited in a number of books on race relations, in textbooks, and in peer-reviewed articles. In addition to a number of articles, Dr. Penha-Lopes is the author of Confronting Affirmative Action: University Quota Students and the Quest for Racial Justice (2017), Pioneiros: Cotistas na Universidade Brasileira (2013), and co-editor of Religiosidade e Performance: Diálogos Contemporâneos (2015).
- B.A.Indiana University of Pennsylvania;
- M.S. Ph.D.University of Florida
Dunja L. Trunk, Ph.D
B.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.S., Ph.D., University of Florida
What I teach:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Cognition/Learning
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescence
- Adulthood and Aging
- Research Methods
- Death and Dying
- Political Psychology
Research Interests:
Factors impacting memory and learning in young and older adults
- B.A.Spellman College;
- M.A.Rutgers University
- M.A.New York University
- B.S.Cornell University;
- J.D.Brooklyn Law School
- B.F.A.University of North Carolina;
- M.A.New School for Social Research;
- Ph.D.Rutgers University
- B.A.Manhattan Community College;
- M.S.St. Johns University - Stn Isl
- B.A.Randolph Macon Academy;
- M.A.Rutgers, the State University of NJ
- B.S.F.D.U. - Teaneck;
- M.A.Montclair State University
- A.B.Boston University;
- M.A. Ph.D.University of Pennsylvania
- B.A.University of California at Berkeley;
- M.S. Ph.D.North Carolina State University
- B.A.Allegheny College
- Ph.D.The City University of New York
- B.S.London University;
- M.A.Teachers College, Columbia University;
- Ph.D.New School for Social Research
- M.B.A.Boston University;
- Ph.D.Rutgers University
- B.S. Ph.D.Cornell University
- Ed.D.Fairleigh Dickson University
- M.S.Queens College, CUNY
- B.S.York College, CUNY
Nursing Accordion List
- BSNBethlehem University, Palestine
- MSNUniversity of Hartford
- Ph.D.University of Connecticut - Storrs
Dr. Mikky received his doctoral degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2006. His Master's degree in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford was funded by the Fulbright scholarship. He had completed special studies in cardiovascular nursing at Emory University and the program was funded by the United States Information Agency (USIA). Over the past 22 years of experience, since he had earned his BSN degree from Bethlehem University (Palestine) in 1991, he had assumed different nursing positions in various clinical and academic institutions; nationally and internationally. He was the founder of the first home health agency in Bethlehem, Palestine. He was one of the trained health team members who had established the first cardiac catheterization lab at Makkassed Hospital in Jerusalem, Palestine. He received the "Carolyn Ladd Widmer Research" Award in acknowledgment of excellence in the field of nursing research from UCONN in 2006. His areas of expertise include nursing education, adult health nursing, cardiovascular nursing, and long-term care. The area of his research interest is focused on the construct of "empowerment among clients with chronic health conditions". His scholarly work includes conference presentations, research studies published in nursing journals, and three chapters in a handbook on transcultural nursing. Currently, he has been working as a tenured full professor in the Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing at Bloomfield College since 2009.
- BAWilliam Paterson University
- BSBloomfield College
- MSNFelician College
- DNPRutgers, the State University
Doreen Gagnon
Education: DNP, APN-C
Degrees obtained and Colleges attended: 2015 Rutgers University, Newark NJ Doctorate of Nursing Practice 2004 Felician College, Lodi, New Jersey MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner 1984 Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, New Jersey Bachelor of Science in Nursing
1978 William Paterson University, Wayne, New Jersey Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education
Specialty area: Family Nurse Practitioner Medical Surgical Nursing
Certifications/Licensures:
New York Registered Nurse License 2016 - present
New York Advanced Practice Nurse License 2016-present
Advanced Practice Nurse License 2004-present
New Jersey Registered Nurse License 1984 to present
American Heart Association: Basic Life Support
National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
2015-present
Presentations: Career in Nursing presented to NALWC High School, Nutley NJ Feb/202Publications: Research study, Technology and Weight Loss for DNP 2015
Memberships: American Nurses Association Member No. 01053911 2003-present Essex County Public Health Reserve Corps (MRC) Member, 2020 Research participant in COVID-19 Cohort Study at Columbia University Irving Medical Ctr., NY 2020 Sigma Theta Tau, National Nursing Honor Society, Inducted 2004-present Forum for Advanced Practice Nurses, Member 2004-presentPresbyterian Alumni Association, Director of Activities 2004-2008
Interests: A nurse is someone who is committed to health promotion in the community. During the crisis of 911, I felt it was my duty to help in NYC in any way possible as a nurse and citizen. I have been on missions trips to help communities and health disparities in other countries. Through this pandemic of covid-19 and many other societal issues, there has also been a need more than ever to care for our communities and be involved in what is happening all around us. We need to be the advocates for people and be a light of hope for wellness. You can change the world with your knowledge and wisdom as nurses. Be committed and proud to be a future nurse!
- BSUniversity of Scranton
- MSColumbia University
- DNPWilliam Paterson University
Cathy McCormack
Education and Degrees obtained and Colleges attended: University of Scranton 1991 BSN Columbia University 1998 MSN William Paterson University: currently studying for a Doctorate of Nurse Practice Specialty area: Clinical Nurse Specialist Oncology Certifications 2015 NISOD Excellence Award Presentations: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the Health Belief Model, and Latina Women
Membership: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Iota Omega Chapter- University of Scranton American Nurses Association
Interests: I love yoga, running, hiking, and skiing. The shores of Ireland, New Jersey, and North Carolina are my favorite places to visit. I am a first-generation American and I was the first in my family to graduate from college.
- BSNSeton Hall University
- MSNWilliam Paterson University
Lori Palmieri
Professor Palmieri joined the Frances M. McLaughlin Division of Nursing in 2007 and is currently a full professor of Nursing. She received a BSN from Seton Hall University (SHU), a MSN from William Paterson University (WPU) and is currently a doctoral candidate at Seton Hall. Professor Palmieri was named the Jonas Scholar (2016-2018) by SHU faculty and received the Faculty Award in 2015.
Professor Palmieri has 20 years plus experience in adult health and medical-surgical nursing. She worked as a RN on telemetry units, in-patient and out-patient radiology suites, and in a wound care center at a local community hospital. After leaving the hospital setting, she was employed as a nurse educator and then assistant director of nursing in a long-term care facility for several years before receiving her MSN.
In 2018 she presented a poster "Exploring the relationship between ethnocentrism, perspective-taking and cultural competence in nurses" at the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM). On multiple occasions, she has presented about her experiences serving abroad, with and without students, while caring for marginalized populations with unmet health needs.
Professor Palmieri belongs to the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA), the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Transcultural Nursing Society (TNS). Since 2010 she has been serving in the Dominican Republic with Inter-Cultural Nursing Inc., and in Haiti with Foundation for Peace (FFP). FFP is a non-profit organization that collaborates with community leaders to address the health needs of specific parts of the population in the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Kenya. Since 2016 she has been serving as the Volunteer Coordinator for Foundation for Peace (FFP), and recruits, organizes and leads nursing and medical teams procured from across the United States.
- BSNWilliam Paterson University
- MSNWilliam Paterson University
- DNPWilliam Paterson University
Jacquelyn Svercauski
Degrees obtained and Colleges attended:
DNP 2015 William Paterson University
MSN 2010 William Paterson University
BSN 1990 William Paterson College
Specialty area:
Medical Surgical, Cardiac, Community Health, Hospice
Certifications:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Presentations:
SIGMA THETA TAU Iota Alpha Chapter - William Paterson University
Annual Research Conference
Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarship: Implications for Practice
April 28, 2016 - Presentation of Research from Dissertation "Effects of Transition to Practice Programs on New Nurses' Confidence and RN Role Transition"
NJ END OF LIFE NURSING EDUCATION CONSORTIUM (NJ-ELNEC)
Mar 27, 2008 - CEU presentation "Terminal Restlessness"
CARE ALTERNATIVES HOSPICE 1ST ANNUAL PROFESSINAL CONFERNCE
Oct 2, 2008 - CEU presentation "Terminal Restlessness"
NEW JERSEY HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE ORGANIZATION
July 2008, July 2009, July 2010 - Faculty - New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Annual Hospice certification review course.
Memberships:
America Nurses Association
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing - Iota Alpha At-Large Chapter
Interests:
I enjoy making a difference for the future of the nursing profession, educating future nurses; I learn as much from my students as they learn from me.
- BSBloomfield College
- BSSeton Hall University
- MSNRutgers University
Education: DNP, APN-C
Bachelor Science: Seton Hall University
BSN: Bloomfield College
MSN: University of Medicine and Dentistry
DNP: Walden University
Specialty area: Family Nurse Practitioner
Advanced practice nurse with specialty in acute and critical care. Work full time as a critical care APN managing the care of patients in the opened heart unit and step-down cardiac unit. Has clinical experience in the management of the thoracic, cardiology and structural heart patient. Has 22 years of combined RN and APN experience. Mentor of new APNs and staff nurses. National certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses: CCRN and completion of the fundamental critical support course from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Board certified as a family nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. (FNP-BC)
- MBARutgers University
Dr. Fonseca has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. Professional experience includes staff nurse, Nurse Manager and Director of Nursing at the following medical centers:
-
- Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, N.J. (current position)
- Columbia University Medical Center, Manhattan, N.Y.
- The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, N.J.
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, N.J.
- Orange Memorial Hospital, Orange, N.J.
She has been with Bloomfield College as an adjunct instructor since 2012. Dr. Fonseca received her DNP, MBA and her MSN, Critical Care degrees from Rutgers University. She received her BSN degree from Kean and her Nursing Diploma from the Winifred B. Baldwin School of Nursing.
Dr. Fonseca has participated in multiple research projects and has been published in Images, 1999 and Nursing Spectrum, 2002 and 2005.
- BSNWalden University
- MSNRutgers, The State University of NJ
- BSNCatholic University of America
- MSColumbia University
- BSNWalden University
- MSNWalden University
- DNPUniversity of Southern Indiana
Joel Regalado, DNP, ACNP-BC, CCRN-CMC, PCCN is an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) with specialty in acute and critical care. He works full time as Critical Care APN managing patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Regalado is active in mentoring new APNs as well as nurses going through their master's program. He also mentors staff nurses in different hospital committees which includes patient safety, research, evidence based practice and performance improvement projects. In addition to his role as Adjunct Clinical Instructor for Bloomfield College, he also has clinical faculty appointment from Rutgers University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Dr. Regalado is also teaching Advanced Research Methods: Evidence-Based Practice - an online class at Chamberlain University. Clinical practice and teaching are his passion and he finds it both challenging and rewarding to be able to teach what he practices in various formats, settings, and student population.
Dr. Regalado has about 25 years of combined RN and APN experience. His clinical practice is mostly in acute and critical care. His interest for acute and critical care is evident by acquiring three national certifications through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, which includes the critical care nursing certification (CCRN), cardiac medicine certification (CMC), and progressive care nursing certification (PCCN). He is also board certified as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP-BC) through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Dr. Regalado is optimistic that your personal experiences can bring value to the class and he is looking forward to working with all of you. As your course instructor, he is ready to facilitate your individual learning process, provide the support that you need, give you honest feedback, and he is invested in your personal success.
- BSKean College of NJ
- MSNAspen University
- RNPresbyterian Hospital School of Nursing
- BS, MATeachers College, Columbia Univ.
- Ed.D.Rutgers University
- BSNCornell
- MANYU
- Ph.D.NYU
Phyllis More, Ph.D., R.N.
Professor Phyllis More received her Ph.D. in Nursing Research from New York University in 1987. She has a Master’s degree in Nursing Education from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cornell University New York Hospital School of Nursing.
Dr. More has been actively engaged in the field of nursing for over 40 years. She is certified in Community Health Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and participates regularly in activities of the Association of Community Health Nurse Educators. In addition she successfully passed the written examination and is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) by the National League for Nursing. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, New Jersey State Nurses Association, National League for Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing for which she has served as secretary and member of the executive board of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter.
Since coming to Bloomfield College in 1977, Dr. More has taught courses at all levels of the curriculum to both RN students seeking to complete the BSN and to traditional prelicensure students. Having extensive clinical experience in Community and Public Health Nursing as well as community based Pediatrics, in recent years she has focused on integrating a changing paradigm of health into senior level courses. Dr. More has had a major role in conducting several selfstudies of the Division of Nursing for continued accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- BSNPace University
- MSNPace University
- EdDNova College of Nova University
Neddie Serra, Ed.D., C.N.E., M.S.N., R.N.
Dr. Neddie Serra received her Ed D in Healthcare Education:Nursing: from Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Miami FL in 2001. She has a Master’s degree in Community Health Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pace University, Pleasantville New York Dr. Serra has been in the field of nursing education for over 25 years. She is certified as a Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Dr. Serra joined Bloomfield College in 1991 as an instructor in Pediatric Nursing and was here until 1996 when she left to pursue her terminal degree. Prior to her appointment as the Chairperson of Nursing at Bloomfield College, she taught at William Paterson University (WPU) in Wayne, NJ as an associate professor. Dr. Serra has worked to develop numerous courses throughout her career including on line offerings.
Dr. Serra became the chairperson of the Division of Nursing at Bloomfield College in 2004. At that time she led faculty toward a curriculum change that was necessary for the success of the nursing program. In 2005 she successfully led the faculty through the arduous accreditation process receiving a full 10 year accreditation without conditions or recommendations. During her tenure at Bloomfield College the student NCLEX success rates have become one of the most notable among all the baccalaureate programs in the state of New Jersey.
Dr. Serra is a member of several professional organizations including the New Jersey State Nursing Association; The American Nurses Association; Sigma Theta Tau International; The NJ Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing (also serving as Treasurer); The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (where she is also a board member of the NJ Chapter.) She has also received a governor’s appointment to serve on the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing.
Dr. Serra has presented at several conferences and has received several grants that have benefitted students at institutions where she has taught.
- BSFairleigh Dickinson University
- Ed.M.Teachers College, Columbia Univ.
- Ed.D.Rutgers University
Lisa is a lifelong resident of Bloomfield, and a graduate of Bloomfield High School. Lisa is the Nursing Division’s Clinical Placement Coordinator. Since coming to Bloomfield College to work, she has been inspired to continue her education and is presently a Senior in Bloomfield College, and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
Natural Science and Math Accordion List
- B.S., M.S.Stevens Institute of Technology
- Ph.D.Walden University
Grace Cook, Ph.D.
Grace Cook is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Bloomfield College. She has been a part of the college since 2013. She is a member of the Mathematical Association of America, Golden Key, Kappa Delta Pi, and Delta Phi Epsilon. She has previously taught at the high school level and worked as a test developer, statistician, and engineer.
Dr. Cook has a Ph.D. in General Education from Walden University (2014) Dissertation Title: A Case Study of Curriculum Based Organizational Change in an Elementary Teacher Preparation Program, a M.S. in Applied Mathematics, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics from Stevens Institute of Technology (2001), a B.S. in Mathematics, Minor in Literature from Stevens Institute of Technology (2001), and is a New Jersey Certified Teacher in Mathematics.
- B.A.State University of New York at Binghamton
- M.A.City College of New York
- M.S.Rutgers University
I am Interim Instructor in Mathematics for the 2020-2021 Academic Year. Previously at Bloomfield College, I was an Adjunct Lecturer for several years.
My academic background includes master’s degrees in Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. I have taught in several colleges and universities and three community colleges. My primary career was in Information Systems and Applied Research in the telecommunications industry. There I was fortunate to be part of large-scale computer systems development, integrated circuit software design, and international telecommunications standards organizations.
I have always loved teaching and I am very happy to be working at Bloomfield College. I have also worked in Math Learning Centers and taught in two high schools where I am a Certified Mathematics Teacher.
- B.S.New Jersey City University
- Ph.D.Rutgers University New Brunswick, School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
- B.S.Manhattan College
- M.S., Ph.D.New York University School of Medicine
James Murphy, Ph.D.
Dr. James Murphy graduated from Manhattan College with a BS in Biology (Teacher Preparation). He earned an MS and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Sackler Institute of the New York University School of Medicine, graduating in 1994. Dr. Murphy joined Bloomfield College the same year.
In the past, Dr. Murphy has studied both the molecular biology of cancer and the molecular biology of parasitism in insects. These days he focuses on the chemical modification of proteins in peas. Specifically, Dr. Murphy is interested in the effects of deacetylase inhibitors on pea root meristems. This research has resulted in publications, numerous student poster presentations as well as a recent GenBank sequence report for the Vitamin B12 Independent Methionine Synthase mRNA, accession number “KJ890480” that can be found at the website for the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Bloomfield College students have been coauthors on all these reports. This sequence will allow Dr. Murphy’s group to infer the amino acid sequence of the Methionine Synthase and investigate chemical modification of its amino acids, such as acetylation.
Dr. Murphy usually teaches the General Biology courses, “Diversity” and “Cell.” As well as the upper level Biochemistry II and Bio seminar.
- PhDOsmangazi University (Turkey)
- MSWilliam Paterson University
- PhDRutgers, the State University of NJ
- MAFairleigh Dickinson University
- MARowan University
- B.A.William Paterson University
- M.A.Montclair State University
- MSNew Jersey Institute of Technology
- B.S.University of Strasbourg, France
- M.S.University of Rennes I, France
- BSUniversity of Alberta
- MSUniversity of Calgary
- B.S.St. Josephs College Institute
- M.S.Mercy College
- M.B.A.Long Island University
- B.S.Alexandria University
- M.A.New Jersey City University
- B.S.Kean University
- M.A.Montclair State University
- B.S.Bloomfield College
- M.A.Kean College of New Jersey
- B.S.Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
- M.A.University of St. Mary
- B.A.Atlantic Union College
- M.S., Ph.D.Polytechnic University
- B.S.State University of New York, Purchase
- M.B.A.Fordham University
- M. EdRutgers, the State University of NJ
- D.C.Cleveland Chiropractic College
- MSMontclair State University
- MSRutgers the State University of New Jersey
- B.S., Ph.DZagazig University, Cairo, Egypt
- M.S.Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- BSBloomfield College
- DCNortheast College of Health Sciences
- B.A.College of New Rochelle
- Ph.D., M.S.Stevens Institute of Technology
- MSMontclair State University
- B.S.Bloomfield College
- M.A.Marygrove College
- MASaint Peters University
- Ed.D., M.A., B.A.New Jersey City University
- BSUniversity of California, Santa Barbara
- MS & PhDUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore
- B.S., M.S.St. John's University, Staten Island
- B.S.College of New Jersey
- ME.D.Grand Canyon College
- MATufts University
- BSBloomfield College
- B.A.Bucknell University
- M.Ed.William Paterson University
- BSBloomfield College
- MSRutgers the State University of New Jersey
- B.S., M.S.Long Island University, CW Post
- M.S., Ph.D.Stevens Institute of Technology
- B.S.Oregon State University
- M.S.University of Illinois at Chicago
- Ph.D.Purdue University, West Lafayette
Gregory Edens, Ph.D.
Professor Greg Edens joined the Division of Natural Sciences and Math in September 2013 after having worked seven years in the industry. Prior to that, he had more than seven years’ experience teaching general, analytical, and instrumental chemistry.
Dr. Edens earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Purdue University, his Master's degree in Chemical Engineering at University of Illinois, Chicago, and his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon.
Since his college freshman days, Edens has loved General Chemistry because of the breadth of topics covered. He enjoys learning new things each time through and strives to improve his teaching each year to inspire students, to give them a good foundation for upper-level science courses, and particularly to prepare them for Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, which he also teaches.
In Summer 2015 he supervised two students in a research project to determine mercury in fish. The students found that chunk light tuna has less mercury than solid white albacore, while Ahi tuna has very high levels of mercury. With the support of a NASA grant, one of the students will study the geographic distribution of mercury as implicated by levels in fish.
He enjoys listening to classical music, playing the piano; and gardening, cooking and riding bicycles with his wife. Ask him about a book that has changed his eating habits and improved his health. He enjoys reading chemistry journals, as well as textbooks about physical chemistry and thermodynamics.
- B.A.Messiah College
- M.S.North Texas State University
- Ph.D.Rutgers University New Brunswick, School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
Leila Koepp, Ph.D.
Dr. Leila Koepp is currently the Biology Coordinator in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and is a full professor at Bloomfield College. She has been part of the college since 1982. She has previously taught at several institutions including Montclair State University, Farleigh Dickenson University, and Upsala College. She held positions as a bacteriologist at several hospitals including Flow Memorial Hospital in Denton, Texas and Overlook Hospital in Summit New Jersey.
Dr. Koepp has a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology from Rutgers University, formerly University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ), Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (1982). Dissertation title: The Molecular Basis for the Biological Activity of the Slime Glycolipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain BI, a M.S. in Microbiology from North Texas State University, Denton, Texas (1970), a B.A. in Biology from Messiah College, Grantham, Pennsylvania. (1968).
At Bloomfield College, she taught many courses including General Biology, Clinical Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics, Developmental Biology and has developed an Immunology course which has been added to the curriculum and which she has taught in the past and continues to teach as needed. Presently she mostly teaches multiple sections of Microbiology to biology majors and nursing students. She also has transformed the genetics curriculum to reflect multicultural/multiracial issues and introduced a course for non-majors that deals with Biotechnology and Human Affairs.
Most of her research during her graduate studies focused on the investigation of the molecular basis for the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which has resulted in multiple publications in scientific journals.
She has investigated and cloned the SPO7 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Dr. David Kabak at UMDNJ and has presented the results at several scientific meetings.
She has been involved with student research which focuses on bacterial leaf scorch (BLS) of oak trees in Northern NJ. The disease is caused by Xylella fastidiosa bacterium which infects the xylem of the leaves leading to leaf scorching and eventually death of the trees. Samples of oak leaves were collected and PCR analysis was conducted on these samples. The leaves were also analyzed by SEM with positive results for the bacterium.
In 2014 she published a book “Topics in Grief” which could be found on Amazon in honor of her late son David Koepp. She also has a blog TopicsInGrief.com
- B.A.Rutgers College
- M.S.New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Ph.D.Rutgers University
- B.S., M.A.Queens College
- M.Phil., Ph.D.City University of New York
Demetris Nicolaides, Ph.D.
Demetris Nicolaides is a theoretical physicist and an author.
He graduated college in three and a half years, cum laude, with a double major, in physics and mathematics, and a master's in physics. He continued his studies to earn a second master and a Ph.D. in physics from the City University of New York.
He finished first in his physics class and received the Paul Klapper Physics Award for "the outstanding physics major." He was also given an Award for Honors in Physics and an Award for Honors in Mathematics "in recognition for superior scholarship."
Dr. Nicolaides is now a professor of physics at the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics at Bloomfield College where he teaches physics and astronomy. He loves teaching and is grateful to his students whose thirst for knowledge keeps him improving.
His interests include science, and the history and philosophy of science. His scientific research covers a broad range of diverse topics. In physics he investigates the properties of matter near the critical point of a phase transition. In observational astronomy he measures various properties of RR Lyrae stars. In the philosophy of physics (and of science in general) he analyzes the foundational laws of physics from a philosophical perspective. He believes that all things in nature, even the apparently different, share a subtle underlying commonality, which he strives to find. He likes the journey better than the destination and doesn't mind getting lost now and then.
Professor Nicolaides has authored two books, many scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presented his research at conferences nationally and internationally. His newest book, In Search of a Theory of Everything, is a new kind of sight, a philosophical insight of modern physics, on a quest for the theory that will ultimately explain all the phenomena of nature via a single immutable overarching law. It was named one of the Best New Philosophy of Physics Books; and one of the Best Philosophy of Physics Books of All Time. His book, In the Light of Science - a Library Journal bestseller and a 10-Most-Popular-Books (for Science Book a Day, Jan 2018) - is an accessible presentation of the history of science and of science itself.
He is a member of the American Physical Society (a physics group), the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (an astronomy group), and the International Association for Presocratic Studies (a philosophy group).
- B.S.Brooklyn College
- Ph.D.Rutgers University
- B.S.Juniata College
- M.S.Stevens Institute of Technology
- Ph.D.Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- B.A., M.A.Montclair State College
- Ph.D.New York University
- B.A.Portland State University
- M.A., Ph.D.University of Oregon
- B.S.Alma College
- M.S., Ph.D.University of Utah
Rebecca Walter, Ph.D.
Dr. Walter has been with Bloomfield College since 2012. The courses she teaches include: Anatomy and Physiology 1&2, Biomechanics, and Vertebrate Morphology.
Dr. Walter has a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Utah. Her graduate thesis was entitled “The Biomechanics of Galloping and Acceleration in Dogs.” She currently uses Bloomfield College’s Motion Capture System in her research on the biomechanics of human walking and running.
- B.S.Bloomfield College
- B.S.Bloomfield College
- D.C.NYCC-Northeast College of Health Sciences
- B.S.Bloomfield College
- B.A.Seton Hall University
Humanities Accordion List
- B.A.Presbyterian College
- M.A.Clemson University
- Ph.D.Drew University
Brandon D. Fralix
Ph.D. in English from Drew University (NJ) in 2011
Dissertation: “Cymru and the Court: The Welsh in Seventeenth Century Masques”
M.A in English from Clemson University (SC) in 2003
Thesis: “Claiming Identity: Acquiring Language in Lyly’s Gallathea”
B.A. in English from Presbyterian College (SC) in 2001
What I teach:
- ENG 203 Survey of British Literature I
- ENG 249 Advanced Grammar
- WRT 106 Analytic and Argumentative Writing
- WRT 107 Synthesis and Research Writing
I am a long time member of the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC), and the Council of Writing Program Administrators (CWPA), and I regularly present at these organization's annual conferences. Much of my research is focused on the National Census of Writing, a survey of 900 institutions of higher education that asks how writing programs are taught and administered. For this work, I have received an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation grant and the Extraordinary Service Award from the CWPA.
- B.A.Cornell University
- M.A., M.ED.Columbia University
- B.A.Salem State University
- M. DivHarvard University
- M. Philosophy,Union Theological University
- Ph.D.Union Theological University
Education
- Dr. Nixon Cleophat holds an M.Phil (Master of Philosophy) and Ph.D. in Systematic Theology and Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York City (2010 & 2014)
- Attended Harvard University and earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Biblical Studies and Political Theology (2006)
- Earned a BA in English and Secondary Education at Salem State University’s Honors Program (2003)
Teaching Position at Bloomfield College
- Associate Professor in Religion
Research Interests
- Indigenous religions, including African Religions (West African Vudun) as well as African-derived Caribbean religions such as Haitian Vodou
- Liberation theologies (Black Theology, Latin American Liberation Theology, African Liberation Theology, Womanist Theo-ethics)
- Queer theory
- Ecological ethics
- Systematic theology
- Pneumatology
Book and Chapter Publications
- Recently, he has published “Vodou as the Embryo and Marker of Haitian Socio-historical Identity,” in Shackled Sentiments: Slaves, Spirits, and Memories in the African Diaspora, Eric J. Montgomery, ed. (Lanham: Lexington Books, 2019).
He has co-authored a textbook
- A Critical Approaches to Religion: Race, Class, and Gender. San Diego: Cognella Publishing, 2019
He is a co-editor of two collections of an anthology
- Vodou in Haitian Memory. New York: Lexington Books, 2016.
- Vodou in the Haitian Experience. New York: Lexington Books, 2016.
In the anthology, he also contributed two chapters:
- "Haitian Vodou: The Ethic of Social Sin & the Praxis of Liberation"
- "Haitian Vodou, a Politico-Realist Theology of Survival."
Future Publication
- Dr. Cleophat relies on Haitian Vodou as a critical lens to examine the ethic of social sin and the praxis of liberation in Black Theology and Christian Realism.
Dr. Cleophat’s Likes and Hobbies
- He loves light pink, baby (sky) blue, and white are his favorite colors. He loves different types of red wines as long as they are not sweet or sour. He enjoys taking long walks in the park. He is a decent cook. He finds cooking to be cathartic in times of stress and other life’s ordeals. When he is not in the classroom, he’s often home watching terrible reality tv shows.
- B.A.University of Puerto Rico
- M.A.Temple University
- Ph.D.University of Massachusetts
Harry Franqui-Rivera
Ph.D. in Caribbean and Latin American History, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Masters in Military and Diplomatic History from Temple University
B.A. in History from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
G.E.D. from the Departamento de Instruccción Pública de Puerto Rico
What I teach:
- Global History I and II
- Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Writing History
- Change Reform and Revolution in the Americas
Professor Fanqui-Rivera specializes in Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Latino and Latin American History focusing on the 19th and 20th centuries. Among other interests he studies the condition of Puerto Rican veterans and service members and their impact in society; the role played by military service and institutions on nation-building projects and in the development of national identities; imperial-colonial relations, race, gender, class, and nation. He's also involved in Oral History and Digital Humanities Projects and in the production of short documentaries. He has several academic articles on these topics and two forthcoming books: Soldiers of the Nation: Military Service and Modern Puerto Rico, 1868-1952. University of Nebraska Press. Fighting on Two Fronts: The Experience of the Puerto Rican Soldiers in the Korean War. Centro Press. He is a published author, public intellectual, cultural critic, and blogger. He blogs and publishes in academic and news outlets such as the Huffington Post, Centro Voices, Latino Rebels, 80 Grados, Focaal, Process: A Blog for American History, and U.S. Studies Online. He served for over a decade in the U.S. Army and the National Guard and Reserve. His academic work can be found at http://www.academia.edu/. “History is not a Walt Disney production.” HFR
- B.A.California State University Imperial San Bernadino
- M.A.California State University San Bernadino
- Ph.D.University of Utah
Fiona (Freddie) Harris Ramsby, Ph.D.
Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition. The University of Utah, May 2015
Dissertation: Theory in the Body: Language and Power on the Rhetorical Stage
M.A. Rhetoric and Composition. California State University San Bernardino, Sept. 2007
Outstanding Thesis Award: The Habermas/Foucault Debate: Implications for Composition.
B.A. English/Linguistics. Highest Honours. California State University San Bernardino, Sept. 2005.
What I teach:
- Writing 95
- Writing 105 and 107
- Philosophy/Writing 229: Language and Society: Western Rhetoric in Contemporary Use
- English 252: Art of Drama
- English 281: Literature, Theory, and Film
Areas of research include rhetorics of the body and performance, classical rhetorics, critical discourse analysis, ethnography of performance, and critical literacy. She also specializes in developmental writing, multi-modal writing, and exploring the intersection between pop culture and theory. Dr. Ramsby is particularly interested in conducting research with Bloomfield students, as well as collaborating with students on a new theatre project at the College. Recent publications include: "Theory in the Body: Language and Power on the Rhetorical Stage". Routledge Press. (Forthcoming 2021) With Bloomfield College students Steven Hawkins and Shammoi Brown, “I Prefer Ladies with More Experience”: Sex, Death, and the Post-feminist Demon.” Death in Supernatural: Essays on the Television Series. McFarland Publishing Company (Forthcoming Fall 2017). Also, with Bloomfield student Mubarak Muhammed, “Warning! Monster Metaphors and the Urban Black Body.” Brill Press. (Spring 2019).
- B.A.William Paterson University
- M.A.Mount St. Clare College/Ashford University
- B.A.Belmont College
- M.A.University of Delaware
- Ph.D.Ohio State University
NORA MCCOOK
Ph.D., English Rhetoric, Composition, and Literature. The Ohio State University, June 2017
Dissertation: "Literacy Volunteer Preparation in a Service Learning and Community Literacy Training Program: Historicizing Literacy Campaigns, Volunteers, and Schools"
M.A. English Literature. University of Delaware, May 2011
B.A. English, Minor in Music. Belmont University, May 2008
What I teach:
First Year Writing (WRT 102, 105, 108, and 109)
Intro to Professional and Technical Writing (WRT 205)
Digital Media Writing (WRT 251)
Special Topics in Writing Studies (WRT 233)
My research and teaching interests focus on social and historical contexts of writing/literacy learning and instruction. I write about language biases and beliefs, histories, and contact zones where diverse language speakers engage and transform language and literacy practices. I bring historical and sociolinguistic perspectives to my writing classroom research and teaching praxis. My research interests also include writing transfer, digital media, professional and technical writing, community engagement, and inclusive pedagogies. I urge students to engage and present their research at on- and off-campus venues, including national conferences (such as the Council of Writing Program Administrators Conference and Our Digital Humanity: Storytelling, Media Organizing, and Social Justice).
- B.S.State University of New York at Brockport
- M.A.State University of New York at Empire State College
- B.A., M.A.Temple University
- Ph.D.C.U.N.Y. Grad Center
- B.A.Montclair State University
- B.A.Fairleigh Dickenson University
- M.Ed.Saint Peter's University
- BAMontclair State University
- M.F.A.Rutgers University
- B.A.,City College of the City University of New York
- J.D.,St. John's University School of Law
- L.L.M.,New York University School of Law
- B.A.Rutgers University
- M.A.Rutgers University
- B.S.San Marcos University, Lima, Peru
- M.A.Salamanca University of Spain
- M.Ed.William Paterson University
- B.A.Bloomfield College
- M.F.A.Fairleigh Dickinson University
- B.A.William Paterson University
- M.A.Drexel University
- A.A.S.Fashion Institute of Technology
- B.A.Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
- M.A.University of Phoenix
- B.A.Muhlenberg College
- M.A.Montclair State University
- Ph.D.Regent University
- B.S.,M.A.,Seton Hall University.
- B.A.Pennsylvania State University
- B.A.Bloomfield College
- M.F.A.National University
- M.A.Montclair State University
- B.A.New Jersey City University
- M.F.A.New Jersey City University
- B.A.University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa
- M.F.A.Mercy College
- M.A.RIder College
- B.A.Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
- M.A.Colorado State University
- Ph.D.University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- B.A.Fairleigh Dickinson University
- M.F.A.Brooklyn College
M.F.A. in Creative Writing, Poetry, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York B.A., English, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Rutherford New Jersey, cum laude
Publications: Meadowland Take My Hand, Three Mile Harbor Press, 2017. Her second collection of poetry, Femistry, is forthcoming in 2023, Three Mile Harbor Press
Awards/Grants: From The Center of Peace, Justice and Reconciliation for a Pilot Project for curriculum development related to social issues and justice as classroom curriculum, 2011. This curriculum is currently being taught as a writing-intensive course called Conflict to Peace.
What I teach:
- Introduction to Creative Writing
- Intermediate Poetry Writing
- Advanced Creative Writing
- Writing-intensive course: Conflict and Peace (a focus on compositional and critical thinking skills that deepen student learning via frequent writing assignments).
- Playwriting
- The Art of Drama
- Freshman Year Seminar
- Senior Capstones/Senior Thesis in Creative Writing
My focus is to create a student-centered learning environment where students can find their “writer’s voice,” to discover the creative tools necessary to transcend a bad or marginal relationship with writing and embrace both academic and creative writing as friends. This discovery gives students a sense of agency and inspires a love of learning that they can take across the curriculum. Over my many years teaching at Bloomfield College, I have happily shared a strong, nurturing rapport with my students. A firm believer that the arts make for a powerful catalyst for change, I am the founding editor of Narrative Northeast, a literary and arts magazine that supports diverse voices and visions: BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and straight, as well as the environment. Over the years, I’ve published many of my students’ poems and creative nonfiction pieces here.
- B.A.F.D.U. - Rutherford
- M.F.A.Brooklyn College - C.U.N.Y
- B.A.University of North Carolina
- M.A.University of North Carolina
- B.A.Bloomfield College
- M.F.A.William Paterson University
- B.A.Montclair State University
- M.S.Ramapo College of New Jersey
- B.A.,M.A.,Ed.D.,Saint Peter's University.
- Seton Hall University
- M.S.Dowling College
- B.A.Kean College of New Jersey
- M.P.A.Kean College of New Jersey
- Ph.D.Walden University
- B.A.The College of New Jersey
- M.A.Montclair State University
- Ed.D.Kean University
- B.A.Cornell University
- M.S.Northwestern University
- B.A.University of North Texas
- M.A.Sarah Lawrence College
- M.A.William Paterson University
- Ed.D.St. Peters College
- B.S.Hampton University
- M.S.Cambridge College
- M.T.H.Princeton Theological Seminary
- M.A.New Jersey City University
- B.S.,University of Massachusetts;
- M.A.,Emerson College;
- Ph.D.,Old Dominion University.
- PhDUniversity of Chicago Divinity School
- M.A.University of Chicago Divinity School
- B.A.Lehigh University
Glen A. Hayes is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Bloomfield College (NJ). He received his Ph.D. in History of Religions from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 1985, where he studied with Edward C, Dimock, Jr., J.A.B. van Buitenen, Mircea Eliade, Jonathan Z. Smith, and Frank Reynolds. His dissertation examined the dynamics of body symbolism in Bengali Hindu tantric traditions. He co-founded the Society for Tantric Studies in 1986, and serves as its chairperson. He co-founded the Tantric Studies unit of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in 2003, and has served as a co-chair. He has been a steering committee member of the Cognitive Science of Religion unit of the American Academy of Religion. He has published numerous studies of the Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā tantric traditions of Bengal, including translations of primary texts. He has also explored the uses of metaphor theory and conceptual blending theory in the study of tantra. He continues to conduct research in Vaiṣṇava Sahajiyā texts, as well as in cognitive science.
- B.A., M.S.,Queens College, City University of New York;
- Ph.D.,New York University.
- B.A.University of Cincinnati
- M.A.University of Cincinnati
- Ph.D.Howard University
Jeanne Nutter, Ph.D.
Ph.D, Communication, Howard University
M.A., Communication, University of Cincinnati
B.A., Speech and Theater, University of Cincinnati
What I teach:
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Oral Interpretation of Literature
- Radio and Television
- Voice and Speech Production
- Utilizing Tablet Computers
- Professional Communication
- Public Speaking
Jeanne Nutter, Professor of Communication, is the Coordinator of the Broadcast Journalism Concentration. She has been teaching at Bloomfield College since 2001. Early in her career, she worked in the public affairs department of WNBC-TV and the advertising department of the NBC Radio Network. In 1998, working with Hagley Museum and Library, Dr. Nutter helped create an exhibit and pilot documentary film on P.S. DuPont and the African American School rebuilding program. She has collected over fifty hours of oral histories of African Americans in Delaware. This has resulted in several short films: Littleton Mitchell: Human Rights Warrior, Conversation with Luther J. Porter , Conversation with Jane E. Mitchell: African American Nurse, Conversation with Reverend Maurice J. Moyer: Civil Rights Activist and Conversation, Dr. Eugene McGowan: African American School Psychologist and Community Leader and Edward Loper: African American Painter. A Separate Place: The Schools P.S. DuPont Built, a full-length documentary, has aired on WHYY-TV and won an Honorable Mention in the 2003 Wilmington Film Festival and a Best Video Documentary Production in the 2012 Black International Cinema in Berlin, Germany. She has published Growing Up Black in New Castle County an oral history of African Americans. During 2016 she co-produced a series of six documentary films entitled Voices of the Elders: Stories of African Americans in Delaware. This project was a collaboration between the Historical Society of Delaware and WITN22 -TV. In March of 2002, Jeanne Nutter was inducted into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame. The Delaware State Education Association awarded Dr. Nutter one of the 2004 Humanities and Civil Rights Awards. In 2015 she was awarded the James H. Gilliam, Jr Humanitarian Award by the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League and in 2016 she was awarded the Oral History of the Mid-Atlantic Region Pogue Award for outstanding and continuing contributions to oral history.
- B.A.St. Joseph's University
- M.A.University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Ph.D.University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Paul M. Puccio
M.A. and Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Dissertation: Brothers of the Heart: Friendship in the Victorian and Edwardian Schoolboy Narrative
A.B., St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia
What I teach:
- Introduction to Western Literature
- Survey of British Literature II
- Shakespeare in Performance
- Children’s Literature
- Gothic Literature
- The Art of Fiction
- Selected Topics in British Literature (Past Topics: Threat and Peril in the British Novel; Women of Mystery in the British Novel; E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, and Bloomsbury; Family Troubles in Victorian Fiction)
- Senior Capstones (Past Topics: E. M. Forster, The Bronte Sisters, Jane Austen)
I regularly teach classes in British literature and Western European literature. Those might seem like very foreign subjects, but one of the key goals of my teaching is to explore how literature communicates compelling questions about our humanity and how those questions transcend time and space. My students and I explore these questions in conversation and in writing that is frequently personal as well as “academic.” At the heart of my teaching is a desire to stimulate the imagination (my students’ and my own) because the imagination gives us our capacity for innovation, wonder, and sympathy. These are qualities that enrich our careers, our lives, our relationships, and our world. My publications include articles on the British school novel, contemplative learning and teaching, composition pedagogy, and music theatre; my current research focuses on British children’s literature. As Holley Professor of Applied Ethics, I organize lectures and forums about ethical issues across the work and life of the college.