UMU Experts Guide

UMU Experts

1. Art

   Margo Miller Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Art Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.F.A., University of Akron M.F.A., Kent State University Fields of expertise: Painting, drawing, design, color theory, digital media, graphic design Spotlight

2. Biology

   Michael Gresock Instructor of Biology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.S., Biology, St. Vincent College Ph.D., Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University Fields of Expertise: medical microbiology

   Phillip LaScola Instructor of Biology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.S., Exercise Science, Mount Union College M.S., Education of Exercise of Physiology, University of Akron A.B.D., Exercise Physiology, Kent State University Fields of Expertise: cardiovascular physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, electrocardiography.

   Spiro Mavroidis Assistant Professor of Biology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.S., Biology, Cleveland State University M.S., Biology, Cleveland State University Ph.D., Regulatory Biology, Cleveland State University Fields of Expertise: animal physiology, herpatology (reptiles and amphibians, especially in Ohio), evolution, ecological physiology (the interaction between an animal's physiology and its environment), animal adaptation, biology in general (at the organismal level)

   Amy McElhinney Associate Professor and Department Chair, Biology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.A., Biology, Wartburg College M.S., Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington Ph.D., Biology (molecular, cellular and developmental biology), Indiana University Fields of Expertise: molecular biology, developmental biology, marine biology, invertebrate biology, general biology

   Kim Risley Professor of Biology, Milton J. Lichty Chair in Biology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.S., Microbiology, North Dakota State University Ph.D., Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Fields of Expertise: microbiology (study of bacteria, fungi and parasites) and immunology (study of the immune system) Spotlight

3. Business

   E. Anne Christo-Baker Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics Accounting and Business Administration (Business) Email: schoolofbusiness@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ed.D. Leadership Studies, Bowling Green State University MOD Organization Development, Bowling Green State University BS Economics (Hons), University of Sierra Leone Fields of Expertise: Leadership development, intercultural communication, gender and diversity management, team building, personality dynamics

   Mark W. McConnell Associate Professor, Department of Economics, Accounting and Business Administration Email: schoolofbusiness@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees M.B.A, Business Administration (focus: marketing), Tulane University B.S., Marketing, Youngstown State University Fields of Expertise: advertising; corporate social responsibility; marketing strategy; hospitality marketing Spotlight

   Bill Schweizer Assistant Professor and Professional in Residence, Management Email: schoolofbusiness@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: M.B.A., Management, The University of Akron A.B., Chemistry, Saint Louis University Fields of Expertise: operations management, energy technology, health care, leadership development

4. Chemistry and Biochemistry

   Jeffrey Buth Assistant Professor Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees B.A., Chemistry, Augustana College Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, University of Minnesota Fields of Expertise: analytical chemistry, aquatic environmental chemistry

   Keith Miller  Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry  Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., University of North Carolina B.S., University of Mount Union Fields of Expertise: biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, immunotherapy, antibiotics, vaccines, immunology

   Carolyn Reid Assistant Professor of Chemistry Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Tulane University B.S. Chemistry, University of West Indies, Jamaica Fields of Expertise: synthetic organic chemistry and Green chemistry Spotlight

   Robert Woodward Assistant Professor of Chemistry Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., synthetic organic chemistry, The Ohio State University B.A. and B.S., The Ohio State University Fields of Expertise: organic chemistry, carbohydrates and their chemistry, antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, virulence of bacteria

5. Communication

   Jamie Capuzza Professor, Communication Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D, Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Ohio State University M.A., Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Ohio State University B.A., Communication, Mount Union College Fields of Expertise: women’s rights; feminism; masculinities; media; minorities; transgender identities and expression Spotlight

   Adelina Cooper Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Journalism and Communication, The Ohio State University M.A., Mass Communication, University of Akron B.A., Public Relations, University of Akron Fields of Expertise: social media, multimedia storytelling (shooting, editing and producing video for the web)

   Andrea Ferraro Assistant Professor of Communication Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Urban Policy and Public Affairs, The University of Akron B.A., M.A., Communication, The University of Akron Fields of Expertise: public relations, integrated marketing communications, strategic issues management, crisis communication, differences between the public and private sectors, leadership, shopping center industry

6. Computer Science

   Blase Cindric Associate Professor, Computer Science Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees M.S., Computer Science, Pennsylvania State University B.S., Computer Science and Accounting, Westminster College Fields of Expertise: relational database technology, computer programming languages, computer graphics, web design

7. Education

   Melissa Askren-Edgehouse Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ed.D., Leadership Studies, Bowling Green State University M.Ed., Administration and Supervision, Ashland University B.A., Elementary Education, University of Mount Union Fields of Expertise: educational technology, assessment, evaluation and data, leadership in education, professional development, educational policy, accreditation

   Mandy Capel Associate Professor in the Department of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Kent State University M.A., Art of Teaching, Marygrove College B.A., Elementary Education, University of Mount Union Fields of Expertise: Leadership development, strengths-based teaching and leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, independent and international school models, curriculum and instruction, early childhood development (cognitive, social, moral, physical, emotional, and psychological), educational technology, professional development, and strategic planning

   Beth Canfield-Simbro Associate Professor of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Public Health, The Ohio State University M.P.H., Public Health, The Ohio State University B.S., Biology, Wright State University Fields of Expertise: public health, health behavior, sexuality, school health

   Mary Beth Henning  Professor of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University M.Ed., The University of Toledo B.A., The College of Wooster Fields of Expertise: social studies education, financial literacy education, economic education, elementary education, secondary education, teacher education, interdisciplinary curriculum, culturally responsive education

   Ernest Oluwole Pratt Associate Professor of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Mathematics Education, University of Tennessee M.Ed., Mathematics Education, University of North Texas BS, Chemistry, University of Sierra Leone Fields of Expertise: techniques in instruction and classroom management; making mathematics accessible to all students; using manipulatives to help struggling students learn mathematics; using technology, including the internet and ilearnohio as platforms for teaching mathematics; multicultural education; understanding diversity (race, culture, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status) and how it impacts education; equity in education and making education accessible to all students regardless of background

   Bruce Pietz Assistant Professor of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ed.D., Education, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota M.A., Physical Education, Minnesota State University B.S., Physical Education, Minnesota State University Fields of Expertise: K-12 physical education, importance of physical activity on physical, social and emotional well-being, how to structure before and after-school physical activity programs, impact regular physical activity has on cognitive development and test scores, various physical education teaching strategies for all grades, importance of assessment in K-12 physical education, how to structure various assessment strategies in K-12 physical education Spotlight

   Peter Schneller Professor Emeritus of Education Email: schoolofed@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Teacher Education, University of Idaho M.S., Reading Specialist, University of Akron B.A., English and Speech, Wittenberg University B.S., Elementary Education, Kent State University Fields of Expertise: creativity, comparative education, middle school pedagogy, integrated curriculum, adolescent development (cognitive, social, moral, physical, emotional and psychological)

8. Engineering

   Chad Korach Associate Professor and Director of the School of Engineering Email: engineering@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Northwestern University B.S., M.S., Georgia Institute of Technology Fields of Expertise: engineering materials, tribology, composites, suface coatings and wear Spotlight

   Hans Tritico Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Email: engineering@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., University of Michigan M.S., Washington State University B.S., University of Michigan Fields of Expertise: water resources engineering Spotlight

9. English

   Michelle Collins-Sibley Professor of English Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Comparative Literature, Binghamton University M.A., Intercultural Communications/Translation, Monterey Institute of International Studies A.B., Comparative Literature, Stanford University Fields of Expertise: African-American, African, American (Early and 19th Century) and post-colonial literatures, literary and critical theory, slavery and the Atlantic slave trade, underground railroad, black Diaspora culture, black women writers, womanist theory, translation (French and Portuguese to English) Spotlight

   Danielle Cordaro Associate Professor of English, Director of the Digital, Written and Oral Communication Studio Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., English, Purdue University M.A., English, Western Michigan University B.A., English, Western Michigan University Fields of Expertise: teaching writing, administering a writing center

   Rodney Dick Director of the DWOC Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Rhetoric and Composition, University of Louisville M.A., English, University of Louisville B.A., English and History, Gonzaga University Fields of Expertise: writing, professional writing, writing for businesses, technical writing, rhetoric, the history of writing, publishing and editing, visual rhetoric, document design

   Gwen G. Schwartz Associate Professor of English  Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Rhetoric, Composition and the Teaching of English, University of Arizona M.A., English, Morehead State University A.B., English and Comparative Literary Studies, Occidental College Fields of Expertise: second language writing, first-year composition, teaching writing, rhetorical analysis, writing across the curriculum, writing in the disciplines, basic writing, writing program administration, grammar, science writing, creative writing, multilingual writers, Vietnamese writers, research in writing, ethnographic research, large-scale writing and speaking assessment, professional development workshops on teaching with writing, fake news Spotlight

   Michael Olin-Hitt Professor of English Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., The Ohio State University M.A., The Ohio State University B.A., Otterbein University Fields of Expertise: fiction reading of original novel or short stories, the elements of story, how to write a short story, the story as a means to structure a novel, getting published in fiction, Native American Creation Stories, wisdom literature and parallel sayings from wisdom teachers

   Frank Tascone Assistant Professor of English Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees M.A., Bowling Green State University M.F.A., University of North Carolina-Wilmington B.A., Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Fields of Expertise: approach to and appreciation for creative writing, Western Reserve history, culture and literature

   David Thiele Assistant Professor of English Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., English, Boston College M.A., English, Boston College B.A., English, Kenyon College Fields of Expertise: the novel Dracula, liberal education, Victorian Britain

10. Exercise, Sport, and Nutrition Sciences

    Ron Mendel Professor of Exercise Science, Chair of the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Nurtition Sciences Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Exercise Physiology, Kent State University M.A., Education, Walsh University B.S., Biology, Walsh University Fields of Expertise: exercise; sport performance training; sports nutrition Spotlight

    Kelsey Scanlon Instructor, exercise science, and Healthy Campus Coordinator Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Fields of Expertise: exercise performance, basic nutrition, stress tests, blood pressure and wellness Spotlight

11. Geology

    Lee Gray Professor Emeritus of Geology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Paleontology, University of Rochester M.S., Paleontology, University of Rochester B.A., Colgate University Fields of Expertise: geology; paleontology; earth history

    Andrew Hutsky Assistant Professor of Geology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Geology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln M.S., Geology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln B.S., Geology, University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown  Fields of Expertise: geology, earth history, paleoclimate, sedimentary geology, stratigraphy, petroleum geology

12. History

    Theresa Davis Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of History Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., History, University of Akron M.A., History, University of Akron B.A., History and Religion, Mount Union College Fields of Expertise: American, women’s and African American history

13. Mathematics

    Sara Crawford Assistant Professor of Mathematics Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., Biostatistics, Emory University B.A., Mathematics and Economics, Kenyon College Fields of Expertise: Biostatistics (with recent applications in infertility and population health)

14. Music

    Elaine Anderson Professor of Music Email: orchestra@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees D.M.A., Cello Performance, University of Alabama M.M., Cello Performance and Music Theory, Manhattan School of Music B.M., Public School Strings, Concordia College Fields of Expertise: cello, classical music, orchestral music, conducting; strings, music theory

    Patricia Boehm Professor of Music Email: music@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Music Education, Kent State University M.M., Opera Production, Florida State University B.M., Voice and Opera, Jacksonville University Fields of Expertise: music education in America, the classical singer’s voice and literature

    Maira I. Liliestedt Professor of Music Email: piano@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees D.M.A., Piano, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music M.M., Piano, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music B.M., Piano Performance, Bowling Green State University Fields of Expertise: the Style hongrois in Johannes Brahms's Hungarian Dances, piano; piano technique; piano pedagogy; piano repertoire; music history; teaching piano; differences and similarities between the educational approaches in Eastern Europe and the U.S.

    Jerome Miskell Professor and Chair of the Department of Music Email: music@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees D.M.A., Music Composition, University of South Carolina M.M., Music Composition, University of Akron B.M., Music Performance (Viola), University of Akron B.M., Music Composition/Theory, University of Akron Fields of Expertise: music technology, online education, Irish fiddle music, music of Gustav Mahler, orchestral management

15. Philosphy and Religious Studies

    Scott Gravlee Associate Professor of Philosophy & Religious Studies Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Philosophy and Humanities, Stanford University B.A., Philosophy, University of Washington Fields of Expertise: biomedical ethics, ethical theory, history of philosophy, applied ethics

    Susan Haddox Associate Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Religious Studies Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Hebrew Bible, Emory University M.Div., Pacific School of Religion M.S., Biological Sciences, Stanford University B.A., Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College Fields of Expertise: the Bible, gender and religion, religious music

    Nicole Johnson Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Th.D., Practical Theology, Boston University School of Theology M.A., Applied Theology, Wheeling Jesuit University B.A., Religion and Political Science, Westminster College Fields of Expertise: Christianity (history, theology, ethics); peace and social justice; religious conflict and peacebuilding

    Ivory L. Lyons Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Religion, Claremont Graduate University M.A., Religion, Claremont Graduate University M.Div., Bethel Theological Seminary B.S., Interdisciplinary, Morehouse College B.S., Manufacturing Engineering, Boston University Fields of Expertise: world religions; African Americans religious traditions; Native American religious traditions; theology; African American studies

    Paul Tidman Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Faculty Director of the First Year Experience Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., University of Notre Dame B.A., University of Delaware Fields of Expertise: epistemology (theory of knowledge), philosophy of religion, contemporary metaphysics and logic

16. Physical Therapy

    Megan Salvatore Director of Clinical Education Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees DPT, Physical Therapy, Wheeling Jesuit University M.S., Physical Therapy, Wheeling Jesuit University B.S., Biology, Wheeling Jesuit University Fields of Expertise: Certified in Vestibular Rehabilitation.  Neurology, geriatrics, amputee rehab, balance, fall risk reduction, safe patient handling. Spotlight

17. Physics and Astronomy

    Colin Campbell Assistant Professor of Physics Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Physics, Pennsylvania State University B.S., Physics, Westminster College Fields of Expertise: computational physics, biological physics, and complex systems Publications

    Richelle Teeling-Smith Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Physics, The Ohio State University M.S., Physics, The Ohio State University B.S., Physics, The Ohio State University Fields of Expertise: physics (general), physics education research, solid state/condensed matter physics, optics, magnetic resonance, biological physics

18. Political Science

    Lee Dionne Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Studies Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Political Science, UC San Diego J.D., Northwestern School of Law M.A., Political Science, UC San Diego M.A., English Composition, CSU San Bernardino B.A., Film Studies and Creative Writing, UC Riverside Fields of expertise: American political history and development (especially with respect to party change), and American political and legal institutions (emphasizing interbranch relations and presidential agenda-setting in Congress).

    Michael Grossman Professor of Political Science and International Studies Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., International Studies, University of South Carolina M.A., Political Science, Northeastern University B.A., International Relations, George Washington University Fields of Expertise: Foreign affairs; U.S. foreign policy; international politics; Russian politics; Ukranian politics

    Lori Kumler Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Natural Resource Policy and Behavior, University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment M.S., Resource Policy and Planning, University of Michigan M.A.T., Secondary Social Studies Teaching, Tufts University A.B., Public Policy, Educational Studies, Brown University Fields of Expertise: youth civic engagement, Brazil's water policy; environmental education, teaching civic engagement, sustainability, role of social science and natural science in addressing environmental issues, climate policy/climate adaptation

    Francis Schortgen Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Studies Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Political Science ( Comparative Politics/International Relations, with Asia focus), Miami University M.B.A., Business Administration (focus: international business and corporate strategy), National University of Singapore M.A., Asian Studies, University of San Francisco B.A., Political Science and History, Miami University Fields of Expertise: politics and political economy of East Asia; U.S.-China relations; China and democratization; energy politics (focus: China and Russia); globalization of Chinese enterprises; Chinese political economy; emerging market dynamics; global trade and investment; global competition; emerging markets, China-North Korea relations, Northeast Asian security issues Spotlight

19. Psychology

    Tamara Daily Lewis Miller Professor of Psychology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln M.A., Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln B.A., Psychology, Ohio Wesleyan University Fields of Expertise: social psychology

    Michael Knepp Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Human Development Academic Degrees Ph.D., Developmental and Biological Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University M.S., Developmental and Biological Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University B.S., Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh Fields of Expertise: anxiety and worry, temperament, stress, cardiovascular system research, neuroscience/biological psychology, neuropsychological testing, autonomic nervous system, informed consent, academic entitlement, cultural psychology and neuroscience

    Kevin Meyer Associate Professor of Psychology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Human Development and Family Science: Marriage and Family Therapy, The Ohio State University M.S., Human Development and Family Science: Early Childhood Development, The Ohio State University B.A., Psychology, The Ohio State University Fields of Expertise: marriage and family therapy, humor, child development, child psychopathology, general mental illness, diagnosis and treatment Spotlight

    Melissa Muller Associate Professor of Psychology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Biopsychology, Kent State University M.A., Biopsychology, Kent State University B.S., Psychology, California Lutheran University Fields of Expertise: animal cognition and behavior, learning and conditioning

    Kristine Turko Associate Professor of Psychology Email: cnhs@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., cognitive psychology, Lehigh University M.S., Cognitive Psychology, Lehigh University B.S., Psychology, Drexel University Fields of Expertise: cognitive psychology: attention, memory and language, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Autism: training of behavior specialists

20. Sociology and Criminal Justice

    Andy Bain Director of Criminal Justice Studies Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D. Criminal Justice, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom MSc., Criminal Justice, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom Pg. Diploma, Psychology, The Open University, United Kingdom Pg. Certificate Training and Learning in Higher Education, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom B.Sc. Sociology and Psychology, University of Southamption, United Kingdom Fields of Expertise: crime and behavior, gangs and organized crime, crime signs, policing and communication, community policing, road traffic behavior, punishment and offenders, corrections and community Spotlight

    Aaron Howell Assistant Professor of Sociology Email: cass@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees: Ph.D., University of Cincinnati M.A., University of Cincinnati B.S. Kansas State University Fields of Expertise: social inequality, urban sociology, race and ethnicity, international migration, globalization, social movements

21. Theatre

    Kevin P. Kern Assistant Professor Email: theatre@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees M.F.A., Acting, Brandeis University B.A., Drama, California Lutheran University Fields of Expertise: Shakespeare, acting in and the production of live theatre, film, television Spotlight

22. World Languages and Cultures

    Mark Himmelein Professor of German Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., Foreign Language Education, University of Akron M.A., German and Educational Administration, University of Pittsburgh B.A., German and Business Administration, Baldwin-Wallace College Fields of Expertise: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, German politics, German economic issues, German-American relations

    Bertrand Landry Associate Professor of French Email: cah@mountunion.edu Academic Degrees Ph.D., French Language and Literature, Boston University M.A., French Literature, Miami University, Ohio Maîtrise , English Literature, Université de Bourgogne, France Fields of Expertise: French culture, 17th century French literature, pedagogy, French cuisine, French colonialism, WWII in France, French language