UIS announces Fall Semester 2019 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2019. A total of 599 students were selected; 82 are students in the College of Business and Management, 48 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 382 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 57 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and 30 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Fall 2019 Dean's List PDF | Fall 2019 Dean's List Excel

UIS welcomes 21 new faculty members for the start of Fall Semester 2018 classes

A total of 21 new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2018. Nine faculty members will teach in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, two in the College of Business and Management, two in the College of Education and Human Services, four in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and one the Capital Scholars Honors Program. The College of Education and Human Services will also welcome a new research faculty member and two doctoral dissertation fellows will join the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Amandailee Adams, assistant professor allied health/medical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, hold a master’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her research interests include microbial biofilms and studying antibiotic resistant microorganisms in the clinical setting. Outside of work, she enjoys family adventures, traveling, boating and mentoring children.

Oluwakayode Adebowale, visiting research assistant professor of educational leadership in the College of Education and Human Services, earned a doctorate in technology, policy and innovation from the State University of New York – Stony Brook. His research interests include learner analytics; equity, diversity and inclusion; educational policy, learning technology, quantitative research, S.T.E.M and cross‐global collaboration. His personal interests include college‐prep, S.T.E.M, grant writing, track and field, mentoring, networking and traveling.

Timothy Bill, communication instructor and forensics coach in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s degree in communication from the University of Kentucky. His research and professional interests include political communication, speech and debate, persuasion, argumentation and instructional communication. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, hiking and running.

Glenn Cassidy, economics instructor in the College of Business and Management, earned a Ph.D. in public policy analysis from Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests include state and local public finance, economic development and regulatory economics. His personal interests include creative writing, poetry open mics and economic history.

Alan Freedman, assistant professor of allied health/athletic training in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s of education in athletic training from the University of Virginia. He is currently completing his doctorate. His research and professional interests include epidemiology of fencing injuries and hip joint pathology. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, golf and travel.

Andrea Jensen, assistant professor of allied health/medical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her research/professional interests include asymmetric information in laboratory testing and its effect on healthcare costs, appropriate laboratory test utilization and outcome improvement in MLS programs. Her personal interests include gardening, theatre, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and long walks.

Meghan Kessler, assistant professor of teacher education in the College of Education and Human Services, earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research and professional interests include policies and practices of teacher evaluation and its impact on new teacher development and socialization. Outside of work, she enjoys running and biking the trails around Springfield.

Kenneth Kriz, distinguished professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs & Administration, holds a doctorate in public affairs from Indiana University. His research and professional interests include municipal debt, public pension fund management, public financial risk management and economic development finance. Personally, he enjoys hiking, exercise, reading, music and Manchester City football.

Shelley Lewis, visiting instructor of English and modern languages, earned a master’s degree in English from Illinois State University. Her research and professional interests include student success in writing. Outside of work, she enjoys writing and reading.

Joshua Lively, doctoral dissertation fellow in environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Utah. His research and professional interests include the evolutionary patterns of organisms (especially marine reptiles and freshwater turtles) during periods of globally warm climate in deep time. Personally, he enjoys hiking, bird watching, fishing, watching college football and tennis.

Elise LoBue, visiting instructor in the Capital Scholars Honors Program, earned a doctorate in women’s studies from the University of Iowa. Her research/professional interests include post‐socialist transitions in the former Soviet Union and Turkish refugees who are members of the Hizmet movement seeking political asylum in Canada. Personally, she enjoys gardening, fitness and wellness, Ubering her children (more of a hobby, than an interest) and watching their sporting activities.

Jennifer Martin, assistant professor of teacher education in the College of Education & Human Services, holds a doctorate in education from Oakland University. Her research and professional interests include culturally responsive teaching and leading practices and issues of educational equity. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, true crime podcasts and her twin Boston Terrier puppies, Mimi and Malcolm.

Sean McCandless, assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in public affairs from the University of Colorado. His research interests include public administration and social equity. He is personally interested in music, travel and food (and when all three combine).

Noah Reynolds, assistant professor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a doctorate in microbiology from The Ohio State University. His research/professional interests include molecular and cellular biology, specifically, understanding the regulation of protein synthesis in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of work, he enjoys running, spending time with his kids and making and listening to music.

Roberto Rincon, doctoral dissertation fellow in political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a master’s degree in political science from Northeastern Illinois University. His research and professional interests include issues of race and social justice with a focus on the politics of recognition as it regards Afro‐Mexican communities in Mexico and the United States. His personal interests include travel, music, fiction – an extension of a commitment to diversity, experiential learning and thinking the common.

Arnaldo Robles-Reyes, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a doctorate in second language acquisition (Spanish) from the State University of New York, University at Albany.

David Saner, instructor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Indiana University. His research and professional interests include fraud and unfunded pension liabilities. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, skiing and attending a myriad of children’s events.

Junu Shrestha, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in allied health, recreation and community services (environmental health education) from the University of Northern Iowa. Her research and professional interests include heavy metal pollution, water quality, GIS techniques in environmental and public health, and environmental pollutants and public health. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, biking and traveling.

Steven Vitti, assistant professor of allied health/exercise science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from Springfield College. His research and professional interests include betalain supplementation, muscle damage and inflammation. Personally, he enjoys coffee and running.

Sarah Webb, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a doctorate in English from Louisiana State University. Her research and professional interests include creative writing, digital media and global advocacy and interventions in the issue of colorism. Outside of work, she enjoys earrings and 90s R&B.

Yun Zhao, assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a doctorate in geography from Oklahoma State University. His research and professional interests include Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, urban and transportation geography and landscape ecology. His personal interests include bicycling, running, thriller movies and spending time with family.

UIS announces Fall Semester 2017 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Fall Semester 2017.

A total of 570 students were selected; 88 are students in the College of Business and Management, 50 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 349 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 65 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 18 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Fall 2017 Dean's List PDF | Fall 2017 Dean's List Excel

UIS Computer Science Department awarded $26,592 State Farm grant

The University of Illinois Springfield Computer Science Department accepted a check for $26,592 from State Farm Insurance during a presentation on October 23, 2017 in the Public Affairs Center Atrium.

The State Farm Systems Priority Grant will be used to update and increase the capacity of the department’s Virtual Server Farm, which consists of more than 2,200 virtual machines used by students in core and elective computer science classes, both online and on campus.

The UIS Computer Science Department teaches 80% of its classes on the Virtual Server Farm, a major technological backbone that enables the department to deliver innovative degrees in computer science, information systems security, and data analytics.

More than 1,200 students use the Virtual Server Farm on a daily basis to access personalized virtual machines in every class they take, and work with cutting-edge software from both on and off campus.
Virtual classrooms, full of networks of virtual machines, provide students with enhanced learning experiences and allow them to research and explore real-world problems, simulate complex environments and visualize and analyze large amounts of data in innovative courses.

“The Computer Science Department at UIS is honored to receive the award, which is crucial to remain cutting-edge and maintain our status as a premier Computer Science Department, thus allowing us to continue our tradition of academic excellence,” said Associate Professor Sviatoslav Braynov, head of the Computer Science department.

For more information, contact Derek Schnapp, UIS director of public relations, at 217/206-6716 or dschn3@uis.edu.

UIS offers first on campus dual credit class to high school students as part of a pilot program

The University of Illinois Springfield is offering its first on campus dual credit class for high school students as part of a pilot program. The class marks the first time UIS has offered high school students college credit for a class taught by a university faculty member.

The pilot course, CHE 199A: General, Organic, and Biochemistry, is being offered to 18 seniors from Springfield’s Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (SHG). The students earn both college and high school credit for the course. If the program is successful, the university hopes to expand course selection and offer classes to students at other high schools in central Illinois.

The pilot class is taught by UIS Associate Professor of Biochemistry Stephen R. Johnson. As part of the class, SHG students meet on campus twice a week for lecture early in the morning and have a laboratory class every Friday morning.

“It gives them a jumpstart in the sense that they have some college credit,” said Johnson. “They get to see that college is not like high school. The course work is more rigorous, it’s faster. I mentioned in class today that some of the material they need to know is from external sources. That’s a very novel thing for many high school students.”

Johnson, who has two children who are currently attending SHG, came up with the idea for the pilot class after speaking with fellow parents and teachers at the school.

“At times we’ve sat around at a football game and asked, how do we enhance our science program? I always thought, if those kids could see something beyond the high school curriculum that would really be something great. That’s sort of how it came about.”

SHG senior Taylor Rahn, a 17-year-old from Springfield, who is taking the dual credit class plans on becoming a biochemist.

“The class is really helping me see what biochemistry is all about and I fall more in love with it every day,” she said. “It’s really an eye opener to see what college life is like being on campus and seeing what is expected and how lectures work.”

SHG principal Kara Rapacz says she’s grateful her students are getting to take college classes off campus at UIS.

“Attending the biochemistry course on the UIS campus is an extraordinary experience for our students,” she said. “SHG students have had the opportunity to take many dual credit courses on our own campus, but sending our students off to a college campus for class is new territory for us. This opportunity will allow them to utilize state-of-the-art lab equipment and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies.”

Johnson says the pilot class starts with a review of general chemistry the students have already learned at SHG, but soon takes them into aspects of chemistry beyond what is taught at the high school level, i.e. organic and biochemistry. The course is designed to get them thinking about future careers in the field.

“We hope they leave the course with an overall look at the chemistry that would be involved if they stay in the health fields, whether they are professionals like physicians or want to do research, like biochemistry,” he said.

UIS Director of Admissions Fernando Planas says students can apply the credits earned from the class towards a degree at UIS or have an official transcript sent to their college of choice for use at that institution.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for SHG students. It provides them with a unique college experience while still in high school, allows them to earn college credit, and lets them experience for themselves UIS’s excellence in teaching,” he said.

Johnson hopes that the pilot program will be the inspiration for more dual credit classes at UIS and across the entire University of Illinois System.

“Inevitably it might even attract some students to say ‘hey, we like what we’re seeing at UIS’ and they’ll stay here for undergraduate work, so it has a lot of potential growth as we go forward,” he said.

UIS welcomes thirteen new faculty members

Thirteen new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for fall semester 2017. Seven will teach in programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, four in the College of Business and Management, one in the College of Education and Human Services and one in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Michael Davis, visiting instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois Springfield. His research interests include computer architecture and organization. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family and craft beer.

Jordan Hyde, instructor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in applied social psychology from Brigham Young University. His research interests include cultural psychology, race and cultural diversity, intergroup relations, diversity and philosophy of science. He is married and has one child. He enjoys television/movies, piano and singing.

Ahmad Juma’h, associate professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in accounting and finance from Manchester University. His research interests include outsourcing, offshoring, earning management, bankruptcy, manipulations, financial decisions and stock market reaction, materiality, performance measurements behavioral accounting and finance. When he is not teaching at UIS, he enjoys writing and reading, learning different cultures and traveling.

Youngjin Kang, lecturer in human services in the College of Education & Human Services, earned her Ph.D. in family science from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Her research interests include family processes, parent-child relationships, parent-child communications and co-parenting relationships in post-divorce families. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano, watching documentaries, cooking, walking and hiking.

Hasan Kartal, lecturer in management information systems in the College of Business and Management, is expected to earn his Ph.D. in information systems from the University Massachusetts Lowell in 2017. His research interests include data analytics and data privacy, primarily in health care, and supply chain management. When not teaching at UIS, he enjoys weekly swims and occasional mountain cycling.

Yuan Li, assistant professor of management information systems in the College of Business and Management, obtained a Ph.D. in management information systems from the University of South Carolina. His research interests include online privacy and security, knowledge management, computer-aided decision-making and business analytics. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and cooking.

Stephanie Martinez, instructor of English & modern languages (Spanish/TESOL) in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research interests include the psychological processes of second language learning as well as the role of culture in learning a language. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, travel, cooking, history, architecture and design.

Maria Panteva, visiting assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in chemistry & chemical biology from Rutgers University. She is interested in physical chemistry, computational biophysics and studying the structure and dynamics of biologically relevant systems. She enjoys reading, traveling and cooking.

Edrisa Sanyang, visiting assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, earned a Ph.D. in occupational & environmental health from the University of Iowa. His research includes injury epidemiology, workplace violence, water and sanitation. Outside of work he enjoys biking.

Andrea Scarpino, visiting assistant professor of English & modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, earned a Ph.D. in creative writing from Bath Spa University. She is interested in poetry, creative writing, the body and disability studies. Her personal interests include cooking, traveling and yoga.

Yih Sung, assistant professor of mathematical sciences in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from Harvard University. His research interests include complex analysis, complex geometry, theoretical physics and artificial intelligence. Personally, he enjoys reading, baking, cooking and Chinese calligraphy.

Mohammed Uddin, assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in accounting from Aston University. His research interests include accounting, accountability and performance management in nonprofit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He also enjoys networking with professionals and playing football.

Jennifer Whalen, instructor of English & modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Texas State University. She is interested in college composition and poetry. Outside of work, she enjoys reading novels and watching movies and television.

"Hired!" social media campaign highlights recent graduates with jobs

A University of Illinois Springfield social media campaign is highlighting students who graduated with a job. The "Hired!" campaign was featured on the UIS Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages in the Summer of 2017.

UIS announces Spring Semester 2017 Dean’s List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for Spring Semester 2017.

A total of 548 students were selected; 75 are students in the College of Business and Management, 51 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 347 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 58 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 17 are non-degree seeking or undecided.

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Spring 17 Dean's List PDF | Spring 17 Dean's List Excel

University of Illinois Springfield adds six new majors to give students more options

The University of Illinois Springfield has added six new majors in order to give students more educational options. Five of the new majors started this semester and a bachelor’s degree in theatre will begin in fall 2017.

The five new majors that started in fall 2016 include bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry, exercise science, public administration and public policy. A master’s degree in data analytics was also added this semester.

“These new majors represent a continual effort by our faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities in the professional fields, STEM, and the liberal arts,” said James Ermatinger, UIS interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. “These majors are in areas which have high student interest and demand and represent our commitment to providing high quality education for the region and its students.”

The six new degree programs were approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. UIS now offers a total of 31 bachelor’s degrees, 20 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.

The biochemistry curriculum prepares students to immediately begin careers in the medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, and meets the requirements for successful admission to professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy school, and other health-related fields.

Students of exercise science study the science of movement, physical exertion, kinesiology, health awareness, and research into health disorders. The program is designed to prepare UIS students for various positions in the exercise and health field, or for post-graduate study in Exercise Science or additional Allied Health programs.

Public administration is a field of study that prepares students to serve as managers in local, state, and federal government as well as the nonprofit sector. The UIS program endeavors to prepare students to advance the public interest and civic engagement. Students are prepared though an integration of theory and practice.

The public policy curriculum explores the full policy-making process, including the study of specific policy issues from healthcare to education, criminal justice, social welfare, environmental and agricultural policy, among other areas.

The theatre major at UIS offers students the opportunity to further develop their talents as theatre artists, by working with great dramatic literature in the classroom and on the stage. Theatre majors are exposed to a wide variety of production experiences, while exploring the collaboration needed to create a fully realized production.

The master’s degree in data analytics is offered in traditional on-campus, online, and blended formats. The degree aims at providing an interdisciplinary approach to data analytics that covers both the foundational mathematical knowledge of data science and the computational methods and tools for preprocessing, interpreting, analyzing, representing and visualizing data sets.

Students interested in registering for classes may apply online or contact the UIS Office of Admissions with questions at 217/206-4847 or admissions@uis.edu.

UIS announces spring 2016 semester Dean's List

The University of Illinois Springfield has released the Dean’s List for the spring 2016 semester. 

A total of 539 students were selected; 87 are students in the College of Business and Management, 40 are students in the College of Education and Human Services, 346 are enrolled in programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 54 are enrolled in programs in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, and 12 are non-degree seeking or undecided. 

In order to qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

Below you'll find a printable list of student's names listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration.

Spring 2016 Dean's List in Excel | Spring 2016 Dean's List PDF  

UIS releases complete list of 2016 graduates

A total of 1,716 students earned degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield at the conclusion of the spring semester on May 14, 2016, pending completion of university requirements.

Below you'll find a printable list of graduates' names and degrees listed by the city of residence on file with UIS Records and Registration at the time of graduation.

May 2016 Graduates in Excel | May 2016 Graduates PDF

For photos, video and more from the 45th UIS Commencement Ceremony, visit www.uis.edu/commencement.

UIS announces fall 2015 semester Dean's List

A total of 574 students have been named to the University of Illinois Springfield Dean's List for the 2015 fall semester.

The list includes 83 students in the college of Business and Management, 31 students in the College of Education and Human Services, 390 students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 50 students in the College of Public Affairs and Administration and 20 non-degree or undecided students.

To qualify for the designation, a student must be an undergraduate who took at least eight graded semester hours and maintained a grade-point average of at least 3.75 for the semester.

The list is organized alphabetically by hometown.

PDF Download: Fall 2015 Dean's List

UIS Computer Science Department receives nearly $20,000 from State Farm

As part of the company’s Community Reinvestment Act, State Farm Insurance presented the University of Illinois Springfield Department of Computer Science with a check for $19,995 during a presentation on December 4, 2015.

The grant will be used to upgrade the university’s Netlabs enhancing current remote on and off campus access for undergraduate and graduate students within the Department of Computer Science.

The Computer Science Department, with 460 undergraduate students and 726 master’s students in fall 2015, has the largest enrollment of any department at UIS. The technology upgrades will be able to accommodate the increased enrollments in the Computer Science and Information Systems Security degree programs.

The improvements will also provide greater efficiency and effectiveness for students when the department moves core courses to a virtual environment with remote access, expands and streamlines online learning, and will enhance remote access for programs offered by the Center for Systems Security and Information Assurance, including UIS’ annual Cyber Defense Conference and Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics Conference.

UIS professors use crowdfunding to support research on Hepatitis C in central Illinois homeless

Researchers at the University of Illinois Springfield are using crowdfunding for the first time to support their research. Money raised will be used to study Hepatitis C in the central Illinois homeless population.

The two professors plan to test members of the homeless populations in Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield to determine the number of people infected with the virus and conduct RNA genotype testing to study the transmission of the disease.

“It is our hope that timely and effective treatment of Hepatitis C in the homeless population could potentially stop further virus transmission,” said Kanwal Alvarez, UIS assistant professor of biology.

Alvarez and Josiah Alamu, UIS associate professor of public health, are leading the study along with Dr. Janak Koirala, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield. They are supported by several graduate and undergraduate students at UIS.

In order to fund their research, they must raise at least $500 with the ultimate goal of raising more than $2,000 by mid-December.

“It’s unusual to ask the public for direct help in funding our research,” said Alamu. “However, the research we are doing is very expensive. It costs almost $20 just to test one homeless person for Hepatitis C.”

Money raised through the crowdfunding effort will be used to purchase rapid testing kits and other equipment needed to conduct the research.

“There’s no question the research we are doing will benefit the central Illinois homeless population,” said Alvarez. “A majority of individuals with acute Hepatitis C don’t know they are infected and are never diagnosed, which poses a greater threat to public health.”

Hepatitis C viral infection is a serious emerging infectious disease in the United States. Homeless people who report life-time drug use– cocaine, crack, and methamphetamines—are more likely to have Hepatitis C infections.

“This type of scientific research has the potential to encourage early identification of homeless and impoverished individuals who are positive with Hepatitis C and thus refer them to seek appropriate health care,” said Alamu.

If you would like to help support Hepatitis C research in the central Illinois homeless population, you are asked to donate at http://go.uis.edu/homeless/.

For more information, please contact Kanwal Alvarez at 217/206-8567 or kalva2@uis.edu or Josiah Alamu at 217/206-8485 or jalam3@uis.edu.

Thirty new faculty members join UIS for fall 2015

Thirty new faculty members have joined the University of Illinois Springfield for Fall Semester 2015. Thirteen will teach in programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, four in the College of Business and Management, four in the College of Education and Human Services, and nine in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Sherine Antoun, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Wollongong, Australia. His research includes how to make navigation and localization in disaster scenes where dust renders cameras and lasers ineffective and creating a safe, manageable risk task. Outside of UIS, he enjoys robotics, action and sci-fi movies, classical music, ballet and sailing.

Cheng-Chia “Brian” Chen, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in health behavior from Indiana University. His professional interests include obesity research using multi-dimensional and systems approach and health policy analyses. Personally, he enjoys playing sports, traveling and exploring new places.

William Cox, visiting instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a M.S. in management information systems from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include teaching computer science. Personally, he enjoys spending time with his family and golf.

Tessica Dooley, visiting instructor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a J.D. from the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include U.S. health policy, ERISA, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on business, and Medicaid expansion. Outside of UIS, she enjoys mentoring youth, spending time with her husband and family, dog rescue and dance.

Egbe Egiebor, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Maryland. Her research includes the effects of chemicals such as organics, inorganics and emerging contaminants of concern on humans and the environment. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, people watching, traveling and kayaking.

Frank Fuchs, instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a B.A. in business management from Sangamon State University. Professionally he enjoys encouraging students to pursue a successful career using digital forensics and cyber security techniques. Outside of UIS, he enjoys helping his family and children develop their careers and life interests.

Roya Gholami, associate professor of management information systems in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in management information systems from the National University of Singapore. Her research interests include the economic, environmental and societal value of IT, IT for development and healthcare information systems. Her personal interests include hiking, reading, singing Persian folk songs and international relations.

Betsy Goulet, clinical assistant professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a D.P.A. from the University of Illinois Springfield. Her professional interests include child protection and advocacy issues, systems response to child maltreatment, mandated reporting, and public sector and nonprofit collaboration. Outside of UIS, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, composing music and singing.

Ping Guo, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Wyoming. Her professional interests include scientific and high-performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, big-data and cloud computing. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and listening to music.

Yanhui Guo, assistant professor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Utah State University. His research include image processing, pattern recognition, computer-aided detection and diagnosis, computer-assisted surgery and neurosophic theory. In his free time, he enjoys soccer, badminton and ping-pong.

Helena Hall, instructor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in second language acquisition and teacher education from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her professional interests include writing across the curriculum and second language writing and development, assessment and instruction. Outside of UIS, she enjoys travel, photography and baking.

Carlee Hawkins, assistant professor of psychology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in social psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Her professional interests include understanding and reducing the impact of unwanted bias on social and political judgment and behavior. Personally, she enjoys cycling, traveling, gardening and walking her dog, Finn.

Stephanie Hedge, assistant professor of English and modern languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in English, rhetoric and composition from Ball State University. Her research includes rhetoric and composition with specialization in digital literacies and social media, digital research and digital pedagogies. Outside of UIS, she enjoys watching Survivor, drinking wine and cheering for Toronto sports teams.

David Holland, clinical instructor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds an M.A. degree in teaching from Central Michigan University, and is an educational specialist in curriculum, teaching and educational policy from Michigan State University. His research includes the Illinois River Watch, stream monitoring in Sangamon County. His professional interests include the American Scientific Affiliation and Illinois Audubon Society. Personally, he enjoys, birding, biking, and kayaking, traveling, grandparenting, and science and religion interactions.

Devin Hunter, assistant professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a Ph.D. in U.S. history and public history from Loyola University in Chicago. His professional interests include public history and modern United States history. His personal interests include sports and fitness, but also good food and drink.

Carol Jessup, associate professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in management from St. Louis University. Her professional interests include preparing pedagogical cases in real-world fraud situations, state and local government accounting topics and audit topics. Her personal interests include relaxing at the movies, playing with pets and enjoying music.

Troy Lepper, visiting assistant professor of environmental studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in sociology from Colorado State University. His research interests include the intersection between human and natural environments in reference to water use and sustainable development. Outside of UIS, he enjoys grooving through funky parts of the universe with a thirst for adventure, while still possessing time to make a friendship.

Kathy Massey, clinical assistant professor of educational leadership in the College of Education and Human Services, holds an Ed.D. from Illinois State University. Her current research includes educational technology, student achievement, online learning and the administrative role. Outside of UIS, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling and playing golf.

Peggy Mayfield, visiting instructor of human services in the College of Education and Human Services, will graduate this year with a Ph.D. in public service leadership from Capella University. Her research includes resilience, trauma-enforced care and neuroscience informed practice. Personally, she enjoys painting, bird watching and taking nature walks.

Frank Nation, assistant professor of accountancy in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in business administration and accountancy from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His professional interests include behavioral accounting and research in auditing and fraud. Outside of UIS he enjoys hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.

Tiffany Nielson, assistant professor of human development counseling in the College of Education and Human Services, holds a Ph.D. in counselor education and counseling from Idaho State University. Her professional interests include couple and family counseling, play therapy, child sexual abuse, trauma and spirituality in counseling. Personally she enjoys music, traveling, camping, hiking and cooking.

Kristen Osiecki, assistant professor of public health in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in environmental and occupational health from the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research includes utilizing GIS methods to investigate how environmental burden and disadvantage contribute to negative health outcomes in urban areas. Her personal interests are spending time with her family, cooking, reading and binge watching TV shows.

John Phillips, visiting professor of public administration in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a D.P.A. from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include the influence of religion on the adoption of scientific management in Britain and the United States. Personally, he enjoys classical music, piano, organ, the history of baroque and classical performance practice.

Carol Rankin, visiting associate professor of human services in the College of Education and Human Services, holds a Doctorate of Rehabilitation in rehabilitation counseling from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Her research includes alcohol and substance abuse and dependence issues, motivational interviewing skills, dual diagnosis such as mental health and substance abuse and dependence. Her personal interests include traveling, reading, watching quirky movies and staying physically active.

Tracy Schatteman, clinical instructor of biology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will receive her Ph.D. from the Southern Illinois School of Medicine in pharmacology this year. Her professional interests include neurophysiological research, including aging, trauma in sensory systems and how that relates to animal behavior. Outside of UIS, she enjoys cooking, baking and outdoor activities such as camping and skiing.

Sudeep Sharma, assistant professor of management in the College of Business and Management, holds a Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Washington University in St. Louis. His research interests include negotiation, personality and individual differences, emotions in the workplace, power and status and psychometrics. Personally, he enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with his family.

Thomas Sidener, instructor of computer science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds an M.S. in computer science, network programming from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include mobile application development, Android and iOS, database development and optimization and software engineering. Outside of UIS, he enjoys playing board games, playing the guitar and drums and writing poetry.

Annuradha “Anette” Sikka, assistant professor of legal studies in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a J.D. from Dalhousie University in Canada and an LL.D. from the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her research interests include human rights, migration and gender and security. Personally, she is passionate about animal rescue and welfare.

Magic Wade, lecturer of political science in the College of Public Affairs and Administration, holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. Her professional interests include public policy, state and local politics and labor unions. Outside of UIS, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, travel, pub trivia, wine, food and Shiba inu dogs.

William Wilson, assistant professor of clinical laboratory science in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, holds a M.S. in management information systems from the University of Illinois Springfield. His professional interests include health care and chemistry. Outside of UIS, he enjoys running and triathlons.