The University of Scranton Names New Faculty Members

Sep 28, 2009

        The University has appointed the following 32 full-time faculty members for the 2009-2010 academic year, according to Harold W. Baillie, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

        Michèle Ackerman was named lecturer, world languages and cultures. Ackerman, Scranton, was previously employed as an adjunct professor at The University of Scranton for 25 years. Prior to teaching at Scranton, she taught at Collège Blaise Pascal, St. Omer, France, and Collège André Malraux, Louvres, France. Ackerman holds a bachelor's degree in the teaching of French and classical languages and a master's degree in education from Université de Paris-X Nanterre.

        Niyati Ahuja, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, economics/finance. Dr. Ahuja, Clarks Summit, earned a bachelor's degree in economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, India, and a master's degree in economics from New York University and Delhi School of Economics, Delhi, India. She earned a Ph.D. in economics from New York University, New York, N.Y.  Dr. Ahuja was previously an instructor and teaching assistant at New York University.

        George J. Aulisio was named assistant professor, library. Aulisio, Old Forge, previously served as a Schemel Forum assistant for The University of Scranton, and a teaching assistant for the Northeast Intermediary Unit. He earned a bachelor of art degree in philosophy from Bloomsburg University and a master of science degree in library and information science from Drexel University, Philadelphia. Aulisio is currently pursuing a master of liberal arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

    Rev. I. Michael Bellafiore, S.J., was named instructor, theology. Fr. Bellafiore, Scranton, earned a bachelor of science degree in literature from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. a master of fine arts degree in playwriting from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and a master's degree in philosophy from Loyola University Chicago, Ill.
       
         Douglas M. Boyle, MBA, CPA, CMA, was named faculty specialist, accounting.  Boyle, Dalton, has previously worked for The University of Scranton as an adjunct professor in the accounting department. He also served as an adjunct professor in the MBA program at Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, and Holy Family University, Philadelphia. Boyle earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from The University of Scranton and his master's in business administration from Columbia University, New York, N.Y. He is pursuing his doctorate in business administration at Kennesaw State University - Coles School of Business, Kennesaw, Ga. Boyle currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at Empirical Healthcare Consulting, LLC.

        Sean Brennan, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, history. Dr. Brennan, Clarks Summit, served as an adjunct instructor and teaching assistant at The University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., and as a teaching assistant at Villanova University, Villanova. Dr. Brennan earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., a master's degree in history from Villanova University and a Ph.D. in history from The University of Notre Dame.

        Will T. Cohen was named instructor, theology.  Cohen, Scranton, is a Ph.D. candidate at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Cohen earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and American literature and political science from Brown University, Providence, R.I. He earned a master of Divinity from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, N.Y. Cohen previously served as an affiliate faculty member at Loyola College, Baltimore, Md., adjunct lecturer at Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Md., and adjunct lecturer and teaching assistant at The Catholic University of America.

        Catherine A. Collins was named lecturer, nursing. Collins, Lake Ariel, most recently served as a clinical instructor at The University of Scranton. She also is currently employed at Wayne Memorial Hospital as an emergency department staff nurse. Collins earned a master of science degree in nursing and a bachelor of science degree in professional arts and health care administration from Saint Joseph's College, Windham, Maine, and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Edinboro University, Edinboro.

        Paul A. Datti, Ph.D., C.R.C, was named assistant professor, counseling and human services. Dr. Datti, Long Pond, previously served as a lecturer at The University of Scranton and as a teaching assistant at Pennsylvania State University, University Park.  Dr. Datti earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University, and a master of science degree in rehabilitation counseling from The University of Scranton. Dr. Datti earned his Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Pennsylvania State University. 

        Shuhua Fan, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, history. Dr. Fan, Clarks Summit, previously served as an assistant professor of history at Marshall University, Huntington, W. Va.  Dr. Fan earned a bachelor's degree in history from Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China, a master's degree in world history with a focus on U.S.-China relations from Jilin University, Changchun, China, a master of arts degree in global history and a doctorate in global history from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Fan teaches world history and Asian/East Asian/Chinese history courses at The University of Scranton.

        Howard D. Fisher was named instructor, communication. Fisher, previously of Nelsonville, Ohio, earned an associates degree in speech and drama at Bismarck State College, Bismarck, N.D. He went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications in radio and television from Minnesota State University - Moorhead and a master of arts degree in mass communication from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas.  Prior to coming to The University of Scranton, Fisher served as a mass communication instructor at Texas Tech University and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio. |

        Peter M. Folan, S.J., was named lecturer, philosophy. Fr. Folan, Scranton, earned a bachelor's degree in the program of liberal studies and German language and literature from The University of Notre Dame. He earned a master's degree in philosophy from Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. Fr. Folan previously served as an adjunct professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton. He also serves as a consultant to the Provincial of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus, Baltimore, Md.

       Teresa Grettano, Ph.D. candidate, was named instructor, English. Grettano, who grew up in Massapequa Park, Long Island, served as a visiting instructor at The University of Tampa for the past three years.  She earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from The University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala. Grettano is finishing her doctorate in English studies from Illinois State University, Normal, Ill. 

       Michael J. Jenkins was named a faculty specialist, sociology and criminal justice. Most recently Jenkins served as an adjunct lecturer for Rutgers University, N.J., and research assistant at The Police Institute, Newark, N.J. A resident of Scranton, Jenkins is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in criminal justice from Rutgers University. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology/criminal justice from The University of Scranton and a master of arts degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University.

       Christian S. Krokus was named instructor, theology. Krokus, Scranton, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass. He earned bachelor's degrees in civil engineering and religious studies from Lafayette College, Easton, and has a master's degree in theology from Boston College.  Krokus previously taught Christian Theology at Boston College and St. Sebastian's School, Needham, Mass.   

       Barry X. Kuhle, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, psychology. Dr. Kuhle, Clarks Summit, previously taught at Dickinson College, Carlisle, as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Psychology.  He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Binghamton University and his Ph.D. in evolutionary psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

       Sandra Lamanna was named faculty specialist, education.  Lamanna, Clarks Summit, previously served as a lecturer in the Education Department at The University of Scranton since 2007. Prior to teaching at Scranton, Lamanna taught at several area colleges.  She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education and a master's degree in reading education from Marywood University. Lamanna completed post-graduate work at Lehigh University and is a certified school psychologist. She also holds an elementary principal certificate and took part in the School Neuropsychology certification program at Texas Woman's College, Denton, Texas.

        Aukje K. Lamonica, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, exercise science.  Dr. Lamonica, Dunmore, earned a doctorate and master's degree in public health from Emory University, Atlanta, Ga., and a bachelor and master's in English and biology from Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany. Prior to coming to The University of Scranton, Dr. Lamonica served as a graduate instructor and researcher at Emory University, Atlanta, Ga.

        Yipeng Liu, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, operations and information management. Dr. Liu, Beijing, China, earned a doctorate from The University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. in August 2009. Dr. Liu is a graduate of The University of Science and Technology, Beijing, China, earning a bachelor's of engineering in computer engineering and a master's in computer science from Southern Illinois University.

        Lisa LoBasso was named lecturer, education. LoBasso, Honesdale, previously served The University of Scranton as the director of field placement in the Education Department. LoBasso earned an associate's degree in early childhood education from Keystone Junior College, a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in professional and secondary studies from East Stroudsburg University. LoBasso also has certification in education administration. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana.

        Stephen M. Mansour was named lecturer, operations and information manangement.  Mansour, Scranton, previously taught at The University of Scranton as an instructor of statistics and finance. Additionally, he served as an instructor at Lackawanna College and Marywood University. Mansour is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from The University of California, Berkeley, and a master's degree in operations research/applied statistics, Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.

        Sufian Qrunfleh, was named assistant professor, operations and information management. Qrunfleh, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in manufacturing management from The University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio. Qrunfleh earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, and his master's in international business from The University of Toledo.  Before coming to Scranton, Qrunfleh taught at The University of Toledo.

        Scott Reilly, was named lecturer, education. Reilly, Archbald, previously taught at Wellington Landings Middle School, Wellington, Fla. and Florida Virtual School. He earned bachelor's degrees in management information systems from The Pennsylvania State University, and in elementary education from East Stroudsburg University. Reilly earned a master's degree in teaching English as a second language and is currently pursuing his doctorate of education in instructional leadership/instructional technology and distant learning from Nova Southeastern University, Palm Beach, Fla.

        Mark Romanczyk was named lecturer, chemistry. Romanczyk previously served as a research student and graduate assistant at The University of Scranton. He earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from The Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in biochemistry from The University of Scranton.

        Jeremy Sepinsky, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, physics.  Dr. Sepinsky, Clarks Green, previously served at The University of Scranton as a lecturer and as an adjunct professor at Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill. He received a bachelor of science degree in astronomy and astrophysics from Villanova University, Villanova. Dr. Sepinsky earned his Ph.D. and master's degree in physics and astronomy from Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

       Yamile Silva Gualteros has been named assistant professor, world languages and culture. Silva Gualteros, Scranton, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hispanic literature and cultures from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Silva Gualteros earned a bachelor's degree in modern languages and linguistics from Los Andes University, Bogotá, Colombia, and a master's degree from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Silva Gualteros previously served as a visiting instructor at Colby College, Waterville, Maine, a teaching assistant at Smith College, Northampton, Mass., and as a teaching assistant at The University of Massachusetts.

        John C. Sivalon, Ph.D., was named visiting associate professor, theology.  Dr. Sivalon, a resident of New York, N.Y., earned his Ph.D. from The University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, Canada. He received a bachelor's degree in sociology, a master's in theology and masters of divinity from Maryknoll College, Glen Ellyn, Ill., and a master's in sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Dr. Sivalon previously served at Union Theological School, New York, N.Y., Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Ill., and University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

        Stacy M. Smulowitz, was named assistant professor, communication. Smulowitz, Back Mountain, earned her bachelor of arts in communication from Wilkes University. She completed related graduate education courses at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., and earned a master of science degree in corporate communication from Ithaca College, N.Y. Smulowitz has competed all but her dissertation to earn a Ph.D. in communication from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J. Previously, she has served as an adjunct faculty member at Wilkes University, and Misericordia University. Currently Smulowitz is president of Smulowitz Communications, Shavertown.

        Andrew D. Stuka was named faculty specialist, exercise science. Stuka, Plains, has served The University of Scranton since 2007 as an adjunct instructor. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from King's College, and a master's degree in exercise science and adult fitness from Bloomsburg University. Stuka also is owner and operator of Personal Strength & Conditioning Professionals, Exeter.

        Rev. Daniel R. Sweeney, S.J., was named assistant professor, political science.  Fr. Sweeney, Scranton, earned a bachelor's degree in government from Georgetown University and a master's degree in philosophy from Fordham University. He went on to earn his master of divinity and licentiate in sacred theology from The Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. He earned a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Prior to teaching at Scranton, Fr. Sweeney served as an adjunct faculty member and assistant to the executive vice president at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

        Robert C. Walker, Ed. D., was named assistant professor and director of undergraduate programs, education. Dr. Walker, East Stroudsburg, earned his doctorate of education from Lehigh University, Bethlehem. He received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's of education from East Stroudsburg University. Dr. Walker earned a master's in counselor education at Marywood University. He previously served The University of Scranton as a lecturer and adjunct professor, as well as associate professor and department chair at East Stroudsburg University.

        Robert H. Willenbrink, Ph.D., was named assistant professor, English. Dr. Willenbrink, Scranton, earned his Ph.D. in theater from The University of California, Santa Barbara. He received a bachelor's degree in theatre from The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla., and a master's degree in dramatic art from The University of California, Santa Barbara. An internationally produced playwright, Dr. Willenbrink previously served as an instructor at Walden Theater, Louisville, Ky, and a teaching assistant at The University of California, Santa Barbara. 

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