General Education Faculty

Brook Abrams began teaching part time as an adjunct instructor in 2010 and was promoted to full-time adjunct instructor for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2015. Abrams teaches undergraduate courses in mathematics, focusing primarily on introductory courses. She provides consistent student outreach and high-quality feedback, and she supports her department with shared resources and teamwork.

Education: MA, University of Missouri at Columbia

Honors and Achievements: Several teaching awards

Laura Allison teaches a variety of undergraduate courses in mathematics, including algebra and statistics. She became a full-time adjunct at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2015. Allison has taught college mathematics for over 30 years, first at AT&T, then online, and brings her experience in a Fortune 100 company and as an entrepreneur to the classroom.

Education: MS, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Memberships: American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, InfraGard

Laura Baggett teaches undergraduate mathematics courses in the School of General Education. Previously, she taught at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and several community colleges in Washington, Florida, and Tennessee. She has presented talks on mathematics education at local, state, and regional homeschool conferences around the southeastern United States.

Education: MS, Georgia Institute of Technology; BS, Auburn University

Publications: Making Room for Jesus: Getting Rid of Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Clutter (2016)

Research Interests: The effect of physical clutter and disorder on productivity, best practices for in-home education

James Bailey joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008 and has taught courses in ethics, religion, the arts, and preparation for entry into professional life. He previously directed and taught in an adult literacy program for a Virginia community college, served as dean of students and instructor in religion and philosophy at Tyndale College and Seminary, was director of the Doctoral Program in Transformative Leadership at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and taught at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Education: MA, Eastern Mennonite Seminary; University of Virginia; Institute for Christian Studies; the Free University of Amsterdam; University of Rochester

Honors and Achievements: Created and directed the academic support system at Houghton College

Brenda Beach joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as a full-time faculty member in 2010. She teaches various undergraduate courses in the social sciences. She has also been the lead for a number of curriculum projects that include new course design and development, course revision, and course modularization. Dr. Beach has previously worked as a corrections program planner, a defense criminologist, and a director of social services for a faith-based relief organization.

Education: PhD, University of Virginia at Charlottesville

Research Interests: Interdisciplinary collaboration in the classroom, the importance of mentoring to new faculty success, veterans in the classroom, the issues of an aging inmate population, opportunities and challenges for millennials in the classroom

Michelle Bianco teaches undergraduate courses in composition and participates in outreach programs and curriculum discussions. A professional public speaker and professional development educator, she joined the University as a full-time adjunct faculty in the Composition Department. Previously, Bianco taught for 12 years before going into administration as a director of curriculum and instruction. Bianco was an active member of the Education Consortium at College of the Desert and an adjunct professor.

Education: MA, National University

Honors and Achievements: Presentation at National Association of Developmental Education Conference, Rising Star teaching award

Memberships: Educator’s Exchange Program

Research Interests: Connections between vocal communication and written composition

Sheryl Bone began her Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) career in 2008 and became a full-time faculty member in 2010. She currently teaches first-term composition students, facilitates online student orientation courses, and spent time in the Department of Student Success teaching underprepared students. Sheryl began her career in the Chicago Public School system teaching middle school and serving as a Language Arts department chairperson. She also worked as a literacy consultant in the Chicago Public School system.

Education: MAT, National College of Education; BA, Albion College

Honors and Achievements: Outstanding Full Time Team Member Award, Full Time Kaplan Way award

Memberships: Editorial Review Board of the College Reading and Learning Association Journal, College Reading and Learning Association

Research Interests: Nontraditional college students, student success and persistence, global literacy

Heather Booth teaches various math courses, such as quantitative analysis and a survey of mathematics and business statistics. She began teaching at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008, becoming a full-time adjunct instructor in 2015. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Booth worked in technology services for a railway and as a railway project manager for 10 years and taught at Tarrant County College for 2 years.

Education: MS, Texas A&M University

Kimberly Bracey teaches various undergraduate courses in mathematics at Purdue Global. She has served as a subject matter expert and participated in curriculum innovations including modularized curriculum. Prior to joining higher education, she taught mathematics at the high school or college level for 30 years.

Education: MS, Southeast Missouri State University

Memberships: AMATYC, NCTM, OLC

Mary Bruce teaches undergraduate and graduate mathematics courses at Purdue Global. She joined the University in 2010 and has been teaching math online since 2002. Bruce started her education career teaching secondary students in Atlanta. She has also taught undergraduate and graduate business and math classes for DeVry University, Georgia Perimeter College (now Georgia State University), and Gainesville College.

Education: PhD, University of Georgia; MAT, Georgia State University; BA, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Publications: Johnson, T., Bruce, M., Graham, P., Oliver, S., Oppong, N., Park, S., & Mansberger, D. (2005). Giving Tree Teachers: Women and the National Board Certification Process. Feminist Teacher, 15(3), 234-249.

Honors and Achievements: Students’ Choice Awards, Outstanding Teacher, Teacher of the Year finalist, STAR Teacher

Memberships: GenEd Electives Committee

Research Interests: Statistics education

Mark Burlingame currently teaches composition and has also taught interpersonal communication. His background includes teaching subjects such as composition, non-Western literature, business writing, and public speaking at Washtenaw Community College, Cleary University, and Strayer University. Burlingame serves as President of the PG Faculty Senate and is a member of the Faculty Curriculum Committee.

Education: MS, Eastern Michigan University

Publications: Dolor (novelette)

Honors and Achievements: Service Excellence as Purdue Global Faculty Senate President, third quarter 2020

Memberships: National Council of Teachers of English

Research Interests: Literary fiction, rhetoric and composition, Writing Across the Curriculum

Daniel Burrello is a full-time adjunct instructor at Purdue Global, teaching classes in social sciences and humanities. His research has involved study into the connections between collective apocalyptic thinking, competitive mythology, and modern cultures. He has lectured at science fiction conventions and provided interviews on this topic.

Education: MFA, Queens University of Charlotte; MS, University of West Alabama

Honors and Achievements: Featured in nationally released book Halloween Nation: Behind the Scenes of America's Fright Night

Research Interests: Effects of growing decentralization in human endeavors, effects of blockchain technologies upon world cultures

Caseldine-Bracht teaches ethics, bioethics, critical thinking, humanities and culture classes at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University). She spent three summers in France studying human rights and holds an international law certificate from the International Institute of Human Rights René Cassin at the University of Strasbourg, France. In Jakarta, she presented a paper for an ethics and development conference and has presented papers for international development conferences in Costa Rica, Canada and the United Kingdom. She has published chapters in two books and has published articles in journals about human rights and issues in feminist bioethics.

Education: PhD, Michigan State University; MA, Purdue University

Research Interests: Global ethics, human rights, feminist philosophy, bioethics, social and political philosophy, and engaged learning projects.

David Chicoine currently teaches anatomy and physiology and has taught a variety of other biology and health sciences courses. He stays actively involved with simulation training for medical school residents at multiple venues throughout Maine. Previously, Chicoine served as a research associate for the Department of Biological Sciences and chairman of the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Maine.

Education: DC, New York Chiropractic College; BS, University of Southern Maine

Publications: Genetics, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Plant Disease, Military Medicine

Honors and Achievements: Adjunct Teacher of the Year, Frank E. Dean Memorial Award, Clarence N. Flick Research Award, Distinguished Service Award, Excellence in Clinical Diagnosis Award, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal

Research Interests: Ways to utilize media technologies to augment the learning experience focusing on gamification

At Purdue Global, Denise Coblish teaches various undergraduate writing and communication courses, with a special emphasis on developmental writing and technical communication. She is active in a number of professional development activities and has presented at many University conferences. Previously, Coblish was a librarian in academic, public, and corporate libraries, and garnered over $200,000 in grant monies to build a branch public library in upstate New York. As an instructional technologist, she transitioned hundreds of online courses from one learning management system to another for SUNY's Empire State College. She has also developed writing courses for college programs targeting students with autism.

Education: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; MS, State University of New York (SUNY)

Research Interests: Using social media in writing instruction

Stuart Collins joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as a full-time faculty member in 2012. He currently oversees courses on American government and community engagement within the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. He teaches a number of career, history, and political science courses. Collins has received a number of awards during his time at the University, including commendations for curriculum design and leadership. He also helms the Faculty Interdisciplinary Roundtable, a quarterly symposium that hosts University faculty who discuss a wide variety of academic topics.

Education: MA, Villanova University; MS, University of Florida; BS, University of Florida

Research Interests: How individualized video content within online courses increases student retention and grades

Pamela Cox currently teaches various undergraduate courses in mathematics at Purdue Global. She brings over 17 years of online teaching experience and has served in a variety of roles including instructor, instructional designer, and technical editor. Prior to Purdue Global, Cox developed complete online courses and course modules for the Mississippi Virtual Public School, the Mississippi Virtual Community College, and Pearson Publishing Company. She was a-full time instructor at East Mississippi Community College for 15 years and served as president of the Faculty Association and vice president of the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics, representing the Community Colleges of Mississippi.

Education: MS, Loyola University of New Orleans

Elliot Crozat is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. He serves on the Teamwork Professional Competency Committee. He joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2010. He has been teaching at the college/university level for 12 years. He has developed and written courses in moral philosophy, applied ethics, introduction to philosophy, logic, and the philosophy of work. He also worked in the field of applied epistemology for the U.S. federal government in the Washington, D.C. area.

Education: MA, California State University, Dominguez Hills; BA, San Diego State University

Publications: Philosophia Christi, Free Thinking Ministries

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Leadership Award, Western Governor's University, 2018; recipient of 2012 Stephen Shank Recognition for teaching excellence

Memberships: Evangelical Philosophical Society

Research Interests: Epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of religion, philosophical theology, the meaning of life

R. Dean Davenport is a full-time adjunct faculty member for the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences within the School of General Education. He currently teaches undergraduate courses that focus on ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and professional development. Davenport has written on a wide variety of philosophical and ethical issues, and a number of his essays have appeared as chapters in larger works and in peer reviewed academic journals. In addition to his teaching and course lead responsibilities, he continues to write and present at various academic conferences each year.

Education: PhD, Baylor University; JD, Texas Tech University School of Law; MA, Baylor University

Research Interests: Critical thinking, comparative ethical theory, professional ethics, history of philosophy

Linda Deaver teaches various general education courses at Purdue Global, with an emphasis on bioethics, ethics, and professional presence. She has helped pilot several of the University’s innovations in technology and curriculum. Deaver brings a diverse background to the University, including developing online and traditional curriculum for both the classroom and corporate settings. She began her academic career in secondary education, where she sponsored an award winning journal and developed an SAT prep course. Deaver later transitioned into adult education as a corporate trainer and curriculum developer. She then returned to the academic classroom, teaching online for a number of universities before becoming a full-time adjunct at Purdue Global. She is currently working on a collection of short stories and exploring the use of media and text as a methodology of making philosophical concepts more immediate for students.

Education: PhD, University of Texas

Susan Deno teaches various undergraduate courses in the Science Department at Purdue Global, including courses focusing on anatomy and physiology, general biology and histology, and embryology. She has been highly involved in faculty service and governance as well as overseeing student awareness events for public health and other student organizations. Prior to Purdue Global, Deno taught at Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles, where she worked for almost 15 years as an assistant professor. There she developed, designed, and taught lecture courses in systemic anatomy, public health, and embryology. She also taught many labs in the department.

Education: MA, Boston University; BS, Loyola Marymount University

Honors and Achievements: Staff of the Year (Cleveland Chiropractic College), Outstanding Course Lead (Kaplan University); Outstanding New Faculty Honorable Mention (Kaplan University), Outstanding Course Lead Honorable Mention (Kaplan University), Outstanding Curriculum Revision/Innovation Honorable Mention (Kaplan University)

Angie Edwards, a full-time adjunct instructor at Purdue Global, teaches various biology courses such as general biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and genetics. Edwards started at Purdue Global in 2018, as an adjunct instructor in the science department. Before joining Purdue Global, she taught onsite and online classes at a variety of institutions for over 10 years. Edwards also has industry experience in the science field, working as a research scientist for nearly a decade at research hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.

Education: MS, Illinois State University

Publications: Thioredoxin glutathione reductase from Schistosoma mansoni: an essential parasite enzyme and a key drug target. Kuntz (Edwards), A. et al. PLoS Medicine. 2007.

Honors and Achievements: James L. Fisher Outstanding Thesis Competition University Winner and ISU Nominee for Regional Thesis Competition Midwest Association of Graduate Schools, Illinois State University, 2005-2006; Outstanding Master’s Student, Department of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, 2005; Outstanding BioConcepts Teaching Assistant Award, Illinois State University, 2004 and 2005

Research Interests: Genetic diseases and molecular genetic technologies

Paige Erickson joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008, becoming a full-time faculty member of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2010. She teaches undergraduate courses such as humanities and culture, arts and humanities, critical thinking, and ethics. She serves as a subject matter expert in curriculum revisions for traditional Purdue Global courses, the Open College, and ExcelTrack^TM courses. Erickson has been teaching at the college level for 18 years and previously taught philosophy and communications at Hastings College.

Education: MA, University of Colorado at Boulder; MA, Kansas State University

Publications: The Nice Thing About Strangers blog and book

Honors and Achievements: 2013 Outstanding Full-Time Team Members, 2014 Outstanding Curriculum Revision/Innovation Award

Memberships: Chair of the Professional Competencies Graduate Problem Solving and Critical Thinking committee, Arts and Humanities General Education Literacy committee, Executive Board for Southern Humanities Council

Research Interests: Philosophy and literature, creative writing, virtue ethics

Russell Fail serves as a professor of humanities and social sciences and is the course lead instructor for ethics. He also serves as a subject matter expert in curriculum design and serves as a faculty advisor. He joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an adjunct instructor in 2006 and soon joined the full-time faculty teaching in the Humanities Department for the School of General Education. He spent 17 years in small business management and began teaching ethics in 2001.

Education: PhD, Capella University; MDiv, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Honors and Achievements: 2012 Outstanding Full-time Team Member; several journal publications and presentations at academic conferences

Memberships: Chair of Ethics General Education Literacy Committee, Multiculturalism and Diversity Professional Competency Committee

Research Interests: Applied ethics including child marketing, cultural competency, and adult learning

Annissa Furr is a residential faculty member in the General Education Department at Purdue Global. She teaches courses on microbiology, immunology, and general science.

Education: PhD, South Dakota State University; MS, Arizona State University; BS, Arizona State University

Publications: Journal of Bioterrorism and Biodefense article discussing the immunology of prion disease

Honors and Achievements: Co-founder and COO for Kids Play Safe

Memberships: LEED Green Associate, U.S. Green Building Council, United Nations Global Compact

Research Interests: Prion immunology

Galia Fussell teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Purdue Global, including academic and professional writing for graduate students, professional development in technical writing, introduction to legal analysis and writing, and college composition.

Education: PhD, State University of Pedagogy and Humanities in Kazan; MS and Graduate Certificate in Online College Teaching, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global); MA, Elabuga State University of Pedagogy and Humanities; Paralegal Certificate, Tarrant County College

Publications: English Lexicology, more than 100 articles in scholarly journals

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Outstanding Professional Development and Scholarship Award (School of General Education), 2006 Best Scholarly Work Award (State University of Pedagogy and Humanities in Kazan), presentations at national and international conferences

Nicole Garland started with Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an online adjunct faculty member in 2008, becoming a full-time adjunct faculty member in 2015. She teaches a variety of undergraduate mathematics courses including survey of mathematics, college algebra, and business math and statistical measures. She began her academic career as an associate instructor at Indiana University and became an adjunct instructor for Ivy Tech Community College in 2006.

Education: MAT, Indiana University; BS, Marian College (now Marian University)

Honors and Achievements: Excellence in Mathematics Award (Marian College), Rothrock Teaching Award (Indiana University)

Alvaro Genao teaches various undergraduate courses in the Science Department of the School of General Education. He joined Purdue Global as a faculty member and and serves as a course lead. Genao worked for several years managing the internship program of medical assistants in training. He is a practicing gastroenterologist at an academic teaching hospital in New York City. His work has focused on addressing health disparities in underserved populations.  

Education: MS, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (in progress); MD, New York University School of Medicine; BA, Harvard University

Publications: Cancer; Nutrition in Clinical Practice; Laboratory Animal Science

Honors and Achievements: Honorable mention 2014 Students Choice Award (Kaplan University), honorable mention 2014 Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University), 2013 Outstanding New Faculty Award (Kaplan University)

Research Interests: Addressing health disparities

Shelly Gussis teaches a variety of undergraduate composition courses at Purdue Global. He began his academic career at the University of Economics in Prague. Returning to the United States, Gussis taught at various colleges and universities before joining Purdue Global.

Education: MFA, MA, Roosevelt University; MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global)

Tyra Hall-Pogar is a faculty member in the School of General Education, Department of Science, where she teaches undergraduate courses in science, particularly genetics. She has been involved in curriculum revisions and the modularization of various science courses. She edits and collaborates on various research projects, textbooks, and book chapters. Hall-Pogar previously worked as a medical writer focusing on antibiotic resistance and disease states such as Alzheimer’s Disease. She started her academic career as an assistant professor at Neumann University and has served as a MCAT review editor in the field of biochemistry.

Education: PhD, Rutgers University Graduate School of Biomedical Science

Honors and Achievements: Full-Time Faculty Star of the Year (School of General Education)

Memberships: Journal of College Science Teaching Advisory Board

Research Interests: RNA molecules, 3’ end processing and polyadenylation, ways to alleviate student anxiety in science courses taught online

Jennifer Harrison teaches various undergraduate courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences department, with a special emphasis on American women’s history and culture. She is the course lead for the University's American Women and Founding Fathers courses. She has taught first-year experience and humanities courses for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) for over 15 years. She started her academic career as a Disabilities Coordinator and American History instructor prior to joining Purdue Global.

Education: MA, University of Richmond

Publications: Articles on American history and pop culture, ranging from the experiences of Mary McLeod Bethune to the presentation of parent-child relationships in the films of Robert Downey Jr. and gender in Downton Abbey

Memberships: Chair, Arts and Humanities GEL Committee; Member, Library Committee

Research Interests: Presentation of women and children in advertising

David Healey teaches college composition for the School of General Education at Purdue Global. He began teaching classes in journalism and composition at Washington College and Cecil College before joining the Purdue Global faculty. Previously, Healey was a news reporter and editor for 21 years.

Education: MFA, University of Southern Maine

Publications: articles in publications including the Washington Times and American History, three nonfiction books on regional history, several novels, co-author of accounting textbook

Honors and Achievements: 2011 Chaney Scholar (St. Mary’s College of Maryland), Best Editorial of the Year (Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association), other journalism awards

Memberships: Professional Competencies in Graduate Communications Committee, Eastern Shore Writers’ Association, International Thriller Writers

Research Interests: Intergenerational communication in the workplace

Michael Heeren has taught a variety of mathematics courses, including business math, statistics, and business statistics and quantitative analysis. He joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as a part-time instructor in 2003, was promoted to department chair in 2007, and became course lead and a full-time faculty member in 2018. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Heeren taught at the junior high and high school level, including Yuma High School from 1996 to 1999. In 2003, he began teaching at Hamilton College.

Education: MA, University of Northern Iowa

Honors and Achievements: Presented at 2017 MAA conference

Memberships: General Education Literacy committee for mathematics, several campus committees

Eric Holmes is a full-time faculty member in the composition department at Purdue University Global. He currently teaches college composition courses and is course lead for technical communication courses.

Education: MS, Portland State University; MS, University of South Dakota

Publications: Articles in The International Journal of Comic Art and The Oregon English Journal; a chapter in Dexter and Philosophy

Memberships: Teamwork Professional Competency Committee

Research Interests: Rhetoric, folklore, public speaking, horror as a genre

Kerrie Houchens joined Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2009, and has served in a variety of support roles including academic advisor, assessment specialist, and department chair. She has served as project lead for various University projects including the development of open courses, management and best practices of portfolios, and virtual employee engagement initiatives. She teaches new student orientations and takes great pride in welcoming students to their online campus, guiding students to the University resources as students prepare for their first term.

Education: MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global); BS, University of Florida

Publications: New Degrees of Opportunity at OC@KU: Addressing the Needs of Today's Learners With Affordable, Flexible, Competency-Based Educational Options. Daniels, E., Houchens, K., Whipple, D., & Stevenson, C. IGI Global (2018).

Research Interests: Adult and community education, opportunities and challenges for adult learners in the virtual classroom, flipped learning, microlearning

Gabriel Jewell teaches a wide variety of courses, including history, professionalism, politics, social sciences, and humanities. He has authored a fictional work published in late 2017.

Education: MEd, Plymouth State University

Jacob Kaltenbach currently teaches college composition within the School of General Education. He has taught in both humanities and composition and served for several years on the University Assessment Committee. He previously served in teaching and administrative capacities with Nottingham University, the University of Colorado at Denver, and the University of Washington in Seattle, among other institutions.

Education: Phd, MA, Cardiff University (then University of Wales, Cardiff)

Honors and Achievements: Creative Course Award (Kaplan University)

Teresa Marie Kelly currently teaches composition in the Writing Across the Curriculum Department at Purdue Global, focusing on technical and learning tools and strategies to enhance writing skills and build habits for future course success. She serves as the composition contact for the School of General Education Speaker’s Series and volunteers with the annual Literary Festival. In 2007, she became one of the founding faculty in the Student Success Department, which focused on the needs of underprepared and at-risk learners. Kelly actively pursues professional development and scholarship. She brings diverse experience to Purdue Global, formerly serving as a high school English teacher, dean, adjunct faculty, and early adopter of distance learning.

Education: MAT, BA, Agnes Scott College

Honors and Achievements: 2004 Kaplan Spirit Award (Kaplan University); additional teaching, scholarship, and professional development honors

Research Interests: Skills-focused and interdisciplinary nature of teaching and learning, the unique impact social media and online communities have on educator training and professional development

Stacie Kisver teaches various undergraduate science courses in the School of General Education, including nutrition, biology, and general science. She joined Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an adjunct faculty member in 2007 and obtained a full-time position in 2019. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a clinical dietitian and diabetes educator.

Education: MPH, Temple University; BS, Penn State University

Certifications: Registered Member, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Certified Diabetes Educator, National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators

Daudi Langat teaches various undergraduate courses in biological sciences, with a special emphasis on human anatomy and physiology. He began his academic career at the University of Kansas Medical School, where he was as research fellow and later a research assistant professor. After 10 years of research, he moved to full-time teaching as an assistant professor of biology at William Jewell College before becoming a full-time adjunct at Purdue Global. Langat has received numerous awards in research, including travel awards to attend international conferences to present his work.

Education: PhD, MS, University of Nairobi

Publications: articles in peer-reviewed journals, reviewer for Biology of Reproduction and American Journal of Reproductive Immunology

Research Interests: Understanding mechanisms of immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy

Mary Laska is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in the School of General Education. She currently teaches career development strategy courses, social science survey courses, and introduction to sociology. She has taught extensively in the Huntsville area, including an appointment as a visiting professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She has also been involved in local research and program evaluation, working as a research assistant at the National Children’s Advocacy Center.

Education: PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham; BA, University of Alabama in Huntsville

Research Interests: Pedagogy of online teaching

Beth Lee is a full-time faculty member at Purdue Global who teaches undergraduate composition courses and has been a dedicated part of the University since 2013. She recently served as part of the faculty curriculum committee, which examines and evaluates course updates to ensure they align with University and accreditation requirements. During her time in the faculty senate, Lee was a part of the creation of the late policy for students as well as milestone anniversary acknowledgements and faculty scholarship awards. Previously, she assisted in the development and innovation of the Student Center for Academic Achievement at California State University.

Education: MBA; MA, California State University, East Bay; BA, San Diego State University; Postgraduate Certificate, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Publications: CRLA, Dissertation on Mindfulness: Organizational Investment for Employee Performance

Certifications: Project Management (Purdue Global)

Honors and Achievements: Outstanding New Faculty, Virtual Difference Maker (Outstanding Team)

Memberships: CRLA, MLA, Cengage Learning, TCC, NCTE, PMI

Research Interests: Diversity, multiculturalism, mindfulness, motivation

Laurie Leet teaches undergraduate courses in science and nutrition at Purdue University Global, and she serves as course lead for the principles of nutrition course in the School of General Education Science Department. Leet started her online academic career in 2004 while working full time in health care.

Education: MS, University of Wisconsin-Stout; MBA, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Certifications: Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

Love teaches undergraduate courses in composition and undergraduate psychology courses. She started her career at the University of Northern Iowa where she worked in the Department of English. Love’s scholarship has been published in magazines, journals, and books with her research on human rights literature being recognized by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. She was awarded attendance at the 52nd Commissions of the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Education: MA, University of Northern Iowa; MS, Kaplan University

Honors and Achievements: 2014 Outstanding Faculty Member

Memberships: Academic Appeals Committee

Research Interests: A literature textbook, a study on using bibliotherapy as complementary treatment for trauma, and a study on using Google tools in the writing classroom.

Sharon Marusiak teaches various undergraduate courses in science as well as anatomy and physiology to pre-health science majors. She has also been involved in helping to better design and implement the curriculum at Purdue Global for the health science majors. Her teaching experience includes Kent State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Lakeland Community College, and Stark State College.

Education: MS, Kent State University; BS, John Carroll University

Honors and Achievements: “Apple Award” for teaching at high school level, nominated for course lead and adjunct faculty award (Kaplan University)

Kirsten Meymaris joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an adjunct in 2009 with 10 years of experience in online education. In 2014, she became a full-time faculty member in the Mathematics Department in the School of General Education. Meymaris teaches undergraduate mathematics courses, and she also manages the upper-level discrete mathematics and business statistics with quantitative analysis courses, emphasizing the integration of technology for deeper mathematical interpretation of data.

Education: MS, University of Colorado at Boulder; BS, University of Minnesota Institute of Technology

Publications: Contributions to scientific journals for innovative citizen science work, mathematics and educational texts

Honors and Achievements: 2017 Course Lead Rock Star Award (School of General Education), 2016 Honorable Mention FT Faculty Super Star, 2012 Outstanding FT Adjunct Honorable Mention

Kevin Muir became an adjunct instructor for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008, becoming a full-time adjunct in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2015. Muir teaches a variety of undergraduate classes for the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, particularly about history and social sciences, as well as in the ExcelTrack™ program. Previously, he taught at Oak Valley Country Day, a private high school, where he became principal; he later taught at Brown Mackie College and the Kansas City campus of DeVry University.

Education: MA, Oakland University; BA, Oakland University

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Performance Award for outstanding teaching (DeVry University Online), 2017 KUVillage conference presentation, 2014 General Education Conference presentation

Memberships: History Learning Committee, Capstone literary journal

Jesse Munoz teaches online undergraduate composition courses for the School of General Education. He joined Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member in 2018 and now serves as a full-time adjunct. Previously, Munoz served as an adjunct faculty member for Kaplan University, New Mexico State University, and other post-secondary institutions. He has been teaching composition, English, and literature courses since 2012.

Education: MA, New Mexico State University         

Memberships: Modern Language Association

Research Interests: Teaching composition in an online environment, Gothic literature

Larry Musolino teaches a variety of math and statistics courses. He has worked in the semiconductor industry as an electrical engineer including statistical analysis of semiconductor failure rates. He has taught mathematics and statistics at the college level for approximately 15 years. Musolino holds a Professional Engineering license in Pennsylvania.

Education: Graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, and statistics; undergraduate degree in electrical engineering

Christine O’Neal teaches numerous science classes at Purdue Global, including microbiology, genetics, cell biology, immunology, and general biology. She served as the genetics course lead for 2 years and was in charge of a major revision of the course. Prior to teaching for Purdue Global, O’Neal taught chemistry, biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and anatomy and physiology at multiple community colleges. She also taught high school AP biology for 2 years.

Education: PhD, Baylor College of Medicine; MPH, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); Composite Science Certification, ERT Texas Secondary

Publications: Journal of Virology, Vaccine

Honors and Achievements: Arnold O. Beckman Award for Academic Excellence; Ninth Annual Graduate Student Symposium (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas); Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric GI Training Grant

Memberships: Phi Sigma - National Biology Honor Society, Medical Reserve Corp

Research Interests: The impact of climate change on emerging viruses

Kathrine O’Neil is a Purdue Global composition instructor and the co-course lead for CM107: College Composition I. She joined the University in 2005 and originally taught courses for the student success department. Prior to joining the University, O’Neil taught high school English.

Education: PhD, The Ohio State University; MEd, The Ohio State University; BA, The Ohio State University

Publications: National and state education conference presentations: NOSS, NADE, and OCTELA

Certifications: Teaching license for ELA, grades 7–12

Honors and Achievements: Innovations in Curriculum Award, numerous hours of service to her department and community

Memberships: International Literacy Association

Research Interests: Impact of case studies on teacher efficacy, motivation strategies, writing instruction

Holly Painter teaches biology-related courses, including anatomy and physiology. She joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an adjunct faculty member in 2011 and obtained a full-time position in 2015. Painter began her academic career at the College of West Virginia teaching laboratory undergraduate courses and then moved into the research field working with DNA research materials for several years. She returned to higher education and has been instructing biology-related courses for more than 10 years now.

Education: MS, New York Chiropractic College; MS, Mountain State University

January Pearson teaches English composition in the School of General Education. She began teaching online for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2005 and was promoted to full-time adjunct faculty in 2014. Pearson also taught as an English instructor at Concordia University in Irvine, California. Before instructing at the college level, Pearson began her career as a technical writer, writing and editing software books for a worldwide computer training company. She also gained experience designing and teaching writing classes, both online and in person, for public relations professionals.

Education: MA, California State University in Fullerton

Publications: Gargoyle Magazine, Atlanta Review, Pittsburgh Poetry Review, American Journal of Poetry, Watershed Review, Summerset Review, Capstone literary journal, Four Chambers Press, Timberline Review, The Chiron, Valparaiso Poetry Review

Honors and Achievements: General Education Conference and Literary Festival presentations (Kaplan University)

Memberships: General Education Conference Review Team

Christopher Powers teaches an array of courses in the humanities and social sciences at Purdue University Global.

Education: MA, Hollins University; BA, Ferrum College

Honors and Achievements: FT Adjunct Member of the Year Award, 2017 General Education “Spirit” Award nominee, 2014 Student’s Choice Award nominee

Jonathan Racster joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2012 and teaches various undergraduate courses in sociology, social sciences, and the humanities. He sat on the steering committee for the 2016 and 2017 General Education Conference and continues to volunteer at the University. He started his academic career in 2001, and he has since taught at multiple institutions and served on numerous panels and committees related to curriculum and best practices. Racster’s anthropological and sociological research has taken him around the world, and he frequently presents at various colleges, universities, and academic societies on topics such as diversity and inclusion; sex, sexuality, and gender; and best practices in teaching. In his spare time, Racster volunteers as an intern in the archaeology department of the Ohio History Connection.

Education: MA, New Mexico State University; MA, The Ohio State University

Research Interests: Evolution and iterations of sex, sexuality, and gender

Honors and Achievements: 2014 Spirit of Kaplan Award (Kaplan University)

Adam Rafalovich is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, where he has taught courses on sociology, gender, film, social problems, research methods, medical sociology, social theory, deviance, mental health, and popular culture. He also serves as a principal course designer and subject matter expert. A professional sociologist with an interest in medical sociology, Rafalovich has been teaching in higher education since 1997. He began teaching at Southern Oregon University and later taught for 4 years as a tenure-track assistant professor at Texas Tech University before joining Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2006. His background includes teaching, research, and writing in medical sociology, and he has been awarded research grants from National Institutes of Health and Texas Tech University.

Education: Phd, University of British Columbia; MS, Northern Arizona University; BS, Southern Oregon University

Publications: Framing ADHD Children: A Critical Examination of the History, Discourse, and Everyday Experience of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; additional articles on medicalization in American life and children's development

Research Interests: Luxury consumption culture with particular attention paid to Swiss watch culture

As a faculty member in the School of General Education, Catherine Rice teaches human anatomy and physiology and has presented at faculty meetings, a General Education Conference, and journal clubs. Additionally, she discussed programs, policies, and processes with The Higher Learning Commission evaluators as part of the reaccreditation process for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University). Rice also teaches courses at Southern New Hampshire University and serves as a subject matter expert. She began her academic career as an online instructor with Bryant & Stratton College for 7 years, where she taught a variety of courses, lead committees for course redesign, and mentored faculty. Rice treated patients in her own chiropractic practice for 18 years and maintains her chiropractic license, completing 12 credits of continuing education courses annually.

Education: DC, Northwestern College of Chiropractic; MS, SUNY Potsdam

Certifications: Licensed chiropractor

Laura Ruiz is a full-time adjunct faculty member in the School of General Education at Purdue Global and has been working for the University since 2004. She has taught courses in academic strategies, professional presence, career development strategies, portfolio development, orientation, and college and career pathways. Ruiz serves as the course lead for CS100. 

EDUCATION: MS, Nova Southeastern University; BS, Florida State University

Fred Sakon teaches undergraduate math courses, including college algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics. He began teaching at Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2009, becoming a full-time adjunct instructor in 2019. Before joining Purdue Global, Sakon worked in data analytics at Tulane University and The University of New Orleans, and he taught at Tallahassee Community College and Florida State University.

Education: MS, Tulane University; MS, Florida State University; BA, Clemson University

Certifications: Applied Measurement and Statistics (Florida State University); Academy of Teaching, Learning, and Success (Tallahassee Community College); Program for Instructional Excellence (Florida State University)

Honors and Achievements: Interdisciplinary Research Training Fellow (Florida State University); Palmetto Scholars Fellow (South Carolina Department of Education); TJX Employee Scholar (TJX Companies)

Melissa Scranton started with Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) as an online adjunct faculty member in 2010, becoming a course lead and full-time faculty member in 2018. She teaches a variety of graduate and undergraduate mathematics courses including applied statistics for psychology, business statistics with quantitative analysis, and survey of mathematics. Scranton began her career as a middle and high school teacher, focusing on the mathematically at-risk, and serving as a parent resource coordinator. She creates an atmosphere where students can gain a deeper understanding of mathematics, so that they can experience it as a useful and creative tool that helps them make sense of the world they are a part of.

Education: PhD, Illinois State University; MS, Missouri State University   

Publications: Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Journal of Applied Sport Psychology

Certifications: Lifetime certified as state of Missouri teacher of mathematics 7–12

Research Interests: Mathematics intervention programs, statistics education

Currently a full-time adjunct at Purdue Global, Rita Sharma teaches various undergraduate courses in composition. She has extensive experience in online, blended, and hybrid facilitation and has been a professor of composition for 25 years. She is also an active member of University committees. Sharma started her academic career in India and later taught English in Dubai and Jakarta before teaching at Houston Community College in 2002. She moved on to Lake Erie College in Ohio as a professor and was the SAGES leader at Case Western Reserve University. Her research has been shared in a variety of conferences and books, and she has been cited for her expertise on diversity and world literature.

Honors and Achievements: Numerous teaching, research, and service honors, including three Professor-of-the-Year awards

Publications: Capstone literary journal reviewer, Quest for Self (forthcoming)

Amy Smith is a faculty member in the Science Department, teaching general and environmental science. She is also the course lead for the fundamentals of science course, serves as a Virtual Difference Maker, and is the STEM Faculty Journal Club coordinator. She frequently presents on both science research and teaching topics. Prior to higher education, Smith was a home-improvement retail manager, owned a small interior remodeling company, and worked as a laboratory technician in water quality.

Education: MS, Colorado State University; MS, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global); BS, Western Washington University

Honors and Achievements: Spirit of Kaplan Award and Kaplan Way Awad (Kaplan University)

Research Interests: Urban forestry, sustainable living and energy issues, watershed/forest interactions

Carolyn Stevenson teaches the bachelor’s capstone in the professional studies degree program and also serves as a faculty advisor. She oversees numerous innovations in curriculum, including competency based degree programs. Stevenson serves on several Purdue Global committees and is an Open College representative for the School of General Education Speaker Series. She previously worked in publishing for 5 years before going into higher education teaching and administration. She has been cited for her expertise in online learning, open educational resources, and prior learning. Stevenson is also a reviewer for conference papers and has served on various offices and committees for the American Education Research Association.

Education: EdD, Roosevelt University

Publications: Editor for Enhancing Education Through Open Degree Programs and Prior Learning Assessment

Honors and Achievements: 2016 Bruce Chaloux Scholarship (Online Learning Consortium), 2008 Best Paper Award (Distance Learning Administration), additional teaching, research, and service honors

Memberships: American Education Research Association (AERA)

Tami Tacker currently teaches undergraduate courses in mathematics at Purdue Global, conducts preterm online workshops to ease student anxiety as they prepare for math class, serves on committees within the University, and is the course lead for Survey of Mathematics. She began her online journey with the University in 2003 as an adjunct faculty member. Over her career, Tacker has shared her love of numbers with middle school, high school, and college-level mathematics students at several institutions. Her goal is to make all students, no matter their skill level, comfortable while learning mathematics.

Education: MS, Stephen F. Austin State University; MS, Purdue University Global

Honors and Achievements: Outstanding Full-Time Adjunct and Outstanding Curriculum Revision/Innovation nominee (Kaplan University)

Memberships: American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, National Organization for Student Success

Lisa Teitler has been teaching online since 2007. In 2015, she became a full-time adjunct in the Composition Department at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University). She currently teaches college composition and the competency based program, Excel Track™. Teitler has been recognized for her dedication to student learning and innovative approaches to the classroom.

Education: MA, Virginia Commonwealth University

Emily Thompson teaches composition and has taught the competency-based ExcelTrack™ program at Purdue Global since its inception. Before joining Purdue Global, Thompson taught composition at the University of Oregon and went on to teach at West African College of the Atlantic, Fort Lewis College, and Southwest Colorado Community College.

Education: MA, Purdue University Global; MA, University of Oregon

Publications: Self-Compassion Meditation: Applications for Online Students

Honors and Achievements: Spirit of Purdue University Global Award, 2018; awards for conference presentations and use of innovative tech tools in the classroom

Memberships: General Education Literacies committee

Research Interests: Determining if self-compassion training can help first-term writing students reduce writing anxiety and stress while increasing life satisfaction and academic persistence

Stephanie Thompson teaches undergraduate courses in composition and serves as a course lead, where she develops course curriculum and faculty resources. Thompson began teaching at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2007 and became a full-time faculty member in the composition department in 2009. She has served on numerous committees, including the Faculty Curriculum Committee. Previously, Thompson taught English and advised students in the education program at Peace College in Raleigh. She has presented at numerous academic conferences such as NADE, NCTE, and CRLA.

Education: PhD, University of Tennessee; MA, University of Tennessee

Publications: Influencing America’s Tastes: Realism in the Work of Wharton, Cather, and Hurst; articles related to film and pedagogy in books and journals

Honors and Achievements: 2013 Above and Beyond Award, 2012 Outstanding Course Lead, 2011 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award Nomination (Kaplan University)

Julissa (Julie) Torres-Roman teaches various undergraduate courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, and general science. Her work as a full-time adjunct faculty and course lead earned her recognition by the School of General Education and her peers. Previously, Torres-Roman was a faculty member at her alma mater, Montclair State University, and at Essex County College, where she taught various science courses and helped underprivileged students pursue their academic goals. Her personal mission is to make science more approachable by ensuring that students relate to the concepts they are learning about in the classroom. In her personal time, Julie volunteers as an Envirothon instructor for intermediate and middle school students, as well as a judge for local and virtual science fairs.

Education: MS, Montclair State University

Robert Vaughan currently teaches ethics, critical thinking, world religions, and humanities at Purdue Global and is the course lead for a course in bioethics. He owns a private company that meets the educational needs of organizations and corporations. Vaughan is actively researching management principles in higher education and applies his research to the classroom.

Education: DMin, George Fox University; MDiv, MSM, MEd

Josef Vice is a faculty member in the School of General Education and Open College at Purdue Global. He currently teaches composition and serves as a course lead. Vice has taught at the university level for the past 30 years, including 15 years of online teaching, and taught high school at the beginning of his career. His published works include articles on W.H. Auden, as well as various articles and book chapters on the teaching of writing, and he is currently working on a series of articles on Southern culture. Vice has completed doctoral coursework in rhetoric and composition and modern literature.

Education: Doctoral coursework, Auburn University; MA, Jacksonville State University

Honors and Achievements: Dissertation Fellowship to study Rhetoric and Composition at Auburn University.

Memberships: Association of Writing Across the Curriculum, South Atlantic Modern Language Association, Auden Society and Georgia Society of Teachers of English.

Research Interests: The relationship between student confidence and academic success

Jan Watson, full-time composition faculty member, brings a college writing teaching background from Columbia University and several private and state universities in Maine. Watson is currently at work on a third novel for Penguin Random House. She has presented several academic presentations on subjects ranging from virtual literary festivals to innovations in writing instruction to research-based studies in andragogy. In recent years, she has served as an orientation facilitator, a GEL committee member, an Academic Appeals committee member, and a poetry editor for Capstone, the faculty literary magazine.

Education: MFA, Columbia University

Publications: Asta in the Wings (2009), What Has Become of You (2014)

Honors and Achievements: 2014 Kaplan University-Maine Faculty Excellence Award; starred book reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and The New York Times Book Review

Memberships: Association of Writers and Publishers Alliance