University of Scranton Appoints New Faculty Members

The University of Scranton has appointed 22 new full-time faculty members for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Sinchul Back, Ph.D. cand., of South Korea, was named instructor in the Criminal Justice Department. He previously was an instructor of criminology and criminal justice at Florida International University in Miami. He was a researcher at the Center for Cybercrime and Cybersecurity at Boston University; the Colombian National Police Academy of Information Technology in Bogota, Columbia; and the Cybercrime and Investigation Research Center at Far East University in South Korea. He is a Ph.D. candidate in international crime and justice at Florida International University. He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, a master’s degree in political science from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, and a bachelor’s degree in leadership from Northeastern University in Boston.

Michael Bermudez, Ed.D., was named assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. He has worked as an occupational therapist in New York and New Jersey since 2000. Dr. Bermudez earned his doctorate in educational technology leadership from New Jersey City University, a master’s degree in educational technology from New Jersey City University, a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines.

Deborah E. Budash, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit, was named assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. She chaired the Master of Medical Science (MMS) Program and the Master of Health Science (MHS) Program at St. Francis University in Loretto, from 2014 to 2019, where she also served as program director of the MMS and MHS and as a tenured associate professor. She has authored several articles and reviews, as well as a book titled “Achieving Persistence in Online Programs: Reflections of Graduate Learners and Faculty.” Dr. Budash earned a doctorate in education from Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona, a master’s degree in adult and community education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Marleen Cloutier was named assistant professor and cataloging and metadata librarian in the Weinberg Memorial Library. She previously worked for Backstage Library Works on-site at the Peabody Essex Museum Phillips Library in Peabody, Massachusetts. She has a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Drexel University with a concentration in digital libraries and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources management at The University of Scranton.

Ovidiu C. Cocieru, Ph.D., of South Abington Township, was named assistant professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. He has taught at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and has held marketing and management positions in Romania. Dr. Cocieru has co-authored two journal articles and conducted/co-conducted several peer-reviewed presentations. He earned a doctorate in management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a master’s degree in sport management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania.

Nicole Ferentino, D.C., of Pittston, was named lecturer in the Biology Department. She is president and doctor of chiropractic at the Advanced Chiropractic Clinic in Pittston. Dr. Ferentino has taught as an adjunct professor at Scranton since 2017. She earned a doctor of chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, New York, and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton.

Nathaniel A. Frissell, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Physics and Electrical Engineering Department. He earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, where he also served as an adjunct instructor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and music education from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Dr. Frissell has co-authored refereed journal publications and co-conducted many presentations. He leads an international citizen science space physics research collective known as the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation.

Paul E. Granahan was named lecturer in the Philosophy Department. Since 1984, he has taught philosophy courses as an adjunct faculty member at the University and at Keystone College. He earned a master’s degree with distinction in philosophy from Boston College and bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and theology, summa cum laude, from The University of Scranton.

David Ingber, Ph.D., was named faculty specialist in the Biology Department. He previously was a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Delaware. Dr. Ingber has conducted presentations at a variety of venues and co-authored several journal publications. He earned a doctorate in entomology and wildlife ecology from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in entomology from Iowa State University in Ames, and a bachelor’s degree in zoology from SUNY Oswego.

Gail N. (King) Kemp, Ph.D., of Scranton was named assistant professor in the Psychology Department. She has worked as a visiting assistant professor and an adjunct faculty in the Psychology Department at the University. Dr. Kemp has co-authored several journal publications and has conducted and co-conducted several presentations. She earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Boston University, a master’s degree in maternal and child health from the Boston University School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies from Harvard College.

Kaeun Kim, Ph.D., of Scranton, was named assistant professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. She has co-authored several journal publications and co-conducted presentations. She earned a doctorate in marketing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and a master’s degree in cognitive science and management and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Yonsei University in South Korea.

Sonja K. Lund, Ph.D., of Norfolk, Virginia, was named assistant professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department. She earned a doctorate in counselor education, a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, where she held counseling and teaching positions in various departments. Dr. Lund conducted several presentations and workshops and took active roles on several committees and initiatives.

Tracy L. Murray, J.D., CRNA, of Mountain Top, was named faculty specialist in the Nursing Department. She has held several positions with healthcare organizations in northeastern Pennsylvania since 2000, including Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton and Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, as well as in western Pennsylvania from 1986 to 2000. Dr. Murray has co-authored two publications and delivered several lectures, almost exclusively in the area of anesthesia. She earned a doctorate from Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg, a master’s degree in nursing and nurse practitioner certification at the University of Pittsburgh, nurse anesthetist certification at the University Health Center of Pittsburgh School of Anesthesia for Nurses, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Gregory B. O’Connell, J.D., of Waverly, was named faculty specialist in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University since 1992, teaching undergraduate and online MBA courses. Since earning a juris doctorate at John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 1981, he has held several legal positions in the public and private sectors, including his own practice. Professor O’Connell earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ian O’Hara of Scranton was named assistant professor in the Weinberg Memorial Library, where he has been a serials/electronic resources clerk since 2013. He previously was a library assistant at Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College. Currently working on a master’s degree in software engineering from The University of Scranton, he earned a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The University of Scranton.

Richard C. O’Hara, was named faculty specialist in the Accounting Department. A chartered financial analyst, he brings more than 20 years of experience in data analysis for a variety of companies based in the Chicago area. He earned an MBA in finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University.

Paul H. Pearson Jr. of Honesdale was named faculty specialist in the Physics and Electrical Engineering Department. He has worked as an adjunct faculty member at the University and a physics and mathematics teacher at the Scranton Preparatory School. He earned a master’s degree in secondary education and a bachelor’s degree in physics at The University of Scranton.

Joseph K. Pellegrino, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Exercise Science Department. Before coming to the University, he held instructing positions at Rutgers University and the University of Montana. He has co-authored numerous scholarly articles in exercise science and nutrition publications. Dr. Pellegrino earned his doctorate in physiology and biochemistry of nutrition at Rutgers University; a master’s degree in exercise physiology and health and human performance from the University of Montana in Missoula; and a bachelor’s degree in biology and exercise science from Rutgers University.

 Leila Soleimani, Ph.D. cand., was named assistant professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. She previously worked as a marketing specialist, a research and development supervisor, and a research and project manager at various companies in Tehran, Iran. A Ph.D. candidate in strategy and entrepreneurship at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, she earned an MBA from Malek Ashtar University of Technology in Tehran and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the K. N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran.

Manar Sanad Soliman, Ph.D., was named lecturer in the Biology Department. She previously worked as an assistant professor in the Zoology Department of Cairo University, as an adjunct professor in the Natural Sciences Department of Middlesex Community College in New Jersey and was a visiting scholar at the Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University in New Jersey. She also holds certification as a professional trainer from the University of Missouri and has led training sessions for the Faculty Leadership Development Center at Cairo University. Dr. Soliman earned a Ph.D. in mosquito biological control from Cairo University, where she also earned a master’s and bachelor’s degree.

Andrew M. Stranieri, of Scranton, was named lecturer in the Exercise Science Department. He was a graduate teaching assistant and a graduate research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a master’s degree in kinesiology. He was a research assistant at the College of New Jersey in Ewing, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science.

 David A. White, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit was named faculty specialist in the Philosophy Department. He has been an adjunct professor at The University of Scranton and Marywood University since 1998 and worked as an editor in the field of online career education. He earned a doctorate in philosophy from Marquette University; an MBA in international business and accounting from The University of Scranton; a master’s degree in history from Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois; and a bachelor’s degree in history from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee.