University of Scranton Appoints New Faculty Members

The University has appointed 24 new full-time faculty members for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Mehmet F. Bastug, Ph.D., of Ontario, Canada, was named assistant professor in the Sociology, Criminal Justice & Criminology Department. He previously was an adjunct professor in the Criminology Program at Lakehead University in Orillia, Ontario; adjunct professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa; and online video conferencing instructor in the Cybersecurity Governance and Operations Certificate Program at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Dr. Bastug, who has conducted research and presented at several conferences, has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He earned a doctorate and master's degree in global affairs from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick; a master's degree in international relations from Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey; and a bachelor's degree in security studies and criminal justice from the Turkish National Police University in Ankara.

Hope E. Baylow, D.A., CCC-SLP, TSHH, BCS-S, of Long Beach, New York, was named assistant professor in the Exercise Science and Sport Department. Her many professional positions held in the broad field of speech and language pathology since 1993 include working recently as a voice and swallowing specialist at ENT Associates of Nassau County in Levittown, New York; the administrative director of rehabilitative medicine at the Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York; and a graduate program director and special assistant professor of speech-language-hearing science at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Dr. Baylow, who has received several research grants, has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences and has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles. She earned a doctor of arts (D.A.) in communication sciences and disorders from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York; a master's degree in speech-language pathology from Long Island University-CW Post in Brookville, New York; and a bachelor's degree in teacher of the speech and hearing handicapped (TSHH) from Hofstra University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP), and she is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S).

Jeh-Hyun Cho, Ph.D., of Old Forge, was named assistant professor in the Accounting Department. Previously, he was an accounting instructor at Arizona State University in Tempe and a teaching assistant at Seoul National University. He also held nonacademic positions in accounting and finance in South Korea. Dr. Cho's experience includes research, publication and conference participation. He received a doctorate in accountancy from Arizona State University, a master's degree in business administration from Seoul National University, and a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Roxana Ariadne Curiel, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the World Languages and Cultures Department. She was a visiting professor at Pepperdine University (2016-2018) and an Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow (2018-2020) in Mexican Literature and Cultural Production at Williams College. As an interdisciplinary scholar, her work analyzes representations of bodies that challenge normative notions of citizenship, gender and race in Mexico, Central America, and the Latinx diaspora in the U.S. Her teaching interests encompass pedagogies for language-minoritized students, racialized communities, abolition as a transnational project, and migrations across the Americas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree (2012) from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico and her Ph.D. (2016) in Peninsular and Mexican Literature and Cultures from the University of California, Riverside.

Ashley M. Driver, Ph.D., of Kunkletown, was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. Previously, she was an assistant professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; a visiting faculty of biology at the University of Miami-Hamilton Campus in Ohio; and a postdoctoral fellow at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Driver, who has received several research grants, has presented at numerous conferences and has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She received a doctorate in dairy science and a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Vincent R. Farallo, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. He recently held postdoctoral research positions at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; and Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg. Previously, Dr. Farallo was a teaching assistant at Ohio University in Athens and Texas State University-San Marcos. He has received several research grants, presented at numerous conferences and has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Farallo earned a doctorate of philosophy, ecology and evolutionary biology from Ohio University; a master's degree in population and conservation biology from Texas State University-San Marcos; and a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.

Christopher E. Fremaux, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Philosophy Department. Before coming to the University, he served as a graduate assistant and graduate teaching assistant at Stony Brook University (SUNY); a visiting research fellow at Universität Trier in Germany; and an adjunct instructor at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Fremaux has conducted research, published and made conference presentations. He received a doctorate of philosophy from Stony Brook University; a master's degree in philosophy from Boston College in Massachusetts; and a bachelor's degree in philosophy and theology from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

Spencer C. Galen, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit, was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. Recently, he was a National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow in the Biological Collections Program at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia; and a doctoral fellow at the Richard Gilder Graduate School of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Previously, he was a teaching assistant at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of Delaware in Newark. Dr. Galen has conducted research, published and presented at professional conferences. He received a Ph.D. in comparative biology from the Richard Gilder Graduate School, a master's degree from the University of New Mexico and a bachelor's degree from University of Delaware.

Madeline B. Gangnes, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the English and Theatre Department. A former instructor at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Dr. Gangnes teaches courses in Romantic and Victorian literature, as well as more general English courses. She has received grants, conducted research, authored refereed journal articles and made conference presentations. Dr. Gangnes received a doctorate in English from the University of Florida; a master's degree in Comics Studies from the University of Dundee in Scotland; and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.

Emily Gerstle, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Exercise and Sport Department. Before coming to the University, she was an ad hoc professor and teaching assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a high school science teacher in Jackson, Michigan. Throughout her teaching career, she guided students of all ages in building environmental and outdoor awareness skills. She has co-authored journal articles and delivered conference presentations. She received master's degree in kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she also earned her Ph.D. She received a bachelor's degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

Christopher Hauser, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit, was named assistant professor in the Philosophy Department. As a graduate student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, from 2016 to 2020, he taught philosophy courses as both an assistant and sole instructor, and received the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences Award for Distinguished Contribution to Undergraduate Education. Dr. Hauser also mentored in the Graduate-Undergraduate Mentorship Program for Rutgers’ Philosophy Department. He participated in Catholic Intellectual Tradition Summer Seminars for Graduate Students and is a member of the Mellon Philosophy as a Way of Life Network. Dr. Hauser has published articles in Faith and Philosophy and Metaphysics. A frequent presenter at conferences, he received a doctorate in philosophy from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D.,  of Scranton, was named assistant professor in the Political Science Department. She taught courses at Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She earned fellowships, grants and academic awards at both institutions; and authored peer reviewed journal articles and presented at professional conferences. Dr. Hopper received a doctorate and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri; and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Joseph J. Klobusicky, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Mathematics Department. Previously, he was a National Research Council postdoctoral fellow in the Applied and Computational Mathematics Division at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Previously, he was a postdoctoral research fellow at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York; a lecturer at Bucknell University in Lewisburg; a data scientist and applied mathematician at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville; and a teaching assistant at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Klobusicky has co-authored several journal articles and made several conference presentations. He received a doctorate and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from Brown University; and a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Sylvia Orner of Old Forge was named assistant professor in the Weinberg Memorial Library. Before coming to the University, she was head of technical services and head cataloger at the Scranton Public Library. Previously she was a technical services librarian at the Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre and manager of the library’s Plains Township Branch. She has held leadership and service roles with the Scranton Public Library, the Pennsylvania Integrated Library System and the Pennsylvania Library Association. Ms. Orner has made presentations at several professional conferences and has received awards for her leadership and service. She received a master’s degree in library and information services from Syracuse University in New York and a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College.

Amelia Randich, Ph.D.,  was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. Previously, she was a guest instructor at Stephens College and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri; an instructor, guest lecturer, and postdoctoral researcher at Indiana University in Bloomington; a teaching assistant at the University of Chicago; and a teaching assistant at Grinnell College in Iowa. She has conducted and mentored research, co-authored journal articles and presented at professional conferences. Dr. Randich received a doctorate from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in biological chemistry and English from Grinnell College. Her research at The University of Scranton will focus on the molecular evolution and diversity of bacterial cell shape.

Joshua J. Reynolds, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Psychology Department. Previously he taught courses in psychology and criminal justice at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey; he was a teacher, lab instructor and teaching assistant at the University of Wyoming in Laramie; and he was a lab instructor and teaching assistant at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Dr. Reynolds was a mentor and performed academic service at these institutions. The recipient of honors and awards in his field, he authored several journal publications and book chapters, and he presented at professional conferences. He received a doctorate of philosophy in experimental psychology from the University of Wyoming; a master’s degree in forensic psychology from the University of North Dakota; and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology from Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

Paul E. Sampson, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the History Department. Before coming to the University, he was a teaching assistant at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick; and Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A presenter at several professional conferences, Dr. Sampson has performed academic and community service as an undergraduate and graduate student. He received a doctorate in history at Rutgers University; a master’s degree in history at Marquette University; and a bachelor’s degree in history and teaching certification at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas.

Matthew F. Shea, Ph.D., of Dunmore, was named assistant professor in the Philosophy Department. His areas of specialization include moral philosophy and biomedical ethics. Previously, he was a Clinical Ethics Fellow at UCLA Health System; a part-time faculty member at the Bioethics Institute at Loyola Marymount University; a lecturer in the David Geffen School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, and the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA; an instructor in the Philosophy Department at Saint Louis University; and a teacher at Saint Sebastian’s School in Massachusetts. His publications have appeared in The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, The Kennedy Institute of Ethics Journal, American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly and Religious Studies. His professional service includes journal editing, conference organizing and serving as the co-chair of the Philosophy of Medicine Affinity Group at the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities. Dr. Shea received a doctorate in philosophy from Saint Louis University and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Boston College. 

Brian J. Snee, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Communications and Media Department. Before joining the University faculty, he was a professor and chair of the Communication & Media Department at Manhattanville College in Harrison, New York. He held positions of assistant and associate professor at the State University of New York-Potsdam; Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky; and Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Snee received several grants and awards, and in the area of curriculum development, he created a Digital Media Production B.A. degree program at Manhattanville College. He was the author or co-author of several books, book chapters and journal articles, and he presented at numerous professional and academic conferences. Dr. Snee was active in the area of professional, academic and community service at every institution where he taught. In 2017, he led a TEDx Talk titled “How the Virtue of Eloquence Became a Vice.” Dr. Snee earned a doctorate and master’s degree in communication arts and science from Penn State University; and a bachelor’s degree in communication from The University of Scranton.

Ziqian Song, Ph.D., of Scranton, was named assistant professor in the Operations & Information Management Department. She was an instructor, a teaching assistant, a lab instructor and a mentor for both graduate and undergraduate courses at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg; and a graduate research assistant for three projects funded by the National Science Foundation. She has been conducting interdisciplinary research to uncover new insights for business decisions through the application of Machine Learning/ AI in Business. She co-authored several journal articles and conference papers. She earned a doctorate and a master’s degree in Computer Science and Applications from Virginia Tech, a master’s degree in Media Economics from Renmin University of China in Beijing, and a dual bachelor’s degree in Advertisement and Business Administration from Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China. 

Cristen M. Walker, Ph.D., MSN, CRNP, CCRN, of Pittston, was named assistant professor in the Nursing Department. Previously, she was a clinical instructor for the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center’s School of Practical Nursing, a certified family nurse practitioner for two medical practices, and a staff nurse at several hospitals. Currently, she volunteers as a family nurse practitioner at the Edward Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured in Scranton, as well as the Care and Concern Clinic in Pittston and will be joining Student Health Services as a provider. Dr. Walker, a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse and a Certified Nephrology Nurse, has a broad background in critical care nursing. She recently completed doctoral studies with a focus in nursing education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was selected as a 2019-2020 National League for Nursing Jonas Scholar. Her doctoral research examined the impact of a certified therapy dog intervention on nursing student test anxiety. She received a master’s degree in nursing from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Lori Maria Walton, Ph.D., DPT, was named professor in the Physical Therapy Department. A licensed physical therapist, she has worked as a professor in academia, both undergraduate and graduate programs since 2005 and practiced as a clinical physical therapist, with emphasis in women’s health and neurologic PT since 1995. She has served as an associate professor of physiotherapy, director of research and statistics, and chair of physical therapy programs. In clinical practice, Dr. Walton has held various positions in both hospital and private setting and including four years as the CEO and owner of Private Practice Women’s Health Therapies in Topeka, Kansas. Her research is focused on the effects of trauma on health outcomes for vulnerable populations of women and children living in South Asia and MENA countries. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and three books, as well as numerous peer-reviewed scientific and professional presentations. Dr. Walton had contributed pro bono services to many underserved communities both domestic and abroad, and during her career, she has provided organizational, research and administrative services to many academic institutions. She received her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; a DPT from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska; and a master’s degree in physiotherapy and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is completing her master’s degree in public health with an emphasis in Global Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

Murong Xu, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Mathematics Department. Before coming to the University, she was an assistant professor in the Mathematics Department at the Ohio State University in Marion; a graduate teaching assistant at West Virginia University in Morgantown; and an information management analyst at HSBC Electronic Data Processing Limited in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Dr. Xu, who has received several research grants, has presented at several conferences and has co-authored several peer-refereed journal articles. She has been active in service to her academic institutions and the surrounding communities. She received a doctorate in mathematics and a master’s degree in statistics from West Virginia University in Morgantown; and a master’s degree in applied mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in information and computing science from Jinan University in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Amir Zamanian, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. He was previously a lecturer, research, and teaching assistant at the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, and at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran. He held several positions in his field. He developed an expert application for vehicle gearbox health monitoring combining artificial intelligence techniques and vibration signal processing. He received the best paper award in the 4th Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis Conference at Sharif University of Technology in 2010. He has co-authored several articles for professional journals and conferences. His current research interests include vibration, modal analysis, dynamics, control, soft robotics, condition monitoring, soft-computing, artificial intelligence, signal processing, finite element modeling and numerical computing. He is the author of a technical drawing textbook and is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has served as a peer reviewer for academic journals including IEEE/ASME Transactions of Mechatronics, Mechanism and Machine Theory, Advances in Systems Science and Applications, Frontiers of Computer Science, Journal of Optimization, and more. He received his Ph.D. from SMU, Dallas, Texas; his Master of Science degree from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran; and his bachelor’s degree from Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan, Iran, all in Mechanical Engineering.