NIU has become the place of work for dozens of new professors, administrators and other supportive professionals. Here is a glimpse at just a few.
Background: Davis was a lecturer in the Temple University Theatre Department. He served as speech and dialect coach for the graduate and undergraduate actors as well as teaching speech and acting. Before Philadelphia, he was at SUNY New Paltz, where he taught voice, acting, Shakespeare, dramatic literature and stage combat. He received his MFA in acting from the University of Delaware and his BFA from the University of Utah Actor Training Program. He has worked as an actor (stage, film and TV commercials), fight choreographer, stagehand, director, stunt man, voice coach and education director at professional theatres throughout the country. He takes private students in accent reduction, dialect, voice and speech, is a member of the Independent Fight Director’s Guild and is a certified associate teacher of Fitzmaurice Voice Work.
What I teach: “At NIU, I am the theatre department’s voice, speech and dialect teacher. I will serve as resident fight choreographer, and I will also be directing in the season. This year, it will be ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ ”
Why NIU: “It has nice people, grass, trees and a great future as one of the top-tier theater training programs in the country.”
Goals: “To help the theatre program grow. I also would like to make professional connections with the vibrant theatre community on our door step to the east. I firmly believe that theater can make a difference in the life of those who see it as well as those who practice it. It is my hope that students who study with me discover that powerful speaking can help to make that difference. I believe that human beings can change, transform and unstick themselves from the narrative of their own assumed limitations. Actors can be of service to audiences by pointing the way, stretching beyond our sense of self and transforming into characters. I hope that my students find a love of spoken language and that we can create together a culture of vibrant, authentic, powerfully exciting and transformative speaking.”
What others say: “Stanton is fabulous. He’s got great training, a great background and is a terrific fit,” said Alex Gelman, director of the School of Theatre and Dance. “He’s a terrific teacher, a widely experienced professional and he shares this faculty’s collaborative approaching to training actors.”
Background: Originally from St. Louis, Finch comes to NIU from Notre Dame, where she spent the last year as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Religion. Prior to that, she served as a faculty member for five years in the Department of Philosophy at St. Louis University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and political science from the University of Missouri and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in philosophy from Notre Dame. Finch specializes in contemporary metaphysics, especially the problem of free will. She also has research and teaching interests in ethics, feminism, ancient philosophy and philosophy of religion. She has co-authored three research papers dealing with the topic of free will.
What I teach: “This semester I’m teaching two sections of introduction to philosophy and a graduate seminar that surveys contemporary metaphysics. Next semester I’ll teach another section of intro and an upper-level course on Aristotle.”
Why NIU? “When I came for my interview, I was extremely impressed with members of the philosophy department and very eager to have them as colleagues. I was also very impressed with the students, who are passionate about the subject matter. NIU’s philosophy department has a clear vision, high standards and is very well rounded.”
Goals: “I want to help the department build on its strength in metaphysics, especially at the graduate level. I have a number of projects in metaphysics that I intend to pursue, and I look forward to getting feedback on those projects from my colleagues. Teaching a wide variety of courses at the undergraduate level will allow me to explore the full range of my interests. Most of all, I hope to share my passion for philosophy with students and show them how exciting the field can be.”
What others say: “With her broad interests and knowledge in the areas of metaphysics, Greek philosophy, feminist philosophy, and philosophy of religion, Alicia brings to our department several important abilities and is capable of offering a wide array of courses,” says Tomis Kapitan, chair of the Department of Philosophy. “She is a wonderful writer who is working on some exciting philosophical research, and she comes to us highly acclaimed as a gifted teacher.”
Background: Liping Guo received her M. S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Auburn University. Prior to joining NIU, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Technology at the University of Northern Iowa for a year. She now joins the Department of Technology as an assistant professor. Her research and teaching interests are in the area of electrical engineering technology, including power electronics, embedded systems and automatic control.
What I teach: “I teach courses in the electrical engineering technology program. I will teach fundamental electronics courses and more advanced courses in power electronics and industrial control.”
Why NIU: “NIU provides a great opportunity for my career development. NIU allows me to find the balance between teaching and research. The location of NIU is also great.”
Goals: “I want to achieve excellence in both teaching and research.”
What others say: “Liping is a great addition to the department. She has a very well-rounded background, with four years teaching experience and several years in the power industry,” said Cliff Mirman, chair of Technology. “She also has a background in renewable energy, which is an area we are trying to strengthen because of its importance to the future.”
Background: Hamayotsu grew up in Japan and also has lived in Australia, the U.K., Malaysia and Indonesia. She completed her Ph.D. at Australian National University in 2006. Before joining the NIU faculty, she was a postdoctoral research associate at the Yale Center for International and Area Studies and a postdoctoral fellow in Modern Southeast Asian Studies at Columbia University. Hamayotsu has conducted research on state-Islam relations in both Malaysia and Indonesia. Her research and teaching interests include comparative politics, Southeast Asian politics, politics of identity, political Islam, ethnic conflict, religion and politics, and politics and development in the developing world.
What I teach: “This semester I’m teaching an introduction to comparative politics. In the spring I’ll be teaching a course for undergraduates in the politics of Southeast Asia and a course for graduate students in the politics of identity.”
Why NIU? “I am a specialist in Southeast Asian politics, particularly politics in Malaysia and Indonesia. NIU has a nationally recognized Center for Southeast Asian Studies, so the university would seem to be a natural fit.”
Goals: “I want to establish myself as a scholar and motivate my students to learn about the world around them, particularly about the politics of Southeast Asia and the Muslim world. These are fascinating and important areas of study.”
What others say: “Over the last two years, the Department of Political Science has hired a number of new faculty members with excellent credentials and cutting-edge research agendas,” said Christopher Jones, political science chair. “Kikue’s presence continues this trend. In particular, her research and teaching expertise will contribute significantly to the department’s comparative politics and international relations fields and especially enhance our international reputation in Southeast Asian politics. My colleagues and I are delighted to have such a promising young scholar with global training and experience join our faculty.”
Background: Jones received his undergraduate degree in history from U.C. Berkeley and his J.D. from NYU. He clerked for the Honorable Jack B. Weinstein, a federal judge in Brooklyn, New York, and practiced for four years in the field of antitrust law at the Washington, D.C., law firm of Arnold & Porter. Prior to joining NIU, he taught for four years in the clinical wing at UCLA law school.
What I teach: “I teach classes that provide the students with some of the clinical skills and knowledge that they will need for legal practice, such as evidence and trial advocacy, as well as classes such as conflicts of law and antitrust law that focus more specifically on the business competition and jurisdictional issues in which I specialized as a practitioner and now research as a scholar.”
Why NIU: “I chose NIU for many reasons. In addition to being a great academic institution, the law school offers a collegial and supportive environment that is ideal for a young teacher and scholar. In addition, NIU law is somewhat unique among its peer institutions in legal academia in that it provides the highest quality education in a public and diverse setting that allows students from a variety of backgrounds to pursue legal careers and contribute back to the public interest of their communities, the state of Illinois and the nation.”
Goals: “To help my students grow as individuals and to prepare them for the rigors of legal practice that await them. While the substantive offerings of my classes vary, the goal in all my classes is the same: to equip my students with the knowledge and analytical skills they will need to be successful throughout their legal and law-related careers. In addition, I hope to contribute to the academic life of the school through my scholarship and the publication of my writings.”
What others say: “Robert has an enthusiasm for the law which he shares with his students,” said Malcolm Morris, associate dean of the NIU College of Law. “He is an outstanding addition to the faculty.”
Background: Jung received his doctorate in curriculum and instruction, specializing early childhood education at Indiana University, where he taught early childhood, elementary mathematics and science method courses. He developed his expertise in designing professional development materials for pre- and in-service teachers by working for a couple of projects at Indiana University, including the Indiana University-NAEP project, in which he and his team members recently published a set of multimedia (manual-plus-CD-ROM) teacher education materials. His research interests include mathematics for young children, professional development and the use of technology with young children. He recently moved to Sycamore with his family, wife Jaeyeon and 6-year-old son, Joochan.
What I teach: Jung teaches two sections of the early childhood science and mathematics methods course this fall.
Why NIU: “In addition to a NIU’s great reputation, I really wanted to work with colleagues who can give me a sort of ‘family-like feeling,’ and I met them in my department.”
Goals: “I’d like to continue my journey of helping students to be better, competent teachers. Also, I would also like to develop professional development materials by actively working with pre- and in-service teachers and investigating their professional needs.”
What others say: “Myoung Jung brings a special expertise to our department, with his in-depth understanding of how young children learn mathematics,” said Paul Kelter, chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning. “His vast experience working with teachers of 4- and 5-year-olds in the development and evaluation of curricula will be important throughout the region.”
Background: Magnusson recently earned his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University (2007) and holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in marketing from Indiana State University. At Saint Louis University, his research focused on global marketing practices, particularly the internationalization process and firm performance in international markets, country-of-origin effects and the influence of culture and cultural differences in international business. Although he has spent the past 12 years in the United States, most of them in the Midwest, he originally hails from Sweden.
What I teach: “This semester, I will be teaching ‘Principles of Global Marketing.’ In this course, we will explore the heterogeneity of the global environment, develop an understanding and appreciation of cultural and institutional differences, and learn theoretical frameworks to help international marketers analyze and develop solutions for customers’ needs worldwide.”
Why NIU: “What impressed me most about the College of Business at NIU is the unparalleled sense of optimism and excitement about the future. NIU’s national reputation is on the rise with strong support for both research and teaching. Our facility is first-class and provides an excellent environment for both students and faculty.”
Goals: “My goals are to continue to maintain a very active research agenda and to translate scholarly research into relevant and applicable frameworks for our students to help them gain a stronger appreciation and understanding of the global marketing environment.”
What others say: “Globalization is one of the six major initiatives under way in the College of Business, and the Department of Marketing is uniquely positioned to help carry that process forward with Peter in this position,” said Tanjua Singh, chair of Marketing. “He comes to us from a Ph.D. program at St. Louis University, known for its strength in that area, and he has demonstrated a tremendous ability to integrate what matters to industry with what matters to academia.”
Background: Miller formerly was supervisor of corporate reconcilement for Bank One in Chicago. She has three beautiful grown daughters and three amazing grandchildren.
What I do: She works as secretary to the marketing and sales department in the College of Business.
Why NIU: “I love being on campus – the excitement and activity and marvelous opportunities. I am a full-time student as well as a new NIU employee.”
Goals: Miller hopes to earn a master’s degree in math education.
What others say: “Candi is like the baby which was thrown in at the deep end of the pool. She began her new job in Marketing in the midst of organizing a major activity for the sales program,” said Jane Nenonen, staff secretary in the Department of Marketing. “She has remained cheerful and focused in spite of the stress of attending to the details. I think she will be a good addition to the department.”
Background: Mooney received her doctorate at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, where she developed a research expertise in CEO succession and top executive decision-making. She has also begun research in the area of entrepreneurship, examining the effects of mega-events (such as the Olympics) on new venture creation. She and her husband Mark recently moved to Geneva with their two children, Annie, 7, and Jack, 5.
What I teach: “I teach strategic management, the undergraduate business school capstone course.”
Why NIU: “What drew me first and foremost to the school and university was the people. This is such a friendly and welcoming environment. At the same time, there are wonderful resources to support my teaching and research. I really like this balance!”
Goals: “My main goals right now are to continue to develop my research program (and publish!) as well as to develop and improve my teaching effectiveness. These will help me realize my long-term goals – to get tenure and stay at NIU a long time.”
What others say: “Christine’s expertise in strategic management fits well with one of our existing areas of strength, and she brings some expertise in the area of entrepreneurship and new venture creation, which is an area we are trying to build in the college,” said Sarah Marsh, chair of the Department of Management. “She is also a terrific, innovative teacher who is also doing some fascinating research on the phenomenon of the revolving CEOs.”
Background: Prieto received her doctorate in education with a specialization in language, literacy and culture, and her master’s in education with a specialization in socio-cultural studies both from the University of California, Davis, after receiving an undergraduate degree in community rhetoric from the University of California, Davis. For the past few years, Prieto worked as a student affairs officer in the College of Biological Sciences and as a graduate student researcher in the Chicana/o Studies. Both positions were at the University of California, Davis.
What I do: “I am responsible for the overall administration of the Latino Resource Center and for facilitating collaborations and partnerships across campus and to the surrounding community/region. One of the most critical aspects of my position is ensuring that there is a welcoming and supportive environment for the Latino campus community and to develop program initiatives that enhance the undergraduate experiences of Latino students, including areas of service learning and community activism.”
Why NIU: “NIU has such a strong commitment to creating an inclusive community for all students. Moreover, NIU is a progressive campus where I would have the opportunity to work with incredible colleagues and dedicated students.”
Goals: “I want the Latino Resource Center to become nationally recognized for its level of commitment to students and surrounding community, as well as providing multi-disciplinary collaborations.”
What others say: “While we certainly have a great Latino Resource Center, I think Emily can move it into the 21st century,” said James Brunson III, assistant vice president for diversity and equity in Student Affairs. “Some of the research she has done in her doctoral program relates specifically to Latino students and, long-term, that research is infinitely tied to public health issues. From a scholarly vantage point, she’s going to become a noted scholar in that field of expertise, which will propel the center forward and put it on the map with her colleagues nationally.”
Background: Ryan grew up in the city of Bath, England, and received his bachelor’s degree in American Studies at the University of Reading. He earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he later served as a lecturer in writing and humanities. He has also taught literature and film courses in the American Studies program at King’s College in London. He joins NIU as a specialist in 20th-century U.S. and African American literature. His first scholarly book, “Calls and Responses: American Slavery Fiction since ‘Gone with the Wind,’ ” is to be published in 2008 and has already received the Landry Award from Louisiana State University Press. Ryan’s wife, Dee Anna Phares, also teaches in NIU’s English department as a visiting assistant professor. She is associate editor of the new Royal Shakespeare Company’s “Complete Works of Shakespeare” and is working on a study of the bed in Renaissance drama.
What I teach: courses on American and African-American literature.
Why NIU? “I enjoy teaching at a university with a diverse student population. Furthermore, Northern is an extremely supportive institution – and the English faculty is outstanding and extremely collegial.”
Goals: “I would like to help develop the English department’s emphasis upon ethnic literatures and to contribute to new interdisciplinary programs at the university. My research and teaching are primarily concerned with dialogues – between texts, across disciplines, and over racial boundaries – and I hope to pursue that focus here at NIU.”
What others say: “We could not be more pleased to have Tim Ryan join our faculty. His credentials are as impressive as his personality is warm,” says Philip Eubanks, acting chair of the English department. “We were seeking someone who not only is an expert in African American literature but also has a strong background in a broad spectrum of 20th -century literature. Tim Ryan fills that bill perfectly.”
Background: Shokrani was an assistant professor at Saint Louis University for two years. He has had teaching experience as an adjunct faculty as well. With a Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology and a degree in clinical laboratory science, he has a contributing background for the program and in the department of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders (AHCD). In addition, Shokrani has research and scholastic experience in the biomedical field for many years. His research focus is on the role of signal transduction pathways and mechanism of immune regulation.
What I do: Shokrani teaches medical immunology, medical terminology, clinical microbiology, mycology and clinical chemistry. In addition, he will conduct scholarship activity, advise students and provide service at the level of the program, department, college and university.
Goals: “One of my goals is to be an effective teacher at NIU. I am also interested in doing scholarship and research. I plan to get my course work together and also focus on scholarship activity and earn tenure status.”
Why NIU: “This university offers a very good environment for a junior faculty to flourish his capabilities. NIU is the place to be for someone who wants to have the advantage of being in a quiet college town with the opportunity of being close to amenities of a major city such as Chicago. NIU is an institution on the rise and has the capacity to be one of the best public universities ever. The program in clinical laboratory science at NIU is a well-rounded program that educates outstanding graduates in the field of clinical laboratory science. In addition, the department of AHCD offers medical terminology to students from across the allied health and other disciplines.”
What others say: “The faculty feels that he fills an essential function in the program and meshes well with other faculty’s expertise,” said Jeanne Isabel and Gail Williams, associate professors in the clinical laboratory science program.”
Background: Tira earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Illinois State University (2004) and a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Illinois State University (2006). She has experience working as graduate adviser for Family and Consumer Sciences students while completing her master’s degree at ISU. She also served as a temporary academic adviser at Kankakee Community College and a recruitment and admissions coordinator for Ph.D. programs at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
What I do: She is an academic adviser for Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences (FCNS) students as well as Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students.
Why NIU: “NIU is a great university outside of the fast-paced life, and the people I’ve met here are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever worked with before.”
Goals: “To gain professional development experience, become more active in advising associations across the nation, help students with academics and finding career goals, and become licensed in marriage and family therapy one day.”
What others say: “Alissa comes to us with lots of good experience, and I think students will find her to be a very supportive person to work with,” said Mary Pritchard, associate dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. “We’re really glad to have her and her fellow advisers, Kerry Spitze and Liz Harris, here in our new CHHS Advising Team.”