Ashley Adams
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Terrestrial Community Ecology
Research Interests
Community Ecology; Soil Ecology; Plant-Soil Interactions; Sustainable Land Management
Education
Ph.D. and M.S. in Ecology, Colorado State University
B.A. in Biology, Bellarmine University
Why Appalachian?
"I am excited to join Appalachian State University, where student-centered learning and scientific research are interwoven, and through this, hope to share with my students the life-changing value of discovery and the realization that earth is a little known planet."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I love to travel and have been all over the world. One of my favorite past trips was to New Zealand for its variety of beautiful ecosystems, great hiking (or 'tramping' as they say there), and wildlife!"
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"'If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.' - Vincent van Gogh. Take a curious moment to marvel at the weird and wonderful beauty in nature and learning ecology won't be a chore!"
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Todd Stincic
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Physiology
Research Interests
Neuroendocrinology
Education
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Florida State University
B.S. in Biopsychology, University of Michigan
Why Appalachian?
"After working at a medical school/hospital, I have missed teaching and training undergraduates. I believe my diverse experience in scientific research can benefit the students of a comprehensive university like App State."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I have studied hearing, vision, neuroendocrinology, and Alzheimer's disease. I have lived in the Midwest, South, and Pacific NW before moving to Boone."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"The key to success if finding the right environment and approach to learning. Don't force something that isn't working for you."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"In addition to bringing advanced scientific techniques to App State, I hope to engage student engineers, programmers, and makers to create open-source, low-cost approaches to scientific research."
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Tinghao Feng
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Data Science and JS Programming
Research Interests
Visual Analytics Design
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.S. and B.S. in Engineering, Beihang University
Why Appalachian?
"I love Boone!"
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I play the guitar."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Enjoy learning more than grades."
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Mark Hills
Associate Professor
Department of Computer Science
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Programming Languages and Software Development
Research Interests
Programming Languages; Program Analysis; Software Engineering; Formal Methods
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
B.S. in Computer Science, Western Illinois University
Why Appalachian?
"I'm looking forward to joining a strong, collegial department in a beautiful part of the state. I value public education, so I'm happy to be part of the UNC System."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I lived in the Netherlands for almost four years during my postdoc, long enough to understand even echoey train station PA Dutch."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Don't be afraid of making mistakes, mistakes are a great way to learn."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I'm looking forward to exploring the fishing and hiking opportunities around Boone and to checking out the craft beer scene."
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Mohammad Ali Javidian
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Causal Inference
Research Interests
Causal Inference
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of South Carolina
M.S. in Computer Science, Sharif University of Technology
M.S. in Mathematics, Shiraz University
B.S. in Mathematics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
Why Appalachian?
"The supportive and friendly environment for a junior faculty. A beautiful area for living."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Self-motivation and hard working are two main components of success."
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Mir Mehedi Ahsan, Pritom
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Cybersecurity and Data Analytics
Research Interests
Cybersecurity Analytics; Explainable Machine Learning in Security; Threat Intelligence; Cyber Education
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Texas at San Antonio
M.S. in Information Technology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, University of Dhaka
Why Appalachian?
"App State is a great place to foster the teaching and research best practices with so many bright students around. Being a Tenure track faculty, I will try to encourage the energetic students to go further and create an environment where they will feel more confident and competent."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"Being outdoorsy, I would love to explore Boone in the coming days and I am already fascinated by the spectacular views around the town! "
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"First, always remember to balance your work and personal life, both are important and closely coupled with one another. Second, consistency and patience are two very important traits to learn in life, becuase these will make you resilient and adaptive."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"Aspire to learn skiing!"
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Willow Sapphire
Lecturer
Department of Computer Science
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Introductory Computer Science
Research Interests
UI/UX Design; Web Development
Education
M.S. and B.S. in Computer Science, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"I have been here for around 8 years and I love the department and school. I was very happy to start teaching here after graduating."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I believe that I am the first nonbinary teacher in the department."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"You do not need an innate ability to get good at something. If you feel like you are 'just not good at it,' that means you need practice and may need to work harder than others, but you can still do it."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I plan to eventually get Ph.D. in computer science or education."
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Jacob Babb
Associate Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Research Interests
Writing Program Administration; Composition Pedagogy; Rhetorical Studies; Horror Film and Fiction Studies
Education
Ph.D. in English, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
M.A. in English, Western Carolina University
B.A. in History, Western Carolina University
Why Appalachian?
"I love the WNC mountains and I am an educational product of the UNC system. I have always been proud of North Carolina's public higher education, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work to give back to my home state."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I am a bluegrass musician. I primarily play the mandolin, and I am looking forward to getting to know the bluegrass community in and around Boone."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"College is an amazing time to explore your interests and to learn more about yourself and what you want to do in the world. Follow your interests with as much curiosity as possible."
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Melissa Birkhofer
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Ethnic American Literature
Research Interests
"My research interests include Latinx literatures specifically the intersections of Latinx and Indigenous literatures."
Education
Ph.D. and M.S. in English and Comparative Literature, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. in English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why Appalachian?
"I'm thrilled to be joining App State and the English Department. I love working with first-gen students. I'm excited to explore the area and to be in the beautiful mountains."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I've never broken a bone. But I plan to learn how to ski this winter, so stay tuned for updates!"
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"Before coming to App State, I was the founding director of the second Latinx Studies program at a public institution in North Carolina."
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Sarah E.S. Carter
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Research Interests
Primary Research; Military Studies
Education
Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, Georgia State University
M.A. in English and Creative Writing, Austin Peay State University
B.S. in Psychology and English, Towson University
Why Appalachian?
"I have wanted to teach at App State for years, but the timing was never right. The University, and the English department, support and promote inclusive classrooms and primary research, which are my ultimate foundations."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I am genuine. I don’t fake the funk. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, and some days I think about pursuing my Masters in counseling and working with military veterans, but I love teaching and helping students find internships and future career paths. Strangely enough, everywhere I go people recognize me, even though I’ve never met them, and they don’t actually know who I am."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Never be afraid to ask the question, any question. Just ask. Speak up. Share. Communicate."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love reading and hiking and would like to hike a leg of the App Trail in the near future."
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Taylor Dills
Adjunct Instructor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Composition
Research Interests
Composition; Creative Writing; Film; Screenwriting
Education
M.F.A. in Screenwriting, University of Georgia
B.S. in Creative Writing and Film, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"I'm an alumna and App has always been home for me!"
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I have a highly reputable entertainment agent and I have worked on television development projects for multiple production companies and streaming platforms - HBO, Paramount, etc. I also worked in production for the 50th and 51st season of "Sesame Street."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Storytelling is one of the most important skills a person can have."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I'm a screenwriter and I am always working on development projects for producers and production companies."
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Evan Gray
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Research Interests
Poetics; Pedagogy; Cultural and Pedagogical Rhetoric
Education
M.F.A. in Creative Writing, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
B.A. in English, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"I am constantly inspired by the culture, landscape, and art that comes from this complex region in the U.S."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Responsibility is keeping open the ability to respond." - Robert Duncan
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I have been fly fishing western North Carolina for about 20 years."
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William Ashley Johnson
Adjunct Instructor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing
Research Interests
Poetry and Short Fiction
Education
M.F.A. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
B.F.A. Eckerd College
Why Appalachian?
"I was drawn to the ASU English Department's commitment to prepare its student writers to lead purpose-driven lives who are able to both understand and engage their responsibilities as global citizens."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Good writers are made not born."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
Nominated – Pushcart Prize XXVIII: Best of the Small Presses; Winner – Amon Liner Award, Greensboro Review
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Ryan James McGuckin
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies, Literary Studies
Research Interests
Modernism and Modernity; Gender, Race, and the Novel; Musical Culture; Transnational Approaches to Literature; Rhetoric and Modernism; Urban Modernism
Education
Ph.D. in English, Louisiana State University
M.A. in English, State University of New York at New Paltz
M.S.Ed. in Special Education and Literacy, Long Island University
B.A. in English and Creative Writing, State University of New York at New Paltz
Why Appalachian?
"In addition to the respected and innovative standing of the Department of English and Appalachian itself, I am also fortunate because the university is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a region similar to my home region, New York's lower Hudson Valley."
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Savannah Paige Murray
Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Research Interests
Environmental Rhetoric; History of Rhetoric; Technical and Professional Writing
Education
Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Writing, Virginia Tech
M.A. in Appalachian Studies, Appalachian State University
B.A. in History, Wofford College
B.S. in Environmental Studies, Wofford College
Why Appalachian?
"I am excited to join the faculty of Appalachian in order to make connections between writing and the pursuit of social and environmental justice through my research and teaching. I am also looking to create and strengthen community ties in the surrounding Appalachian region for the benefit of our campus, students, alumni and community members. "
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
Chancellor's Innovation Scholar, 2022-2023; Team Member on the Project, "Writing for Change: Centering Rhetorical Ethics and Environmental Justice at Appalachian State University Through Rhetoric and Writing Studies."
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Ashleigh Bryant Phillips
Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Creative Writing
Research Interests
"Having grown up in a low-literacy community, my work is centered in orality and explores sound as well as memory and identity. I'm interested in the historical systems rural people have created in order to survive, including self-taught art, and agricultural and religious practices. My work also aims to document how generational trauma/poverty, and inequalities in modern healthcare, technology, and education continuously effect rural life. In storytelling, I'm drawn to voice-driven narratives that experiment with genre and form. And my pedagogy is informed by careful self-reflection and boundless play."
Education
M.F.A. in Creative Writing, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
B.A. in English, Meredith College
Why Appalachian?
"At App State, I am excited to be a part of a community of thinkers who believe in the pioneering spirit. Adventuring into the unknown. Being resourceful but also risk taking. Always experimenting, searching. Never settling."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
Tanne Foundation Award, 2022; C. Micheal Curtis Short Story Book Prize, 2019; Robert H. Byington Leadership Fellowship - University of North Carolina Wilmington, 2017
---
Melissa Stone
Assistant Professor
Department of English
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Research Interests
Rhetorics of Health and Medicine; Rhetorics of Reproductive Justice; Technical and Professional Communication; Rhetorical Theories and Histories; Composition and Writing Theories and Pedagogies; Feminist and Queer Theories and Pedagogies; Posthumanism and Feminist New Materialism; Critical Menstruation Studies; Contemporary Critical Methodologies and Cultural Theory; Technoscience Studies; UX and Usability Studies
Education
Ph.D. in Communication, Rhetoric and Digital Media,North Carolina State University
M.A. in English, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
B.A. in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Why Appalachian?
"I admire the Vertical Writing Curriculum at Appalachian, and I am excited by the dedication to social justice issues as they pertain to writing studies that the Rhetoric and Writing studies program upholds."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I have four cats, way too many house plants and I love to garden, cook and bake."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"The best advice I was ever given in regards to pursuing a degree in higher education was to manage my time, stay organized and work incrementally. Last-minute work does not usually equate to good work, and this is something I try to instill in my students when teaching rhetoric and writing. Good writing takes time and practice!"
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Bhuwan Thapa
Assistant Professor
Department of Geography and Planning
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Geographic Information Systems (GIS); Urban Planning; Geospatial Data Science
Research Interests
Climate Change Adaptation; Data Science; Social-Ecological Systems; Food System
Education
Ph.D. in Geography, University of Arizona
M.P.P., University of Maryland
B.S. in Environmental Science, McNeese State University
B.S. in Environmental Science, St. Xavier's College
Why Appalachian?
"The location and the good and supportive department."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I like gardening and doing community-based projects during my free time."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Explore the possibilities and learn both the theoretical foundations and marketable skills."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
Agroforestry for climate risk management: effectiveness of windbreaks in reducing crop loss in Midwest, USA. PI: S. Lovell, Co-PIs: B. Thapa, T. Hossain, Z. Cai, P. Guinan. US Department of Agriculture, NIFA Program. (2022-2024) [co-pi: $116,812]
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W. Lane Bailey
Adjunct Instructor
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Public Administration
Research Interests
Local Government
Education
M.P.A., Appalachian State University
B.S. in Political Science, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"I am an alumni of the MPA program and a recently retired city manager. This is an opportunity to give back to the profession and help develop the next generation of local government leaders."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I love travel, the outdoors, especially fly fishing."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Work hard but don't forget your family. You mean more to them than the community you manage."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
John Whitehurst Award presented by NC City County Managers Association; Public Manager of the Year Award presented by the NC Society for Public Manager
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John Brooks
Assistant Professor
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Public Administration
Research Interests
State and Local Government; Public Policy; Bureaucracy; Pensions and Budgets; American Politics
Education
Ph.D. in Political Science, University of California at Berkeley
M.P.A., University of Georgia
B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, University of Pennsylvania
Why Appalachian?
"It's a great department dedicated to both instruction and research. I also love this part of the country and the state of North Carolina."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"Apart from my day job and spending time with my family, I like nature/hiking, astronomy, independent music, and movies."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Be able to talk both in-depth and succinctly about your work experience and interests."
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Hye-Sung Kim
Assistant Professor
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Comparative Politics; International Relations; African Politics
Research Interests
Political Behavior in Transitioning Democracies and Authoritarian Regimes; Survey and Experimental Research Methods; African Politics; Asian Politics
Education
Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science, University of Rochester
M.A. in Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University
M.A. in Economics, Seoul National University
B.A. in Economics, University of Calgary
Why Appalachian?
"As a teacher-scholar, my teaching and research strongly reinforce each other. I wanted to work in a place where my scholarly philosophy and identity are well supported. I also wanted to work in a place of growth. I find that App State is a place where a teacher-scholar can thrive and continue to grow."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"In my spare time, I like going to a show, a musical or opera in particular. I also like travelling to new country and enjoy watching a sunrise and sunset. I love conducting a field-research in Africa."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"(a) Be open-minded about what you can and will learn; (b) Try to have diverse learning opportunities and you may discover something that you did not know about yourself, your learning-style and your interests; (c) Always take a good care of your health, both physical and mental, and know that your health is much more important than getting an A in your class; (d) If you're struggling in a class for whatever reason, do not hesitate to reach out to your professor for help - they will listen and they will either help you themselves or connect you to a right person to help you."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I received a fellowship in 2022 to conduct a field research in Korea from the Korea Foundation; I received a Outstanding Junior Professor Award in 2021 at Winthrop University."
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Peter Thompson
Assistant Professor
Department of Government and Justice Studies
Program Area or Teaching Focus
African Politics; Comparative Politics; Environmental Politics
Research Interests
Conflict and Peace Studies; Migration; Climate-Induced Conflicts
Education
Ph.D. in Public Policy, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
M.A. in Political Science, Appalachian State University
M.I.A.D., Ahmadu Bello University
Why Appalachian?
"I did not hesitate to turn down other opportunities for App State because I am convinced that the the institutional arrangements guarantees the best opportunity for me to grow professionally as an academic. Also, the university played a major role in my success story and I felt this job is a great opportunity to "return the favor" by helping to make success stories of as many App State students that I encounter."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I met my wife at App State when I was an international student from Nigeria and she was an exchange student from Germany."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Whatever the mind can conceive, can be achieved. My life is a living proof of that."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I was one of the the recipients of the 2015 Appalachian Global Leadership Award."
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Jewel Parker
Adjunct Instructor
Department of History
Program Area or Teaching Focus
American History
Research Interests
Early American History; History of Medicine; Women and Gender History
Education
Ph.D. in History Candidate, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
M.A. and B.A. in History, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"App State has always felt like home to me. I also like the history department's goals for teaching and learning."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I am a Ph.D. in History Candidate at UNC-Greensboro. My dissertation project is entitled, 'The Intercultural Origins of Health Care in the Early American South.'"
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"It is okay to say that you don't know the answer to a question. It is more important that your learning progress over time and with practice."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
UNCG Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award for the College of Arts and Sciences for 2020-2021; UNCG History Department’s Senior Award for Teaching Excellence for a Doctoral Student for 2020-2021; Appalachian State University Graduate Student Outstanding Thesis Award in Arts and Humanities, 2018-2019
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Kelly Ann Renwick
Assistant Professor
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Global Studies; Global Health
Research Interests
"My research interests are at the intersection of climate change, food insecurity, the social determinants of health, and health outcomes."
Education
Ph.D. in Geography, McGill University
M.A. in Geography, Appalachian State University
B.A. in English, High Point University
B.S. in Biology, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"The Appalachian Mountains drew me to this region many years ago, here I found AppState, a gem hidden in these mountains. I have been a part of AppState in different capacities over a number of years and have grown to respect the values this university stands for - diversity, sustainability, community. Having an opportunity to make this university and this region my home has been my goal for a long time, I am thrilled to be here."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"My mother is American and my father is Grenadian. I was extremely fortunate to be able to travel and live in two different worlds during my youth, both Grenada and the U.S. Additionally, I was born in Canada so am able to claim triple citizenship. I also have twins."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Follow your own path."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I am on the board of Blue Ridge Women In Agriculture and enjoy working closely in our community around issues of access to local, healthy food."
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Andrea Bryant
Lecturer
Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Program Area or Teaching Focus
German
Research Interests
German-Language Teaching; Critical Multilingualism; Abolitionist and Anti-Racist Pedagogy; Black German Studies; Critical Discourse Analysis
Education
Ph.D in German, Georgetown University
M.A. in German Studies, University of Oklahoma
M.A.A.L. University of New England
B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"I graduated from Appalachian with a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion in 2000. Having grown up in the Caldwell County area, I found that attending the university here changed my life; the faculty were all so engaged and caring with their students and I really grew as a person, although I was just a 45-minute drive from my hometown. Years later, I have the wonderful opportunity to return to this alma mater and be on the other side of this change. I'm greatly looking forward to the chance to positively impact some students' lives as those faculty impacted mine."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"Before the pandemic started, I would travel by bus alone across continents. When I graduated from Appalachian State in 2000, I took my first ever bus ride from Charlotte, North Carolina to Portland, Oregon. It was a Greyhound bus and I can still remember the sights, smells, and sounds of the journey. I have since gone by bus from Leipzig, Germany to Lugano, Switzerland and from Washington, DC to Toronto by bus alone."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"'There are no bad decisions, only bad outcomes. What do you think the outcome is going to be?' from my high school guidance counselor."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"If I had one major personal-service goal, it would be the motto 'Be the person you needed when you were younger.' On a more personal level, I would like to learn to swim (l learned to float and tread water this summer.)"
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María Alejandra Riveros Torres
Visiting Scholar
Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Spanish Language Program
Research Interests
Spanish as a Second Language; Culture of Spain and Latin America
Education
Master's in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, The University of Salamanca
Why Appalachian?
"Because it is an excellent institution to work and study."
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Sydney Poore
Adjunct Instructor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Program Area or Teaching Focus
College Algebra
Research Interests
Mathematics Education
Education
M.A. and B.S. in Mathematics (Secondary Education), Appalachian State University
Why Appalachian?
"Even though I don't live in Boone anymore, I still wanted to be part of the Appalachian Family."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I play racquetball."
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Adam McKay
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Astronomy
Research Interests
Comets; Planet Formation; Planetary Science
Education
Ph.D. in Astronomy, New Mexico State University
B.A. in Astrophysics and Mathematics, Williams College
Why Appalachian?
"As a professor, I want to impact the lives of students and increase science knowledge in society. App State is a great place to achieve these goals, and in particular to focus more on undergraduate students while also allowing me to continue my research program. This includes using the Dark Sky Observatory, run by App State, for both research as well as public outreach in the community. I also really like being around mountains!"
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I have an asteroid named after me. It is pretty common for scientists who study comets and asteroids like I do to have an asteroid named after them, but it's still pretty cool!"
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Don't be afraid to ask questions!"
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"In my spare time I like to travel, play sports, watch sports, and play video games."
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Lauren Keroack
Lecturer
Department of Psychology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Advising and Undergraduate Internships
Education
M.S.W., University of South Florida
M.P.H., University of South Florida
B.S.W., University of South Florida
B.A. in Psychology, University of South Florida
Why Appalachian?
"I am thrilled to join a department that is invested in undergraduate education and committed to preparing students for life after college."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I grew up in a military family and lived abroad in the Middle East for a few years when I was younger."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Learn to be okay with uncertainty and not always knowing the answer."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I love to hike, travel, go to concerts, read, spend time with family, and tend to my two cats."
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Crystal Taylor
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
School Psychology
Research Interests
Universal Screening; Teacher Burnout and Stress; Social-Emotional and Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
Education
Ph.D. and M.A. in School Psychology, University of Missouri at Columbia
B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Why Appalachian?
"I came here for the strong school psychology program, the friendly psychology faculty, and family."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Take time for yourself. You can't succeed or enjoy the journey if you don't take care of YOU."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist."
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Katie Wolsiefer
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Experimental Psychology
Research Interests
Stereotypes; Prejudice; Discrimination; Social Cognition; Intergroup Processes
Education
Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder
B.A. in Psychology, Bellarmine University
Why Appalachian?
"App State is a perfect blend of emphasis on scholarship and teaching for me. My colleagues seem enthusiastic about the university, their students and scholarship, and it is in a beautiful location that affords access to my favorite hobbies."
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Rebecca Newman
Wellbeing Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor
Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Veterinary Technology
Research Interests
Wellbeing in Veterinary Medicine
Education
Psy.M. in Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University
B.A. in English and Psychology, Case Western Reserve University
A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Why Appalachian?
"App State is providing a space for innovative education in veterinary technology. I'm so excited to work with an amazing team and university to help shape the future of veterinary medicine."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I live on a farm in Colorado with my husband and 17 animals."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Remain teachable."
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Laura Switkowski
Lecturer
Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Veterinary Technology
Research Interests
Veterinary Nursing
Education
M.S. in Human Resources Management and Services, Ashworth College
B.A.S., Siena Heights University
A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, Macomb Community College
Why Appalachian?
"Love the team based method."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I worked in veterinary opthalmology for 11 years helping with cataract surgery."
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Ann Wortinger
Lecturer
Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Veterinary Technology
Education
B.I.S., Wayne State University
Certificate in Veterinary Technology, Michigan State University
Why Appalachian?
"Team-based learning and a great team to learn this with!"
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I am 1 of only 3 people to have attained 3 VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) certifications."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"You are responsible for setting and following your course schedule!"
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I foster underweight, poorly socialized kittens so they have the best chance of getting adopted and living happy lives."
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Leigha Wright
Clinical Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor
Department of Rural Resilience and Innovation
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Veterinary Technology
Research Interests
Veterinary Technology and Wellbeing in the Veterinary Field
Education
M.B.A., Lincoln Memorial University
B.S. and A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology, Morehead State University
Why Appalachian?
"I am originally from the Appalachian Mountains and coming to work with this University has given me a way to give back to my community."
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I enjoy crocheting and reading beside my two dogs and two cats. Also, even though I am from Pike County, Kentucky, I currently live in Texas."
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Your experiences shape you, this is not a bad thing. Build on your experiences and shape your future out of the best of them."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
Texas Veterinary Medical Association Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2021
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Rob Freeland
Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology
Program Area or Teaching Focus
Stratification (Gender, Race, Class); Social Psychology; Quantitative Methods; Work and Occupations
Research Interests
Inequality; Identity; Status; Work and Occupations; Quantitative Methods
Education
Ph.D. in Sociology, Duke
M.A. in Sociology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona
Why Appalachian?
"Great students, dedicated faculty, and a great place to live and work. What more could you ask for?"
What is something interesting about yourself?
"I once drove a matte-black '58 Ford wagon named 'Bouncy.'"
What is the best advice you were ever given or advice you like to share with your students?
"Everything's easy when you know the answer and hard when you don't."
Is there anything else you would like to share (awards, service, aspirations, hobbies, etc.)?
"I enjoy video games, home improvement and gardening, time with my family, the outdoors, and playing guitar very poorly."
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Not Pictured: Jeffrey Bruinsma (Lecturer, Department of English) and Nicholas Corrigan (Adjunct Instructor, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies)
Meet the New Faculty Members in App State's College of Arts and Sciences
Meet the New Faculty Members in App State's College of Arts and Sciences