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Benedictine University is an inclusive academic community dedicated to teaching and learning, scholarship and service, truth and justice, as inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, the social teaching of the Church, and the principles of wisdom in the Rule of St. Benedict.
Benedictine University aspires to be a thought leader in Catholic higher education. We seek to provide a transformative and integrative educational experience grounded in Benedictine values, helping students shape lives of meaning and purpose as engaged citizens who care for the earth, welcome people of diverse faiths and cultures, and promote the common good.
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Send Dr. Aldrich an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6519
Education:
Ph.D., University of Georgia, Athens (1997)
M.S., University of Minnesota, St. Paul (1991)
B.A., St. Olaf College (1987)
Experience:
Research Molecular Geneticist, USDA Forest Service (2000-2004)
Post-doc, Smithsonian Institution (1997-1999)
Courses Taught
Biology of Complex Systems, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Woody Plants Western Great Lakes Region, Biology Teaching, Biological Research
Awards and Recognition
Distinguished Faculty Award for Research 2012
Dean's Award for Research 2007
Research Area
Network and Systems Biology; DNA Linguistics; Plant Molecular Ecology; Scientometrics and Philosophy of Science, Wittgenstein; Gene regulatory networks, promoter networks, and/or protein similarity networks and the evolution of natural languages.
Recent Publications
Send Dr. Aleinikava an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6557
Education:
PhD in Physics, 2012 The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York,
PhD Thesis: Quantum Dislocations in Solid Helium-4
M.Phil. in Physics, 2008 The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York
M.S. in Physics, 2006 Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus, MS Thesis: Impedance
of Si/SiO2 Composites Near the Percolation Threshold
Research Interests:
• Finite-size systems: statistical mechanics and dynamics
• Strongly anharmonic systems: development of analytical tools, solution for long-standing problem of anharmonic density of states
• Condensed matter physics: properties of solid Helium
• Low-dimensional quantum systems
• Numerical and analytical methods in theory of 1D defects
• Monte-Carlo & Molecular Dynamics simulation methods
• Analysis of multicomponent systems dynamics by solving systems of nonlinear differential equations
Courses Taught
College Physics, College Physics Lab, Modern Physics
Recent Publications:
Send Dr. Arnold an Email
Phone: 630-829-6534
Dr. Catherine Arnold joined the faculty full-time in 1990. Her positions include Professor, Department Chair, and former Assistant to the Provost for University Assessment. Prior to teaching full-time, she worked as a clinical dietitian, community educator, consultant dietitian, and adjunct faculty member, Dr. Arnold earned her doctorate in Educational Psychology and Graduate Certificate in Advanced Quantitative Methods in Education from Northern Illinois University, and Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Rush University. She completed Advanced Specialty Training Certificate in Adult Weight Management (by CDR) and Leadership (Leadership Institute of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).
Dr. Arnold's research interests include Determining Predictors of health behavior change, self-efficacy and motivation, and student leadership, engagement, and learning. To support her endeavors, she received funding from five granting organizations for over $100,000, as well as a $210,000 grant from the USDA NIFA to support a Multicultural Scholars Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. Her work is published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Arnold delivered over 40 presentations at local, state, and international conferences.
Dr. Arnold is a past President of the Illinois Dietetic Association (IDA) and West Suburban Dietetic Association, past co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee of the IDA, and was appointed as a program reviewer by the by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Dr. Arnold was the recipient the Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alumnae of the Year Award from her high school, and Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award from the IDA. She is listed in Whos's Who in Education, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who in the World. Dr. Arnold was the recipient of the Judith Ann Whinfrey Distinguished Faculty Award for Leadership by Benedictine University (2019).
Send Dr. Beezhold an Email
Phone: 630-829-6528
Bonnie Beezhold, Ph.D., M.H.S., C.H.E.S.
Dr. Beezhold joined the tenure-track faculty in 2011. She earned a Master of Health Science degree in International Health (Nutrition focus) from Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Ph.D. from the interdisciplinary Physical Activity, Nutrition and Wellness doctoral program (Nutrition focus) at Arizona State University. She is certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES) by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, and leads the department's health education concentration. Dr. Beezhold primarily teaches and mentors graduate students in the MSNW program, but also teaches the undergraduate Health and Nutrition Education course. She is interested in fostering a greater public health perspective among undergraduate and graduate Nutrition students.
Dr. Beezhold's main research focus investigates the link between diet pattern and parameters of mental health in healthy populations, particularly comparing the vegan and omnivore diet. Another research avenue explores health outcomes associated with the hunter-gatherer diet compared to the modern diet. As a member of the American Society for Nutrition, she presents her research annually at the Experimental Biology conference, and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Beezhold regularly acts as a peer reviewer for numerous nutrition and medical journals such as the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Pediatrics. She is also a member of the American Public Health Association and the National Wellness Institute.
Send Dr. Bhagat an Email
Phone: 630-829-6297
Dr. Krishna Bhagat is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health. Her Bachelors degree is from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where her majors were Sociology and Gender and Women's Studies, with a minor in South Asian Studies. From there, she went on to earn a Masters in Public Health from Boston University in International Health and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her doctoral training is in Behavioral and Community Health from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Bhagat has experience managing large-scale research studies at an independent research company called NORC at the University of Chicago. She is also very passionate about addressing public health issues that affect societies across the globe and spent four years helping to develop, lead, and teach for an immersive Global Public Health program for undergraduate students. She is specifically interested in raising awareness about how public health intersects with gender and creating programming that empowers women around the world.
Dr. Bhagat's research interests include examining taken-for-granted public health 'stories' from a more critical lens so that we can work together to promote health in more holistic, effective, inclusive, and safer ways. Often, when it comes to factors related to our health, we mistake association for causation when in actuality, the relationship between different variables is much more complex than that. One example of this is the relationship between health and weight. It is readily assumed that over-weight and obesity lead to ill-health when in fact the connection between these two variables is hardly linear or isolated. Acknowledging this evidence, Dr. Bhagat's current research project includes working with students and community partners to design and deliver a novel non-weight centered health promotion program aimed at encouraging community members to have healthier relationships with themselves, their bodies, food, and physical activity.
Dr. Bhagat is also the on-campus student adviser and works closely with the Public Health Student Organization. She is happy to set aside time to speak with students about their progress in the department, career aspirations, or opportunities to be involved in research or service projects in public health.
Other than her work, Dr. Bhagat enjoys spending time with her family -including her two crazy kiddos-, running, and working on projects around the house.
Send Dr. Carvell an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6543
BenU faculty since 2009
Ph.D., Miami University
Courses Taught
Principles of Biology Lab, Biology of Mammals, Biology Teaching, Quantitative Biology Lab for Transfers
Awards and Recognitions:
Dean's Award for Leadership 2013
Send Dr. Comar an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6555
BenU faculty since 2001
Ph.D., University of Michigan (1996)
Courses Taught
Math for Elementary Teachers, Calculus with Analytics, Calculus for Life Sciences, Complex Variables, Mathematical Research
Research Area
hyperbolic manifolds, Kleinian groups, topology, and the teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics
Current Research Projects
Send Adrian an Email
Phone: 630-829-6542
Send Dr. DeLegge an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6556
BenU faculty since 2010
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2010)
B.S., Benedictine University (2005)
Courses Taught
Calculus with Analytics, Calculus with Analytics Laboratory, Calculus for Life Sciences, Mathematical Research
Research Area
Math biology, including ecological problems with financial analogs and epidemiology
Current Research Projects
Send Christopher an Email
Phone: 630-829-6282
Chris Duffrin is a Professor of Public Health at Benedictine University. Prior to joining the faculty at BU, Dr. Duffrin held positions at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, as Fellowship Director and Associate Professor, and as Director of Grants Development at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has also held various administrative positions in higher education, including, Dean, Associate and Assistant Dean, and Director of Grants Management. Prior to entering his academic career, Dr. Duffrin had a career in prehospital medicine, serving as an EMT and Paramedic, and working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Economic Development Administration, and Western Illinois Regional Council on flood relief mitigation efforts. In addition, he served in the State Division of EMS in Ohio, where he designed and coordinated the development of the first EMS grants program, state trauma system, and EMS for Children system. His area of research interest is in health education for minority and low literacy patient populations, health workforce development, rural health, and improving clinical outcomes in rural systems of care. He holds the PhD in Higher Education, MS in Community Health, MEd in Educational Leadership, and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), and has been a certified Paramedic /EMT since 1984.
Valerie Ellinger joined the Benedictine University team in 2011. She currently serves as RN-BSN faculty and the RN-BSN Clinical Coordinator. She enjoys teaching the Older Adult course and the RN-BSN Community & Leadership Clinical Experiences. She also assists RN-BSN students in Clinical Placement. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Nurse Education, at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (2009) and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at McKendree College (2000).
Previously, Ms. Ellinger has taught at the LPN level. Her specialty areas are Acute Care, Emergency and Psychiatric nursing. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Lambda Upsilon and Nu Pi chapters. She works on several committees, including Benedictine University’s Department of Nursing and Health, Curriculum, RN-BSN, DONH Advisory and Nursing Scholarship.
Send Dr. Fackenthal an Email
Phone: 630-829-1353
Education:
Courses taught:
BIOL 199/299 Principles of Biology Lab; BIOL 250 Genetics; BIOL 251 Genetics Laboratory; BIOL 393 Great Ideas in Biology and Medicine; INPH 591 Special Topics: Cancer Biology
Research: In our laboratory we examine the regulation of tumor suppressor genes, especially the hereditary breast/ovarian (HBOC) cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. We focus on 1) epigenetic regulation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene transcription, 2) response of tumor suppressors to genomic damage, 3) evolutionary conservation of cis-acting regulators of alternate mRNA splicing, and 4) clinically identified gene sequence variants of unknown significance as they affect alternate splicing patterns and cancer risk.
Recent Publications:
Send Dr. Ghaffari an Email
Phone: 630-829-2270
Dr. Ghaffari joined the Benedictine University Department of Nursing and Health in August 2017 as a tenure-track, assistant professor. His academic journey began with studying Medical Technology (B.Sc), followed by Medicine (MD-FMG), Community Health Education/Promotion (M.Ed) with focus on sexuality education and drug abuse prevention, BSN/MSN with focus on nursing administration, and PhD in Education with focus on learning and development. In addition to his medical and clinical background, he is an academically trained Nursing Administrator. He was trained and worked in diverse healthcare arena including acute care hospital, long-term and rehabilitative care, and assisted living. He designed, implemented, and evaluated health promotion programs related to sexuality education and drug abuse prevention for the college students.
Dr. Ghaffari maintains an active qualitative research program aimed at understanding and promoting students' academic and life success. He has developed, tested and published a conceptual model, the Trinity Paradigm of Intelligence, which provides a guiding framework for
his work. His current studies focus on assessing the effectiveness of exercise on student health and exploration of the role of socialization in promoting academic wellness.
Dr. Ghaffari presents nationally and internationally, and has published his findings in several peer-reviewed journals. He has chaired and served as a committee member in many dissertations, DNP and MSN capstone projects, and advised and mentored many undergraduate and graduate students.
Send Dr. Gorr an Email
Phone: 630/829-6566
Alan Gorr is Professor of Public Health. His professional interests include health promotion, international health manpower development and ethics. His professional preparation include BA from University Iowa, MA from University of Toronto, PhD from University of Iowa and MPH from University of Illinois at Chicago.
Gorr began his career at Augustana College Rock Island where he became Chair of Professional Studies and initated the Health Education Program. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Chicago where he was an Associate Professor in the Center for Educational Development (now the Department of Medical Education). The Center was a partner with the World Health Organization. While there he advised several nations at the health ministry level and worked as a consultant in Egypt, Sudan, India, and Myanmar. Gorr helped design the PhD in Nursing and the Health Education program for the School of Public Health where he held joint faculty appointments. He was co-editor of the Handbook of Health Professions Education.
At Benedictine University he became Chair of Public Health and then Dean of the College of Education and Health Services. While chair he initiated the online MPH program as well as Health Policy, Social Context of Health Care, and updated the Ethics course. He is the founder and director of the Benedictine University's MPH program in cooperation with Dalian Medical University in China.
BenU faculty member since 2016
Education and Experience
Assistant Professor, Benedictine University Department of Biological Sciences (present)
Visiting Assistant Professor, St. Mary’s College of Maryland Department of Biology 2015-2016
Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University; Department of Biological Sciences 2010-2015
Ph. D. Indiana University Bloomington 2004-2010
Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Minor: Neuroscience
B. S. cum laude University of Maryland Baltimore County 2000–2004
Biological Sciences; Minor: Chemistry
Research Summary
How does the brain generate social behavior? Successful social interaction requires the brain to receive and process sensory signals that communicate complex information and generate motor behavior fitting to the social context. My research examines social behavior from sensation to action, examining links between sensory and motor regions through the forebrain, and the role of these pathways in generating socially appropriate behavior. Key components of this network under investigation- the amygdala, basal ganglia, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis- are similar across vertebrates in developmental origin, neurotransmitter types, and connectivity with sensory and motor systems. Though these regions have been most thoroughly studied in the auditory contexts of stress and threat detection, my primary interest is how they influence social interaction. I use African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis), a well-established NIH model organism of social vocal communication, to examine how auditory information influences vocal performance. Research in my lab uses a variety of behavioral and physiological approaches to investigate the neurochemical mechanisms and neuroanatomical pathways involved in perceiving and processing social cues, and regulating social behaviors.
Publications ( * denotes undergraduate co-author)
Send Dr. Harden an Email
Phone: 630-829-6562
BenU Faculty since 2015
B.S. Biology, Davidson College (2007)
Ph.D. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington (2013)
Postdoctoral Researcher and Adjunct Professor, Davidson College (2014)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Loyola University Chicago (2014-15)
Courses Taught
BIOL 1197: Principles of Organismal Biology, BIOL 4363: Ecology, BIOL 4364: Ecology Lab, BIOL4303: Conservation Biology & Biodiversity, BIOL 2205: Environmental Science
Research Areas:
Physiological ecology; herpetology; wildlife conservation and outreach.
Current Research Projects
My central research questions revolve around how abiotic factors influence the physiology, behavior, and habitat preferences of ectothermic vertebrates (particularly reptiles and amphibians), with applications to their conservation and management. I collaborate with various colleagues around the country to study the effects of land-use and climate change on, and the ecological role of, amphibians and reptiles – in both natural and urban ecosystems. Current research projects and outreach events at Benedictine University can be found by visiting my website: http://leighanneharden.com
Send Dr. Heinz an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6581
BenU faculty since 2004
Postdoctoral fellow, Center for Insect Science, University of Arizona (2002-2004)
PhD, Cornell University (2002)
BS, University of Illinois (1993)
Courses Previously Taught
Ecology, Ecology Lab, Plant-Herbivore Interactions, Animal Behavior, Principles of Organismal Biology, Insect Biology
Awards and Recognitions
Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence by Fulltime Faculty 2012
Research Area
Plant-insect interactions, behavioral and chemical ecology, butterflies and other insects
Past Reasearch Projects
Dr. Ho taught as an adjunct faculty member before joining Benedictine as an Assistant Professor in Fall 2016. He received his Doctor of Public Health degree in Biostatistics, with an emphasis in statistical genetics and large-scale computing, from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2010). His Master of Public Health in Biometry is from San Diego State University (2004), and he holds a Biology degree from the University of California, San Diego (1999).
As a Senior Lead Statistician Dr. Ho has collaborated with eminent international PIs and led teams of statistical programmers, statisticians, and epidemiologists at a variety of institutions (UNC, UCSD, NIH, NIEHS, CDC, SRA International Inc., Agility Clinical Inc.) for more than 10 years, and he has authored and co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed articles.
His biostatistical experience in all three major areas of public health—academia, government, and private industry—offers invaluable insight to guiding Benedictine students toward a sector that best fits their career goals.
With superior technical expertise in online communication, SAS, R, and various Big Data analytical tools and languages, Dr. Ho looks forward to expanding Benedictine's analytical course offerings, collaborating with other departments, as well as continuing to teach for the Benedictine University's MPH program at Dalian Medical University in China.
Dr. Ho's special research interests include applying Big Data to further understanding public health, including epigenetic variables for personalized medicine, and social media impacts on health outcomes and choices. He is also interested in determinants of health that emphasize mind-body research.
Send Dr. Jezuit an Email
Phone: 630-829-6372
Dr. Jezuit joined Benedictine University as an Adjunct MSN Faculty in 2010 and was appointed in August 2014 as Assistant Professor. Prior to joining Benedictine, Dr. Jezuit served as the Director of an Associate Degree nursing program for 10 years and as assistant professor at Northern Illinois University in the BSN program for 6 years. She has served as a doctoral advisor for several students.
Dr. Jezuit has nearly 40 years of nursing experience including critical care nursing and nursing management, curriculum development and program design, ethics, and nursing presentations.
Earned degrees include: PhD in Nursing Ethics from Rush University, Chicago, with a focus on end of life issues. She received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) from Purdue University Calumet, Hammond IN as a critical care clinical specialist and Bachelor Science Degree in Nursing from Ball State University in Muncie IN.
Send Dr. Kaur an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6558
BenU faculty since 2001
Ph.D., University of Illinois (2001)
M.Phil, University of Delhi, India (1991)
Courses Taught
Calculus with Analytics I, II, and III, Business Calculus, College Trigonometry, Discrete Mathematics, Introduction to Cryptology, Real Analysis I and II, The Mathematical Universe (for liberal arts general education), Mathematical Research
Awards and Recognitions:
University Activities
Research Interests
Functional Analysis, Operator Theory, Cryptology, Use of Technology in Mathematics Education, Applications of Mathematics, and Humanistic Mathematics
Current Research
Selected Publications
National Committees
Send Luke an Email
Phone: 630-829-6540
Luke Kendall joined the Computer Science department at Benedictine University in the Fall of 2020 as an adjunct professor. He earned Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Benedictine University in 2019, as well as a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Lewis University in 2020. Mr. Kendall currently works full time as a software developer and techincal consultant building web-based applications for a clients in a wide variety of fields. As an instructor, Mr. Kendall has taught Computer Programming, Introduction to Web applications, and Advanced Web Applcation Development.
Send Dr. Larsen an Email
Phone: 630-829-6570
Education:
Courses Taught: Organic Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory, General Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Introduction to Biochemistry, and Honors General Chemistry Laboratory
Research Interest: Transition metal-catalyzed isomerization of alkenes, which involves the atom economical migration of carbon-carbon double bonds. The challenges to be met include: positional and stereochemical selectivity, substrate generality, and simplicity of catalyst use. Alkene isomerization is an important process in the chemical industry that contributes to many applications, including the SHOP process, DuPont’s adiponitrile process, Takasago synthesis of (-)-menthol, and for the synthesis of fragrances, to name a few.
Students will learn techniques in organic synthesis to synthesize parts of the catalyst and organic substrates for catalysis; organometallic synthesism to make the catalyst; and molecule characterization to analyze the synthesized compounds and products made during catalysis. Students will not only perform chemistry in open air, but will be exposed to air free techniques (Schlenk techniques and glove box).
Project 1: Synthesis of Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is a natural product synthesized by worker bees as a form of nutrition for the queen bee in a colony, where this compound has been reported to have pharmacological properties. The current synthetic route requires 6 steps for its completion. We are seeking a more economical approach to its synthesis.
Project 2: Synthesis of Pheromones
Pheromones are signaling molecules naturally synthesized by organisms as a social cue to impact social behaviors. Harnessing unique reactivity using the alkene isomerization catalyst has the potential to lead to a class of Lepidopteran pheromones.
Project 3: Construction of a Catalytically Active Metal Organic Framework (MOF)
Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs for short) are a subclass of polymeric compounds. Organic scaffolds are linked together with structural metals to form 3-dimensional structures that have pores for molecules, solvent or substrates, to move in and out of the structure. With the right organic scaffold linker, we have the potential of making a new class of catalysts using organometallic synthesis.
Patents
Douglas Grotjahn, Casey Larsen, Gulin Erdogan, Erik Paulson. “Terminal Alkene MonoIsomerization Catalysts and Methods,” US Patent, 2017, 9,708,236.
Recent Publications:
Casey R. Larsen and Douglas B. Grotjahn.* “The Value and Application of Transition Metal Catalyzed Alkene Isomerization In Industry” Applied Homogeneous Catalysis with Organometallic Compounds: A Comprehensive Handbook in Three Volumes; Boy Cornils, Wolfgang A. Herrmann, Matthias Beller, and Rocco Paciello, Eds.; Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. Third Edition, 2018, pages 1365-1378
Jeffrey Camacho-Bunquin,* Magali Ferrandon, Uggal Das, Fulya Dogan, Cong Liu, Casey R. Larsen, Ana E. Platero-Prats, Larry A. Curtiss, Adam S. Hok, Jeffrey T. Miller, SonBinh T. Nguyen, Christopher L. Marshall, Massimiliano Delferro, and Peter C. Stair. “ Supported Aluminum Catalysts for Olefin Hydrogenation” ACS Catal. 2016, 7, 689.
Casey R.Larsen, Erik R. Paulson, Gulin Erdogan, and Douglas B. Grotjahn.* “A Facile, Convenient, and Green Route to (E)-Propenylbenzene Flavors and Fragrances by Alkene Isomerization” Synlett, 2015, 26, 2462.
Douglas B. Grotjahn, Casey R. Larsen, and Gulin Erdogan. “Bifunctional catalyst control of alkene isomerization” Topics in Catalysis, 2014, 57, 1483.
Graham E. Dobereiner, Gulin Erdogan, Casey R. Larsen, Douglas B. Grotjahn, Richard R. Schrock. “A One-Pot Tandem Olefin Isomerization/Metathesis-Coupling Reaction.” ACS Catal. 2014, 4, 3069
Casey R. Larsen, Gulin Erdogan, and Douglas B. Grotjahn. “General catalyst control of the monoisomerization of 1-alkenes to trans-2-alkenes.” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 1226.
Casey R. Larsen and Douglas B. Grotjahn.* “Stereoselective Alkene Isomerization Over One Position.” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 10357.
Send Dr. Libner an Email
Phone: 630-829-1153
Dr. Libner joined Benedictine University in August 2011 as faculty and Director of the RN to BSN Program. In August 2014, she assumed the role of Chair of the Department of Nursing and Health. Teaching responsibilities are met in both the hybrid RN to BSN and 100% online MSN Programs. Prior to joining Benedictine, Dr. Libner served many years as a nursing faculty member and chairperson. She taught all levels of medical-surgical nursing, including supervising clinical experiences in over a dozen acute and long-term healthcare settings as well as meeting administrative responsibilities.
In 2010, Dr. Libner was appointed to the Illinois Board of Nursing, served as Chair from 2014-2016, and as a member of the Education Subcommittee throughout her tenure on the Board. In collaboration with a nurse educator colleague, she developed the Illinois Board of Nursing’s Remediation Strategies for programs with poor NCLEX pass rates. Dr. Libner was awarded fellowship in the National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Institute of Regulatory Excellence Fellowship Program pursuing her interest in the implications of nurses' understanding of licensure regulation in Illinois. Dr. Libner currently serves as chair for the Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing and as a Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.
Dr. Libner earned an Ed.D. with a focus in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a clinical specialty in medical-surgical nursing from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Northern Illinois University. She holds certification as a nurse educator with the National League for Nursing and as a gerontological nurse with the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Dr. Annie W. Lin joined the Department of Nutrition as an Assistant Professor in 2020. She completed a joint MS/RD program at Rush University and a PhD in Human Nutrition at Cornell University (minoring in nutritional epidemiology, physiology). She was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the NCI-funded T32 Behavioral and Psychosocial Research Training Program in Cancer Prevention and Control at Northwestern University. She currently holds a dual appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University.
Her research program focuses on using technology-assisted strategies to promote healthy dietary behaviors in the context of cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Lin is currently leading several collaborations that investigate how to effectively facilitate conversations about health promotion between patients and clinicians via technology. With the support of undergraduate research assistants and collaborators, she hopes to encourage successful translation of nutrition research into clinical practice.
Dr. Lin’s peer-reviewed publications can be found here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1hw_BdgAx_sQf/bibliography/public/
Send Dr. LoVerde an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6296
Dr. LoVerde joined Benedictine University as Adjunct faculty in the summer of 2018 and was appointed in January 2020 as tenure track Assistant Professor. In September 2020 she assumed the role of Director of the RN-BSN program. Prior to joining Benedictine Dr. LoVerde taught at Aurora University where she started as Adjunct faculty in the BSN program, was appointed Assistant Professor and advanced to an Associate Professor. Her teaching responsibilities included Coordinating the Community/Public Heath course and teaching Nursing Fundamentals I and II didactic, lab, and clinical. She was also Adjunct faculty in Elmhurst College’s MSN program.
Dr. LoVerde joined Benedictine following completion of her Ph.D. from Illinois State University with a research focus on nursing education. She received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from Saint Xavier University. Her master’s degree focused on community health and education. She is Certified as a Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League of Nursing.
Dr. LoVerde has over 35 years of nursing experience including ICU/CCU. Medical-Surgical nursing, and Home Health Care.
She is currently serving as Vice President of the Lambda-Upsilon at-large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.
Send Jennifer an Email
Phone: 630-829-6219
Send Dr. Maki an Email
Phone: 630-829-1351
BenU Faculty since 2017
Ph.D. – Northwestern University, 2009
B.A. – Gustavus Adolphus College, 2004
Courses Taught
Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Medicinal Chemistry, Reactions Mechanisms, Organic Synthesis, Inorganic Chemistry
Research Area
Organic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, catalysis, nucleophilic fluorination, medicinal chemistry
Current Research Projects:
Project 1 – Pyrrole library synthesis. Inspired by the biosynthesis of pyrroles, our lab seeks to synthetically access libraries of these small molecules with the larger goal of exploring the medicinal potential of this class of known bioactive compounds. The syntheses are achieved through an Achmatowitz / Paal-Knorr strategy, allowing access to high yields and a variety of structures.
Project 2 – New compounds for nucleophilic fluorination. Fluorine is a commonly used isostere in medicinal and polymer chemistry, and it can have profound effects on stability, activity, and the physical properties of chemical compounds. Our research is focused on developing new ways of introducing fluorine to organic compounds under safe, mild conditions.
BenU Faculty since 2020
Education:
Ph.D. Development, Regeneration, and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago 2019
M.S. Developmental Biology, University of Chicago 2019
B.S. Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University 2013
Courses Taught:
BIOL1198-Principles of Biology; BIOL1199-Principles of Biology Lab; BIOL2250-Genetics
Research Area:
Omics, Bioinformatics, Genetics, and Student Motivation in Biology
Current Projects:
Send Dr. Marin an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6579
BenU faculty since 2003
Ph.D. Northwestern University (2001)
M.S. Northwestern University (1997)
B.S. Benedictine University (1996)
Courses Taught
Classical Thermodynamics, Quantum and Statistical Mechanics, Molecular Dynamics and Kinetics, Physical Chemistry Laboratory, General Chemistry, General Chemistry Laboratory, Computational Modeling of Physical and Chemical Principles
Awards and Recognition:
Research Area
radiation chemistry, spectroscopy, photophysics, electron-transfer processes, chemical and physical properties of water
Current Research Projects:
Project 1: Due to their uniquely beneficial properties as combinatorially flexible solvents, hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquids are presently being considered as replacements for molecular diluents in "wet" processing of nuclear waste for advanced fuel cycles. To realize this great promise, these diluents need to be made resistant to ionizing radiation generated by decaying radionuclides. This requires suppression of bond fragmentation that occurs in electronically excited ions. We are examining the radiation chemistry of ionic liquids using flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis techniques at Argonne National Laboratory.
Project 2: Above the critical point, water is thought to exist as a dynamic system consisting of single water molecules and nanoclusters of dimers, trimers, etc., and the electronic states of these various species are highly energetically sensitive to the local hydrogen bonding structure. We are studying the vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy of the lowest-lying electronic state of sub- and supercritical water to glean information on changes to the hydrogen bonding environment as a function of temperature and density. We have designed a unique high-sensitivity vacuum ultraviolet absorption experiment at the Synchrotron Radiation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, to probe these changes directly, and are doing so from room temperature up to supercritical conditions, and then as a function of density for supercritical water.
Current Research Collaborators:
Research Grants and Funding:
Proressional Activities:
Current and Former Research Students:
Send Dr. Mascarenhas an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6587
BenU faculty since 2003
Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Courses Taught
Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Laboratory Courses for Majors and Non-majors, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Organic Spectroscopy
Awards and Recognition:
Research Area
Organic synthesis; asymmetric catalysis; chemical education
Current Research Projects:
Organic synthesis; organocatalytic conjugate additions and aldol reactions; asymmetric hydrogenations; chemical education research
Current Research Coolaborator:
Research Grants and Funding
Recipient of a Benedictine University Summer Faculty Fellowship, sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Association, $10,000
Professional Activities:
Current and Former Research Students:
Recent Publications:
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations:
Send Dr. McCarthy an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6577
BenU Faculty since 2012
Ph.D. - Hominid Paleobiology, The George Washington University (2004)
M.Phil. - Hominid Paleobiology, The George Washington University (2000)
B.A. - Anthropology Rutgers University (1996)
Courses Taught
Human Anatomy, Human Anatomy Lab, Human Evolution and Gross Dissection Anatomy
Research Area
Evolution of human speech and language; growth and development of the primate and hominin skull, geometric morphometrics; comparative methods and primate life history.
Current Research Project
Send Dr. Mirsky an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6561
BenU Faculty since 2014
Ph.D., Northwestern University (2008)
M.S., Northwestern University (2006)
B.S., Illinois Institute of Technology (2004)
B.S., Benedictine University (2004)
Research areas
Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Signal & Image Processing and Robotics.
Current research projects
Courses taught
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Networks & Data Communication, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Technical Communications, Object Oriented Design & Programming, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming, Python Programming Lab, Microsoft Excel Lab, Science Applications Lab, and Introduction to Computing
Send Dr. Nadolski an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6537
BenU faculty since 2004
Ph.D., University of Kentucky (2004)
M.S., University of Kentucky
B.S., Benedictine University (1998)
Courses Taught
Introduction to Calculus, Calculus with Analytics III
Awards and Recognitions:
Research Area
Mixture Modeling, Functional Data Analysis, and Computational Statistics
Current Research
The investigation using a Bayesian Occupancy model to detect the dispersion and possible eradication of the tree of heaven from West Virginia.
Send Dr. Narayanan an Email
Phone: 630-829=6559
BenU faculty since 2020
Ph.D. - Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
M.Sc. - Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
B.Sc. - University of Madras, Chennai, India
Courses Taught
Introduction to Chemistry, Biochemistry
Research Area
Biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical education
Dr. Narayanan research focuses on the computational and experimental approaches to studying structure and dynamics of biomolecules. More specifically he is interested in developing and characterizing new fluorescent nucleic acid bases (FBAs), understanding the mechanism of mitochondrial electron transport chain protein called Complex I, purification and characterize-ation of photolyases/crytochromes in various species.
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS IN THE DISCIPLINE
Incubating the SENCER Ideals with Project-Based Learning and Undergraduate Research, R. D Sieg, N. Beverly, Madhavan Narayanan, G. Surendran, J. Sabatini, D. S. Smyth, Science Education and Civic Engagement-An International Journal, Volume 11 Issue 1 · Winter 2019
Madhavan Narayanan, Vijay R. Singh, Goutham Kodali, Katarina Moravcevic, and Robert J. Stanley, (2017) An Ethenoadenine FAD Analog Accelerates UV Dimer Repair by DNA Photolyase. Photochemistry and photobiology, 93: 343–354
Madhavan Narayanan, S. Leung, Y. Inaba, M. Elguindy, E. Nakamaru-Ogiso (2015) Semiquinone intermediates are involved in the energy coupling mechanism of E. coli. Complex I, Biochimica et Biophysica acta - Bioenergetics 1847, 8, 681–689
E. Nakamaru-Ogiso, Madhavan Narayanan, J. Sakyiama, (2014) Roles of semiquinone species in proton pumping mechanism by complex I, J. Bioenerg. Biomembr., 46(4):269-77
Madhavan Narayanan, D. Gabrieli, S. Leung, M. Elguindy, C. Glaser, N. Saju, S. Sinha, E. Nakamaru- Ogiso, (2013) Semiquinone and Cluster N6 Signals in His-tagged Proton-translocating NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase (Complex I) from Escherichia coli. J. Biol. Chem. 288: 14310-14319
Madhavan Narayanan, G. Kodali, V. Velvadapu, V. Singh, R. Stanley (2012) Oxidation and reduction potentials of 8-vinyladenosine measured by cyclic voltammetry: Implications for photoinduced electron transfer quenching of a fluorescent adenine analog, J. Photochem. Photobiology, 249, 9-14
G. Kodali, Madhavan Narayanan, R. Stanley (2012) Excited-State Electronic Properties of 6-Methyl-isoxanthopterin (6-MI): An Experimental and Theoretical Study, J. Phys. Chem. B, 116, 2981-2989
Madhavan, Narayanan, G. Kodali, V. Singh, Y. Xing, R. Stanley, (2010) Differential quenching of fluorescent base analogs by nucleotide monophosphates, J. Phys. Chem. B, 114 (17), pp 5953–5963)
Madhavan Narayanan, G. Kodali, Y.Xing, and R.Stanley, (2010) Photoinduced electron transfer occurs between 2-aminopurine and the DNA nucleic acid monophosphates: results from cyclic voltammetry and fluorescence quenching, J. Phys. Chem. B, 114 (32), pp 10573–10580.
G. Kodali, K. A. Kistler, Madhavan Narayanan, S. Matsika and R. Stanley, (2010) Change in electronic structure upon optical excitation of 8-Vinyladenosine: An Experimental and Theoretical Study. J. Phys. Chem. A, 114 (1), pp 256–267
BOOK CHAPTERS
Send Dr. Novack-Gottshall an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6514
BenU Faculty since 2009
Ph.D., Duke University (2004)
M.S., University of Cincinnati (1999)
B.S., Moravian College (1996)
Courses Taught
Principles of Organismal Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleobiology, Great Ideas in Biology and Medicine
Research Areas
paleobiology; comparative paleoecology; body size evolution and macroecology; morphometrics; marine invertebrates
Recent Publications
Dr. Gina Panozzo joined Benedictine University in August 2017 as a tenure track Assistant Professor. Gina is happy to return to Benedictine after being a pre-nursing student there from 2000-2002. Her background includes psychiatric and mental health nursing, home health, hospice, QI/PI management, consulting, and academia. She has taught at the ADN, BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN and DNP levels (didactic, online, and in psychiatric clinical settings). She is passionate about working with underserved and diverse individuals such as the homeless and mentally ill populations. She has taught in state psychiatric facilities and coordinated numerous food/clothing drives for patients. She is fluent in Spanish. Gina received her BSN from the University of St. Francis, MSN in nursing administration from Aurora University, and DNP in systems leadership from Rush University. She is board certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing and a certified nurse educator. She enjoys tutoring and mentoring students as well as speaking at student professional conferences and lunch and learn sessions. She is a member of two chapters of Sigma Theta Tau International, the NLN, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. She is an invited member of the IL APNA Nursing Education Taskforce and was elected as Secretary to the IL APNA Board in 2020. Gina received the 40 Under 40 Award in 2016 through the Illinois Nurses Association. Gina's research and publications are focused on reducing readmissions at home health agencies, schizophrenia and therapeutic relationships, interprofessional relationships in mental health, and faculty caring. She has been a poster presenter and speaker at numerous conferences regarding psychiatric nursing, student advocacy, and home health quality improvement outcomes.
Send Dr. Perez Morales an Email
Phone: 630-829-1359
Education:
B.S. Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus 2007
M.S. Microbiology, University of Iowa 2010
Ph.D. Microbiology, University of Iowa 2013
Postdoctoral Trainee, University of Illinois at Chicago 2013-2017
Courses Taught:
BIOL1198: Principles of biology; BIOL3208: Microbiology Lab; BIOL5354: Immunology; BIOL5591: Special Topics in Biology, Infectious Diseases
Research Interest
Our laboratory focuses on Lactobacillus sp, a human commensal of the gastrointestinal and vaginal tract. We are working to define how Lactobacilli communicate and respond as a bacterial community. Our long term goals are to determine the effects of this communication for host cells. Our projects include characterizing quorum sensing pathways, identifying cellular and environmental signals, and discovery of quorum sensing effects in cells.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.perezmoraleslab.com
Recent Publications:
Send Dr. Poch an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6227
BenU faculty since 2013
Courses Taught
General Microbiology, Cell Molecular Biology Laboratory
Send Dr. Polyak an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6217
Georgeen Polyak is an Associate Professor at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.She teaches courses in health systems, health policy, and coordinates on campus student internships.Her primary research interest is in public health services and systems.She has published studies on the performance and funding of public health agencies.Prior to her teaching position, she was Director of Public Health for the Village of Oak Park, Illinois and worked at the Will County Health Department. She is a site reviewer for the Public Health Accreditation Board. She received her doctorate in Public Health Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Send Dr. Richey an Email
Phone: (620) 829-6189
Dr. Richey joined Benedictine University as Adjunct MSN Faculty in 2011 and was appointed in August 2012 as Associate Professor. Prior to joining Benedictine, Dr. Richey served as Associate Professor in Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa.
Dr. Richey has over 30 years of experience including, mental health nursing, burn nursing, health promotion, nursing management, curriculum development and new program design, nursing research, academia and public speaking.
Earned degrees include: Doctor of Education, specializing in Health Professions Education from College of Saint Mary, Omaha NE. She received her Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) from Drake University, Des Moines, IA, and Bachelor Science Degree in Nursing also from Drake University. In addition, she holds a Diploma in Nursing from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa, (1982).
Dr. Richey completed her doctoral dissertation on Registered Nurses’ Perceptions of Health Literacy and Its Effect on Patient Self-Efficacy and Patient Health Care Decisions. Current research interests include: effectiveness of communication and patient education methods among high-risk patient groups; importance of curricula development that stress health literacy; homelessness and its effect on self-efficacy, patient access and patient health care decisions.
Dr. Richey is passionate about health literacy and about meeting the needs of the underserved and homeless. She is devoted to assisting others in the development of their own areas of passion in the service of nursing leadership and nursing education and sharing her love for the profession with her students.
Send Dr. Ridge an Email
Phone: (630) 829-1160
Alison Ridge joined Benedictine University in June 2012 as MSN Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing and Health. Prior to joining Benedictine, she was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Community, Systems, and Mental Health Nursing at Rush College of Nursing in Chicago, IL. Over her twelve years on faculty at Rush, she taught didactic and practicum courses in three pre-licensure programs and taught online at the master's and doctoral level. Her administrative expertise grew during the seven years she served as clinical nurse manager of a geropsychiatry unit followed by eight years as a project director on two NIH funded research grants. She received her BSN, MSN specializing in psychiatric nursing, and DNP in systems leadership from Rush College of Nursing. Her practice has focused on the care of acute and chronically ill adults with mental health issues as well as promoting young children's social emotional development through her work with the Chicago Parent Program, an evidence-based parent training program delivered to diverse parents in community settings. Her research interests include online education and program assessment. She became a Certified Nurse Educator in 2011, is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and the National League for Nursing. She has received recognition in leadership, mentoring, and teaching and was awarded a two-year Wiley Faculty Fellowship in 2014.
Send Dr. Ritt an Email
Phone: 630-829-1933
Dr. Elizabeth Ritt, a full-time, tenured professor in the graduate nursing program at Benedictine University, received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing from North Park University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University, and a Doctor of Education with an emphasis on Leadership and Educational Policy Studies from Northern Illinois University. In addition, she holds certifications as a Nurse Executive-Advanced and Nurse Educator. Dr. Ritt has over 25 years of progressive leadership and teaching experience in higher education, having served as director of education, national health care consultant, department chair, dean, and provost at various institutions. Dr. Ritt maintains executive level expertise in regional, national, and programmatic accreditation; principles of adult learning; strategic and financial planning; assessment and evaluation; faculty development; and online education. She is nationally known for her collaborative and entrepreneurial abilities to build strategic partnerships, develop new and innovative academic programs, and grow robust enrollment across various academic disciplines. Dr. Ritt has presented and published in the areas of faculty development, clinical analytics, and recently completed a research study that examined the identification of post-acute patients at risk for hospital readmission. Dr. Ritt has received a Fulbright Scholarship, numerous professional grants, and served as an evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association. She has been involved with the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) since its inception and has served on the Accreditation, Report Review, and Nominating Committees as well as an on-site evaluator and team leader. Currently, she is serving on the CCNE Board of Commissioners as secretary and faculty representative as well as co-chair of the Report Review Committee.
Send Dr. Ronkainen an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6549
BenU faculty since 2004
Ph.D., University of Cincinnati (2003)
B.S., Butler University (1997)
Courses Taught
General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Principles of Biochemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry and Chemical Sensors
Awards and Recognitions:
Research Area:
Bioanalytical chemistry; electroanalytical methods; biosensors; bead-based immunoassays; water analysis; chemical education
Current Research Projects:
Development and optimization of electrochemical detection methods; enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors; immunoassays in clinical chemistry applications; trace metal analysis of wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages; class room strategies in chemistry education
Current Research Coolaborator:
Research Grants and Funding
Professional Activities:
Current and Former Research Students:
Recent Publications * Indicates the corresponding author
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations:
Send Dr. Rubush an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6533
BenU Faculty since 2014
Postdoctoral Fellow: Vanderbilt University, Jeffrey Johnston (2012-2014)
Ph.D. Chemistry, Colorado State University, Tomislav Rovis (2012)
B.S. Chemistry, Calvin College, Ronald Blakespoor (2006)
Courses Taught:
Organic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Research Areas:
Asymmetric organocatalysis, reaction development, synthesis of biologically important molecules including potential malaria and cancer therapeutics, green chemistry, chemical education
Current Research Projects:
My research program focuses on developing new and environmentally friendly chiral organocatalysts and ligands to create sustainable routes to cancer and malaria therapeutics.
Current and Former Research Students:
Fall 2014
Cameron Pombert (Biochemistry)
Mike Strongy (Chemistry)
Mohammed Farhan (Business with Science Applications)
Recent Publications:
Benedictine University
Rubush, D. M. * 2014. Diphenylphosphoric Acid. e-EROS Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. 1–6.
Colorado State University
"Stereoselective Synthesis of Dioxolanes and Oxazolidines via a Desymmetrization Acetalization/Michael Cascade." David M. Rubush and Tomislav Rovis* Synlett 2014, 25, 713-717.
"An Asymmetric Synthesis of 1,2,4-Trioxane Anticancer Agents via Desymmetrization of Peroxyquinols through a Brønsted Acid Catalysis Cascade." Journal of the American Chemical Society David M. Rubush, Michelle A. Morges, Barbara J. Rose, Douglas H. Thamm, and Tomislav Rovis* 2012, 134, 13554-13557.
Calvin College
"Photochemical Synthesis of 3-Alkynals from 1-Alkynoxy-9,10-anthraquinones." Ronald L. Blankespoor*, Peter J. Boldenow, Eric C. Hansen, Jeffrey M. Kallemeyn, Andrew G. Lohse, David M. Rubush and Derek Vrieze Journal of Organic Chemistry 2009, 74, 3933-3935.
Professional Activities:
Member, American Chemical Society, Organic Division
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations:
“Enantioselective Chiral Acid-Catalyzed Desymmetrization of p-Quinols and p-Peroxyquinols to form Heterocycles” Rubush, D. M.; Rovis, T. 242th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Denver, CO; August 2011. (Talk)
“Progress Toward the Total Synthesis of Stemocurtisine Utilizing an Asymmetric Stetter Reaction” Rubush, D. M.; Rovis, T. 240th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, MA; August 2010. (Talk)
“Toward the Total Synthesis of Stemocurtisine Utilizing an Asymmetric Intramolecular Stetter Reaction” Rubush, D. M.; Rovis, T. National Organic Chemistry Symposium, Boulder, CO; June 2009. (Poster)
“Progress Toward the Total Synthesis of Stemocurtisine” Rubush, D. M.; Rovis, T. Albert I. Meyers Symposium, Fort Collins, CO; October 2008. (Poster)
“Synthesis of Beta-Alkynals via the Photolysis of Substituted Anthraquinones” Blankespoor, R. L.; Boldenow, P. J.; Lohse, A. G.; Rubush, D. M. 235th American Chemical Society National Meeting, New Orleans, LA; April 2008. (Poster)
Send Dr. Sarathy an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6580
BenU Faculty since 2007
Ph.D. - Physiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL (1999)
M.Phil - Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, India (1991)
M.S. - Biophysics, University of Madras, India (1990)
B.S. - Physics, University of Madras, India (1988)
Courses Taught
Undergraduate Level
BIOL 258 – Human Physiology
BIOL 259 – Human Physiology Lab
BIOL 391 – Pathophysiology: Special topics
BIOL 340 – Cell Biology
BIOL 150 – Biology of Women
Graduate Level
EXPH 591/HLSC 392 – Exercise Biochemistry
EXPH 560/NUTR 560/HLSC 360 – Advanced Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
Awards and Recognitions:
Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence by an Adjunct Faculty 2010
Research Area
My research interests are to elucidate, at a molecular level, the processes that modulate ion transport across epithelial cells. Epithelia, such as those lining the gastrointestinal tract, are multi-faceted and complex. For example, salt and water transport along the length of the intestine needs to be tightly regulated for normal function, and aberrations can result in some of the most devastating forms of diarrhea in a variety of species. Regulation of ion and water transport is also important in the mammary epithelia and aid with milk secretion. Therefore, studying the cellular and molecular regulation of ion transport by hormones, chemicals and drugs is important in defining fundamental physiological processes of fluid absorption and secretion, which can pertain to epithelial cells from mammalian mammary to the colonic epithelial cells. Model systems such as the human colon carcinoma cell-line (T84 cells) and mouse mammary epithelial cells (HC11) are used in these studies.
Current Research Projects
Publications
Books/Chapters Published
Papers Published (Graduate and undergraduate students and Research Specialists mentored are italicized)
Peer-reviewed Abstracts
Send Dr. Schurman an Email
Phone: (630) 829-2171
BenU Staff since 2007
Ed.D., Benedictine University, 2012
Courses Taught
Fitness Testing, Internships
Send Beth an Email
Phone: 480-878-6705
BenU Faculty since 2004
Ph.D., University of Connecticut Health Center (2004)
B.S., Benedictine University (1998)
Courses Taught
Genetics, rDNA Lab, Neurobiology and Cell/Molecular Biology Lab
Research Areas
Aging, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Drosophila, RNA Processing
Peer-Reviewed Publications Undergraduate students are underlined.
Additional Publications
Send Dr. Sochacki an Email
Phone: 630-829-6597
Dr. Paula Milas Sochacki joined the university as an adjunct faculty in 2007. In 2017, she was hired full-time as an Assistant Professor and the DPD Program Director. Recently she was Assistant Professor at Dominican University for the undergraduate program. Her previous clinical work experience were primarily within the area of renal and transplant nutrition at the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago and Fresenius Medical Care North America. She has also been fortunate to work in a wide variety of clinical and community nutrition settings throughout the Chicago-land area.
Dr. Sochacki completed her doctoral degree at Northern Illinois University where her research interests focused on Leadership, Diversity and Career Pathway development of Dietitians. She also received her Master in Public Health (Concentration in Community Nutrition) from Benedictine University. She has been involved in a variety of capacities at both the district and state level. Her recent professional leadership positions are: the West Suburban Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (WSAND) Past-President, Committee Chair and Programming Committee Member. Within the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) she has continued to be involved as being the Membership Committee Co-Chair and as a Planning Committee Member for the IAND Spring Assembly.
Dr. Sochacki has been the recipient of the: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarship for Doctoral Research, the Dietitian of the Year (2016-2017) and Young Dietitian of the Year (2010-2011) both awarded from Illinois by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Recipient of the Leadership Award in Adult and Higher Education by Northern Illinois University, and was the recipient of the Benedictine University undergraduate commencement Procopian Award.
Dr. Sochacki is passionate about the importance of continuing professional development and the role of leadership within one's professional organization. Her ongoing participation has been evident, and she hopes to encourage all nutrition professionals to acquire influential positions of leadership; where their "voices" can be heard and they can impact decisions related to the future growth of the dietetics and nutrition profession.
Send Dr. Sonnenberger an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6538
BenU faculty since 1985
PhD, State University of New York
BS, Canisius College
Courses Taught: General Chemistry Currently serving in a full-time administrative position as Associate Provost
Professional Activities: Member, American Chemical Society Research Area: Organometallic chemistry
Awards and Honors: The Benedictine Life Award, 2007
Send Dr. Stefanoski an Email
Phone: 630-829-1357
BenU Faculty since 2017
Ph.D. University of South Florida (2012)
M.S. University of South Florida (2010)
B.S. St. Cyril and Methodius University, Republic of Macedonia (2005)
Courses Taught
College Physics I and II, College Physics I and II Laboratories, University Physics, Modern Physics Laboratory, Classical Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Research Areas
Photovoltaics, Batteries, Renewable Energy, Thermoelectricity
Current Research Projects
Project 1: Batteries for biomedical applications
Batteries can be used as power sources for motorized wheelchairs, surgical tools, cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, dynamic prostheses, sensors and monitors for physiological parameters, neurostimulators, devices for pain relief, iontophoresis, electroporation, and related devices for drug administration. Students investigate the types of battery chemistries used for biomedical applications and test their properties by using instrumentals such as potentiostats/galvanostats.
Project 2: Batteries for electric vehicles
This project involves testing of batteries for electric (EV) or hybrid-electric (HEV) vehicles. Although the testing of batteries is on a laboratory-scale, the project is intended to mimic the activities of engineers in companies and national laboratories designing batteries for EVs. Properties such as battery capacity, voltage and current during charging and discharging, are investigated. The effects of temperature and mechanical stresses on the performance of the battery are analyzed. Impedance Spectroscopy is employed to measure properties such as internal resistance in order to assess the “state of health” of energy storage systems.
Project 3: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
This is one of the latest promising solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, focused on the design of solar cells that are light, inexpensive, transparent, and have the potential of achieving desirable efficiencies. The DSSCs are assembled and their electrochemical properties measured. The investigation is aimed toward identifying inexpensive and abundant dyes which allow for an efficient solar-to-electrical energy conversion.
Project 4: Standalone solar PV system for health clinics or schools in remote areas
The project focuses on designing solar PV systems for health clinics or schools in remote areas, where no alternative sources of power are available. The project encompasses understanding of the operation and properties of solar cells, the components of solar PV systems (solar panels, batteries, inverters, charge controllers, etc.), and incorporating them into a final design. This project is suitable for students across a range of disciplines and majors: those interested in the engineering aspects of the design, as well as those interested in the humanitarian aspect of it, for example delivering power to areas where it is either inaccessible or prohibitively expensive.
Current and Former Research Students
Awards and Recognition
Recent Publications
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations
Júlia Farias Stiles
Maiden name used for publications (Júlia Gomes Farias)
Education and Experience
Faculty Term Biology, Benedictine University, Mesa (2021-present)
Adjunct Professor, Benedictine University, Mesa (2020-2021)
Research Technician, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, ASU (2017-2019)
Visitor Researcher Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, UK (2016)
Visitor Researcher School of Biological Sciences and Molecular Biosciences, Queen’s University Belfast, UK (2014-2015)
Ph.D. Plant Physiology, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Brazil (2017)
M. S. Agrobiology, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Brazil (2012)
M.S. Animal Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Brazil (2008)
B. S. Agronomy, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Brazil (2017)
B. S. Biological Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, UNICRUZ, Brazil (2005)
Courses taught
- Organismal laboratory (BIOL 1195)
- Principles of Biology (BIOL 1198)
- Principles of Biology laboratory (BIOL 1199)
- Environmental Science (2205)
- Cell Biology (BIOL 4340)
- Great ideas in Biology and Medicine (BIOL 4393)
- Principles of Biochemistry (CHEM 3261)
Selected publications
1. Plants’ genetic variation approach applied to zinc contamination: secondary metabolites and enzymes of the antioxidant system in Pfaffia Glomerata accessions. Chemosphere, 2020. Katieli Bernardy; Júlia Gomes Farias; Aline Soares Pereira; Athos Odin Severo Dorneles; Daniele Bernardy; Luciane Almeri Tabaldi; Vinicius Machado Neves; Valderi Luiz Dressler; Fernando Teixeira Nicoloso.
2. Improved yield and photosynthate partitioning in avp1 expressing wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2020. Kamesh Regmi, Kalenahalli Yogendra, Júlia Gomes Farias, Lin Li, Raju Kandel, Umesh Prasad Yadav, Shengbo Sha, Christine Trittermann, Laura Short, Jessey George, John Evers, Darren Plett, Brian Ayre, Atuart John Roy, Roberto Adrian Gaxiola.
3. Rice grain cadmium concentrations in the global supply-chain. Exposure and Health, 2020. Zhengyu Shi; Manus Carey; Caroline Meharg; Paul Williams; Antonio Signes-Pastor; Eridha Ayu Triwardhani; Febbyandi Isnanda Pandiangan; Katrina Campbell; Christopher Elliott; Ernest Marwa; Xiao Jiujin; · Júlia Gomes Farias; Fernando Teixeira Nicoloso; Mangala de Silva; Ying Lu;· Gareth Norton; Eureka Adomako; Andy Green; Eduardo Moreno-Jiménez; · Yongguan Zhu; Angel Antonio Carbonell-barrachina; Parvez Haris; Youssef f. Lawgali; Alessia Sommella; Massimo Pigna; Catherine Brabet; Didier Montet; Keston Njira; Michael Watta; Mahmud Hossain; Rafiqul Islam; Yasna Tapia; Carla Oporto; Andrew Meharg.
4. Global sourcing of low-inorganic arsenic rice grain. Exposure and Health, 2019. Manus Carey, Caroline Meharg, Paul Williams, Ernest Marwa, Júlia Gomes Farias,· Xiao Jiujin,· Mangala de Silva, Antonio Signes-Pastor, Ying Lu, Fernando Nicoloso, Laurie Savage, Katrina Campbell, Christopher Elliott,· Eureka Adomako, Andy Green, Eduardo Moreno-jiménez, Angel Antonio Carbonell-barrachina, Eridha Ayu Triwardhani, Febbyandi Isanda Pandiangan,· Parvez Haris,· Youssef Lawgali, Alessia Sommella, Massimo Pigna, Catherine Brabet, Didier Montet, Keston Njira, Michael Watts, Andrew Meharg.
5. Use of phosphorus fertilization and mycorrhization as strategies for reducing copper toxicity in young grapevines. Scientia Horticulturae, 2019. G. Brunetto, D. J. Rosa, V. G. Ambrosini, J. Heinzen, P. A.A. Ferreira, C. A. Ceretta, C. R.F.S. Soares, G. W.B. Melo, H. H. Soriani, F. T. Nicoloso, J. G. Farias, L. De Conti, L. O. S. Silva, N. Santana, R. R. Couto, R. J.S. Jacques, T. L. Tiecher.
6. Agricultural contamination: effect of copper excess on physiological parameters of potato genotypes and food chain security. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality 91, 249 - 259 (2018). Júlia G. Farias, Sibila Nunes, Darlene Sausen, Matheus Nunes, Franciele Neis, Leonardo Garlet, Pedro Nunes, Valderi Dressler, Maria Schetinger, Liana Rossato, Eduardo Girotto, Gustavo Brunetto, Fernando Nicoloso.
7. Effect of phosphorus on arsenic uptake and metabolism in rice cultivars differing in phosphorus use efficiency and response. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências (online), 2017. Farias, J. G.; Bernardy, K. ; Schwalbert, R. ; del Frari, B. ; Meharg, Andrew ; Carey, Manus ; Marques, A. C. R. ; Signes-Pastor, A ; Sausen, D ; Schoor, M. R. W. ; Tavares, M. S. ; T.
8. Chemical properties and protective effect of rosmarinus officinalis: mitigation of lipid peroxidation and dna-damage from arsenic exposure. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, vol. 90 , 2017. Farias, G. J.; Frescura, D.V.; Boligon, A.A.; Trapp, C.K.; Andriolo, L.J.; Tedesco, B.S.; Bernardy, K.; Schwalbert, R.; del Frari, K.B.; Carey, M.; Nicoloso, T.F.
9. Rethinking rice preparation for highly efficient removal of inorganic arsenic using percolating cooking water. Plos One , v. 10, p. e0131608, 2015. Carey, Manus ; Jiujin, Xiao ; Gomes Farias, Júlia ; Meharg, Andrew a. ; States, J. Christopher.
10. Anthocyanins restore behavioral and biochemical changes caused by streptozotocin-induced sporadic dementia of alzheimer's type. Life Sciences, v. 96, p. 7-17, 2014. Gutierres, J ; Carvalho, Fabiano ; Schetinger, Maria Rosa ; Marisco, P. ; Rodrigues, V. ; Schmatz, R. ; Silva, C; Farias, J. G. ; Cognato, G. P. ; Rosa, M. M. ; Rubin, M. ; Mazzanti, C. M. ; Morsch, Vera M. ; Bogo, M. ; Bonan, C. ; Spanevello, R. M.
11. Effect of uncaria tomentosa extract on apoptosis triggered by oxaliplatin exposure on ht29 cells. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine (print) , v. 2014, p. 1-10, 2014. de Oliveira, Liliane z.; Farias, Iria Luiza; Rigo, Melânia; Glanzner, Werner ; Gonçalves, Paulo Bayard; Cadoná, Francine; Cruz, Ivana; Farias, Júlia G. ; Duarte, Marta; Franco, Luzia ; Bertol, Gustavo ; Colpo, Elisangela ; Brites, Patricia C. ; Rocha, João Batista T. ; Leal, Daniela B. R.
12. Effects of excess copper in vineyard soils on the mineral nutrition of potato genotypes. Food and Energy Security, v. 3, p. n/a-n/a, 2013. Farias, Júlia G.; Antes, Fabiane L. G. ; Nunes, Pedro A. A. ; Nunes, Sibila T. ; Schaich, Gabriel ; Rossato, Liana V. ; Miotto, Alcione ; Girotto, Eduardo ; Tiecher, Tadeu L. ; Dressler, Valderi L. ; Nicoloso, Fernando T.
13. Uncaria tomentosa reduces lipid peroxidation and dna-damage from chemotherapy. Latin American Journal of Pharmacy, v. 32, p. 340-345, 2013. Farias, J. G.; Frescura, V. Dal S ; Tedesco, S. ; Farias, IL ; Barzotto, F. ; Siqueira, J. D. P. ; Schetinger, Maria Rosa C. ; Nicoloso, Fernando T.
14. Behavior and brain enzymatic changes after long-term intoxication with cadmium salt or contaminated potatoes. Food and Chemical Toxicology , v. 50, p. 3709-3718, 2012. Gonçalves, Jamile; Nicoloso, Fernando; da Costa, Pauline ; Farias, Júlia G. ; Carvalho, Fabiano B. ; da Rosa, Michelle M. ; Gutierres, Jessié M. ; Abdalla, Fátima H. ; Pereira, Juliana S.F. ; Dias, Glaecir R.M. ; Barbosa, Nilda B.V. ; Dressler, Valderi L. ; Rubin, Maribel A. ; Morsch, Vera M. ; Schetinger, Maria Rosa C.
15. correlation between tbars levels and glycolytic enzymes: the importance to the initial evaluation of clinical outcome of colorectal cancer patients. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy , v. 65, p. 395-400, 2011. farias, iria l.g. ; Farias, Júlia G. ; Rossato, Liana ; Araújo, Maria C.S. ; Chiesa, Juarez ; Morsh, Vera ; Schetinger, Maria R.C.
Send Dr. Tischler an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6536
BenU Faculty since 1995
Science Applications International Corporation (1991-1995)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (1989-1991)
University of Tennessee (1987-1989)
Ph.D., Cornell University (1987)
M.S., Bucknell University (1981)
B.S., Bucknell University (1981)
Courses Taught
Microbiology with Lab, Environmental Science, Principles of Biology
Awards and Recognition:
Dean's Award for Service 2009
Research Area
Microbial Ecology
Current Research
Historical environmental toxicology: Non-destructive measurement of heavy metals in avian museum specimens. When birds encounter heavy metals in their environment, part of their physiological detoxification process is to excrete those metals as they form their eggs or feathers. Therefore, museums house a valuable but largely untapped historical record of environmental contaminants at the time specimens were collected. The Jurica-Suchy Nature museum has an extensive collection of eggs and bird pelts collected as early as the mid-nineteenth century through the 1940's. Research this summer will focus on sorting through published data and the museum specimens to prioritize appropriate specimens for non-destructive metal testing using the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. When time is assigned at the APS, students will assist in collection of data and then subsequent analyses.
Send Dr. Trask an Email
Phone: 630-829-6181
Jeffrey Trask is the department chair for the Masters in Public Health program and Assistant Professor at Benedictine University. He holds a Doctorate in Philosophy in Community Health with a Specialization in Health Policy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he also completed his undergraduate work, and he earned his Master of Science in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
In his professional career, Dr. Trask worked at Carle hospital in the human resources and volunteer departments. During his graduate education, he worked with the Charleston Public Health Department, teaching tobacco cessation courses, and for Eastern Illinois University Health Center as a Health Education Coordinator. In addition, while an Associate Pastor at New Covenant Fellowship, he founded the Champaign County Christian Health Center (CCCHC), a free clinic that provides healthcare services to the uninsured. His many other professional accomplishments include: Board Chair for the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, Treasurer for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Advocacy for Justice Committee; Former Board President for Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF); and former board member for the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA).
Send Alison an Email
Phone: 480-878-7517
Send Dr. Wangler an Email
Phone: (630) 289-6554
BenU faculty since 1990
Ph.D., Old Dominion University (1990)
Awards and Recognitions
Dean's Award for Innovation 2014
Dean's Award for Service 2012
Dean's Award for Innovation 2010
Courses Taught
Calculus with Analytics I Lab, Math for Middle and Secondary Education
Research Area
dynamical systems, chaos theory, and quantitative literacy; In the past he has worked with the NASA-JOVE program on mathematical modeling of solid-state laser systems and their application to remote sensing.
Send Jennifer an Email
Phone: 630-829-1144
Jen completed her Bachelor of Science at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and her Master of Science and Dietetic Internship program at Rush University. She is currently a PhD Candidate in the Health Sciences program at NIU. Her research is focused on the nutritional care of the transgender and gender non-binary community and the professional development of registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetics students. Jen has presented on this topic nationally for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other organizations.
Jen has over fifteen years of experience working in hospitals and other clinical environments as a dietitian and in leadership as a clinical nutrition manager. She has also been an adjunct instructor for many years. Her clinical experience covers a wide array of nutrition specialties including critical care, transplant, renal dialysis, oncology, and diabetes. She is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credentialed through the American Society for Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) where she also serves on the organization’s research committee, and as an expert reviewer for the journals, Nutrition in Clinical Practice and the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Jen is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serves as a publication editor for two Academy subgroups: Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals (NEHP) and Clinical Nutrition Management (CNM). She is also a member of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) and the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB).
Send Dr. Wiesner an Email
Phone: 630-829-6552
BenU Faculty since 2016
Postdoctoral Fellow at Purdue University, 2014-2016
Ph.D. in Physics, Northern Illinois University (2014)
M. S. in Physics, Northern Illinois University (2010)
High school teacher licensure in physics and general science (2007)
M. A. in Education, Marquette University (2007)
B. S. in Physics, Marquette University (2003)
Courses Taught
College Physics, Analytical Mechanics, College Physics Lab
Awards and Recognition
Research Areas
Professional Activities
Recent Publications
Recent Presentations and Talks
updated 9/26/16
Send Dr. Wig an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6527
BenU faculty since 2005
Ph.D., University of Tennessee (2000)
M.S., University of Tennessee (1995)
B.S., North Park University (1991)
Courses Taught
College Physics Laboratory, College Physics, University Physics Laboratory, Modern Physics, Modern Physics Laboratory, Electronics, Electricity and Magnetism, Introduction to the Engineering Profession, Engineering Design
Awards and Recognitions:
Research Area
Scanning Probe Microscopy, Optical Tweezers, Physics Education, Outreach
Current Research Projects
Optical Tweezers: Research will be conducted to use the BU optical tweezers instrument to study biological systems. Optical tweezers use focused light to trap and manipulate small objects. The initial study is focused on the trapping and analysis of E. coli bacteria. The project is experimental and involves learning about optics, lasers, and the interaction of light with matter.
Scanning Probe Microscopy: A Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) is a device used to image surfaces of materials with atomic resolution. This project will involve building and testing an STM. It is an experimental project and will involve computer programming and electronics.
Research Grants and Funding:
Professional Activities:
Current and Former Research Students:
Recent Publications:
Publications:
Magazines
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations:
Send Dr. Wilson an Email
Phone: (630) 829 6520
BenU Faculty since (1997)
Argonne National Laboratory (1993-1998)
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Chicago (1990-1992)
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago (1990)
B.S., Iowa State University (1980)
Courses Taught
Endocrinology, Cell Biology, Physiology, Cell Labs Quantitative Biology Lab for Transfer Students
Awards and Recognitions
Judith Ann Whinfrey Award for Leadership 2013
Dean's Award for Innovation 2013
Dean's Award for Leadership 2009
Research Area
Cellular Physiology of Environmental Estrogens on Bone Cells
Current Research
Osteoblasts and osteoclasts, bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells, respectively, mediate growth, modeling, remodeling, and repair of bone. The adult skeleton routinely undergoes remodeling in response to physical, hormonal, and metabolic stresses. In normal bone homeostasis, there is no net gain or loss of bone. However, uncoupling of the remodeling process by increasing osteoclastic activity without increasing bone formation to the same extent, can lead to bone loss.
The objective of my research program is to determine mechanisms by which cadmium causes bone loss. Animal studies indicate that bone loss responses occur at blood cadmium concentrations in the range of levels reported for persons who smoke cigarettes and for workers with low-level cadmium exposure in industry. Cadmium-induced bone loss is also more pronounced in animals that have experienced increased bone stress such as estrogen deficiency, suggesting that women exposed to cadmium are at increased risk for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
To investigate cellular mechanisms for the increased activity of the resident osteoclast population in response to cadmium exposure, cultured cell lines and primary bone cell cultures are used to study the motility, the signals for apoptosis, and the signal transduction involved with cytoskeletal reorganization that must occur when an osteoclast changes from a motile configuration to a resorbing configuration. Cell migration assays, chemotactic assays, cell viability assays, microscopic examination of immunohistochemically or fluorescently-labeled cells, gel electrophoresis, western blotting, and RT-PCR are some of the techniques used in these investigations.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS (*denotes undergraduates as co-authors)
Regunathan, A., Glesne, D.A., Wilson, A.K., Song, J., Nicolae, D., *Flores, T., and M.H. Bhattacharyya. Microarray analysis of changes in bone cell gene expression early after cadmium gavage in mice. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol., 191:272-293, 2003.
Brako EE, Wilson AK, Jonah MM, Blum CA, Cerny EA, Williams KL, Bhattacharyya MH. Cadmium pathways during gestation and lactation in control versus metallothoinein 1,2-knockout mice. Toxicol Sci. 71(2):154-63, 2003.
Bhattacharyya, M.H., Wilson, A.K., and Rajan, S.S. Biochemical pathways in cadmium toxicity. In Molecular Biology and Toxicology of Metals, R.K.Zalups and D.J. Koropatanick (eds.), Taylor and Francis Publishers, 2001.
*Blum, C.A., Wilson, A. K., and Bhattacharyya, M.H. A nest box to facilitate excreta collection from mouse dams through pregnancy, parturition, and lactation. Contemp.Topics in Lab. An. Sci., 38:71-77, 1999.
Bhattacharyya, M.H., *Blum, C.A., and Wilson, A.K. The role of metallothionein in cadmium-induced bone resorption. In Metallothionein IV. C. Klassen, ed., Birkhauser Verlag, Basel, Switzerland, pp. 473-476, 1999.
Wilson, A.K., Bhattacharyya, M.H., Miller, S., *Mani, A. and Sacco-Gibson, N. Ovariectomy-induced changes in aged beagles: histomorphometry of rib cortical bone. Calcif. Tissue Int., 62: 237-243, 1998.
Wilson, A.K. and Bhattacharyya, M.H. Effects of cadmium on bone: An in vivo model for the early response. Toxicol. Appl. Pharm., 145: 68-73, 1997
Wilson, A.K., Cerny, E.A., *Smith, B.D., *Wagh, A., and Bhattacharyya, M.H. Effects of cadmium on osteoclast formation and activity in vitro. Tox. Appl. Pharm., 140: 451- 460, 1996.
Bhattacharyya, M.H., Wilson, A.K., Silbergeld, E.K., Watson, L. and Jeffery, E. Metal-induced osteotoxicities. In Metal Toxicology. R.A. Goyer, ed., Academic Press, Inc. San Diego, pp.465-510, 1995.
Send Dr. Woodson an Email
Phone: 630-829-6285
Dr. Markisha Woodson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health. She received her Ph.D. in Community Health from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She had been the Prevention Education Coordinator at Lewis University Center for Health and Counseling Services prior to coming to Benedictine. Her research interests include a focus on the ability of underrepresented groups to survive and thrive in their environments.
Send Ms. Young an Email
Phone: 630-829-1146
Ms. Peggy Young joined Benedictine University full-time in 2015 .However, Ms. Young has been connected to BenU for several years, having completed both Benedictine's RN-BSN completion and MSN online programs. Furthermore, she has been adjunct faculty for BenU since 2012 teaching various courses, including Nursing Theory and Community Health. Prior to joining Benedictine full-time, Ms. Young was faculty and Clinical Coordinator for Triton College. Ms. Young has clinical experience in Medical-Surgical, Labor & Delivery and Postpartum nursing. Ms. Young's background also includes extensive experience in quality improvement.
Ms. Young began her research agenda through her involvement in a research project that landed her at Mayo Clinic's Quest for Quality conference. There she presented the research that she and her colleagues conducted with mothers post-delivery. Most recently, Ms. Young completed a two year term as chair of Leadership Succession for the Lambda Upsilon-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, following service as both vice-president and president of the chapter. Ms. Young continues as an active member of our chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, while also a member of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) and a Certified Provider in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).
Send Dr. Ziliak an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6594
BenU faculty since 2010
Ph.D., Colorado State University (2010)
M.S., Colorado State University (2006)
B.S., University of Evansville (2004)
Courses Taught
Calculus with Analytics I, Calculus with Analytics II, Abstract Algebra I, Mathematical Research
Research Area
Computational Group Theory, Graph Theory, Number Theory and the use of technology in the classroom
Current Research
Recent Publications
Send Mrs. Antonich an Email
Phone: 630-829-1148
Cheryl brings a solid background relative to clinical affiliation agreements as a component of her more than 22 years of academic administrative experience that include teaching and serving in several positions of increasing responsibility at Triton College. Her background includes service in the United States Air Force as a medical administrative officer, including as a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. She has an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing and Instructor in Technology (AAS) from the Community College of the Air Force, a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Saint Francis, and ABD in Adult Education from NIU.
Send Pilar an Email
Phone: 630-829-6565
Send Ms. Culotta an Email
Phone: 630-829-1325
Ms. Culotta is our College of Science Advisor. Please visit her in Birck 130 or call with questions 630-829-1325.
Send Ms. DeWalt an Email
Phone: 630-829-6548
Nikki completed her undergraduate DPD at Bradley University and MS/DI at Eastern Illinois University.
She has been a clinical dietitian, clinical nutrition manager and has worked in the role of preceptor to students in hospital settings. She has spent the last few years working as a renal dietitian in an independent dialysis unit managing the anemia and bone and mineral disease component of ESRD and doing the patient education. Nikki has taught nutrition as an adjunct instructor and has received her Advanced Specialty Training Certificate in Adult Weight Management.
Nikki is excited for the future of this profession and has a special interest in community nutrition and sustainability.
She has two young boys and can be found at a baseball field, soccer field or football field when not at work.
Send Dr. Fendrick an Email
Phone: 630-829-6511
Dr. Fendrick is the Science Learning Specialist in the Academic and Career Enrichment Center. Visit her in Goodwin Hall room 215P.
For Additional information, please contact the Academic and Career Enrichment Center's Office Assistant, Michelle Schaefer at (630) 829-6041 or visit Goodwin Hall room 214.
Send Colleen an Email
Phone: 630-829-1142
Colleen Filipek is currently the Collections Manager at the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine-University. She possesses a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Rochester, a certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University, and a Master of Arts in History with Historical Administration Option at Eastern Illinois University. She has previously worked as a Collections Assistant at the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri and has held many internships in the museum field.
Send Ms. Jauch an Email
Phone: (630) 829-1147
Send Yvonne an Email
Phone: 630-829-6084
Send Christina an Email
Phone: 630-829-6329
Send Dr. Mascarenhas an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6587
BenU faculty since 2003
Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Courses Taught
Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Laboratory Courses for Majors and Non-majors, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Organic Spectroscopy
Awards and Recognition:
Research Area
Organic synthesis; asymmetric catalysis; chemical education
Current Research Projects:
Organic synthesis; organocatalytic conjugate additions and aldol reactions; asymmetric hydrogenations; chemical education research
Current Research Coolaborator:
Research Grants and Funding
Recipient of a Benedictine University Summer Faculty Fellowship, sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Association, $10,000
Professional Activities:
Current and Former Research Students:
Recent Publications:
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations:
Send Maureen an Email
Phone: 630-829-6596
Send Rose an Email
Phone: 630-829-6571
Send Dr. Ritt an Email
Phone: 630-829-1933
Dr. Elizabeth Ritt, a full-time, tenured professor in the graduate nursing program at Benedictine University, received a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing from North Park University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Loyola University, and a Doctor of Education with an emphasis on Leadership and Educational Policy Studies from Northern Illinois University. In addition, she holds certifications as a Nurse Executive-Advanced and Nurse Educator. Dr. Ritt has over 25 years of progressive leadership and teaching experience in higher education, having served as director of education, national health care consultant, department chair, dean, and provost at various institutions. Dr. Ritt maintains executive level expertise in regional, national, and programmatic accreditation; principles of adult learning; strategic and financial planning; assessment and evaluation; faculty development; and online education. She is nationally known for her collaborative and entrepreneurial abilities to build strategic partnerships, develop new and innovative academic programs, and grow robust enrollment across various academic disciplines. Dr. Ritt has presented and published in the areas of faculty development, clinical analytics, and recently completed a research study that examined the identification of post-acute patients at risk for hospital readmission. Dr. Ritt has received a Fulbright Scholarship, numerous professional grants, and served as an evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission-North Central Association. She has been involved with the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) since its inception and has served on the Accreditation, Report Review, and Nominating Committees as well as an on-site evaluator and team leader. Currently, she is serving on the CCNE Board of Commissioners as secretary and faculty representative as well as co-chair of the Report Review Committee.
Send Mrs. Rucker an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6187
BenU Staff since 2005
Send Jennifer an Email
Phone: 630-829-6563
Send Mrs. Tumminello an Email
Phone: (630) 829-6531
Yvonne Kumon
Assistant to the Dean
ykumon@ben.edu
(630) 829-6084
Cheryl Mascarenhas, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Science & Health
cmascarenhas@ben.edu
(630) 829-6587
Tonia Rucker
Senior Assistant to the Dean
trucker@ben.edu
(630) 829-6187
Elizabeth Ritt, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, CNE
Dean, Science & Health
eritt@ben.edu
(630) 829-1933
