New Academic Year Welcomes New Faculty

Members of the New York Tech community gathered at NYIT de Seversky Mansion on August 26 to officially welcome new and recently hired faculty before the start of the new academic year on September 1.

The reception on the Long Island campus was the final event in a two-day orientation for the newest full-time faculty, facilitated by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).  

“I’m delighted to welcome such an accomplished group of new faculty to New York Tech. They will be joining strong teams. I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on their students and colleagues,” says Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Francine Glazer, Ph.D.  

The new faculty bring to the university research and scholarship in areas ranging from architecture, computer-aided drug discovery, and artificial intelligence in auditing, to mathematics and fintech and machine learning-based risk prediction modeling, and from healthcare, modern and contemporary British and American literature, and computer science to extended reality experiences, among many other areas of expertise.

“Welcoming new faculty and researchers to New York Tech is not just about adding to our ranks—it’s about infusing our community with fresh perspectives, new insights, and bold ideas,” says President Jerry Balentine, D.O., FACEP. “They bring unique expertise that expands our ability to deliver new and innovative ways to educate our students, conduct research, and expand our entrepreneurial initiatives. Their contributions are essential to shaping our students and the future of New York Tech.”

During orientation, held on the New York City campus on August 25 and at the Long Island campus on August 26, new faculty were educated on the significant resources available through the CTL. Additionally, they were introduced to the university’s strategic priorities and learned about who New York Tech students are, the holistic support available to them, and heard directly from students in a conversational panel. Other highlights included a conversation with faculty about ways they can enhance student learning and increase students’ sense of belonging, a discussion of the research support available at New York Tech, and a networking forum to meet staff from across the university.

New faculty for the 2025–2026 academic year include:  

College of Arts and Sciences

• Derek Graf, Visiting Assistant Professor, Humanities
• Beren Karaman Mayack, Assistant Professor, Biological and Chemical Sciences
• Zachary McGuirk, Visiting Assistant Professor, Mathematics
• Donna Potts, Professor, English
• John Zweck, Professor, Mathematics (January 2025 start)

College of Engineering and Computing Sciences

• Austin Stietzel, Visiting Assistant Professor, Computer Science (January 2025 start) 

College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Bradley Hickey, Assistant Professor, Clinical Specialties (Jonesboro; August 2025 start)
• Ashka Patel, Assistant Professor, Clinical Specialties (July 2025 start)
• Liam Zachary, Assistant Professor, Biomedical and Anatomical Sciences (Jonesboro; July 2025 start)

School of Architecture and Design

• Carlos Jose Balza Gerardino, Visiting Assistant Professor, Architecture
• Yelizaveta (Lisa) Lokshina, Assistant Professor, Digital Art and Design (January 2025 start)
• Maria Di Natale Scotto, Visiting Associate Professor, Architecture

School of Health Professions

• Jenna M. Razeq, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies

School of Managment

• Mingyuan Kong, Assistant Professor, Finance
• Banu Mutlu Memis, Assistant Professor, Finance
• Jiahui Xu, Assistant Professor, Accounting