News
President Foley Welcomes New Faculty and Honors Superstars
September 1, 2017
Where else can you find an expert in machine learning and optimization algorithms, an architect devoted to imaging scenarios for future environments and cities, and a Ph.D. scientist studying Alzheimer’s disease and cancer?
Look no further than the New Faculty Reception held on August 29 at NYIT de Seversky Mansion, which welcomed new professors, researchers, and scholars to the NYIT community.
“This year’s faculty members are very research-oriented and have a great deal of passion for what they’re teaching,” said Lou Reinisch, Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, in his opening remarks. “They’re going to really help NYIT move forward.”
Reinisch then introduced NYIT President Hank Foley, Ph.D., who also welcomed new faculty members as well as announced the winners of the 2017 Presidential Excellence Awards, which “recognize members of our community who perform exemplary work in the service of students and showcase the best values of NYIT.”
This year’s honorees included:
- Award for Student Engagement in Research and Scholarship: Associate Professor Joerg Leheste, Ph.D., in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Assistant Professor Gavin McStay, Ph.D., in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Award for Innovative Use of Technology to Engage Students: Associate Professor Kate O’Hara, Ph.D., in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Education.
- Award for Student Engagement by Faculty or Professional Staff: Dean of Students Gabrielle St. Lèger, Ed.D., in the Office of Student Affairs.
- Award for Student Engagement by Faculty or Professional Staff in Global Education: Associate Director of Experiential Education Adrienne McNally and Senior Director for International and Experiential Education Amy Bravo in the Office of Career Services.
NYIT President Hank Foley with the winners of the 2017 Presidential Excellence Awards. From left: Adrienne McNally, Gabrielle St. Lèger, Kate O'Hara, Amy Bravo, Joerg Leheste, and Gavin McStay.
Following the awards, President Foley shared plans for a new mission and vision statement that will be shared with the community in the fall 2017 semester.
“We want to be the place for makers, doers, and people who are going to shake things up,” said President Foley. “It’s a process that will continue to unfold and one that will make us better, stronger, more resilient, and more agile.”
New faculty members who joined NYIT include:
College of Arts and Sciences
Jole Fiorito, Ph.D.
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bardia Askari, Ph.D.
Paul Cohen, D.O.
Michael Gindi, M.D.
Janet Grotticelli, D.O.
Mathew Hayes, D.O.
Liat Jarkon, D.O.
Zac Levokove, D.O.
Julia Molnar, Ph.D.
Kaie Ojamma, Ph.D.
Gonzalo Otazu, Ph.D.
Randy Stout, Ph.D.
School of Architecture and Design
Marcella Del Signore, M.S.
Giovanni Santamaria, Ph.D.
School of Engineering and Computing Sciences
Batu Krishna Chalise, Ph.D.
Xueqing Huang, Ph.D.
Ehsan Kamel, Ph.D.
David Nadler, Ph.D.
Maryam Ravan, Ph.D.
Xiudong Tang, Ph.D.
Milan Toma, D.Eng.
School of Health Professions
Mercy Joseph, Ph.D.
Pamela Karp, M.H.S.
Alexander Lopez, J.D.
Mary Frances McGibbon, D.N.P.
Gordon Schmidt, Ph.D.
Sara Winter, M.S.
School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Education
Robert Feirsen, Ed.D.
