The Office of the Provost has announced the promotion of several faculty members to full professor effective for the fall 2025 semester.
College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs
Carrie J. Cole
Music, Theatre, and Dance
Curiosity and creativity are foundational to what I do, when I do what I love, and to who I am when I am my best self. Curiosity asks why questions; creativity often answers why not?
I have been fortunate to have had support for my curiosity and creativity from family; even when lack of resources could have been a barrier, my family taught me to shape my curiosity and creativity into ingenuity. When my parents divorced, and my mom decided to go to graduate school, she provided an amazing example of ingenuity, relocating us from rural Maine to suburban Wisconsin. I am still in awe of her accomplishments—not the least of which was raising two teenagers on a graduate assistantship. Watching her strive to achieve her learning goals taught me the best value of an education.
I pursued my undergraduate degree at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where I received a bachelor of theatre. While that degree program no longer exists, what I learned there continues to thread through my own teaching. The university’s motto, “not unto ourselves alone are we born,” continues to resonate as part of my core values.
One of the reasons I came to IUP was the university’s emphasis on liberal arts as a vital introduction to numerous fields and opportunities in tandem with in-depth courses of study. My own liberal arts education provided me with different ways of thinking, a variety of modes of communication, critical generosity, and ways to engage with cultures, ideas, and people that were foreign to me. Those tools need perpetual honing; every class I teach and every production I direct at Theater-by-the-Grove is shaped by those tools.
I strive to provide students with access to curiosity, creativity, critical generosity, and the courage to ask both why and why not?
Erin Conlin
History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies
One of my mom’s favorite stories is from a family trip to Springfield, Illinois. After spending an entire day learning about Abraham Lincoln, five-year-old me climbed into the car, turned to my parents, and said, “Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln. Who is this guy anyway?” Looking back, that line has only gotten funnier, considering I went on to earn a PhD in history.
I’ve always liked history. It’s the story of us. It’s messy and complicated, heartbreaking and inspiring. It changes each time we uncover something new. And, as I remind my students, if anyone tells you it’s simple, they’re fooling themselves—and you. I took every history class my high school had to offer and then did an independent study when a teacher volunteered to make a new class for me. I earned a BA in history at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. (I didn’t become a teacher since both my parents were teachers, and I was going to do something else.) Then I moved to Florida and became a teacher. It turns out I love teaching as much as (or maybe more than) I love history. I earned a PhD in US history from the University of Florida and moved to Pennsylvania to work at IUP.
I’ve now been at IUP for over a decade and continue to love my work. I feel fortunate to have a job that is both fun and fulfilling, with students, colleagues, and a campus community that I truly enjoy. Western Pennsylvania is a beautiful place to call home, and I’m grateful for the life I’ve built here—especially for my husband, Joe, and my stepdaughter Louise, who bring so much joy to it.
Rachel B. Porter Fox
Communications Media
I fell in love with photography during a summer at Girl Scout camp, where we were able to develop our photographs in a darkroom. After that, I was hooked. I dreamed of creating the photographs in magazines. I pursued that dream at Rochester Institute of Technology, earning a degree in professional photographic illustration. My four years at RIT provided me with a strong foundation in the technical aspects of photography.
As I finished my time in Rochester, I was offered an amazing, if unexpected, opportunity to be a graduate student at Bucknell University. Those two years offered me so many opportunities—from teaching students to developing photographic projects and installing exhibitions at the campus gallery. During my time there, I realized that I wanted to continue to create fine art photographs and that I also really wanted to continue teaching.
My next adventure took me to graduate school at Parsons the New School for Design. Those years were transformational—for me and for my work. I loved New York and all it had to offer. I was able to build on my technical foundation of photography and incorporate conceptual ideas and more creatively driven pursuits. After spending a few years freelancing, I moved to Pittsburgh and started adjuncting—while also working multiple jobs—eventually being hired at IUP in the Communications Media Department. My teaching philosophy is based on my own experiences—understanding the importance of both a strong technical foundation and a creative approach.
In my 10 years at IUP, I’ve met so many wonderful colleagues and friends. Their support has been essential in helping me achieve this promotion. I also want to thank my husband for finding the job posting and making sure I found time to apply. I still love teaching students all about photography, but I’ve also discovered a love for advising and helping students as they figure out their own path. I’m so thankful that I get to do both.
John Levey
Music, Theatre, and Dance
I owe my early experiences in music to my parents. When I entered middle school, they bought a piano for the household, though neither really played. Before long, my siblings and I were taking weekly lessons. I loved it. Saxophone came next, and soon—inspired by John Williams’ score for Jurassic Park—I started to compose. As a high school junior, I wrote a piece for piano and my school wind ensemble. When I performed it with my classmates, I knew I wanted to make music my career.
I studied composition at the Oberlin Conservatory. There, I met Brian Alegant, who opened my eyes to the fascinating world of music theory, which is primarily what I teach at IUP. Brian also introduced me to Andy Mead at the University of Michigan, who invited me to apply to their unusual PhD program in composition and music theory. At Michigan, I had my first experiences in front of a class, and these quickly grew into a love of teaching. I also met my wife, Emily, who was studying oboe. We now have two young children, and they dance while I play the piano.
When I think about the 12 years I have spent at IUP, what I feel most is gratitude. I teach curious and capable students who share my passion for music. My colleagues in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance are inspiring artists and ready collaborators. I am able to carry out meaningful creative projects—even more so now that I can resign from all committee work, right? In short, my role at IUP is about as close to a dream job as I can imagine, and I could not be prouder to call myself a Crimson Hawk.
Seeyin (Oliver) Lo (盧思彥)
Music, Theatre, and Dance
I watched the film musical Oliver! with my late father in Hong Kong when I was six years old and adopted “Oliver” as my name. I excelled in STEM subjects and pursued a career in mechanical engineering. One day, while I was bored studying fluid mechanics, I watched the film musical West Side Story (1961 version) at the library. I cried, but then watched the movie a dozen more times. Even without any formal musical training, I left my engineering job to study at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and graduated with distinction. I then worked as a public-school music/science/math teacher in Hong Kong for two years. I later received a full scholarship and teaching assistantship from the Eastman School of Music and earned a doctor of musical arts in vocal performance with a minor in directing.
I enjoy a diverse career as a performer, voice teacher in classical and musical theater styles, stage director for operas and musicals, music director for musicals, and choral conductor. I have been a full-time college music professor for over 25 years in the USA and Hong Kong.
Since 2015, I have served as the director of Music Theater and a voice professor at IUP. My specialty is cross-training: my students need to learn how to sing opera and musical theatre. What I love about IUP is that our talented students, through their passion and commitment, have presented challenging productions like Don Giovanni and Sweeney Todd. Additionally, my colleagues are dedicated professors and outstanding musicians, and thus, we provide an excellent environment for our students to thrive and grow. I am a husband and father of two grown children, and we are thankful to be part of the IUP family.
Jeremy Waltman
Communications Media
Every morning, I walk into my studio ready to make something.
I’ve worked as a filmmaker, designer, artist, writer, and tenured professor all around the United States—but have always called Pennsylvania home. Across all these places and projects, it’s been my benefit to work with many talented mentors, students, colleagues, and collaborators.
My projects have consistently been character-driven, while the genres and mediums have varied. Each live-action project is award-winning and features international casts from the film and TV shows people love. Each project has allowed me to improve my craft and sense of the world. Recent work has included the video game Weatherworn, the film The Veteran about veterans and their families, and an upcoming documentary about ice hockey goalies.
I’ve even been fortunate enough to work on projects that I was a fan of growing up, like getting to direct the relaunch video for Warzone: Eternal. As a surprise to me, they even added a new character to the game named Junior Marshall Waltman.
Tomorrow, I will walk into the studio ready to make something.
Majorie Zambrano-Paff
Language, Literature, and Writing
Once upon a carrot, I was six and glued to the TV in 1970s Nicaragua, utterly mesmerized by Bugs Bunny’s melodic, mystifying “What’s up, Doc?” English was an alien tune—until my dad enlightened me that it was, in fact, English. In that moment, I fell hopelessly in love with languages.
Fast-forward to the early 90s—I earned my BA in English at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. I coordinated Spanish programs and instructed at two prestigious language institutes. I discovered a newfound passion for my native tongue. Suddenly, I was living between two worlds, two cultures, and two languages—each day, unveiling fresh surprises in my new bilingual life.
My American teaching debut came in 1994 at Hamilton College as a teaching assistant. I was encouraged to pursue a PhD, but the spark didn’t ignite until I struggled through my first lease in impenetrable legalese. That epiphany steered me to forensic linguistics—where language and law collide, and humor often gets lost in translation.
My research playground spans forensic linguistics and legal discourse, bilingual interpreting and cultural nuance, language prejudice and attitudes, gender and language dynamics, and workplace communication
I’ve traversed the globe presenting workshops in the Americas and Europe, but my greatest joy remains in the classroom—sharing culture, igniting curiosity, and fostering global understanding.
My cultural advocacy found homes here at IUP at the Hispanic Heritage Council and with FOLDIS, where I championed global understanding through language and art. Since joining IUP in 2008, I’ve donned countless hats: from teaching Spanish conversation, composition, advanced grammar, linguistics, pragmatics, translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural communication to directing programs that celebrate Hispanic culture on campus.
So, answering Bugs Bunny’s million-dollar question, “What’s up, Doc?”—I’m a full professor, now. Thank you, Bugs. Thank you, Dad.
Eberly College of Business
Brandon Vick
Finance and Economics
A lot of people tell me they don’t care for economics—or that they’ve never thought much about it. But the truth is, we all think about economics all the time, even if we don’t call it that. Questions about choices, limits, and trade-offs—what economists call constraints and scarcity—are as unavoidable as gravity.
I didn’t come to economics through the traditional path. After college, I worked as a computer systems engineer, and it wasn’t until I joined the Peace Corps in Suriname that I really began to see economics in action. In the small Amazonian village where I lived, scarcity wasn’t just a chapter in a textbook—it was daily life. Sometimes we would go weeks without meat, and the whole village would celebrate when someone returned with a wild boar or a red-eyed piranha to feast on. Those experiences stayed with me, and when I later studied economic development in graduate school, the concepts and models came alive in a way they never had before.
That’s why, on the first day of every new class I teach, I share this story with my students. Then I ask them: “What passion or experience will you bring to this class?”
I feel incredibly lucky to be a professor of economics. For me, it’s not just a job—it’s a livelihood that sits at the intersection of my skills and passions. It gives me the chance to mentor others—undergraduates, PhD students, and even Fulbright teachers—as a way of paying forward the guidance I once received.
College of Education and Human Services
Jacqueline McGinty
Professional Studies in Education
As a first-generation college student, I navigated college on my own, piecing together the puzzle and hoping the result would resemble the picture on the box. Sometimes I was not sure I had all the pieces. What I was certain of was that I wanted to graduate. Along the way, I set my sights on becoming a professor. I initially imagined a doctorate in nutrition, but working as a nutrition educator revealed that the educator part excited me most. That realization led to a master's in adult education and training and a doctorate in learning sciences, and to a lasting commitment to lifelong learning.
When I started as an assistant professor at IUP, I was nervous. Imposter syndrome was real. My colleagues in Professional Studies in Education welcomed me with open arms, and I am forever thankful. Supportive colleagues mentored me, invited me to collaborate, and helped me navigate faculty roles. I am grateful for my students; they are the heart of my practice. I am a mentor and learning facilitator, committed to helping others achieve their goals.
In 2020, when all learning shifted online, my skills were in high demand. I collaborated with instructors to transition courses during a stressful time. Those long days of problem-solving and triage clarified my purpose, leading to new responsibilities and a new role. As the associate director for Instructional Design at IUP's Center for Teaching Excellence, I am honored to work with IUP faculty. They emulate what drew me to the profession: passionate scholars dedicated to their students and to creating exemplary learning experiences. Being part of the IUP community is a dream come true. I continue to learn every day through my students who encourage my curiosity and creativity and by supporting faculty in translating their pedagogical ideas and goals into inclusive, well-designed learning experiences.
College of Health Sciences
Taylor Edwards
Nursing
Ever since I was a child, I would practice with a toy nurse’s kit on my baby dolls and friends. I knew I was meant to care for others—especially moms and newborns. That early fascination led me to pursue nursing, where I found my interest in maternal-neonatal health. It didn’t take long before I realized I also had a deep passion for education. I remember telling a professor, “One day, I want to teach nurses.”
That dream has become my daily reality.
Now, as a faculty member at IUP since 2008, I have the incredible privilege of merging two professions I love: nursing and teaching. I approach pedagogy with curiosity, energy, and a desire to make learning both rigorous and engaging to prepare students for the nursing profession. I’m especially drawn to simulation and innovative teaching strategies that challenge students to think critically and develop clinical judgment. I’ve designed numerous pediatric and maternity simulations and have developed escape rooms into both virtual and in-person classrooms to reinforce high-level thinking in an innovative way.
Beyond the classroom, I’m committed to shaping the next generation of nurse educators and, quite often, mentor new faculty and support PhD nursing education students during the dissertation process.
I am profoundly grateful for the support of my family—especially my husband and our four children—who have cheered me on through every degree, lesson plan, and late-night grading session. Teaching at IUP allows me to give back to a profession that has given me so much, and I’m honored to be part of this community.
Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
John Bradshaw
Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics
In high school, I remember being dumbfounded that so many students found physics so hard. But I wanted to use physics for practical applications, so I majored in engineering physics at Lehigh University. And yes, I found it a lot harder at the college level. I stayed two more years for my master’s degree, then did my PhD at the University of Pittsburgh.
I received a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at what is now the Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, Maryland, transferred to a staff scientist position 18 months later, and stayed, working in the Applied Physics Branch, for 10 years.
At that time, with four colleagues, we were one of the best groups in the world at making a new kind of laser. We formed a company to commercialize those lasers and signed an investment with the first venture capital company we pitched our idea to. The company was acquired in 2009. After three more years, I wanted a change, and teaching at the university level always appealed to me. I landed at IUP for the fall 2012 semester.
I love teaching physics at all levels. In the advanced courses, I take the time to show the practical applications of the physics theory. I even love teaching the two-semester introductory course sequence; it just never gets old for me. For the past three years, I was an officer in the Western Pennsylvania American Association of Physics Teachers. At our bi-annual meetings, teachers present their pedagogy studies while professors and students present their research. I greatly enjoy this connection to the diverse community of high school and college teachers. I have given eight presentations at these bi-annual meetings and continually get new research ideas from the other teacher and student presentations.
I am deeply grateful for the support of my spouse, Elisa, through all these phases of my physics career in government, industry, and teaching.
Sanda Andrada Maicaneanu
Madia Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physics
As a high school student with a STEM background, I initially thought I would attend medical school. But, when it became clear that critical thinking is my strength and that my mind trends toward the technical, I decided to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. In Romania, in 1989, after passing three rigorous exams, I was selected from about 133 applicants for one of only 25 available spots. Pursuing this degree has proven to be a great foundational decision in my professional life. While studying, I often sought out missing explanations and helped my peers better understand the material. This brought me to my next big life decision: I wanted to be a college professor.
After graduation, I was accepted into a master's program. During that time, an assistant professor position opened in the department where I was conducting research. That position launched my career in academia. Afterward, I obtained a PhD from Cranfield University in Great Britain and was promoted to PhD lecturer and associate professor. My professional career at my alma mater, Babeş-Bolyai University, spanned over 25 years.
The Fulbright Scholarship that I was awarded in 2013 is another important milestone in my career. Six months of research at the University of Connecticut opened my eyes to new possibilities in United States academia. I took the unconventional route, left my tenured associate professor position and my duties as associate dean, and IUP became my home in August 2016. Transitioning to an unfamiliar higher education system was challenging, with highs and lows. Yet, working with students—in the classroom, in research labs, reading their notes of appreciation left on my office door or on the last page of their final exam—and witnessing their successes has been deeply rewarding.
I remain profoundly grateful to the professors at Babeş-Bolyai University, with whom I worked closely. Their guidance helped shape the interdisciplinary foundation that has defined my development as both a teacher and a researcher.
Luz Stella Marín Ramírez
Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering
My career has been guided by one principle: every workplace must provide safe conditions that allow workers to thrive without harm. I began my professional journey as a chemical engineer in Colombia, where I witnessed firsthand how preventable hazards endangered workers’ lives. That experience inspired the question that continues to guide my research and teaching: why do some workers face unnecessary risks while contributing so much to society?
After more than a decade as a safety engineer across multiple industries, I decided to dig deeper into the science behind workplace safety and health and pursued a doctoral degree in occupational ergonomics and safety at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. My research revealed a persistent reality: the most vulnerable workers often face the greatest dangers, not only because of the work itself, but also because of systemic inequities that limit access to training and protections. My contributions to the safety and health field were recognized when I was named the 2019–20 Hispanic Safety Professional of the Year by the American Society of Safety Professionals.
Joining IUP in 2016 gave me the opportunity to integrate my research and work experience into the classroom. I feel honored to work alongside colleagues who are fully committed to preparing the next generation of safety professionals. I am proud to contribute to a department whose work has meaningful impact and to pursue a field that truly saves workers’ lives.
Beyond campus, I draw strength from my husband and son. Their support and understanding of the passion that drives my work made it possible for us to leave our home country and build a new life here. Nowadays, we enjoy our cheerful dog, Mango, who never fails to remind me of the importance of balance and joy in life. I strive to inspire students to carry this mission forward, ensuring that safer workplaces and healthier futures are within reach for all.
Daniel Widzowski
Biology
As a child, I loved to hear stories about dinosaurs and to visit museums and zoos to see the animals. At the same time, I read books about the human body that taught me about cells, tissues, and organs, and what they did. In college, I majored in biological sciences and spent much time studying ecology, neurobiology, and behavior. I read a Scientific American article about LSD and other hallucinogens and wondered how these compounds mimicked serotonin and caused such unusual behavioral effects in humans. My first research experience was studying mating and courtship behavior in dragonflies. I also learned about aquatic toxicology in a class and became inspired to study toxicology in graduate school.
In graduate school, I did my doctoral thesis on the neurobehavioral toxicology of developmental lead exposure in rats. I found that developmental lead exposure altered the sensitivity of rats to dopaminergic drugs, suggesting that their dopaminergic systems were altered. My work with dopaminergic drugs encouraged me to pursue a career in pharmacology. I also worked as a tutor and teaching assistant in graduate school for several courses and discovered that I loved teaching too. I found it rewarding to see students have the “a-ha moment.”
I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 21 years, working on drug discovery and development programs for projects for Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. I helped discover neural mechanisms of quetiapine that were relevant for treating depression and anxiety in bipolar disorder.
Towards the end of my time in pharmaceuticals, I became interested in coming back to academia to teach and conduct research with students. I took a position at IUP in the Biology Department and have been teaching and doing research (on serotonin!) with students and helping students get into graduate schools ever since.
Promotions were also announced for the following faculty, promoted to associate and assistant professor:
Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
Matthew Nice
Counseling and Human Development
College of Health Sciences
Benjamin Martin
Nursing
Assistant Professor
Student Affairs
Jamie D’Andrea
Athletics