Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff News

RecWell Photo
Tuesday, October 01, 2024


Oakland University and Ascension Providence Rochester Foundation have partnered to offer Mental Health First Aid trainings throughout the month of October. 


Alumni Reunion Weekend Graphic
Tuesday, September 24, 2024


Alumni Reunion Weekend is a time for OU alumni to reconnect with old classmates and friends, to revisit old memories and to make new ones. 


Educational Resource Lab Group Collaboration
Monday, September 23, 2024


Each year, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning works with OU Student Congress to host a student-led panel discussion on connecting student experience with teaching practices. These efforts helped inspire the creation of the Pedagogical Partnerships Program. Pictured from left are OU students Lance Markowitz, Andrew Cadotte, Mena Hannakachl and Clarence Sanders. Oakland University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) is launching a new program that will empower students to help create high-quality, engaging learning experiences in collaboration with faculty. 


OU student veterans
Friday, September 20, 2024


The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has awarded Oakland University gold status, the highest rating possible, on its 2024 list of veteran-friendly schools. 


Oakland University Professor of Political Science Terri Towner poses for a photo.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024


Oakland University Professor of Political Science Terri Towner, Ph.D. was elected the 46th President of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.


OU earns spot on Phi Theta Kappa honor roll for supporting transfer students
Wednesday, September 11, 2024


A new transfer articulation agreement will help qualified students in the Associate of Applied Science in Education: Early Childhood Studies program at Macomb Community College transition to Oakland University to complete a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. 


Eli D'Souza
Monday, September 09, 2024


OU student Eli D'Souza uses the newly created Time Management Tool.Oakland University has launched a new tool to help students balance the demands of college life. Accessible on the Academic Success Center (ASC) web section, the Time Management Tool empowers students to understand how they are using their time and make adjustments to optimize productivity. 


Shamiah Woods and Mae Dennis
Friday, September 06, 2024


Shamiah Woods (left) and Mae Dennis, assistant director of Orientation and New Student Programs, chat in OU's First Year Advising Center. Shamiah Woods remembers the pressures, doubts and fears she faced while preparing to embark on her freshman year at Oakland University. As a first-generation college student, the Detroit native wasn’t sure how to navigate her college journey, from picking a major, to managing her course load, to integrating work and social life. She also questioned how she would fund her education without taking on too much debt. 


Dr. Christina Papadimitriou, professor of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences and Sociology at Oakland University
Tuesday, August 06, 2024


Dr. Christina Papadimitriou, professor of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (School of Health Sciences) and Sociology (College of Arts and Sciences) at Oakland University, has been selected as a 2024 Fellow by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM). The designation recognizes active ACRM members with an outstanding record of professional service to ACRM who have also made contributions of national significance to the field of medical rehabilitation.


Christopher Coleman
Monday, August 05, 2024


Pictured from left: Kenya Beard, Ed.D., president of the National Black Nurses Association’s Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing; Christopher Coleman, dean of Oakland University's School of Nursing; and Sheldon Fields, president and CEO of the National Black Nurses Association, at the 52nd Annual Institute and Conference of the National Black Nurses Association. Christopher Lance Coleman, Ph.D., dean of Oakland University’s School of Nursing, was recently honored with the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Trailblazer Award at the 52nd Annual NBNA Institute and Conference, in San Francisco.  


Donations
Monday, July 29, 2024


From left: Rachel Partin (TLF Hope Center), Lew LaPaugh (TLF), Lynn LaPaugh (TLF), Alicia Garcia (OUCARES), Aimee Halonen (GFS) and Rachel Morawski (GFS) are pictured with donations that will benefit OUCARES programming for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Thanks to a collaboration with the Ted Lindsay Foundation (TLF), Corewell Health Ted Lindsay Foundation Hope Center and Gordon Food Service (GFS) Brighton store, Oakland University’s Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services (OUCARES) received generous donations that will benefit programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 


Afonso and Wasserman
Tuesday, July 23, 2024


Two professors from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine have each achieved the faculty rank of Dean’s Distinguished Professor. 


Dr. Toni Glover
Monday, July 15, 2024


Dr. Toni Glover, an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Oakland University, has been selected as a 2024 Fellow by the American Academy of Nursing in recognition of her substantial and sustained impact on health and health care.


Dr. Alycen Wiacek
Friday, July 12, 2024


Dr. Alycen Wiacek, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Bioengineering at Oakland University, has been awarded the prestigious Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) grant for $200,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for her project to develop a wireless 3D breast ultrasound imaging system for low-resource settings.


Marlene McKean
Wednesday, July 10, 2024


Marlene McKean first set foot on Oakland University's campus as a temporary employee in June 1985. She worked in numerous campus offices until joining the Meadow Brook Health Enhancement Institute full time at its inception in February 1986. Her journey with the School of Engineering and Computer Science began in July 1989 when she transferred to the Advising Office. 


Professor Kerro Knox and Distinguished Professor Karen Sheridan
Wednesday, July 10, 2024


Professor Kerro Knox and Distinguished Professor Karen Sheridan teamed up to give a very informal "Last Lecture" on April 15. Both are retiring after decades of service and teaching in Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance. You can read more here.


Dennis Curry at the carillon
Wednesday, July 03, 2024


For the past 10 years, Dennis Curry has been making beautiful music atop Elliott Tower as Oakland University’s resident carillonneur.


Steele, Bowen, Wertheimer, Dulio and Pescovitz
Monday, July 01, 2024


“Is freedom of speech a necessity in order to have a healthy democracy?” 


Marine Energy Collegiate Competition
Tuesday, June 18, 2024


A multidisciplinary team of Oakland University students made a splash at the 2024 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition, tying for third place among 20 schools nationwide. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the annual event challenges students to design, develop and present innovations that harness the power of water. 


IGVC
Thursday, June 13, 2024


Engineering and computer science students came from around the globe to compete at the 31st annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC), an event that immerses students in the burgeoning field of self-driving vehicles. 


Oakland University Associate Professor of Theatre Jeremy Barnett and theatre alumnus Jason Maracani recently unveiled a new art installation in the East Garden of the Krasi Art Center in St. Joseph, M
Monday, June 10, 2024


Oakland University Associate Professor of Theatre Jeremy Barnett and theatre alumnus Jason Maracani recently unveiled a new art installation in the East Garden of the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Mich. that they hope will help people feel connected to and inspired by the gallery's outdoor space. 


Women & Philanthropy Event
Thursday, June 06, 2024


Members of Oakland University’s Women & Philanthropy group recently gathered with President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and other community members to celebrate the milestone of awarding over $100,000 in grant funding to support campus programs.  


Scott Tiegs
Thursday, May 30, 2024


A study published in the journal Science uses a global experiment and predictive modeling to illustrate how human impacts to aquatic ecosystems are contributing to the global climate crisis. 



Friday, May 24, 2024


The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) has named James Hargett, associate vice president for finance and controller among its class of 15 higher education business leaders for the 2024-25 NACUBO Fellows Program.


Cybersecurity Playbook
Thursday, May 23, 2024


Dr. Darrin Hanna, a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Oakland University, recently joined leaders from technology, manufacturing, government, and academia for a roundtable discussion hosted by Automation Alley about crucial issues in cybersecurity, including the latest trends and best practices in securing the digital future.


Dr. Vanessa Reynolds, Salvador Lopez and Dr. Aura Cazares
Wednesday, May 22, 2024


OU's Dr. Aura Cazares is pictured with ALSAME's co-chairs Dr. Vanessa Reynolds and Salvador Lopez.Oakland University has been selected to host the 2025 Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (ALSAME) Latino Youth Conference, an event that will bring hundreds of high school students from across Michigan to campus in May 2025. 


David Gram with his book, "Contemporary Farce on the Global Stage: Or, Serious Laughter"
Thursday, May 02, 2024


Oakland University Professor David Gram’s first book, Contemporary Farce on the Global Stage: Or, Serious Laughter, was recently published by Routledge Publishing. The book examines the evolution of farce as a theatrical genre in the 21st century.


Calvin Goldsmith stands next to his research post.
Friday, April 26, 2024


Calvin Goldsmith admits there were times he really struggled with chemistry when he arrived at Oakland University as a freshman. 


Steffan Puwal
Friday, April 26, 2024


Steffan Puwal, special lecturer and adjunct assistant professor of medical physics, recently published an article in NATO Review examining the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could play in nuclear defense and deterrence. 


Mena Hannakachl speaks in front of an audience.
Friday, April 19, 2024


Spend a few minutes talking to Oakland senior Mena Hannakachl and you’ll likely walk away impressed with what she’s been able to accomplish during her time at OU and what she hopes to accomplish in the future.


President Pescovitz and award recipients
Thursday, April 18, 2024


Each year, Oakland University recognizes outstanding student leaders who demonstrate academic excellence while making a positive impact on campus and in the community. 


Jesus Christ Superstar
Tuesday, April 16, 2024


Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance presented Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” on Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 20-24 in the newly renovated Varner Studio Theatre on the campus of Oakland University. Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a rock opera loosely based on the final seven days in the life of Jesus Christ, as told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.


Cheetah
Friday, April 12, 2024


Taras K. Oleksyk, associate professor in OU’s Department of Biological Sciences, has received an award from the American Genetic Association to organize ConGen2025: Recent Advances in Conservation Genetics. 


Yuejian Wang
Thursday, April 11, 2024


In an article published in Chemistry of Materials, a prestigious journal under the American Chemical Society, Oakland University Associate Professor of Physics Yuejian Wang explored how high-pressure techniques can induce changes in certain crystalline materials, similar to the way graphite can be converted into diamond when subjected to high pressure and high temperature.


Karen Sheridan and Kerro Knox 3
Monday, April 08, 2024


The Department of Theatre at Oakland University is reviving the tradition of retiring faculty presenting a “Last Lecture.”



Monday, April 08, 2024


Music hasn’t completely taken over Terry Herald’s life, but it’s taken up a large chunk of his home. That’s because when Herald was building his house, he included space for a custom music studio.


Student group at whiteboard
Friday, April 05, 2024


With the theme of “Cultivating Inclusion Through Connection” Oakland University’s second annual Teaching Symposium aims to unite teaching and research faculty alongside campus educators. This full-day event includes a buffet lunch and requires registration. 


Tiffany LeDonne-Smith and Simone Amalio-Klebba
Tuesday, April 02, 2024


Each year, the Oakland University Professional Advisers Council (OUPAC) presents the university’s top academic advising awards to two outstanding professionals for their commitment to helping students succeed. 


Daniela Meson De La Fuente
Friday, March 29, 2024


Bioengineering student Daniela Meson De La Fuente is pictured with the research poster she presented at the 2024 Maize Genetics Meeting.Oakland University student Daniela Meson De La Fuente recently presented research at the 2024 Maize Genetics Meeting, an international conference that brought together researchers whose work advances the field of maize (corn) genetics and breeding. 


Walter Wolfsberger, Zlata Bilanyn, Taras K. Oleksyk, Maria Varyvoda and Stephanie Castro-Marquez
Monday, March 25, 2024


Oakland Associate Professor of Biology and genomics expert Taras K. Oleksyk, Ph.D. is creating one of the largest genome-wide studies of Type 1 Diabetes in the world, and he’s hopeful his research will provide the data for other scientists to follow. 


Taras Oleksyk
Wednesday, March 06, 2024


Taras K. Oleksyk, associate professor in Oakland University’s Department of Biological Sciences, has been named a U.S. Fulbright Scholar for the 2024-25 academic year. 


Masters of the Air book cover
Friday, March 01, 2024


In his 2007 book “Masters of the Air,” Professor Donald L. Miller chronicles the riveting history of the American Eighth Air Force in World War II, and the story of the young men who flew the bombers that helped bring Nazi Germany to its knees. 


Meir Shillor
Monday, February 26, 2024


Oakland University Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Meir Shillor was recently named a Specialist in the Fulbright-Nehru Program, and he will spend five weeks this summer at the Assam Don Bosco University in Assam, India. 


flags of the world
Monday, February 19, 2024


Oakland University has joined the United States Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab, a public-private partnership between the Department of State and a network of U.S. academic institutions that harnesses research and innovation of students and faculty to solve global challenges. 


Soccer
Friday, February 16, 2024


OU's Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services and OU Athletics teamed up on a program to teach children on the autism spectrum the fundamentals of soccer.For the past several weeks, Saturday mornings at Oakland University’s Recreation Center have been abuzz with the sounds of children playing soccer. 


Interprofessional Education Workshop
Wednesday, February 14, 2024


Oakland University’s eighth annual Interprofessional Education Workshop put a spotlight on ways that health care professionals can work together to meet the specific needs of women affected by substance use disorder. 


Black and Gold Giving Day
Tuesday, February 13, 2024


Oakland University alumni, students, faculty, staff and supporters are encouraged to “Shine a Light on OU” during Black and Gold Giving Day on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.