Tenure Track Faculty 2024
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Alex Armonda
Assistant Professor
School of Education, Curriculum, and Instruction
PhD, UT Austin, 2022
Christopher Butler
Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Media, School of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts-Music Performance
Jessica Butler
Assistant Professor
College or Arts and Media, School of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts – Music Performance
Kristin Cameron
Assistant Professor
School of Education
PhD (Educational Policy Studies—Social Foundations)
Zhijing Chen (Pronounced ZEE-Jing)
Assistant Professor of Sport Administration
College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Human Sciences
Ph.D. in Sport Management, University of Michigan, August 16, 2024
Why did I choose SIU: SIU is a supportive, inclusive, and creative environment. I believe this is the place where I can learn, grow, and contribute to the field of sport administration.
Abdelkader Cheref (Pronounced Kadar)
Assistant Professor
College of Liberal Arts, School of Africana and Multicultural Studies
PhD, University of Exeter (UK), 2008
Why did I choose SIU: SIU, as a public research university, is a great institution to work for. With my long teaching experience and active research agenda, I believe I can make a positive impact at SIU.
Eric Farr
Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Media, School of Architecture
Ph.D.
Michelle Freeman
Assistant Professor
College of Liberal Arts, Classics & History
PhD, Religious Studies, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2024
Derek Gibson
Assistant Professor
College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences/School of Earth Systems and Sustainability
Ph.D.
Why did I choose SIU?: I chose SIU because it was an ideal opportunity to grow an impactful research program with great colleagues. The School of Earth Systems and Sustainability's combination of faculty and students with diverse backgrounds in geography, geology, and environmental studies creates a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment that aligns perfectly with the research I plan to conduct. Plus, it was hard to beat the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities of southern Illinois!
Jones Graceli
Assistant Professor
Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences/Agricultural Sciences
PhD, Federal University of Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro
Matthew Greer
Assistant Professor
College of Liberal Arts, School of Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science / Department of Anthropology
Ph.D. Syracuse University, 2022 / MA University of Southern Mississippi 2014 / BA University of Mary Washington 2009
Md Belayat Hossain (Pronounced Be-la-yat)
Assistant Professor
College of Engineering, School of Computing; Computer Science
Ph.D., Electronics and Computer Science, University of Hyogo, 2018
Why did I choose SIU: Southern Illinois University is renowned for strong support for research in science, engineering, and medicine. SIU's collaborative and supportive department culture encourages interdisciplinary projects and cooperation among faculty.
Mary Katherine Hughes
Assistant Professor of Scenic Design
MFA
Kirk Irwin
Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Media, School of Architecture
M.Arch/ABD
Nafisa Jadavji (Pronounced Nuh- fee-sah)
Assistant Professor
College of Medicine, School of Physiology
PhD - McGill University, 2013
Xinle Jia (Pronounced: Sheila)
Assistant Professor
College of Arts and Media, School of Journalism and Advertising
PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2023
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU for the diverse environment and my strong communication/journalism background.
Xiaopeng Jiang
Assistant Professor
College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, School of Computer Science
PhD, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Aug 2024
Amy Lang
Assistant Professor
College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Psychological and Behavioral Science
PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Aug 2022
Chien-tsung Lu
Professor and Director
School of Aviation
Ph.D.
Craig McPherson
Assistant Professor
School of Health Sciences
B.S. in Marketing; M.S. in Workforce Education and Development; M.S. in Healthcare Administration; Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development
Katie Moore
Assistant Professor
College of Liberal Arts, School of Linguistics
Bachelor's Degree, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010 Master’s degree, University of Northern Colorado, 2018, Doctoral Degree, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, ABD (hoping 2025)
Why did I choose SIU: I chose to pursue my academic career at Southern Illinois University due to the myriad opportunities it offers to enhance and expand the American Sign Language (ASL) program. The university's beautiful campus provides an inspiring and conducive environment for both teaching and learning. The welcoming faculty members have shown an exceptional level of support and collaboration, fostering a community where academic and personal growth are prioritized. Moreover, the proximity to my home and the place where I grew up makes Southern Illinois University an ideal location for me to contribute to and engage with the local community. The robust support system available at the university further solidifies my commitment to advancing ASL education and contributing to the vibrant academic culture.
Greg Nies
Assistant Professor of Law
Simmons Law School
JD, UCONN School of Law, 2004
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU because I agree fully with the SIU Simmons Law School’s approach to legal training and the amazing opportunities the University provides to teach and research in the area of agriculture law and policy. I am proud to be part of a law school that bridges the gap between theory and practice and produces practice-ready graduates who will become the lawyers and community leaders in both rural America, our local urban areas, and beyond.
Himali Madushani Kanchanamala Delanka Pedige
Assistant Professor
College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, School of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering
PhD in Engineering, New Mexico State University (2021 May), MSc in Environmental Engineering, New Mexico State University (2018 May), BSc in Civil Engineering, University Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2015 October)
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU because my research and teaching interests align closely with the department's expectations. Additionally, the university's captivating atmosphere and the warm welcome from fellow faculty members were influential factors in my decision.
Kaitlyn Poirier
Assistant Professor
Simmons Law School
Juris Doctor, University of Tennessee College of Law, 2015
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU because of its commitment to teaching practical skills that will enable its law school graduates to become excellent lawyers. I also value the collegiality and respect among the students and between students and faculty.
Chris Stantis (she/her)
Assistant Professor
CoLA, School of Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology
PhD in Anatomy, University of Otago (New Zealand/Aotearoa)
Why did I choose SIU: As an R2 institution, SIU is well-suited for someone who wants to balance both intensive research as well as engaged teaching. It was clear during the interview that my colleagues will be interested in discussion and collaboration that improves our work. The hiking around the area is a nice plus!
Kang Sun (Pronounced: Kong)
Assistant Professor
College of Health and Human Sciences, School of Social Work
PhD
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU for its strong academic programs, esp. in social work and research. The university's commitment to research, teaching, innovation, and community services aligns well with my goals of development. I also appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the development of future social workers and to be part of a community that values social justice, change, and connections.
Brice Terpstra
Assistant Professor
College of Human and Health Sciences/School of Justice and Public Safety
PhD
Nitin Tiwari (Pronounced Nitin)
Assistant Professor
College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, School of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering
Ph.D., Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore India
Why did I choose SIU: I chose SIU because of its promising trajectory outlined in the 2030 SIU Imagine Plan, which positions the university to ascend to world-class status. The strategic vision laid out for 2030 demonstrates robust potential to achieve its ambitious goals. I firmly believe in setting goals and diligently working towards their realization, a philosophy mirrored by SIU's commitment to deliverables, which resonated with me and influenced my decision to accept the position.
During my campus visit, I was captivated by the natural beauty surrounding SIU. The picturesque parks, tranquil lakes, and lush landscapes provided a serene environment reminiscent of my hometown City of Lakes Bhopal, India. This familiar setting instantly felt like home to me, making it an ideal place to settle and raise a family.
Moreover, the professional atmosphere I experienced during the on-campus interview solidified my decision. Interactions with faculty, staff, and students exuded a sense of dedication to academic excellence and advancement in research and teaching. This professional ethos aligns seamlessly with my career aspirations, fostering an environment conducive to my growth and development.
In essence, the shared values and aspirations between myself and SIU lay a strong foundation for mutual growth and success.
Carly Toepke
Assistant Professor
Simmons Law School
Bachelors, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, 2008 Juris Doctor, University of Illinois Chicago, 2011 Doctor Iuris, University of Lucerne, 2016
Why did I choose SIU: After being away from Illinois for thirteen years, I chose SIU Simmons School of Law because it was the right fit with the right group of students. Having spent my childhood and most of my educational career in Illinois, I know the culture and hardworking nature of the people here. I was excited to get back to that culture and had been looking for the right fit to make the transition. Simmons School of Law has a strong reputation for public service, social justice, and pro bono, and I strongly hold that lawyers have the duty to serve the public by giving back their time and skills. I want to be part of the next generation of lawyers serving the Illinois area and beyond with those skills. Further, the School of Law’s small class size fosters a personalized approach, allowing for meaningful mentorship and collaboration opportunities. The opportunity to be part of the supportive, collaboration environment between students and faculty made my choice an easy one.
Candle Wester
Associate Professor & Director of the Law Library
Simmons Law School
J.D., University of Nebraska – Lincoln; MSLIS, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Virgilio Zurita
Assistant Professor
CoBA, School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics
He obtained his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business