New Faculty

New Faculty 2017

Jennifer M. Andrashko, MSW, LICSW Social Work MSW, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Andrashko joins the Social Work department as an Assistant Professor with a wealth of practical and academic experience. In addition to her work as a Behavioral Health Provider/Administrator for Open Door Health Center, in 2012 Andrashko received a certificate in refugee mental health from the Minnesota Council of Churches. Prior to joining the faculty full time, Andrashko served as an adjunct and fixed-term instructor at Minnesota State Mankato, covering topics such as social welfare policy and culturally responsive communication. Her research currently centers on access to mental health services for young adults in the child welfare system.

Dawn M. Armfield, Ph.D. Technical Communication Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Dr. Armfield teaches technical communication, usability, and research and theory in technical communication. She received her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Scientific and Technical Communication from the University of Minnesota and spent three years teaching at Frostburg State University before joining Minnesota State Mankato’s Technical Communication faculty. Dr. Armfield’s research areas include digital literacy, new media, wearable technologies and visual rhetoric. She has published numerous book chapters and articles, including the forthcoming “Shaming and Socially Responsible Online Engagement” in TransMissions: Journal of Film and Media Studies.

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Robin Becker, MFA

English/Creative Writing MFA, Louisiana State University Becker specializes in creative writing and pop culture.

Her first novel, published in 2010, is titled “Brains: A Zombie Memoir.” Ms. Becker has also contributed to the Encyclopedia of the Zombie: The Walking Dead in Popular Culture. She is currently Advisor for Minnesota State Mankato’s Creative Writing Society and edits the English department newsletter.

Patricia Sue (Olson) Beierwaltes, D.N.P Nursing D.N.P., Oakland University

Before joining the Nursing faculty at Minnesota State Mankato, Dr. Beierwaltes coordinated care for patients with spina bifida, spinal cord injury and muscular dystrophy as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. In addition to a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Oakland University, she holds a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents and currently serves on the Spina Bifida Association of America Professional Advisory Council.

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Joshua R. Berkenpas, Ph.D. Government/Law Enforcement Ph.D., Western Michigan University

A veteran with the United States Army, Dr. Berkenpas recently received his Doctorate in Philosophy from Western Michigan University. His research interests include myth and mythology studies, narrative theory, identity theory and the history of political science. His paper, “The Behavioral Revolution? A Genealogy of a Concept” is forthcoming in European Political Science. Starting in 2005, Dr. Berkenpas was deployed in Iraq for 16 months.

Bruce A. Biggs, Ph.D. Government/Law Enforcement Ph.D., Purdue

Dr. Biggs recently received his Doctorate in Philosophy for his dissertation, “Examining Law Enforcement Officer Job Satisfaction and Burnout through the Lens of Empowerment Theory.” Before returning to academia, Dr. Biggs spent 24 years with the Lafayette Police Department, first as a patrol officer, and culminating as Captain and Criminal Investigations Division Commander.

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Jeffrey Brown, Ph.D. Psychology Ph.D., Tulane University

Dr. Brown received his Ph.D. in August 2016, having previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Yale University, and a Master of Science from Tulane. His areas of interest include: social-emotional development, risk and resilience, and youth of color. Dr. Brown recently presented his paper, “The Experience of Complex Trauma in New Orleans Youth” at the meeting of the Association for Psychological Society in New York.

Rajeev Bukralia, DSc

Computer Information Sciences DSc, Dakota State University, Madison Before joining this department, Dr. Bukralia was Director of Data Science Outreach at University of Wisconsin– Green Bay. His specializations include decision support systems, knowledge management and data management; his research is focused on predictive and prescriptive analytics. Dr. Bukralia holds a Master of Science degree from Dakota State University, Madison, and began his academic career in India where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and Post Graduate Diploma from the University of New Delhi.

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Qijie (Vicky) Cai, Ph.D. Kindergarten and Secondary Programs Ph.D., University of Virginia

Dr. Cai previously served as an instructional designer, managing the Institute for the Scholarship of Assessment, Learning, and Teaching. Her paper, “Developing an EarlyAlert System to Promote Student Visits to Tutor Center” was recently published in The Learning Assistance Review. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Beijing Normal University, and is currently an academic committee member to the Mankato Chinese Culture Institute.

Thorvald O. Dahle, Ph.D. Government/Law Enforcement Ph.D., North Dakota State University

Dr. Dahle has more than 23 years experience in law enforcement, most recently as Chief of Police in Lebanon, Oregon. He recently received his Ph.D. for his dissertation “No time for stolen yard gnomes: Changing styles of policing during an oil boom.” The dissertation, as well as his graduate research work, explores the impact of North Dakota’s oil boom on policing and citizen’s perceptions of personal safety. His research interests include Law Enforcement Ethics, Race & Policing, Gender & Policing, and Police Effectiveness.

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Wade S. Davis

Accounting and Business Law JD, University of Iowa, College of Law A partner at Stinson Leonard Street, LLP, Mr. Davis has litigated more than a hundred business and commercial lawsuits. In addition to an extensive legal career, he studied rhetoric, argumentation and critical theory at Arizona State University, where he received a Master of Arts in Communications Studies. He performs pro bono work for organizations like Southern Minnesota Regional Law Services and sits on the board of Partners for Affordable Housing. In 2013, Mr. Davis was named Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer.

Mark Alan DeRemer, Ph.D., CPA / CMA Accounting and Business Law Ph.D., University of Texas, Austin

Before joining the Department of Accounting and Business Law, Dr. DeRemer served as chair of the School of Business Program and Curriculum Development Committee at Concordia University, Wisconsin, where he also taught undergraduate accounting, finance and economics courses.

His current research interests include student centeredness in instruction and designing viable value-added programming options in higher education, aimed at increasing and sustaining student enrollment.

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Julia K. Dutove, Ph.D. Human Performance Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Dr. Dutove recently completed her Ph.D. in kinesiology, and holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in physical education. Dr. Dutove has published several articles on women in coaching and athletics and received a Tucker Center Doctoral Fellowship for Gender Equality in Sport from the University of Minnesota.

Rachel Hanel, Ph.D. Mass Media Ph.D., Bath Spa University

Dr. Hanel specializes in news editing and writing, digital communication, literary journalism, popular culture and media, and composition. In addition to works published in national and regional newspapers and magazines, Hanel is author of more than 20 children’s books. Her first book for adults is a memoir titled, “We’ll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down: Memoir of a Gravedigger’s Daughter.”

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Jameel Haque, Ph.D.

History Ph.D., The Graduate Center of the City University of New York Prior to joining the History Department at Minnesota State Mankato, Dr. Haque served as assistant professor of history at the American University of Central Asia. His research interests include global history, Imperialism and Post-Colonialism, Islamic Studies, and Abrahamic religions.

Dr. Haque speaks several languages, including Spanish and Urdu.

Jonathan R. Hicks, Ph.D.

RPLS Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne Dr. Hicks studies human-wildlife interactions in leisure settings in order to develop a deeper understanding of how encounters with wildlife impact human behaviors. Dr. Hicks holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Illinois University, and has written for newspapers and the USDA Forest Service. His current teaching and research has implications for ecotourism, park planning and community development.

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Aaron Humble, D.M. Music D.M., Indiana University

Dr. Humble has toured as a singer and tour manager for Cantus in Minneapolis and served as Artistic Director for the Minnesota Compline Choir. He has performed as a solo tenor with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Boston Pops and in concert at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Library of Congress. Dr. Humble currently teaches applied voice and diction and conducts the University Chorale. He continues to perform in recital and concert settings.

Paolo Infante, M.A.

English/TESL M.A., Pennsylvania State University Mr. Infante received a Master of Arts in Italian Studies in Toronto and a Teaching EFL certificate in Florence, Italy, before returning to academia to pursue Applied Linguistics and Curriculum & Instruction. Mr. Infante is currently pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Pennsylvania State for his dissertation, “Teaching Advanced English Concepts Using Vygotskian-Based Approaches to Second Language Instruction.�

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Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D. Educational Leadership Ed.D., University of Minnesota

Dr. Johnson is a community leader with expertise in education and a strong financial background. Prior to joining the Educational Leadership department, Dr. Johnson served as Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools, the third largest school system in the state. She currently sits on the Ordway Theatre Board of Directors. Past appointments include Urban Leadership Advisory Board, Achieve Mpls Board of Directors and African American Leadership Forum.

In her current role, Dr. Johnson focuses on educational equity challenges and discipline disparities in schools.

Mary M. Kramer, Ph.D. Health Sciences Ph.D., Arizona State University

Before joining Minnesota State Mankato’s Health Sciences department, Dr. Kramer served as program director of Public Health Education at Wright State University. In 2014, she was awarded the “Distinguished Achievement in Advocacy Award” from the American Heart Association Mideast Affiliate for dedication and service in advocacy and public health policy.

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Eleanor Leung, Ph.D. Integrated Engineering Ph.D., McMaster University

Dr. Leung recently received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from McMaster University, and joins Minnesota State, Mankato’s Integrated Engineering department with a focus on Iron Range Engineering. An active participant in the community, Dr. Leung has served as Girl Guide Unit Leader in the Calgary area, and an Engineering Student Representative for the Women in Science and Engineering Student Club at the University of Calgary.

Jennifer K. Londgren, Ed.D. Education Ed.D, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dr. Londgren recently received an Ed.D from Minnesota State Mankato for her dissertation, “Phenomenological Study of the Experience of Counseling for Women With Addiction.” To complete her research, Dr. Londgren interviewed seven participants about their experiences in counseling, and showed that trust and feeling valued are integral to counseling interactions. Dr. Londgren holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

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Michelle M. McAlarnen, Ph.D..

Human Performance Ph.D., West Virginia University

Dr. McAlarnen has worked as a performance psychology consultant for the U.S. women’s rugby collegiate allAmerican team and the Pittsburgh Pirates. She recently received her Ph.D. for the dissertation titled, “Becoming a mindful sport psychology consultant: Defining, developing, and integrating mindfulness into practice.” In addition to her teaching and practical experience, Dr. McAlarnen is a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry.

Chad McCutchen, Ph.D. History Ph.D., Texas Christian University

Dr. McCutchen received his Ph.D. at Texas Christian University last spring with a dissertation focused on Mestizaje in the Viceroyalty of Peru, 1532-1650.

Throughout his academic career, he has published articles and presentations in both Spanish and English. In the 2015 academic year, Mr. McCutchen was awarded a Benjamin W. Schmidt Dissertation Fellowship from TCU.

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Connie O’Brien, EDB Accounting & Business Law EDB, Georgia State University

Dr. O’Brien earned an Executive Doctorate of Business from Georgia State University in 2015. As an MBA and CPA, she has taught and lectured at universities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Dr. O’Brien has also penned several articles, including “Can Pre-employment Tests Identify White-collar Criminals and Reduce Fraud Risk in Your Organization?”, which she has submitted to The Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting. Her professional experience includes accounting, auditing and business management.

Laurel Gail Ostrow, DNP Nursing DNP, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Dr. Ostrow has diverse teaching and clinical experiences honed over more than 20 years in the United States and abroad. Dr. Ostrow holds RN licensure in both Minnesota and Malawi. Over the course of her career, her work has taken her to Malawi, Rwanda and Japan, among other corners of the globe. She joins Minnesota State Mankato’s nursing department, where she will teach online and hybrid courses.

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Justin J. Rudnick, Ph.D. Communication Studies Ph.D., Ohio University

Dr. Rudnick focuses his research on identity and specializes in the performance of gender and sexual identity. He received a Ph.D. in Communications Studies from Ohio University in 2016 for his dissertation, “Performing, sensing, being: Affect and the body in the performance of queer identity.”

Rudnick also holds a Communication Graduate Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Benjamin M. Schwamberger, Ph.D. Human Performance Ph.D., University of Alabama

After receiving his doctorate in Human Performance (Sport Pedagogy) from the University of Alabama, Dr. Schwamberger joined the faculty of the University of Central Missouri as an assistant professor. In 2016, he gave a presentation titled “Enhancing Sporting Behavior and Fair Play in Sport Education” at the National SHAPE Convention in Minneapolis. Dr. Schwamberger is a member of the Society of Health and Physical Educators and American Educational Research Association.

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Kyungwoon Seo, Ph.D. Biology Ph.D., University of Iowa

Dr. Seo recently received her Ph.D. in Science Education.

In 2015, Dr. Seo presented the poster “The Development of a Students’ Understanding Representation in Science (SURS) Survey” at the International Conference of the Korean Association for Science Education in Busan, South Korea, for which she was awarded an Outstanding Poster Award.

Thad Shunkwiler, Ed.D.

Health Science Ed.D, Minnesota State University, Mankato Dr. Shunkwiler completed his Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling in December 2016.

His dissertation explored the impact of military deployments on marital satisfaction. In 2001, Dr. Shunkwiler was commissioned as a Medical Service Corp Officer in the U.S. Army Minnesota National Guard, for which he served domestically and overseas for 14 years. He holds several professional licensures, including Professional Clinical Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Play Therapist and Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

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Jessica Sky Smith, MSW, LICSW Social Work MSW, Aurora University

A doctoral candidate at St. Thomas/St. Kate School of Social Work, Ms. Sky Smith has extensive experience working with children, youth and families, including as a forensic interviewer of children and vulnerable adults. She has practiced social work at Mayo Clinic and Rochester Public Schools, as well as in private practice. She has a specific interest in distress experiences of Native American oncology patients. Her publication, “Psychosocial Needs of Rural Cancer Survivors and Their Partners,” appeared in The Journal of Psychosocial Oncology.

Stephanie R. Thorpe, D.M.A. Music D.M.A., University of Nevada, Las Vegas

A vocalist and performer, Dr. Thorpe has earned accolades and awards throughout her professional and academic career. She was a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and a winner of the Nevada District National Association of Teachers and Singing Artist Awards. She is an active performer across genres, including opera, musical theatre, and contemporary music. In 2015, Dr. Thorpe presented “Vocal Health: Tips to Protect Your Voice!” at the National Association for Music Education Teaching Music in the 21st Century Conference.

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Michael Thursby, M.M. Music M.M., University of Northern Iowa

Mr. Thursby joins the Minnesota State Mankato music faculty as director of athletic bands. As a percussionist, Mr. Thursby has performed with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra, Owatonna Symphony Orchestra, Pan-handlers Steel Drum Band, Itasca Community Orchestra, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, and the Jumbies Caribbean Band.

In 2010, Chops Inc. Drum and Bugle Corps named him Rookie of the Year.

Tom Tran, M.S. Library Services M.S., University at Buffalo

Mr. Tran has extensive experiences managing library applications and systems. Prior to joining Library Services at Minnesota State Mankato, Mr. Tran served as Senior Programmer Analyst/Library Systems Specialist at Binghamton University in New York. He holds a Master of Science in Information and Library Sciences from the University at Buffalo, as well as a Master of Science in Telecommunications and Network Management from Syracuse University. In 2013, Mr. Tran received the E. Alberta Riggs Memorial Scholarship to support his Library Sciences degree.

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Kyle Ward, Ph.D.

History Ph.D., Indiana State University Before joining the History Department at Minnesota State Mankato, Dr. Ward served as Director of Social Studies Education at St. Cloud State University. His primary fields of study include Social Studies Education and U.S. History.

He is the author of six books, including “Not Written in Stone: Learning and Unlearning U.S. History Through 200 Years of Textbooks.”

Jianwu Zeng, Ph.D.

Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dr. Zeng’s research interests include: renewable energy systems, microgrids and smartgrids, energy storage systems, power management, and computational intelligence for electric power and energy systems. Hholds a Master of Science in Control Science and Engineering from Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. From 2005-2008, he worked as an Electrical Engineer for Eaton Electrical in Shenzhen.

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Ke Zhu, Ph.D.

Mathematics/Statistics Ph.D., Stanford University Dr. Zhu has taught mathematics at the University of Minnesota, the University of Wisconsin—Madison, the University of Toronto and Stanford University. He holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Peking University, as well as a Ph.D. from Stanford. He is a member of the American Mathematics Society.

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A member of the Minnesota State system and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University.

This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Department Academic Affairs at 507-389-1333 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).

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