NHS Research
Leading with Curiosity and Impact
Faculty-Led Discovery and Innovation
More than 100 faculty members in the College of Natural and Health Sciences lead the way in discovery and innovation. Their research spans health and medicine, molecular and environmental sciences, conservation, STEM education, and applied analytics—advancing knowledge, shaping practice, and creating solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives.
Student Engagement in Research
Graduate and undergraduate students are active partners in this work. Whether assisting in laboratories, contributing to community-based projects, or pursuing independent research under faculty mentorship, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in science, health, and education. These opportunities enable students to apply classroom learning to real-world challenges, developing the skills, confidence, and curiosity necessary to become the next generation of researchers and leaders.
NHS Department and Schools Research
Advancing Human Health and Healing
NHS faculty drive advances in health, wellness, and patient care. Projects span nursing education, clinical training, dietetics, mental health, and community health initiatives—always grounded in compassion, resilience, and equity in healthcare practices.
Mike D. Aldridge (Nursing)
Jill Bezyak (RHS)
Carolyn L. Bottone-Post (Nursing)
Lisa Caldwell (KiND-Nutrition and Dietetics)
Scott R. E. Douglas (KiND SES)
Steph Fanelli (KiND Nutrition and Dietetics)
Abbie E. Ferris (KiND SES)
Barbara Garrity (Nursing)
Hannah A. Glick (CSD)
Lindsay Green (Nursing)
Courtney Gryskiewicz (Nursing)
Reid Hayward (KiND-SES)
Mona Hebeshy, PhD, RN (Nursing)
Kayla Howerton (CSD)
Sara A. Mannello (KiND SES)
Erin Moser (RHS)
Ramesh Kumar Muralimanohar (CSD)
Katherine E. S. O’Hara (RHS)
Carlo Parker (Nursing)
Natalie Pool (Nursing)
Kathie Records (Nursing)
Gary P. Robinaugh (CSD)
Deb Rojas (Nursing)
Michaela Romero (Nursing)
Nick Slagel (KiND Nutrition and Dietetics)
Megan Babkes Stellino (KiND SES)
Molecules to Medicine
With expertise spanning multiple disciplines, NHS researchers uncover how molecular, biochemical, and genetic processes shape health and disease—paving the way for advances in cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and metabolomics.
Aaron K. Apawu (CBC)
Patrick Burns (BS)
Greg DeKrey (BS)
Yuyan Han (BS)
James M. Haughian (BS)
Andrea James (BS)
Judy Leatherman (BS)
Stephen P. Mackessy (BS)
Katie Morrison (MS)
Nick A. Pullen (BS)
Caitlin V. Raaz (CSD)
Laura K. Stewart (KiND, SES)
Mark P. Thomas (BS)
Matter, Energy, and Environment
NHS faculty lead research in the physical and environmental sciences, including physics, chemistry, ecology, and atmospheric science. Their work investigates the forces that shape the natural world—advancing knowledge of climate, ecosystems, materials, and energy. Through discovery, modeling, and collaboration with students, they generate insights that support sustainability, resilience, and solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Lauryn Benedict (BS)
Bonnie Buss (CBC)
Jan L. Chaloupka (PA)
Aichun Dong (CBC)
Nathaniel Eldredge (MS)
Tyler A. Engstrom (PA)
Donald S. Finan (CSD)
Wendilyn Flynn (EAS)
Scott Franklin (BS)
Charles A. Kuehn (PA)
Mariana Lazarova (PA)
Matthew R. Semak (PA)
Byron M. Straw (EAS)
STEM Education and Inclusive Pedagogy
Faculty in NHS reimagine how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are taught and learned. Their work promotes equity, engagement, and innovation in STEM classrooms through inclusive practices, open educational resources, and new approaches to supporting diverse learners.
Jennifer Avena (BS)
Amy Bekins (BS)
Corina E. Brown (CBC)
Teresa Buckner (Kind, Nutrition and Dietetics)
Shannon Courtney (KiND SES)
Brian Dauenhauer (KiND SES)
Cynthia Galovich (PA)
Nancy Geisendorfer (MS)
Kristin Kang (MS)
Gulden Karakok (MS)
Susan M. Keenan (NHS Deans Office/Biology)
Betsy Kersey (MS)
Nat Miller (MS)
Jennifer C. Parrish (BS)
Robert Powers (MS)
Lindsay Reiten (MS)
Jocelyn Rios (MS)
Cindy Shellito (EAS)
Mental Health, Mindfulness, and Community Engagement
Through their research and community partnerships, NHS researchers advance well-being and belonging, developing initiatives that promote resilience, mindfulness, and mental health while fostering culturally responsive approaches to wellness.
Applied Innovation & Impact
NHS faculty tackle complex problems that shape society, technology, and recreation. From designing fair allocation systems and optimizing sports schedules to improving IoT usability and understanding human behavior in gaming, their work blends rigorous theory, computational modeling, and data-driven approaches to create meaningful solutions
Nathaniel Eldredge (MS)
Joshua T. Guerin (MS)
Koo Yul Kim (KiND SES)
Oscar Levin (MS)
Hammad H. Mazhar (MS)
Alan L. Morse (KiND SES)
Yoon Tae Sung (KiND SES)
Research News
