Teaching Scholars

Applications for Teaching Scholars are due Friday April 12th at 8am.

Program Description: Teaching Scholars

The Teaching Scholars Program promotes shared scholarly inquiry into teaching and learning. Those interested in conducting scholarly examinations of strategies designed to enhance student learning are encouraged to apply. This program continues to be built around collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary faculty colleagues engaging in the scholarly examination of learning. The primary goal of this program is to support faculty in the design, implementation, and assessment of scholarly projects that identify and create significant learning environments.

The broad aims of the program include:

Assessing, developing, and enhancing student learning
Building an interdisciplinary community of scholars around learning and teaching
Building strategies for the scholarly study of student learning
Identifying, through research, elements of significant learning environments

The benefits of the program for participants include:

Participating in a year-long program that focuses on the scholarship of learning and teaching
The development of collegial relationships across disciplines
Participation at one funded conference on learning, teaching, and SoTL
3-hour workload reallocation to cover costs associated with workload reallocation. The unit will receive $3,000 upon completion of the program to defray costs of reallocation.
Developing methods for studying, documenting, and assessing learning and teaching.

click here for a pdf version of the questions

We encourage all who are interested in applying to review previous Teaching Scholar Projects to see the wide variety fo interesting topics and approaches. If interested in learning more, you can

View past participants and their projects by clicking on the "Past Participants" tab
Schedule a consultation with CTL by emailing ctl@kent.edu
View a PDF of previous Teaching Scholars project and posters by clicking here

Application questions of no more than 200 - 400 words include:

Briefly state your philosophy regarding teaching and student learning
What experiences, interest, knowledge, and skills might you contribute to colleagues in this learning community?
- Community is a key element in the Teaching Scholars Program. Our goal is to foster a learning community where scholars support one another in the design, implementation, and assessment of scholarly projects that examine student learning.
Describe innovative teaching activities in which you have been involved that have made a difference in your students' learning
- e.g., efforts to improve teaching, development of curricular materials, etc.
Indicate how your participation in this program will contribute to your professional goals
At this time, what are the research question(s) that you are proposing for your project (no more than 400 -600 words).
- Each Teaching Scholar will be expected to develop a scholarly examination into one or more ways in which teaching influences student learning experiences. These projects might be linked with a specific course or process designed to improve student learning (such as cooperative learning, active learning, technology implementation to name just a few).
How do you anticipate your project will result in actions that support student success, equitable learning outcomes, and/or a positive student learning experience?

Applications will be accepted from all full-time Tenure Track and full-time Non-Tenure Track faculty members. All applicants must submit a letter of support from their unit administrator. The support letter should be sent directly to ctl@kent.edu. Be sure to check back early Spring 2024 for information about the Program for the 2024-2025 academic year and to apply.

2019-2020 Teaching Scholars

2022 Spring/Fall Teaching Scholars

Loubna Bilali

Modern & Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus

Hello! My name is Loubna Bilali. I am an assistant professor of translation technology at Kent State. I teach translation technology courses both in the onsite and online MA programs, MCLS department (Kent campus). I am originally from Morocco. I have been living in Ohio for 14 years. I have received an MA in Cross-cultural communication and translation and an MA in French translation from Kent State University along with a Ph.D. in Translation Studies. My research interests revolve around localization (the translation and adaptation of websites and software programs into different languages/cultures), translation training, I am also interested in online teaching pedagogy and learning experience design. In my free time, I like to exercise, dance, play racquet sports, and write. Things that motive and inspire me when I am not busy working are reading biographies and psychology books, horseback riding, hiking, and watching documentaries.

Daniel Dankovich

Biology, East Liverpool Campus

I have been an instructor with Kent State University - Columbiana County since 2010 and was promoted to FT NTT in 2018. I teach on the East Liverpool campus in the biology department with a primary focus on anatomy and physiology courses. I have helped to start and maintain a student leadership organization and a food pantry on campus to address the issue of student food insecurity. I am active with several campus and Kent committees and the East Liverpool local schools in a reading to first graders program. I am committed to my students both during and after completion of my class. I am driven to become the best learning centered educator for all of my students.

Kurtis Eisermann

Biological Sciences, Tuscarawas Campus

Kurtis Eisermann is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Kent State Tuscarawas. He graduated with his PhD. in Cellular and Molecular Biology (with a focus on Cancer Genetics) from Kent State University. After that he did postdoctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh as an NIH T32 Postdoctoral Scholar where he researched prostate cancer and BPH. He has published 14 peer reviewed journal articles in research focused mainly on androgen regulation, androgen receptor, and identifying potential small molecules used to treat castration resistant prostate cancer. Prior to joining Kent State as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Eisermann was an Adjunct Professor at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio, and multiple campuses at Kent State University. Dr. Eisermann currently teaches Elements of Genetics, Foundational Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Human Biology, Life on Planet Earth, Lab Experience in Biology, and Anatomy for Veterinary Technicians at the Kent State Tuscarawas campus and has developed hybrid courses that have both in person and online components that challenge students to think more in depth about the concepts they are learning. He is always interested in learning new ways to challenge his students to help them reach their potential. In addition to teaching, Dr. Eisermann is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and has started a Biology/Premed Club at the Tuscarawas campus. In his free time, Dr. Eisermann likes to travel, watch sports, spend time with family, play tennis, bowl, and fix things around the house.

Marta Guivernau

Foundations, Leadership & Administration, Kent Campus

I am an assistant professor at the School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration and the Coordinator of the Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology Minor program. I completed my B.S. in Psychology at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain and my graduate work (M.S. 1994; Ph.D. 1999) in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Purdue University. I joined the faculty at Kent State University in 2007 and regularly teach Sport Psychology, Sociology of Sport, Athletic Coaching, Sport in Global Perspective and Motivation in Sport, Exercise and Movement Settings. I moved to the US in 1992 in the midst of the Barcelona Summer Olympics, watching the inauguration ceremony in Barcelona and the closing ceremony in Boston. Prior to Kent State, I was a visiting professor at Kalamazoo College and an adjunct faculty at Michigan State. I was also a research associate at the Center for Sport, Character and Community at the University of Notre Dame, which mission was to build character through sports with a research-based foundation. My scholarship focuses on the influence of the environment on moral aspects and motivation and the impact of a positive atmosphere on individual’s psychological and socio-emotional responses. My emphasis is on caring in sport and education to optimize the experience and lifespan development of all participants. I work with coaches on creating environments that foster positive experiences for athletes and improved performance, consulting with D1 teams and athletes on performance enhancement issues, psychological and socio-emotional wellbeing. I like music, theater, a good book but, most of all, I love to travel. I enjoy many sports and the outdoors, and I am a huge soccer fan (Go Flashes!).

Grace Keenan

School of Theatre & Dance, Kent Campus

Grace Cochran Keenan is an assistant professor of costume technology at for the School of Theatre and Dance. She received her Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design & Technology from Pennsylvania State University. Her main teaching pedagogy research interests are focused on how flipped learning can be utilized in the arts as well as the decolonization of courses.

Prior to joining the Kent State faculty full time, Professor Keenan worked as a freelance tailor & draper for with credits at Carnegie Mellon University, Great Lakes Theatre, The Cleveland Playhouse, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, and Baldwin-Wallace University. She has over 40 credits to her name as a Draper and Tailor including Deathtrap, Sweeney Todd, Intimate Apparel, and The Plague of Venice.

James Redfearn

Biological Sciences, Salem Campus

James is a cell physiologist and Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Kent State's Salem Campus since 2017. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa in 2001 and his Ph.D. in Physiology from Kent State in 2016 and in between worked in research labs investigating the genetic variation of the Rh blood group genes and variations in expression of potassium channel proteins in heart muscle. Current interests include public health communication, biosafety and biosecurity, interactive approaches to classroom teaching (e.g. POGIL) and mastery learning / learning for mastery techniques

Joshua Stacher

Multidisciplinary Social Science & Humanities, Kent Campus

Joshua Stacher is a Professor of International Relations in Kent State’s new School for Multidisciplinary Social Sciences and Humanities. He is the author of two books, most recently Watermelon Democracy, and other journal articles. His research interests have centered on state violence, political resistance, social movements, and revolutions in the Middle East.

Josh is now looking to better understand his pedagogical approaches while also learning how to integrate contemplative practices in his classrooms when discussing, seeing, and processing structural realities that marginalize others. By developing clarity as a teacher, he will ensure his students know that they belong in our classes at Kent State, and beyond.

For fun, Josh likes to spend time with his family, be out in nature, and practice self-care.

Melanie Tabak

Psychological Sciences, Trumbull Campus

Melanie Tabak, Ph.D (Social/Health psychology, Kent State) is an Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at the Trumbull Campus. Her past research examined Stress, Stigma and Social Support, but has since shifted her focus to teaching and counseling, earning an M.A in Instructional Technology and an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She teaches a variety of courses including Biopsychology, Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, and Motivation.

Click here to view a pdf version of the list of past participants, their project titles and some of their posters.

2022 Teaching Scholars

Loubna Bilali, Modern & Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus
- Incorporating Career Development into a Translation Technology Course
Daniel Dankovich, Biology, East Liverpool Campus
- Flipped Learning Classroom in Anatomy and Student Sense of Academic Belonging
Kurtis Eisermann, Biological Sciences, Tuscarawas Campus
- Understanding Motivation of Allied Health Students in a Hybrid Learning Environment
Marta Guivernau, Foundations, Leadership & Administration, Kent Campus
- Students and Teachers in the Classroom: A Motivational Exploration
Grace Keenan, School of Theatre & Dance, Kent Campus
- Flipped Learning & Its Effect on Student Stress
James Redfearn, Biological Sciences, Salem Campus
- Connecting Concept to Content in Anatomy and Physiology Courses
Joshua Stacher, Multidisciplinary Social Science & Humanities, Kent Campus
- Contemplative Practices and Student Sense of Belonging
Melanie Tabak, Psychological Sciences, Trumbull/Stark Campus
- Benefits and Costs of PowerPoint provision: A Pilot Study

2019-2021 Teaching Scholars

Younghun Chae, Computer Science, Stark Campus
- Developing effective online discussion environment using Virtual Reality
Debra Clark, Foundations, Leadership & Administration, Kent Campus
- Anonymous Tweeting for Inclusive, Open and Honest Exchange of Ideas
Amy Damrow, Foundations, Leadership & Administration, Stark Campus
- Using VALUE Rubrics to Invite Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, & Support Effective Teamwork
Qunxing Ding, Biology, Salem Campus
- Promote active learning by retrieval practice retesting
Jean Engohang-Ndong, Biological Sciences, Tuscarawas Campus
- Effect of reading requirement on student participation in lower division biology classes
Jill Kawalec, Podiatric Medicine, Kent Campus
- Effectiveness and Student Perception of the Jigsaw Activity for Learning Biostatistics
Kiwon Lee, Foundations, Leadership & Administration, Kent Campus
- Strategies to reduce off-task tech activities in classrooms
Karen Mascolo, Nursing, Kent Campus
- Incivility & Bulling in Nursing
Thomas Sahajdack, Economics, Kent Campus
- Reliability and Validity of Peer Grading in a Large-format Introductory Economics Class
Rekha Sharma, School of Communication Studies, Kent Campus
- Student Engagement in Communications Grammar Review

2018-2019 Teaching Scholars

Joanne Caniglia, School of Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
- Effects of a Poverty Simulation on Preservice Teachers’ Attributions and Beliefs
Valerie Cubon-Bell, Chemistry, Trumbull Campus
- I Flip, You Flip, We All Flip for Chemistry
Kristina Knight, Social and Behavioral Science, Kent Campus
- What’s the Problem? Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Public Health Education
Sara Koopman, School of Peace and Conflict Studies, Kent Campus
- Using Nonviolent communication to discuss nonviolent activism
Seonjeong Ally Lee, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Kent Campus
- Jigsaw Learning Technique on Hospitality Management Students’ Learning Experience
Bridget Mulvey, School of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies
- Changes Over Time in Teachers’ Nature of Science Assessment Knowledge and Skill
Elena Novak, Educational Technology, Kent Campus
- Promoting Design Thinking and Creative Agency in Instructional Technology Majors
Brian Yim, School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration, Kent Campus
- Learning Portals: Identifying Threshold Concepts for Introduction to Sport Management
Chance York, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus
- Descriptive Evaluation of an Efficient Rubric for Minimal Assessment
Haithem Zourrig, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, Stark Campus
- Effectiveness of Smartphone-Based Virtual Reality (VR) on Students’ Learning Outcomes

2017-2018 Teaching Scholars

Yijing Chen, Biological Sciences, Trumbull Campus
- Cooperative Learning Activities to Improve Student Learning Experiences in an Introductory Biology Classroom
Rebecca Chism, Modern and Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus
- Helping Pre-Service teachers Understand Data Literacy
Dawn Ensminger-Stokes, College of Nursing Technology, Twinsburg Campus
- Evaluating Changes in Teaching Styles and in Exam Scores
Karen Lowry Gordon, Nutrition, Kent Campus
- Assessment of Experience Learning Coursework on Student’s Perceptions of Service Learning & Meeting Accreditation Knowledge Requirements and Competencies
Pamela Takayoshi, English, Kent Campus
- Collaborative Qualitative Research: Lessons in Experiential Learning
Kimberly Talentino, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus
- Integrated Form-Focused Instruction
Derek Van Ittersum, English, Kent Campus
- Collaborative Qualitative Research: Lessons in Experiential Learning
Cindy Widuck, College of Public Health, Kent Campus
- Implementing Service Learning Into the Online Classroom: Finding the Tools for Success
Jeremy Williams, Geology, Kent Campus
- Does “Hands-on” Learning Promote Proficiency, Competence in Analytical Instrumentation and Statistics in a Geology Classroom

2016-2017 Teaching Scholars

Peña L. Bedesem, School of Lifespan Development and Education Sciences, Kent Campus
Edward Dauterich, English, Kent Campus
Marie Gasper-Hulvat, Art, Stark Campus
Insook Kim, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Rui Liu, Architecture & Environmental Design, Kent Campus
Ellen Mulqueeny, Mathematical Science, Kent Campus
Joan Meggitt, Theatre, Kent Campus
Jennifer Metheney, College of Nursing, Kent Campus
Gabriella Paar-Jakli, Political Science, Kent Campus
Ashley Reed, Health Science, Kent Campus
Eric Taylor, Geology, Stark Campus

2015-2016 Teaching Scholars

Brian Barber, School of Lifespan Development and Education Sciences, Kent Campus
Rachel Blasiman, Psychology, Salem Campus
Tatyana Bystrova-McIntyre, Modern Classical Languages, Kent Campus
Shawn Golden, Computer Technology, East Liverpool Campus
Karl Kosko, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Margaret (Ruth) Leslie, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Kent Campus
Lawrence (Larry) Nehring, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus
Takahiro Sato, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus

2014-2015 Teaching Scholars

Sue Clement, Geology, Geauga Campus and Twinsburg Academic Center
Aroon Manoharan, Political Science, Kent Campus
Jennifer Mapes, Geography, Kent Campus
Carol Robinson, English, Trumbull Campus
Mariana Romero, Modern and Classical Languages , Kent Campus
James (Jim) Seelye, History, Stark Campus
Gregory Tinkler, Biological Science, Kent Campus
Maria E. Zaldivar, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus

2013-2014 Teaching Scholars

Tina Bhargava, Social and Behavioral Science, Kent Campus
Belinda Boon, Library and Information Science, Kent Campus
Daniel Castaneda, Modern and Classical Languages, Stark Campus
Ji Young Cho, Architecture and Environmental Design, Kent Campus
Patrick Gallagher, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus
Michele Heron, Teaching Leadership and Curriculum Studies, Stark Campus

2012-2013 Teaching Scholars

Wendy Bedrosian, Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Diana Stewart, Nursing Technology, East Liverpool Campus
Jakyung Seo, Theatre, Kent Campus
Jennifer Marcinkiewicz, Biological Sciences, Kent Campus
Moon-Heum Cho, Educational Foundations and Special Services, Stark Campus
Jeanne Smith, English, Kent Campus
Becky Parylak, Geography, Kent Campus

2011-2012 Teaching Scholars

Wendy Bedrosian, Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies
James Bolchalk, Economics, Geauga Campus
Keiran Dunne, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus
Jeffery Huston, Health Sciences, Kent Campus
Uma Krishnan, English, Kent Campus
Mary Parr, Foundation, Leadership, and Administration, Kent Campus
Sandra Pech, Early Childhood Education, Tuscarawas Campus
Dirk Remley, English, Kent Campus
Theresa Repicky, Political Science, Kent Campus
Lydia Rose, Sociology, East Liverpool Campus
Scott Tobias, Family and Consumer Studies, Stark Campus

2010-2011 Teaching Scholars

Madhav Bhatta, Public Health, Kent Campus
Sloane Burgess, Special Education, Kent Campus
Pratim Datta, Management and Information Systems, Kent Campus
Debarchana Ghosh, Geography, Kent Campus
Sanna Harjusola-Webb, Lifespan Development and Education Sciences, Kent Campus
Dandan Liu, Economics, Kent Campus
Jung-Yeup Kim, Philosophy, Kent Campus
Manacy Pai, Sociology, Kent Campus
Xiaoling Pu, Finance, Kent Campus
John Staley, Health Policy Management, Kent Campus
Joanna Trzeciak, Modern and Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus

2008–2009 Teaching Scholars

David Purcell, Sociology, Kent Campus
E. Owen Carew, Mathematical Science, Kent Campus
Helen Piontkivska, Biology, Kent Campus
Hyangsook Lee, Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus
Jeffrey T. Child, School of Communication Studies, Kent Campus
Karen Kritzer, Educational Foundation and Social Services, Kent Campus
Ramona Freeman, Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Steve L. Turner, Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Susan Iverson, Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Wei Li, Accounting, Kent Campus
Mary Louise Holly, Faculty Professional Development Center - Facilitator

2007–2008 Teaching Scholars

Hanbin Mao, Chemistry, Kent Campus
Robert Logan, College of Technology, Kent Campus
Patti Kameya, History, Kent Campus
Martha Lash, Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Karl Idsvoog, Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus
Clare Stacey, Sociology, Kent Campus
Linda Hoeptner-Poling, Art, Kent Campus

2006–2007 Teaching Scholars

Beth Butler, College of Communication and Information, Kent Campus
Mary Ann Devine, School of Exercise, Leisure, and Sport, Kent Campus
Chere Doiron, Interior Design, Kent Campus
Vickie Ellison, Modern and Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus
Michele Ewing, Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus
Athena Salaba, Library and Information Science, Kent Campus
David Smeltzer, Journalism and Mass Communication, Kent Campus
Mousa Traore, School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, Kent Campus
Anita Varrati, Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
E Sue Wamsley, History, Kent Campus
Christopher Was, Education Foundations and Special Services, Kent Campus

2005–2006 Teaching Scholars

David Dees, Education Foundations and Special Services, Salem Campus
Susan Emens, Technology, Kent Campus
Meghan Harper, Library and Information Science, Kent Campus
Gro Hovhannisyan, Mathematical Sciences, Kent Campus
Koon Hwee Kan, Art, Kent Campus
Tricia Niesz, Foundation, Leadership and Administration, Kent Campus
Tsunghui Tu, Teaching Leadership and Current Studies, Kent Campus
Dwayne Wasson, Music, Kent Campus
Gina Zavota, Philosophy, Kent Campus

2004–2005 Teaching Scholars

David Brenner, Modern and Classical Language Studies, Kent Campus
David Bruce, Teaching, Leadership and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Mary Ann Devine, Foundation, Leadership and Administration, Kent Campus
Alison Fletcher, History, Kent Campus
George Haber, Adult Counseling, Kent Campus
Clauda Khourey-Bowers, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Stark Campus
Janice Kroeger, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Jaclyn LaPlaca, History, Kent Campus
Mei-Chen Lin, Communication Studies, Kent Campus
Cary McDougall, Art, Stark Campus
Molly Merryman, Justice Studies, Kent Campus
Eric Mintz, Biological Sciences, Kent Campus
Ronica Rooks, Finance, Kent Campus
Xinlei Zhao, Finance, Kent Campus

2003–2004 Teaching Scholars

Ginny Horvath, Regional Campuses
Alison Bianchi, Sociology, Kent Campus
Violet Dutcher, English, Stark Campus
Tina Kandakai, Adult Counseling, Health, and Vocational Education, Kent Campus
Molly Lindner, Art, Stark Campus
Laurie Moses Hines, Educational Foundation & Special Services, Trumbull Campus
Kimberly Peer, Exercise, Leisure, and Sport, Kent Campus
Steven Riechman, Exercise, Leisure, and Sport, Kent Campus
David Tuthill, Biological Sciences, Kent Campus
Sarah Wilcox, Sociology, Kent Campus
Esook Yoon, Political Science, Kent Campus

2002–2003 Teaching Scholars

Shawn Banasick, Geography, Kent Campus
Andrew Barnes, Political Science, Kent Campus
Jane Beckett-Camaratta, Political Science, Kent Campus
Jonathan Paul Fleming, Architecture, Kent Campus
Yuko Kurahashi, Theatre, Kent Campus
Argyrios K. Pisiotis, History, Kent Campus
Scott A. Sherer, Art, Kent Campus
Jay D. Sloan, English, Stark Campus
Mathew Weinstein, Teaching, Leadership,and Curriculum Studies, Kent Campus
Don A. Wicks, Library and Information Science, Kent Campus
Kathleen O. Williams, Adult Nursing, Kent Campus

2001–2002 Teaching Scholars

Marty Jencius, Adult Counseling, Health and Vocational Education, Kent Campus
Ralph Lorenz, School of Music, Kent Campus
William Frank Robinson, History, Stark Campus
Alexander J. Seed, Chemistry, Kent Campus
Scott Sheridan, Geography, Kent Campus
Ferenc de Szalay, Biological Sciences, Kent Campus
Yin Zhang, Library and Information Science, Kent Campus

2000–2001 Teaching Scholars

Alison Butler, Economics, Kent Campus
Jessie Carduner, Modern and Classical Languages, Kent Campus
Mark Cassell, Political Science, Kent Campus
Mary Ann Devine, Exercise, Leisure and Sport, Kent Campus
G. Leticia Gonzalez, Exercise, Leisure and Sport, Kent Campus
Lisa Holland, Chemistry, Kent Campus
Lynn Koch, Educational Foundations and Special Services, Kent Campus
Pam Lieske, English, Trumbull Campus
Mandy J. Munro-Stasiuk, Geography, Kent Campus
Vic Perera, Mathematics, Trumbull Campus
Daniel Price, Justice Studies, Trumbull Campus
Min Qi, Economics, Kent Campus
Jeanette Riley, English, Stark Campus
Kathryn Wilson, Economics, Kent Campus