What do you do at Kent State's College of Public Health?
I am a professor of epidemiology. My areas of expertise are infectious disease microbiology, infection control, biosafety, risk management, and the biological basis of public health. I teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in these areas. My research areas include infection detection and control; I have a patented technology that uses liquid crystals to detect bacteria and viruses. I have training and expertise in pandemic planning and response at the university, city, and federal levels and have represented the College in those venues.
What is your latest research/project?
My most recent research project is two-fold: (1) working with my colleague Rick Ferdig, we evaluate various textile fabrics to determine their effectiveness for use as facial masks that block bacteria and virus from being inhaled; and (2) working with colleagues from the Kent City Health Department and the Kent City Fire Department, we evaluate the use of silica drying agents to remove moisture from N95 respirators effectively destroying any (moisture-requiring) COVID-19 virus so the respirators can be re-used in times of short supply.
What is your favorite teaching moment?
My favorite teaching moment occurs when students feel empowered to collaborate in peer learning and teaching moments. Watching students share the knowledge they have learned in the classroom, to reinforce concepts and assist classmates in learning, provides me with a sense of pride for the students and accomplishment for me.
If you could have three apps (developed or not-yet developed) on your smartphone, which would you pick and why?
Apps on my phone that I could have would include:
- A global “sense-scope” that would provide immediate access to any place on earth and allow me to experience that place through my senses. Since I can’t just travel to most places on earth that interest me, I would learn about them through sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch; each re-created by the app for me to enjoy.
- A molecular microscope that would use the smartphone camera to zoom in to the molecular level of any object to examine what makes that thing tick. I really like learning how both organic and inorganic things came to be. Examining the molecular structures and how they perform functions would be fascinating, I think.
- A global communication app that instantly connects me to others without the need for wires, cell towers, or satellites. Communication is critical in our global village and limitless communication would allow people to immediately connect and not have to guess what someone is thinking.
What's your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
For me, unwinding after a busy day involves family and friends. Replacing the mental pieces of my busy day with new memories of interactions that involve friends and family help me put things into perspective. The new memories reminding me of the importance family and friends have in my life unwinds the busiest of days.
What is the last TV show or book that you read?
I most recently read Stanley Tucci’s book TASTE. It is an autobiographical travelog that takes the reader through Tucci’s childhood and his acting career, recounting the various recipes and restaurants that impacted his life. It was a fascinating read.
Complete the following sentence: "Key elements of leadership include....
...relating to the people you lead by seeing their lives (home, work, external drivers of their decisions, critical thinking, etc.) through the lens they use to focus the world around them. I think that many leaders today lead by processing their own interpretations of the world without relating to, or considering, the viewpoint of those whom they lead. To me, there would be a lot more empathy in the world if leaders connected with those who would follow.
What is something that you are looking forward to both personally and professionally?
I am looking forward to stabilizing our new normal, created by the pandemic, so that we can get back to working together without the fear brought on by the COVID-19 virus.