YEARS AT LA SALLE: 16

TITLE: Assistant Professor of Biology—Coordinator of Anatomy and Physiology

DEGREES:

• B.S. Biology, College of St. Elizabeth
• M.S. Developmental Biology, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• M.Ed. Counseling Psychology, Temple University
• DPM, Kent State University – College of Medicine

1.Students have noted you as tough, amazing, helpful, respected and for having high expectations. Do you agree?

My goal is to groom students to be the best in their knowledge of anatomy and physiology. I agree that my expectations are high, because the average student underestimates their capabilities. I had some tough nuns who pushed me hard in school and I know it was because they cared about my success. Often students don’t realize their full potential until the bar is raised.

2. How do your doctor-patient relationships compare to faculty-student relationships?

My history of doctor-patient relationships has taught me a lot about interacting with people, who all come from different places in their lives. Students are the same way. They grew up in different environments and educational systems. This has taught me to meet individuals where they are, both in medicine and in the classroom. Once I meet a person where they are, I am able to better understand their individual needs and walk beside them on the journey.

3. What draws you to teach anatomy and physiology to undergraduates?

I absolutely love anatomy and physiology. I used to study it in grade school. For Christmas, my parents bought me a skeletal system instead of games. I loved it! I would take it apart and put it back together, naming all of the parts. I also had an anatomy coloring book which I still have! The human body is one of God’s amazing creations. I want students to appreciate each day that their bodies are functioning well because there are so many others who are not as fortunate.

4. Amid your serious human sciences, how did you evolve into an iternational lecturer on spiritual development, presenting on “Religion and Science” at Oxford?

Ah, that is a tough question that only God can answer. A few years ago, I was invited to facilitate a spiritual conference, which led to another, and they just spiraled. Those led me to became good friends with Pastor Albert Morrison in New York City who worked with me on the presentation of religion and science at Oxford University, which led to another called “Can One be a Good Christian and Believe in Evolution?

5. Who has been the most influential person in your life?

There have actually been two. I volunteered at the hospital during high school. My mentor was a pathologist who explained to me every tumor and abnormality that came through his department. The second person was Dr. Robert Haynie, the most intelligent man I know. He taught me how to mix a medical practice with teaching. Dr. Haynie always made learning a lot of fun and I try to do that with my students.

Fast Five

What is your favorite way to spend a free day?

I would wake up, do yoga for an hour, then do a 25-mile bicycle ride on the back roads of New Jersey through horse farms and quiet country roads. Then I would come home and play in my floral garden for hours, followed by a delicious lunch on the patio!

What is your favorite television show or movie?

I don’t watch TV, but my favorite movie was“My Left Foot” with Daniel Day Lewis.

What kind of music would we hear playing in your car?

Classical music during the day and jazz after 6 p.m.

What is the last great vacation you took?

Rome in June 2017, which included a special close-up audience with Pope Francis!

If you could live anywhere after you retire, where would it be and why?

I don’t plan on living in only one location. I’ll be doing medical missions all over the world to help children and families who are much less fortunate than we are.