University of St. Thomas New Faculty
Meet our new 2025-26 full-time faculty!
Anastasiia Agolli . Management Ph.D. in Business Administration, Fox School of Business, Temple University B.A. in Business Administration, Journalism and Mass Communication, American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) Coming to UST from: Ph.D. in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior at Temple University in Philadelphia Interests: My research interests include employee well- being, work-family balance, and pet-friendly workplaces. What are you passionate about? “I am passionate about photography.”
Maria Anderson . Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC B.A. in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities M.A. in Military History-World War II Studies, American
Military University in West Virginia Coming to UST from: AFROTC Interests: Military science What are you passionate about? “Hockey.”
Margit Berman . Graduate School of Professional Psychology
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Social Psychology, UofM B.A. in English, UofM Coming to UST from: Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Augsburg University, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Interests: Socially just intervention development, eating disorders treatment, body liberation and acceptance
What are you passionate about? “Art, music, writing, social justice."
Kristina Boerger . Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise D.M.A. Choral Conducting and Literature, University of Illinois M.M. Choral Conducting and Literature, University of Illinois B.S. Vocal Music Education (K-12 Certificate), University of Illinois Coming to UST from: Professor of Choral Conducting and Leadership at Augsburg University Interests: Early Music, chamber vocal music, global vernacular harmony traditions, the ethics and aesthetics of musical identities What are you passionate about? “Truthfulness, integrity and courage in publicly defending ethics, open and respectful argumentation, widespread public demand for elimination of poverty via a system that fairly distributes the wealth generated by our nations' workers.”
Anna Botz . Nursing
M.S. in Nursing, Frontier Nursing University B.S. in Nursing, St. Catherine University Coming to UST from: Nursing Faculty at Herzing University Interests: Healthcare Equity and Access
What are you passionate about? “Wildlife, human rights, connecting.”
Joshua Brorby .
English - British Literature Ph.D. in English Literature, Washington University
M.A. in English and American Literature, Washington University B.A. in English, Chinese Studies, Honors Program, University of North Dakota Formerly: Visiting Assistant Professor of English at Oxford College of Emory University Interests: Victorian and Romantic literature, translation, religion What are you passionate about? “Reading and writing, basketball, spending time with my son!”
Brian Buckner . Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC B.S. in Chemistry, University of North Dakota Coming to UST from: ROTC Interests: Leadership What are you passionate about? “Emergency management.”
John Chandler . Software Engineering and Data Science Ph.D. in Mathematical Sciences, University of Montana M.S. in Mathematics , University of Washington B.A. in Mathematics, Middlebury College Coming to UST from: I have a PhD in Statistics and have been a Clinical Professor of Marketing at University of Montana for the last 10 years. Interests: In research, I'm interested in applied statistics. Professionally I'm interested in the intersection of marketing and statistics. What are you passionate about? “Urban transportation.”
Nick Clark . Mathematics
Ph.D. in Statistics, Iowa State University M.S. in Statistics, George Mason University B.S. in Mathematical Sciences, US Military Academy Coming to UST from: Program director for Data Science program at West Point (Academia) Interests: Spatio-temporal modeling; sports analytics What are you passionate about? “ Running. ”
Jennifer Cornell . Law Juris Doctor, Harvard Law School B.A. in Economics, University of Michigan Coming to UST from: Adjunct professor at UST Interests: Law (legal writing and analysis) What are you passionate about? “Working with students.”
Emily Fitzgerald . Nursing
Candidate in Doctor of Nursing Practice, Winona State University M.S. in Nurse-Midwifery, University of Illinois at Chicago B.A. in Spanish, Loyola University Chicago Coming to UST from: Nursing Faculty at Minneapolis College, current nurse-midwife at Hennepin Healthcare, current DNP candidate at Winona State University Interests: Reproductive health, Health Equity, midwife-led care, culture surrounding circumcision What are you passionate about? “The power of narrative, micro-community building, rec-level ball sports.”
Asmita Ghimire . English - Professional Writing Ph.D. candidate in Rhetoric, Scientific & Technical Communication, UofM M.A. in English Linguistics, Literature and Writing Studies, UofM M.A. in English, Tribhuvan University (Nepal) B.A. in Humanities and Social Science, Kathmandu Model College (Nepal) Prior to UST: Graduate Instructor at UofM Interests: Technical and Professional Communication What are you passionate about? “Research.”
Mark Giszczak . Divinity
Ph. D. in Biblical Studies, The Catholic University of America Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (S.S.L.), Pontifical Biblical Commission Baccalaureate in Sacred Scripture (S.S.B.), Pontifical Biblical Commission M.A. in Sacred Scripture, Augustine Institute B.Phil in Philosophy and Theology, Ave Maria College Coming to UST from: I was professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado Interests: Old Testament, New Testament, Catholic biblical interpretation What are you passionate about? “Coffee and golf.”
Danielle Hansen . Management & Operations and Supply Chain Management M.B.A., University of St. Thomas B.A. in Legal Studies in Business, Operations Management, & Spanish, University of St. Thomas Prior to UST: Adjunct Professor at UST since 2016/supply chain VP Interests: Negotiation, AI, International Business What are you passionate about? “ Negotiation and AI.”
Elizabeth Hoefer . Computer and Data Sciences Ph.D. in Computer Science, University of Colorado, Boulder B.S. in Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Coming to UST from: Ph.D. program at University of Colorado Interests: natural language processing, computational linguistics, semantics, verbs, linguistic resources What are you passionate about? “Animal, plant, and human flourishing!”
Krishna Joshi . Physics
Ph.D. in Physics, University of Connecticut M.S. in Physics, Western Illinois University M.Sc. In Physics, Tribhuvan University (Nepal)
Prior to UST: PhD. student in Physics at the University of Connecticut Interests: Electronic, magnetic, and structural properties of transition metal oxides and iron pnictides, often studied using synchrotron based x-ray techniques What are you passionate about? “Teaching and mentoring students, watching soccer, playing sports, and spending time with my family.”
Neil MacNaughton . Nursing Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Iowa M.A. in Nursing, University of Iowa B.S.N. in Nursing, Graceland University Coming to UST from: Professor Emeritus University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa Interests: Nursing Research - specifically geared to inequalities in health care and nursing education
What are you passionate about? “Enjoying life in the Twin Cities!”
Lana Medina . Emerging Media
Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Pennsylvania State University M.A. in Professional Communication, Southern Utah University B.A. in Mass Communication and History, University of Utah Prior to UST: Recently completed PhD at Penn State University. Starting as a tenure-track assistant professor of journalism Interests: Research: AI and social media ethics in journalism What are you passionate about? “Teaching future journalists.”
Connor Mills . History
Ph.D. in History, Princeton University M.A. in History, Princeton University M.A. in East Asian Studies, Yale University B.A. in History, Yale University Coming to UST from: Visiting Assistant Professor of History at the University of Oregon Interests: East Asian and Trans-Pacific History What are you passionate about? “Justice and Language.”
Darren Page . Economics
Ph.D. in Economics, The University of Iowa M.A. in Economics, The University of Iowa B.A. in Economics, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Prior to UST: Assistant Professor of Economics, Drury University Interests: Economics of higher education, economics pedagogy, economic literacy What are you passionate about? “Time spent with family, long dog walks, learning new skills (lately acoustic guitar and tennis), and learning from my students.”
Lauren Patrin . Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, The City College of New York M.E. in Mechanical Engineering, The City College of New York B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering, University of St. Thomas Coming to UST from: Clinical Professor - Mechanical Engineering, Dunwoody College of Technology Interests: Teaching the next generation, sustainability and the environment What are you passionate about? “Sustainability and the environment, travel, drawing, learning, reading, and more!”
Abbey Payeur . Teacher Education
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction- Literacy, UofM M.A. in Education, Bethel University B.A. in Elementary Education, Augsburg University Coming to UST from: Bethel University Interests: Continuous improvement in teacher
education, dyslexia, and literacy labs. What are you passionate about? “Literacy!”
Annie Pezalla . Psychology
Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania University M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania University B.A. in Family Studies, Saint Olaf College Prior to UST: Visiting Assistant Professor at Macalester College Interests: Social Identities; Positive Youth Development; Family Relationships; Narratives in Health What are you passionate about? “Community! Family, friends, church, work…we are all made for community.”
Mark Price . Operations and Supply Chain Management M.B.A., Darden School, University of Virginia B.A., Haverford College Prior to UST: Chief Data Officer for CaringBridge Interests: I am the AI Faculty Lead for Opus, so I am focused on business applications of AI across industries and business functions. I speak at conferences, train faculty and developed courses for both undergraduate and graduate programs. I also teach in the Executive Education program courses such as AI for Professionals, Business Analytics using AI and AI for Marketing (in partnership with key Marketing department faculty). What are you passionate about? “My mission in life is to help people envision opportunities they never dreamed of, and to help them bring those dreams to life. My work at Opus and my volunteer board leadership all contribute to that. Aside from more business pursuits, I play tennis, do CrossFit and love dogs. Most importantly of all, I have been married 31 years, working toward making it to 32! “
Sarah Powell . Operations and Supply Chain Management Ph.D. in Business Analytics, University of Iowa B.S. in Mathematics, Harding University B.S. in Physics, Harding University Prior to UST: Business Analytics PhD Program at the University of Iowa Interests: “I'm interested in modeling and optimization for emerging methods in transportation, logistics, and package delivery.” What are you passionate about? “I'm passionate about living a balanced and engaged life by spending time with my family, staying active through running and spending time outdoors, being an active member of my community, and enjoying a great cup of coffee along the way.”
Iva Rashkova . Operations and Supply Chain Management Ph.D. in Management Science and Operations, London Business School, UK MRes in Management Science and Operations, London Business School, UK M.A. in Economics, Yale University B.A. in Mathematics and Economics, California Institute of Technology Coming to UST from: Washington University, Olin Business School, Assistant Professor Interests: Public sector operations management, healthy food, medicine What are you passionate about? “I’m passionate about the design and delivery of products and systems that support human well-being, both professionally and personally.”
Brodan Richter . Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Univ of Wisconsin – Madison Minor in Numerical Modeling and Simulation M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Univ of Wisconsin – Madison B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Univ of Wisconsin – Madison Minor in Biology in Engineering Coming to UST from: Research Engineer at NASA Interests: Additive manufacturing, metallurgy, computational materials science
What are you passionate about? “Lifelong learning and teaching.”
Myriam Roby . Nursing D.N.P. in Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, St. Catherine University M.S. Family Nurse Practitioner, Georgetown University B.S. Nursing, Metropolitan State University A.S. Nursing, Normandale Community College Coming to UST from: Health Equity Clinical Outcomes Director at Hennepin Healthcare Interests: My scholarly interests include health equity strategies, chronic disease prevention, and building systems that deliver compassionate, culturally responsive care. I’m passionate about equipping the next generation of nurses to lead with both skill and heart. Therefore, creating care environments where every patient feels safe, respected, and heard. What are you passionate about? “Outside of teaching, I’m deeply committed to community engagement and mentorship, helping connect healthcare systems with the communities they serve. I’m thrilled to join the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing and contribute to preparing a diverse workforce of nurses who will transform health for the better.”
Maddie Sjobeck . Nursing Ed.D. in Nurse Education, University of Alabama M.S.N. in Nursing Education, Duke University B.S.N. in Nursing, Auburn University
Coming to UST from: I am coming from Duke University School of Nursing where I worked as a Clinical Associate Faculty in the pre-licensure nursing program for 3 years. Interests: “ I am interested in promoting growth mindset in nursing students and improving the accessibility of teaching and classrooms for all students.“ What are you passionate about? “I am passionate about improving the inclusivity of the nursing workforce, helping students achieve success in and out of the classroom, and perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe.”
James Snapko . Music, Film, and Creative Enterprise
M.L.S. in Film Studies, UofM B.A. in Film Studies, UofM
Coming to UST from: I had been a 12-Month Adjunct Professor for 23 years at St. Thomas, so my new role can be seen as a promotion into our growing department (MF&CE). Interests: Film studies and filmmaking What are you passionate about? “Creating and collaborating, giving back and helping people, travel, my cabin/lake and boat, music - playing drums and guitar, movies - especially old ones, billiards, photography with my wife, and animals.”
Alison Snyder . Mathematics
M.S. in Mathematics, UofM B.S. in Mathematical Sciences, Economics, Univ of Michigan Coming to UST from: Content Writer at Brilliant Interests: Math History, Educational Technology What are you passionate about? “Learning things, basketball, The Real Housewives television franchise.”
Annie Thompson . Catholic Studies
Ph.D. in English Language and Literature, Univ of Virginia M.A. in English Language and Literature, Univ of Virginia B.A. in English and Catholic Studies, Univ of St. Thomas Coming to UST from: Teaching Fellow at St. John's College in Santa Fe Interests: Poetry, Book History, Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Education What are you passionate about? “Dancing, going to museums, flower-arranging, and traveling.”
Deanna Tollefson . Health and Exercise Science Ph.D. in Global Health Implementation Science, University of Washington Master of Public Health, Emory University B.A. in Biology, Asian Studies, St. Olaf College Coming to UST from: Global Health Researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Center (a Seattle-based organization) Interests: Applied global health research, specifically related to implementation of TB and HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries What are you passionate about? “My family, specifically my three kids, ages 6, 4, and 1 year old, and traveling.”
Matthew Warnez . Divinity
Ph.D. in Theology, University of Oxford, UK M.A. in Theology, The Saint Paul Seminary B.S.E in Engineering Physics, University of Michigan Coming to UST from: Ph.D. program at the University of Oxford
Interests: Theology and philosophy What are you passionate about? “Christian hymns.”
Radeen Yang . Special Education
Ph.D. in Special Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison M.S. in Special Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison B.S. in Psychology and Chinese, University of Wisconsin- Madison Coming to UST from: UW-Madison (Special Education) Interests: Teacher Identity, Field Experience, Inclusion,
Collaboration, Teacher Preparation What are you passionate about? “Yoga, mindfulness, and being active outdoors.”
Alice Zhang . History Ph.D. Candidate in History, Florida State University M.A. in Cultural Studies, Sichuan International Studies Univ (China) B.A. in English and Tourism, Jiangxi Normal University (China) Coming to UST from: I graduated from History Department of Florida State University with my doctorate degree in history. Interests: I am a historian of twentieth-century U.S. history and a scholar of U.S. immigration history. What are you passionate about? “I am passionate about empowering students to engage with local communities through history.“
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37Powered by FlippingBook