Faculty News

 
2024 KEEN Rising Star Award winner Dr. Devina Jaiswal working with students in the lab.

Dr. Devina Jaiswal of Western New England University Honored with 2024 KEEN Rising Star Award

October 01, 2024

Dr. Devina Jaiswal of WNE honored with the 2024 KEEN Rising Star Award for pioneering entrepreneurially minded learning initiatives and enhancing engineering education.

A collage of new faculty headshots.

Distinguished Professionals Join WNE Academic Community

August 26, 2024

Western New England University welcomes 16 new faculty members for the 2024-2025 academic year. This exceptional cohort includes leading experts in pharmacy and health sciences, engineering, computer science, and psychology, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and novel research to campus.

Pharmacy students collaborate in the lab.

WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and College of Engineering Awarded $500,000 Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Workforce Development Grant

August 08, 2024

New interdisciplinary Master’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering degree supports advanced education and training for careers in biopharmaceutical fields.

Alison Castellano, the 2024 recipient of the WNE Teaching Excellence Award, stands proudly with previous Teaching Excellence Awardees who eagerly pass her the torch of honor! (L to R) Mike Rust (2022), Alison Castellano (2024), Hillary Bucs (2021), and Tim Vercellotti (2023).

Alison Castellano Honored with 2024 Teaching Excellence Award for Dedication and Inspirational Impact

April 30, 2024

Alison Castellano earns WNE's 2024 Teaching Excellence Award for her inspiring dedication, impactful teaching, and profound influence on students.

Dr. Michael Rust

Dr. Mike Rust Elected to Prestigious KEEN Leadership Council

April 29, 2024

Dr. Mike Rust, Director of Experiential & Entrepreneurial Learning at Western New England University, joins the KEEN Leadership Council, furthering the University's mission of fostering entrepreneurial spirit in engineering students.

Student team posing with faculty member in front of their presentation.

College of Arts and Sciences Showcases Faculty-Student Collaboration at Eastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting

April 02, 2024

Dr. Deana Vitrano and undergraduate students from Western New England University present research at the Eastern Psychological Association annual meeting, exploring the intricate links between ADHD, creativity, and cognitive processing, affirming the university's dedication to scholarly inquiry and collaborative learning.

Side by side photos of Dr. Jaiswal and Dr. Murray.

Western New England University Explores Entrepreneurial Minded Learning and DEI in Higher Education at Lunch and Learn Event

March 14, 2024

Join Western New England University's Lunch and Learn event on March 27 for insights into Entrepreneurial Minded Learning and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) in higher education. Facilitators Dr. Devina Jaiswal and Dr. Lisa Murray will explore the connection, fostering an environment where DEI is integral to academic excellence.

Dr. Melissa Mattison with fourth-year pharmacy student Nduta Njubi in Ghana, assisting with school health screenings

Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Expands Global Healthcare Reach in Ghana

March 12, 2024

Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences expands its global impact with a successful APPE rotation in Ghana, fostering intercultural learning and healthcare outreach.

WNE research team exploring Generative AI's potential in academic assessment. From left: Lisa Hansen, Josephine Rodriguez, David DiSabito, and Thomas Mennella.

Cross-disciplinary Research Team at Western New England University Pioneers Academic Assessment with Generative AI

March 08, 2024

Western New England University's cross-disciplinary research team explores Generative AI's potential in academic assessment, aiming to improve teaching, streamline grading, and address potential biases.

Dr. Dana-Lynn Koʻomoa-Lange

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Receives Grant from National Cancer Institute for Pediatric Neuroblastoma Research

January 30, 2024

Western New England University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences secures a $423,743 grant from the National Cancer Institute for a three-year research project on pediatric Neuroblastoma. Led by Dr. Dana-Lynn Koʻomoa-Lange, the study focuses on targeting relapsed high-risk Neuroblastoma by manipulating aberrant calcium signaling, showcasing WNE's dedication to innovative cancer research.

2024 Teaching Excellence Award logo on blue background

The 2024 Teaching Excellence Award Call for Nominations

January 29, 2024

The 2024 Teaching Excellence Award nominations are open at Western New England University. Faculty in Arts and Sciences, Business, or Engineering can be nominated for their outstanding teaching, innovative methods, and campus leadership. Recognizing distinguished educators, the award celebrates those who have positively shaped the university's teaching environment.

Dr. Ray Ostendorf

WNE Educator Selected to Join Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Committee

November 29, 2023

Dr. Raymond J. Ostendorf, Associate Professor of Education at Western New England University, is selected for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's MCAS Bias and Sensitivity Committee. His expertise will enhance the committee's role in addressing biases and sensitivity issues in MCAS test questions, promoting equity in education.

Dr. Lisa Murray teaching materials and manufacturing concepts

Dr. Lisa Murray Named 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellow

September 07, 2023

Dr. Lisa Murray's commitment to innovation in engineering education leads to her selection as one of only thirty 2023 Engineering Unleashed Fellows.

Dr. Parsons and her research team

Western New England University Congratulates Dr. Katelyn Parsons on Receiving the 2023 ADCES Research Award

September 05, 2023

Dr. Parsons' innovative diabetes research, focusing on diabetes distress and pharmacist-led interventions, earns her the prestigious 2023 ADCES Research Award, showcasing Western New England University's commitment to impactful and empathetic research.

Western New England University Law Professor Bridgette Baldwin

Bridgette Baldwin Recognized for Social Impact by The Connecticut Law Tribune

August 24, 2023

Western New England University honors Professor Bridgette Baldwin's remarkable achievement as she is recognized in the Social Impact category at the 2023 New England Legal Awards. Baldwin's impactful work in the legal field, her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her dedication to community betterment stand as a testament to her exceptional contributions.

Dr. Daniel Kennedy stands alongside fellow authors of the Curricular Outcomes and Entrustable Professional Activities (COEPA) document, a significant milestone in professional standards for pharmacy graduates.

WNE Celebrates Faculty Achievement: Daniel Kennedy's Key Role in Pharmacy Education Advancement

August 21, 2023

Dr. Daniel Kennedy's outstanding contributions to pharmacy education take center stage as he completes his term on the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy's Academic Affairs Committee. Dr. Kennedy played a key role in overhauling and consolidating the pharmacy COEPA (Curricular Outcomes and Entrustable Professional Activities) document, a foundational professional standard. His work underscores Western New England University's commitment to innovative teaching and its impact on shaping the pharmacy landscape.

Workshop Participants Showcase Engineering Designs at Women in Science Event

Empowering Future Engineers

August 03, 2023

Drs. Lisa Murray and Andrea Kwaczala of Western New England University organized a transformative workshop at the Connecticut Science Center, empowering young girls in engineering. The event highlighted design thinking, additive manufacturing, and diverse career prospects in the field.

Zelda B. Harris, incoming Dean of Western New England University School of Law

Zelda B. Harris Joins the Community as the New Dean of the School of Law

August 01, 2023

Western New England University appoints Zelda B. Harris as the new Dean of the School of Law, praising her experience, leadership, and commitment to social justice.

"Making with EM Across the Curriculum" workshop participants.

WNE Hosts Successful "Making with EM Across the Curriculum" Workshop for Engineering Educators

July 27, 2023

The "Making with EM Across the Curriculum" workshop at Western New England University drew educators from renowned engineering institutions, offering immersive training in innovative teaching methods. Led by College of Engineering faculty, the workshop emphasized hands-on makerspace activities and an entrepreneurial approach to enrich engineering education.

Dr. Marcus Davis

International Research Team Uncovers Insights into Evolution of Paired Fins in Vertebrates

May 24, 2023

An international team, featuring Dr. Marcus Davis from Western New England University, sheds light on the evolutionary development of paired fins in vertebrates. The research offers implications for understanding human limb origins and anatomy.

Dr. Tim Vercellotti leading classroom discussion

Dr. Tim Vercellotti Honored for Teaching Excellence at Western New England University

April 20, 2023

Western New England University honors Dr. Tim Vercellotti with the Excellence in Teaching Award for his compassionate mentorship and commitment to student success.

Assistant Professor of Law Claudia Quintero

Quintero Appointed to Springfield Labor and Workforce Development Working Group

April 13, 2023

WNE's Assistant Professor Claudia Quintero appointed to Springfield's Labor and Workforce Development Working Group, contributing expertise to shape policy recommendations for the city's advancement.

Dr. Sheralee Tershner

WNE Congratulates Dr. Sheralee Tershner on Being Named One of 10 Fearless Women

March 14, 2023

Western New England University congratulates Professor Sheralee Tershner for being recognized as one of 10 Fearless Women by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Tershner is applauded for her contributions to neuroscience education and advocating for underrepresented students in sciences.

Dr. Johnson speaking at WNE's Mental Health First Aid training

President Johnson Leads Western New England University's Mental Health First Aid Program

March 09, 2023

President Robert E. Johnson and Dr. Kam Capoccia lead the effort at WNE to train 200 individuals in MHFA, prioritizing mental health awareness and resources.

Teaching Excellence Award Finalists logo

Announcing the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award Finalists

March 06, 2023

Finalists for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award revealed at Western New England University. Input from students, alumni, faculty, and staff sought to help select the winner.