Dr. Mark Paternostro
A Professor in Physiology and Pharmacology, Dr. Paternostro cares about his students and attempts to make the learning experience as personal as possible. Per one student: “He ensures that each assignment or in-class activity is pertinent to the goals and outcomes of the lecture, and provides ample opportunity for constructive student/instructor self-assessment and feedback. As an educator, he is well-prepared, intelligent, and committed to continual self-improvement for the betterment of his students' educational experiences.”
Dr. Bill Stauber
According to his students, his superb organization makes learning easier, especially in this era of COVID-19. One student comments, “Dr. Stauber is a very good teacher and his lectures are very detailed. His notes are really well written and his lectures are very nicely organized. Outside the classroom, Dr. Stauber is very helpful and helped to make the Prelims examination easy for us in an online setup.”
Dr. Stan Hileman
The current pandemic has demanded that educators become creative now that many students must rely on remote learning. According to student Nairrita Majumder, Dr. Hileman made this transition an easier one for students. “Stan is an excellent teacher and a great program director. He is always available for help. He is very caring towards the graduate students, and always reached out to us during the lockdown to make sure we were doing fine.”
Dr. Karen Woodfork
Karen made the transition to online learning during the pandemic a breeze for her students: “Karen has been a great help during our Prelims examinations. She helped us to go through the exam online, which was a new thing for all of us. We didn't have to worry about all of that and she took care of everything”, said one grateful student.
Dr. Ruchi Bhandari
Assistant Professor in Epidemiology. Ruchi’s interest in her students’ success continues once they leave her classroom. One student says, “Dr. Bhandari really cares about her students. She goes above and beyond to help her students even after they have completed her course. She checks in with us to see how we are doing with our research and is always available to provide advice and guidance to her students. In her courses she thoroughly covers materials and provides additional sources for us. She encourages discussions and debates about topics and is always saying she is learning from her students as well. WVU needs more instructors like her.” Two other students also had comments about Dr. Bhandari's excellent performance. Visakha Turner says, “She is excited and enthusiastic about all of her lectures. I can really say that every day is fun. Dr Bhandari communicates the importance and relevance of epidemiology well and cites lived experience, contemporary examples, and highlights students’ own work within class.” SueAnn Woods adds, “I took two epidemiology courses from Dr. Bhandari. Her hands-on approach to helping students conceptualize difficult topics allowed me to develop a love of secondary data and epidemiology.” We thank Dr. Bhandari for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Danielle Davidov
Assistant Professor in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Danielle goes out of her way to make sure students feel comfortable. One student says, “Dr. Davidov goes above and beyond to help her students. When I first arrived at WVU she was so welcoming and helpful. Since then, she has been my teacher and my mentor. I do not think I could have made it through this spring semester without her.”
Dr. Roger Carpenter
Associate Professor in the School of Nursing. Roger’s enthusiasm encourages students to seek his guidance. One student says, “Dr. Carpenter is a highly energized instructor. He is passionate about nursing science and totally engaged with his students. He understands the pressures that come with being a student and guides me in my journey through his course. He focuses on helping me learn the material that is important for me to succeed. He also directs me to references he knows I will use throughout my scholarly career. He has taught me the value of finding my own mentor by sharing stories of the mentors he has found.”
Dr. Jarena Kelly
An Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, Dr. Kelly's encouragement and responsiveness are deeply appreciated by her students. One student says, “I really have to say I love Dr. Jarena Kelly at the School of Nursing. She is so kind, so approachable and so knowledgeable. If I have a question, I don't feel worried about emailing her or calling her. She always gets back to me. She is personable and professional. You just don't find that combination very often. Our school is very blessed to have her and I just want to say THANK YOU!”
Dr. Angel Smothers
A Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, Dr. Smothers' dedication inspires her students. According to Elizabeth Morrissey, “Angel Smothers is the most engaged research mentor and instructor I have ever had. She’s mentored me in community health nursing during my undergraduate and challenged me to become involved in community research in the faith community. Without Angel, I would not be the student, nurse, researcher, or person that I am today. She never settles for average and will help anyone and everyone receive access to care regardless of their location or situation.”
Dr. Laurie Theeke
Director of the PhD program in the School of Nursing, Dr. Theeke makes every effort to help her students succeed. Student Stacy Russell says, “Through my experience as a PhD student I have had many personal obstacles. Dr. Theeke has gone above and beyond to be helpful and understanding and has guided me throughout the program with patience and integrity! As my mentor, she encompasses what it is to be a teacher and researcher and I look up to her! She deserves many kudos for going above and beyond the call!”
Dr. Paul Lockman
Dr. Paul Lockman, Assistant Vice President of Experimental Therapeutics at the HSC, and Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives in the School of Pharmacy, like many of our other outstanding educators, has creatively managed the challenges of the pandemic while helping his students. One student says, “He encourages learning even during COVID by providing opportunities through access to seminars or organizing Zoom discussions with scientists from the industry or other labs and universities. He makes sure to check in with us to see if we are doing well even outside of the lab and is always available to provide advice and guidance.”
Dr. Vince Setola
Dr. Vince Setola, Assistant Professor, PI/Director - Laboratory of Neuroscience and Genetics of Substance Abuse. Student Lyn Yuen Choo tells our office that Dr. Setola cares deeply about the learning experience of his students, looks after their well-being, and gently pushes them to reach their full potential. She also says, “As an educator, he has very clear expectations for his students and supports their learning goals. He asks questions to facilitate discussion among research group members. Dr. Setola is always available to his students as well. He responds to emails promptly after hours and even on weekends.”
Dr. Caroline Groth
Dr. Caroline Groth, Assistant Professor, Biostatistics in the School of Public Health. Student Brittany Smith tells our office that Dr. Groth’s exceptional approach to teaching hasn’t suffered at all during the pandemic: “Despite being in the midst of a pandemic she went above and beyond to connect with her students. She is always available! Biostatistics and R programming are complex concepts, however, Dr. Groth explains each step and concept clearly to make sure her students understand the foundations.”
Dr. Kesheng Wang
Dr. Kesheng Wang, Associate Professor, Family/Community Health Department. One student told our office, “Dr. Wang is knowledgeable, attentive to students, helpful and kind. He is a great representation of WVU excellence of teaching.”
Dr. Peter Mathers
Dr. Peter Mathers, Associate Professor, Biochemistry and Neuroscience. One student told our office that Dr. Mathers provides excellent teaching and encourages student engagement.
Dr. Scott Galster
Dr. Scott Galster, Director of Human Performance and Professor in Neuroscience. Student Lauren Rentz said, “Dr. Galster is very supportive and encouraging, but what makes him such a great mentor is his flexibility in teaching styles. He acknowledges that teaching is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and adapts his mentoring methods based upon the specific needs of the student. He is one of the few that encouraged me to use my untraditional learning styles to my advantage.”
Nicole Ludwig
Nicole Ludwig, Assistant Professor in Human Performance. Student Julia Hays said, “During a year marked by unprecedented times, Professor Ludwig has offered consistency, stability, and support. As part of a new program in brand new global circumstances, she has proven to be an incredibly dedicated instructor and ally to all students. Not only is she incredibly organized, but she is also adaptable and uses our feedback to help improve our learning. The discipline and care that she puts into our education and into us as individuals is invaluable.”
Dr. Lauri Andress
Lauri Andress, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy, Management, and Leadership. One student says, “Dr. Andress has gone above and beyond as a professor and a mentor. She supports her students in their academic and professional lives as well as their personal ones, providing encouragement and opportunities for us to grow and develop our interests.”
Michelle Costas
Michelle Costas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, as well as Director of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program. One student praised both Michelle and her colleague Justin Falcon for helping students through a tough year. “Michelle cares about her students’ well-beings and future careers. She reaches out to us to make us feel connected no matter the circumstances. Holding classes online through the year was not easy, especially with the subjects we were studying. Michelle and Justin Falcon both tried their best to get us what we needed to succeed. Now we are starting our clinical rotations, and Michelle and Justin are still reaching out to us to make us feel confident and ready to practice what they have taught us. They truly care about our futures.”
Dr. F. Heath Damron
F. Heath Damron, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, as well as the Director of the Vaccine Development Center at the Health Sciences Center. One student says, “Dr. Damron's teaching of the vaccinology course gives real-world applications and context to the fields of microbiology and immunology in ways that are incredibly important in our new "normal" world. He goes in-depth on the history of important figures in the field, relating everything they did to what we can do now, and what we might do in the future. And the lab portion of the course takes it up a notch further! Best class ever!”
Dr. George Kelley
George Kelley, Professor in the School of Public Health. Student Joel Steadman says, “Dr. Kelley clearly goes above and beyond for his students. He is incredibly responsive to student questions, involves everyone in the class, and goes out of his way to personalize his teaching to the interests of the students in each specific class.”
Dr. Ronnie Sparks
Ronnie Sparks, DDS. Orthodontics resident Miranda Fabrega says, “Dr. Sparks is the epitome of an excellent dental educator. Not only is he caring towards patients, but he is compassionate about teaching the orthodontic residents. Dr. Sparks drives several hours from Charleston to Morgantown to teach in clinic on a monthly basis. He prepares residents to take written and clinical board exams by organizing study sessions, as well as a mock board examination. He makes himself available to residents via email/phone to help with clinical cases and treatment planning while he is not in clinic. His clinical skill is unparalleled, and is an invaluable asset to the department of orthodontics.”
Dr. Christiaan Abildso
Christiaan Abildso, Associate Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences. One student says, “Dr. Abildso is one of the few professors that I've experienced who has taken SEI comments each semester and completely reworked what isn't working about a class. He goes out of his way to make sure that students understand the practicality of what they are learning by setting up the class to actively practice the skills being taught. He pushes students to be able to explain and use the text but also to question the text…he understands why students are here-to learn and practice the skills they will need to succeed in life.”
Michelle Witt
Michelle Witt, Teaching Instructor in Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology. Student Kelly Weaver says, “Michelle goes above and beyond to help students both in the classroom and out of the classroom. While she mainly teaches undergraduate students, I would venture to say that many graduate students have looked to her for mentoring in some capacity. Michelle always greets you with a smiling face and positive attitude. She is always willing to offer a helping hand and check in to see how you are doing. Her service to our WVU family most definitely deserves to be recognized.”
Dr. Marina Galvez Peralta
Marina Galvez Peralta, Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences. Student Jeremy McCarty says, “Dr. Galvez is simply the most considerate instructor I have ever worked with throughout my educational career. She always places her students ahead of herself and is flexible in working with her students through the ebb and flow of exams from other courses. She honestly cares about the material that she presents and that the students truly learn and grasp the concepts and information.” And Casey Mingle says, “She works so hard to make sure we understand the material and that our schedule is flexible so that our exams are not too close together. She will do absolutely anything to help us-the kindest and sweetest professor I have honestly ever had.”
Dr. Roberta Leonardi
Roberta Leonardi, Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry. One student praises Dr. Leonardi for being, “Very straightforward and goal oriented.”
Dr. Emily Zier
Emily Zier, Assistant Professor, Health Policy, Management and Leadership. Student Abbey Lewis says, “She is, undoubtedly, the most encouraging, relatable, and knowledgeable professor I have had within my last 5 years at WVU (at both the undergraduate and graduate levels). Dr. Zier has always pushed me to be the absolute best student and human being I can be, and encouraged me to ask difficult questions.” Another student says, “Dr. Zier is the first professor to make a whole effort towards a class in which her students fully grasp the concepts being taught. She makes sure each student understands the concepts while hearing and engaging with each student’s perspective. She teaches whole truths and is fully focused on creating strong leaders. Dr. Zier is one of the best professors, if not the best, in the School of Public Health and she holds her students accountable while creating a comfortable environment. Lastly, she pushes her students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and will no doubt create a group of people who are strong in themselves and their training.”
Dr. Mariette Barbier
Mariette Barbier, Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology. One student says, “She is always looking for student feedback on what we need and ways to improve our program and when she looks for this input, she acts on it. She is someone I know I can go to talk to about any concern or thought and she will support me to her full ability. When she doesn't have an immediate answer or resource, she does her best to find one. She is enthusiastic about her role as a scientist, as an educator, and as a mentor and it is obvious in her attention to detail in every aspect of her work.”
Dr. Tim Nurkiewicz
Professor and Chair, Department Physiology and Pharmacology. Student Sarah Kemp says, “Dr. Nurkiewicz goes above and beyond to make his lectures interesting and exciting. He is extremely knowledgeable on the topic that he teaches and it shows. There is nothing better than having a professor who is passionate about teaching and one you genuinely understand and then enjoy the class as a result.”
Dr. Shelby Alexander
Assistant Professor, School of Dentistry. Student Nathaniel Chertok says, “Dr. Alexander has been teaching at the WVU School of Dentistry for 6+ years with an unwavering commitment to educating and training dentists and specialists. She stands out as a fantastic instructor in both didactic and clinical situations. Her patience to explain complex ideas and concepts to ensure the students fully grasp the concept is a skill that not many educators have and are able to do well. Her skills in helping in clinical situations and providing immediate feedback to ensure positive patient outcomes are ones that are unmet by other clinical faculty I have encountered. Dr. Alexander deserves the recognition for her hard work and commitment.”
Dr. Emily Zier
Assistant Professor-Health Policy, Management, and Leadership. One student says, “Dr. Zier is the first professor to make a whole effort towards a class in which her students fully grasp the concepts being taught. She makes sure each student understands the concepts while hearing and engaging with each student’s perspective. She teaches whole truths and is fully focused on creating strong leaders. Dr. Zier is one of the best professors, if not the best, in the School of Public Health and she holds her students accountable while creating a comfortable environment. Lastly, she pushes her students, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and will no doubt create a group of people who are strong in themselves and their training.”
Dr. Michael Cavender
Assistant Professor-Dentistry Endodontics Department. One student says, “Since beginning his full-time position July 1st of this year Dr. Cavender has gained much respect amongst dental students and residents. He is very compassionate and understanding towards students with minimal background knowledge and has a unique way of explaining clinical procedures and techniques to students who are new to endodontics. His enthusiasm towards teaching is phenomenal. Dr. Cavender allows students and residents to feel comfortable asking questions and enables an open learning environment. As a resident I feel it's vital to have a positive learning atmosphere. Dr. Cavender in his few short months here has been transforming the attitudes towards endodontics in our department.”
Dr. Keith Zullig
Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. One student says, “Dr. Zullig is fun and genuinely enjoys teaching class. He makes class and grad school enjoyable. He’s also very knowledgeable, doesn’t judge students, and is excellent at reminding students of deadlines if he sees they have yet to complete something.”
Dr. Mark Byron
Director of Post Doctoral Programs, School of Dentistry. Endodontics resident Yasmin Hoffman says, “Dr. Byron's contributions to the teaching mission of the Department of Endodontics and to the school at large are numerous and outstanding. He is an organized educator who builds a bond with his students like a guardian as well as a guide. He has always been so dedicated to developing his teaching skills since he started his career. His ability to connect with the students is superior. His way of educating is exceptional and the techniques he uses in his teaching are highly recommendable. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, and patient.”
Dr. Samuel Dorn
Chair, Department of Endodontics. One resident says, “Dr. Dorn is the epitome of excellence as an educator. His professionalism and commitment to student outcomes is unsurpassed in his field. Dr. Dorn's attention to detail and organization is second to none. He also has many years of experience to relate to his students and staff, giving them a wealth of education every day.” We thank Dr. Dorn for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Erik Carlton
Associate Dean for Professional Programs, Acting Chair and Associate Professor, School of Public Health. Student Aaron Hunt says, “Dr. Carlton really goes above and beyond to make sure we are retaining the material he's trying to teach. He does activities with us that really give an insight into what we are learning and helps us self-reflect. I can honestly say I've gotten a lot out of his class and feel like it has made me a better student.” We thank Dr. Carlton for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Steve Hardy
Professor in Physiology and Pharmacology. Student Derek Maloney says, “Dr. Hardy consistently goes out of his way to ensure his students understand the material presented. He will even go as far to present the information in a different way in order for a student to achieve a level of understanding - this goes to show how confident he is in what he is teaching.” We thank Dr. Hardy for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Joan Lakoski
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Joan Lakoski, Director of Investigator Development and Adjunct Professor in the School of Pharmacy. Student Haixia “Tracy” Yang says, “Dr. Lakoski had been my instructor for the past 3 years. She always patiently guided me in the right direction along my research journey for the Master program of the Clinical and Translational Science. As my proposal defense committee chair, she spent a lot of time and provided valuable inputs to improve my research work and helped me to succeed.” We thank Dr. Lakoski for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Erin Winstanley
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Erin Winstanley, Associate Professor, Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry. Student Lyn Yuen Choo says, “Dr. Winstanley develops good relationships with people she works with by creating an inclusive learning and working environment. She does not hesitate to take time out of her busy schedule to train her students and help them with their career paths. As a mentor, she is patient with my learning, which makes her approachable when I need to ask for help. She guides me to achieve my goals by providing me with different opportunities for learning.” We thank Dr. Winstanley for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Robert Gerbo
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Robert Gerbo, Director and Associate Professor in Occupational Medicine. One student says, “Dr. Gerbo has been the ideal educator for our introduction to the basics of clinical medicine. His lecture skills, infectious enthusiasm, sense of humor and abundant personal stories have made his courses engaging and exciting.” We thank Dr. Gerbo for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Michael McCawley
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Michael McCawley, Clinical Associate Professor in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences. Student McKenzie Kemp says, “He is wonderful when it comes to students and their dreams. He offers the utmost support and is always there when you need help!” We thank Dr. McCawley for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Elizabeth Minchau
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Elizabeth Minchau, Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, Adult Health Department. Student Carley Bryant says, “This is my second semester having Elizabeth Minchau and she makes her students feel at ease. She highlights what is important in practice and has creative ways to help in learning complex topics. She has a kind, understanding demeanor that helps to lower the high stress levels of graduate school. She is easy to relate to, which makes learning from her enjoyable!” We thank Elizabeth for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Kendra Barker
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Kendra Barker, Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Family/Community Health Department. One student says, “This educator has gone above and beyond for our program and for all of her students. She has spent countless hours talking with multiple students to help guide them on the right path. She is transparent and we can all feel in her heart that she wants the best for her students. As a graduate student in an extremely tough program this type of compassion is just what I needed, as well as other students. She understands that we are all human, but she also pushes us to think outside of the box and to work hard. I truly am thankful for her and all that she has done. She should be an example to all graduate professors and I hope she knows her hard work has not gone unnoticed.” We thank Kendra for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. David Smith
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is David Smith, Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. One student says, “Dr. Smith has always delivered engaging and easily-received lectures. He takes incredibly difficult lectures and finds a way to break them down into the simplest forms for all to understand. His passion behind all forms of knowledge shows, as I have found us discussing lectures and falling down rabbit holes on more obscure topics where his interests and excitement is contagious. He is easily one of the most approachable instructors to discuss lectures or exams.” We thank Dr. Smith for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Breanna Adkins
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Breanna Adkins, Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. Student Blair Byrnside says, “This occupational therapy instructor goes above and beyond for the department and the students. She provides resources, outside of class opportunities, and always has her office door open willing to help. I don't know what I would have done without her throughout my time in the occupational therapy program. She is an amazing professor, teacher, and person!” We thank Breanna for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Marina Galvez-Peralta
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Marina Galvez-Peralta, Teaching Associate Professor in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. One student says, “Dr. Galvez goes above and beyond for her students. She is an excellent educator and passionate about teaching students. Additionally, she makes herself available after hours to talk to students about any obstacles in their learning or research endeavors. She genuinely cares about students' well-being and education.” We thank Dr. Galvez-Peralta for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Kayleigh Nolan
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Kayleigh Nolan, Assistant Professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. Student Austin Marcum says, “Professor Nolan never fails to check on her students as well as always knows the right thing to say if her students are having a bad day. She never fails to expand her students’ education by guiding them through the world of Occupational Therapy.” We thank Kayleigh for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Travis Knuckles
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator is Travis Knuckles, Associate Professor in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences. One student says, “Dr. Knuckles is a great professor with cool lectures, and he is very helpful in and out of class.” We thank Dr. Knuckles for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!
Dr. Edwin Wan
The Office of Research and Graduate Education is highlighting faculty within the HSC who are dedicated to excellence in teaching. This time’s featured educator Edwin Wan, Clinical Assistant Professor in Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology. Student Mercy Ojetunde says, “Dr. Edwin Wan is currently teaching me Cellular Immunology, and I love his teaching style. His teaching style has helped me to study well before the next class. He is also ever ready to explain concepts in detail for easy understanding. He is a great teacher!” We thank Dr. Wan for continuing to provide excellence in teaching!