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Stony Brook Women Faculty: Inspiring the Next Generation

Inspiring women faculty newsletter
They are world-renowned scientists, groundbreaking researchers and beloved professors. They are also trusted advisors, caring mentors, loving mothers and good listeners.

Women faculty at Stony Brook University have shown remarkable resilience this year, cultivating rigorous classroom environments and involved research projects while balancing the challenges of working from home during unprecedented circumstances. They have been an inspiration to their students and to colleagues as well, and during Women’s History Month, we recognize those women who have been role models to countless people across the university, and indeed, the world.

“At Stony Brook, diversity is a part of our fabric and we have always embraced a variety of backgrounds, ideas and perspectives,” said Interim Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. “We are incredibly proud of the distinguished women on our faculty, who inspire our students and contribute to our highly diverse campus community. I am honored to work with faculty of this caliber, and learn from these highly accomplished women every day.”

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a faculty in which students can see models of success for themselves, and with whom they can connect intellectually and personally. – President Maurie McInnis

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a faculty in which students can see models of success for themselves, and with whom they can connect intellectually and personally,” said Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis. “I myself wish I’d had even more women role models in my career, and am so grateful for those who helped me develop the confidence and curiosity that allowed me to pursue my goals.”

President McInnis recalled one of her earliest role models, her high school biology teacher, Sheila Jacobstein, who “encouraged me to take on leadership positions, challenge myself, and believe in my ambitions.”

“I remain inspired by her talent as an educator and the enormous joy she derived from helping students find the best in themselves,” McInnis added. “In Stony Brook University, I see a reflection of both what profoundly impacted me as a student, and the kind of educational institution I believe can change the world.”

What follows is a representative but by no means complete selection of faculty from our colleges and schools, chosen by the deans, that includes testimonials from current and former students, mentees and colleagues that illustrate how the faculty have impacted their lives and the university itself.

Anissa Abi-Dargham | Aruna Balasubramanian | Melissa Bessaha | Ana Carolina Botta |
Carol Carter | Karen Chen-Wiegart | Jackie Collier | Christine DeLorenzo | Brooke Ellison |
Stacey Finkelstein | Soosan Ghazizadeh | Nancy Hiemstra | Danling Jiang |
Kathryn Koshansky | Pei Fen Kuan | Nicole Leavey | Ruobing Li | Sara Lipton |
Arianna Maffei | Sana Malik | Anne McElroy | Maria Milazzo | Sharon Nachman |
Aurora Pryor | Katy Siegel | Rewa Thompson

Anissa Abi-Dargham

Abi dargham anissaLourie Endowed Chair in Psychiatry
Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology, Director of Multi-Modal Translational Imaging Lab, Vice Chair for Research in Department of Psychiatry, and Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Science
Renaissance School of Medicine

I joined Anissa’s lab as a postdoctoral mentee in 2014 and work with her now as an early career investigator and faculty member. At every step, Anissa has been steadfast in her commitment to helping me forge my own professional path and to align resources and collaborators to promote my research and career development. Since the early days when she welcomed me as a fellow into the field of molecular neuroimaging, she has strived to help me identify and hone critical skill sets. She modeled how to conduct clinical research studies with utmost respect for patients and unwavering scientific integrity. She also taught me the importance of being able to explain one’s work humbly and clearly to anyone, at any level, at any time.

By being a relatively rare example of a strong, articulate, female leader in science, she serves as a precious role model and source of inspiration for me and, I’m sure, for countless others. My research career development will always be indebted to Anissa’s mentorship.

– Jodi Weinstein, assistant professor of psychiatry

NEXT: Aruna Balasubramanian  |  View full list

Aruna Balasubramanian

Balasubramanian aruna classroomAssociate Professor, Department of Computer Science
College Engineering and Applied Sciences

I had a difficult time when I first joined the Stony Brook PhD program because I was having trouble adjusting to life at a large university, and Aruna was one of the few professors who reached out to me. Even though I was initially interested in a different subfield than hers, she met with me to check on how I was doing in the program and offered me advice. I later took her course and enjoyed her engaging lectures about computer networks.

Her excitement about everything from the fundamentals to the latest advancements in the field inspired me to do research in this area. As an advisor, Aruna is always open to new research ideas and encourages students to study what interests them. This openness is what makes our lab’s research so dynamic.

– Rebecca Drucker

NEXT: Melissa Bessaha  |  View full list

Bessaha melissa with gatanas 1

Melissa Bessaha

Assistant Professor
School of Social Welfare

Dr. Melissa Bessaha has been a great mentor and inspiration to me. She is the first professor I had from the beginning of my MSW program at Stony Brook. This semester I have been included in her research project. She has continuously provided me with invaluable advice in directions I can take in my career as a social worker. She has been instrumental in helping me and other students search for job opportunities and ultimately assisted me in getting my current position at the Office of Proposal Development (OPD).

Dr. Bessaha is very supportive about job hunting after graduation and has given me helpful advice. She wants her students to learn and also obtain all the resources and skills they need to work in the field upon graduation. I know that I will always have someone that is willing to assist in any way that she can. Dr. Bessaha is an outstanding role model and I am grateful to have her as my professor.

– Kiriaki Gatanas

NEXT: Ana Carolina Botta  |  View full list

Ana Carolina Botta

Botta ana c withAssociate Professor
Director of Division of Operative and Dental Materials
Department of General Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine

Dr. Botta accepted me into her dental research lab when I was still an undergraduate; I knew almost nothing about dentistry, but she was extremely patient and took the time to teach me what was necessary for the research I was conducting. Because of her mentorship and support I was able to pursue my master’s degree and continue doing research consistently throughout my four years at the dental school. She is one of the first professors that the dental students meet at the school and she makes sure that we learn the fundamentals of dentistry really well.

Dr. Botta truly cares about her students and her work, she is always encouraging others and bringing out their best. She has shown me what the world of dentistry has to offer and I cannot thank her enough for all that she has taught me and what she continues to teach me every day! I genuinely appreciate all of her dedication, passion and kindness that inspired me to pursue dentistry in the first place!

– Nicole Francisco

NEXT: Carol Carter  |  View full list

Carol Carter

Carter carol squareProfessor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Renaissance School of Medicine

Carol is the reason I became a scientist! I returned to school after life as an English major because I wanted to become a medical doctor, but decided to see what doing research would be like. Under Carol’s mentorship, I fell head over heels in love with research. She pushed me harder intellectually than I had ever been pushed, and encouraged me to put in the effort. She listened to my ideas. She made me a more organized and articulate thinker and communicator. She built my confidence.

Because of Carol, I went on to complete a basic research PhD and a postdoc in virology, expertise I then used for many years in patent law. Now, I am a biology and research teacher at The Bronx High School of Science, led by the desire to give back and maybe pass on some of the wisdom that’s been entrusted to me. I still hear Carol’s brilliant research and writing advice (and advice on giving a good talk!) as I advise my students on the beginning of their own research paths.

– Tracy LaGrassa

NEXT: Karen Chen-Wiegart  |  View full list

Karen Chen-Wiegart

Chen wiegart karen wideAssistant Professor, Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
College Engineering and Applied Sciences

What I loved most about working for Karen was her desire to connect with her students on a personal level. She fully invests herself in our betterment both as people and scientists. Upon any member’s graduation, Karen graciously hosts a dinner party at her home for the entire group where we have the opportunity to connect with each other beyond science and on a personal level, inspiring a great sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the group as a whole.

Academically, while her accolades speak for themselves, I grew tremendously as a researcher and scientific communicator as a result of her involving me in every aspect of the project. From scientific discussion with collaborators, to experimental planning, to data collection at BNL, Karen’s willingness to fully involve her students hands-on in the research is all I could have asked for when getting my feet wet as an undergraduate student.

– Bryan Conry

NEXT: Jackie Collier  |  View full list

Jackie Collier

Collier jackie squareAssociate Professor
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences

Jackie began inspiring me before I even agreed to attend Stony Brook University. Our first meeting was virtual and her two cats were crawling over her as she calmly asked about my research questions and what I hoped to achieve in grad school. From then on, I have striven to be that comfortable and confident in both my personal and academic life. I have also modeled myself after Jackie by advocating for myself and others in the face of prejudice and assumptions, especially in academia.

Even though I have left grad school, I know I will continue emulating Jackie and will carry little bits of advice and wisdom gleaned from her for the rest of my life. This includes letting cats crawl over me at any opportunity. – Kylie Langlois

NEXT: Christine DeLorenzo  |  View full list

Christine DeLorenzo

Delorenzo christineAssociate Professor of Psychiatry, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Director, Center for Understanding Biology using Imaging Technology (CUBIT)
College Engineering and Applied Sciences and Renaissance School of Medicine

I have known Dr. DeLorenzo since the time she was a postdoctoral fellow. In all those years she has been a productive scientist, essential leader of her laboratory, and mentor to numerous high school, college, graduate and post-graduate trainees. What sets her aside from others is her incredible intellect, ability to quickly become an expert in areas outside of her training, energy, enthusiasm, and seemingly endless optimism. These traits are abundantly apparent in her daily interactions with her mentees. She has in fact been responsible for changing some trainees’ career pathways!

This energy is infectious and not only affects her mentees but her peers, colleagues and me. I have told her many times that I simply would not have been able to continue my research career while being a chair of a department if it had not been for the ability to write papers, write grants, and manage a large multi-disciplinary research laboratory. I have never known anyone quite like her.

– Ramin Parsey, professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry

NEXT: Brooke Ellison  |  View full list

Brooke Ellison

Ellison brooke largeAssociate Professor
Hope and Medical Ethics, Stem Cell Research, Sociology and Healthcare
Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics
School of Health Technology and Management

A health policy and medical ethics expert, Dr. Ellison has devoted her life to transformational change for individuals with disabilities. Intent to alter popular misconceptions and stereotypes in the disability community, she seamlessly interweaves a human rights lens through lived experience to cultivate a new disability narrative. Her narrative is that of a pioneer and change agent.

Dr. Ellison often states that she turns to science for hope for change. Yet, Brooke’s humbleness impedes her ability to fully recognize that through her innovative policy work, enthralling presentations and significant advocacy initiatives, that she is my hope for a future where disabling barriers are removed due to the experts themselves — leaders with disabilities.

– Michelle Ballan, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Welfare

NEXT: Stacey Finkelstein  |  View full list

Stacey Finkelstein

Finkelstein stacey copyAssociate Professor of Marketing
College of Business

In the first semester of my first year in my PhD program, Stacey’s paper, “When Healthy Food Makes You Hungry,” was included in the syllabus for our seminar. I was in absolute awe when I looked at the first page and saw that this piece of exceptional research, which was not only a lead article in a premier marketing journal but was selected as a key piece of literature for doctoral seminars, was written by a doctoral candidate. I now have the immense pleasure to be Stacey’s colleague, and she continues to motivate me!

Stacey is an exceptional scholar whose research has been published in the top marketing, business, and psychology journals. As my co-mentor, Stacey has been an important factor in my development as an assistant professor. She has played an active role in my growth, recommending me for roles that will help to advance my career. As a mentor, she is consistently open, present, and encouraging in assisting areas of my career development. She is also a leader who champions for her colleagues and fosters equality. Stacey is an excellent scholar, leader, mentor, and friend. Qualities that make her truly an inspiration!

– Lana Shanks

NEXT: Soosan Ghazizadeh  |  View full list

Soosan Ghazizadeh

Ghazizadeh soosan withProfessor and Director of SCGT Core Facility
Department of Oral Biology and Pathology
School of Dental Medicine

I am so grateful to have not just one but two greatest moms in the world. My first mother gave birth and raised me to a decent man with a big dream, and indulged me with endless love and sacrifice. I didn’t meet my second mother until I was about to take a first step as a clinical scientist at Stony Brook University. Like my first mother, she coddled me with everything she had in order to help me become a passionate, competent — and most importantly — honest scientist like herself. Weekly lab meetings with Dr. Ghazizadeh often turned into intellectually challenging or even brutally emotional events showing her tough love.

Of the many lessons she taught me, my favorite was how to relentlessly combat unconscious errors and bias by being more critical, suspicious and skeptical of my work than anyone else in the world. My first mother instilled me with a dream of changing this world into a better place and the second mother, Dr. Ghazizadeh, left clear footprints to guide my journey to get there. I always wanted to say this to her: “Thank you for all your sacrifice and love, always keeping your faith in me.”

– Min-Gyu Kwak

NEXT: Nancy Hiemstra  |  View full list

Nancy Hiemstra

Hiemstra nancyAssociate Professor, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

Have you ever met someone who’s so passionate about what they teach, that you develop a love, interest and passion as well? Professor Hiemstra is that that person! After taking her WST 103 and WST 301 classes in one semester, I ran to the WGSS department and declared Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies as a minor! Professor Hiemstra is not only an amazing instructor, she is an awesome mentor. For my research on Reproductive Injustice based on Socioeconomic Status, I was struggling with how I would collect my data in a unique way. I wanted to take a focus group approach, so I reached out to Professor Hiemstra. She gave me very valuable tips and suggestions as I was developing my thesis paper.

On a personal note, I took off a semester when I had my daughter, and was nervous about going back to school. I was so full of emotions, I reached out to Professor Hiemstra and told her about my daughter. She was extremely understanding and supportive. I appreciate Professor Hiemstra for all her hard work and dedication!

– Diamond Young

NEXT: Danling Jiang  |  View full list

Danling Jiang

Jiang danling copyProfessor, Finance
College of Business

Professor Jiang is the one who helped and inspired me most during my study in the US. I used to feel pessimistic about my future, for I knew nothing about what I could do or what I was good at. Until one day, I summoned up the courage to apply for a research assistant position, and I gradually began to think differently. As a research assistant, I was solely responsible for a task of data crawling and processing, which was a massive challenge for me because I knew nothing about computer language and data processing. However, with the encouragement and support from Professor Jiang, I overcame the difficulty by continuous self-study, and the seed of interest in data sprouted in my mind.

Thanks to the research experience and Professor Jiang’s recognition, I discovered what I was good at and loved, and that was data analysis. I really appreciate the inspiration and help from Professor Jiang!

– Bijun Zheng

NEXT: Kathryn Koshansky  |  View full list

Kathryn Koshansky

Koshansky kathryn withChair, Associate Professor, Athletic Training Program
School of Health Technology and Management

Kathy Koshansky will always be one of the most influential women in my life. I had the honor of being her student athletic trainer for the 2007 men’s lacrosse season. I felt I hit the lottery when I received this assignment. Kathy and I spent every day together and weekends traveling with the team. She offered me a space to feel vulnerable after my mom passed away, she would roll her eyes as I curled my eyelashes prior to suiting up in my khakis and polo, and she taught me everything she knew. She held me accountable as if I was a certified professional.

I’ll never forget the day a men’s lacrosse athlete nodded his head that he wanted me to tape his ankles on game day, a tradition Kathy held for years. The largest smile of pride spread across her face, a moment that depicts one of the many reasons Kathy is an incredible professor, mentor, and caregiver. She breeds great professionals, with a little tough love, and immeasurable dedication. Kathy Koshansky is truly one of a kind and holds a special place in my heart.

– Monica Lorenzo

NEXT: Pei Fen Kuan  |  View full list

Pei Fen Kuan

Fen kuan peiAssociate Professor, Applied Mathematics and Statistics
College Engineering and Applied Sciences

Pei Fen is a brilliant researcher, an excellent educator and a devoted faculty member in her service to the department, the college, the university and the broad research community beyond – as has been confirmed overwhelmingly by both inside and outside reviewers during her recent promotion to the rank of associate professor with tenure. Some renowned reviewers even called for the consideration of early promotion to full professor in the near future if such winning streak should continue, which in my estimation, it will.

As her mentor, I am extremely proud of and delighted to see her multitude of accomplishments in terms of research publications, fundraising, teaching of both undergraduate and graduate students, and mentoring of doctoral students, ever since her arrival at Stony Brook University. Pei Fen has accomplished all these, through hard work and perseverance. To accomplish what she has accomplished academically is more arduous given her duty as a mother (of a lovely six-year old).  She is an inspiration to us all.

– Wei Zhu, graduate program director, AMS

NEXT: Nicole Leavey  |  View full list

Nicole Leavey

Assistant Professor of Practice
Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Leavey nicole wideI’m all over the place: I’m in the Stony Brook Young Investigators Review, I do chemistry research, I’m in pre-med programs. When I told Nicole that I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, she told me about her background in finance and then science communication. Hearing that made me feel more confident in the fact that it’s okay to try multiple things. Nicole is great at looking at the big picture and the different ways I can make a difference. I respect her for being able to think so critically. I hope I have that ability to think critically when I start my career.

I love Stony Brook but it’s also a big state school and it can be hard to find mentors. Nicole has been a consistent mentor throughout these two years. I think that consistency is really key. I always have questions about what I should do next and Nicole is always there. That support is something I would want even in graduate school; someone else to rely on, especially a woman in STEM, because if you see it, it can help you know that it’s possible.

– Stephanie Budhan

NEXT: Ruobing Li  |  View full list

Ruobing Li

Li ruobingAssistant Professor
School of Communication and Journalism

What I find most inspiring about Professor Li is the depth of her kindness. “Kind” almost seems too simple, too inadequate to describe the type of instructor Professor Li is, but during this especially trying year, I think it is a trait which cannot be overstated. During our JRN 106 meetings, I recall that she was constantly asking our class for opinions on how she could improve the course.

Any student who takes a course with Professor Li will notice how important it is to her that each person in the class has the same opportunities to succeed. Whenever somebody offered feedback, she gave them her full attention and then sought to implement their suggestion. I wouldn’t be surprised if her kindness, which she exhibited at every meeting, inspires people to go out of their way to make others feel appreciated.

– Emily Bishop

NEXT: Sara Lipton  |  View full list

Sara Lipton

Lipton sara croppedProfessor, Department of History
College of Arts and Sciences

Sara Lipton first arrived in our department in 1998; I was the chair at the time. She had been teaching at the College of William and Mary for a few years, so she was still relatively junior. No matter. She immediately leapt into the job with enthusiasm, boundless energy, and professional commitment. Within two years she became the department’s director of Undergraduate Studies. She almost immediately attracted large numbers of students to her courses in medieval history. She soon had a stable of graduate students of her own, and the hall outside her office was perpetually lined with students wanting to see her.

In the years since, Sara has embraced the role of engaged university citizen. I have observed with admiration how she has personally mentored dozens of students; never — and I mean this as the highest praise — as a parental figure, but always as a professional exemplar. As a faculty member she has taken on difficult and often highly contested issues, both within the department and in the university overall, always playing a leadership role, and always doing so without making herself the focus of attention. You can’t do better than that!

– Gary Marker, professor emeritus of History

NEXT: Arianna Maffei  |  View full list

Arianna Maffei

Maffei arianna copyProfessor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior
College of Arts and Sciences and Renaissance School of Medicine

I have known Arianna for more than 12 years, and during that time I have had the opportunity to benefit from her mentorship as both a student and trainee. Arianna is an excellent role model on how to balance work and family. She has always been open and candid in discussing career challenges, and has been incredibly supportive.

Her experience and advice has been especially invaluable to me over the past couple of years, as I balanced working on the publication of my first postdoctoral research study with the birth of my daughter. I also greatly admire Arianna’s flexibility as both mentor and teacher. She can skillfully adapt her mentoring style to provide mentees with support, training, and personalized guidance, helping each to achieve their individual goals.

– Melissa Haley, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate, Maffei Lab

NEXT: Sana Malik  |  View full list

Sana Malik

Malik sana with yuAssistant Professor
School of Social Welfare

As a doctoral student looking to take part in high impact translational research, I was fortunate to connect with Dr. Malik through a statewide Refugee Wellness Committee. I was drawn to Dr. Malik because of her community-engaged disparities research and her practice expertise with immigrants, refugees, and minority populations. Dr. Malik is not only a leading expert in this regard, but she was and is to this day one of the kindest, most patient, and most dedicated mentors I have had.

I have been and continue to be inspired by Dr. Malik’s leadership, her passion for social justice, and her appreciation of diversity, and can only hope to engage in research and scholarship with the same innovative, collaborative, and thoughtful approaches that she takes. Thank you, Dr. Malik, for leading with grace, for genuinely cultivating growth in others, and for positively impacting many individuals and communities, including myself!

– Melanie Yu

NEXT: Anne McElroy  |  View full list

Anne McElroy

Mcelroy lab 1Professor and Associate Dean for Research
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences

Anne is a rare kind of mentor who leads not with just her head, but also with her heart. Many professors can develop research projects and teach a class, but few can support students with the compassion that Anne does. It’s her empathetic leadership that allows Anne to compete for research grants while supporting her students’ mental wellbeing, to establish innovative partnerships while fighting for equity and inclusion in STEM, and produce high class research while living a full and rich life (and encouraging her students to do the same).

Anne’s support and encouragement inspired me to push my dissertation in new and bold directions, to lead with empathy, and to choose to be a good person before a good scientist.

– Irvin Huang

NEXT: Maria Milazzo  |  View full list

Maria Milazzo

Milazzo maria fieldClinical Assistant Professor
Director, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program
Director, Nursing Scholars Program
School of Nursing

I first met Maria Milazzo as a student while volunteering with the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. She invited me to attend Teen MS Camp, a program she helped create as a place for teens with MS to connect and find support. Camp became an annual tradition over the next decade. I’ve watched Maria mentor countless teens and students, while at the same time teaching and contributing as a leader in the field of MS. She has the ability to listen and make you feel as if you’re the only person in the room. She was there for me when I was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and she was a witness at my wedding.

As a mother, Maria also managed to raise three phenomenal human beings.  Her eldest has followed in her footsteps to become a nurse, which I can consider a testament to her ability to inspire.  Her dedication to patients, colleagues, and the field of Pediatric MS greatly influenced my decision to become a Pediatric Neurologist. Maria Milazzo truly makes the world a better place. I consider myself blessed to know her and call her an inspiration, mentor and friend.

– Regina Troxell MD

NEXT: Sharon Nachman  |  View full list

Sharon Nachman

Nachman sharonChief of Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Director of the Office of Clinical Trials, Professor
Renaissance School of Medicine

Sharon Nachman has been an inspirational leader and trusted colleague through my time here at Stony Brook. She has helped to foster my clinical research career, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in clinical trials, and had me participate on study calls and with protocol writing early on. She has introduced me to leaders nationally and internationally in my research field of interest. In her role as chair of a large HIV clinical trials network, she encouraged me to attend meetings with her and join one of the network’s committees. It is through these networking opportunities that I have been able to build the foundation to become co-chair of an international tuberculosis treatment protocol.

Sharon has been a force in combating COVID through her work in vaccine clinical trials and has mentored our whole division in participating in these trials. Her patience, support and knowledge has shaped who I am as a researcher for the better. Her determination to make changes to improve the lives of her patients through her research work is nothing short of amazing.

– Christy Beneri, Associate Professor; Fellowship Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases

NEXT: Aurora Pryor  |  View full list

Aurora Pryor

Pryor aurora copyProfessor of Surgery, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, Chief of Bariatric, Foregut and Advanced GI Surgery Division
Director of Bariatric/Metabolic Weight Loss Center and Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship
Renaissance School of Medicine

My mentorship from Dr. Pyror began when I saw her speak at a SAGES conference in Baltimore. She inspired me to become more involved within the organization. After her speech, I joined SAGES committees and helped with the webinars. This involvement has since led to multiple leadership opportunities for me.

I feel incredibly lucky for my first job out of training to be working here at Stony Brook with Dr. Pryor. I know that under her mentorship, I will be able to make the most out of the start of my career and my future as a surgeon.

– Amy Rosenbluth, MD, clinical assistant professor of surgery

NEXT: Katy Siegel  |  View full list

Katy Siegel

Siegel katy with amy rahn
Photo credit: Pete Rahn

Professor, Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Endowed Chair in Modern American Art
Department of Art
College of Arts and Sciences

Katy was the ultimate PhD advisor, challenging and supporting me in pursuing the highest level of academic research and also the highest ethical standard for participation in our field. She shows by her feedback and example how to shape every minute and word toward the advancement of the field of art history. The sheer volume and quality of her work is a testament to her extraordinary power as a scholar, curator, writer, teacher, advisor, and collaborator.

She is fixed toward a vision of what art history can do that is global, ethical, and community-minded. She practically and intellectually supports the best work she sees in art and art history, and then her support compels more excellence. I have never met a harder working person, or a more generous one.

– Amy Rahn ’19, PhD

NEXT: Rewa Thompson  |  View full list

Rewa Thompson

Thompson rewa sydneyClinical Assistant Professor
School of Nursing

Dr. Rewa Thompson served as my faculty preceptor for an entire semester. I was able to assist her during team-based learning activities and simulation exercises. Her ability to maintain a professional demeanor regardless of the exchange, her patience when communicating and responding to questions, and the effort and dedication she puts into her work were striking. Dr. Thompson took the time to highlight what she observed as my strengths and weaknesses, and counseled me on how to build on my strengths as a nurse educator and aspiring faculty member and expounded on ways to improve what we identified as weaknesses.

After graduation, Dr. Thompson interviewed me and recommended my appointment as an OB instructor. During my years of collaborating with her, I was surprised to see how responsible she was for the day-to-day planning of the success of the OB course. She is an advocate for maternal-child health and maternal-child nursing education, works arduously to find the right educational modules to improve the students’ learning experience, and will “scavenge” for equipment when necessary. One of my fondest memories revolves around simulation and lab day when Dr. Thompson sought out innovative ways to support the students’ experience.

– Sabine Sterlin

NEXT: View the complete list

Anissa Abi-Dargham
Aruna Balasubramanian
Melissa Bessaha
Ana Carolina Botta
Carol Carter
Karen Chen-Wiegart
Jackie Collier
Christine DeLorenzo
Brooke Ellison
Stacey Finkelstein
Soosan Ghazizadeh
Nancy Hiemstra
Danling Jiang
Kathryn Koshansky
Pei Fen Kuan
Nicole Leavey
Ruobing Li
Sara Lipton
Arianna Maffei
Sana Malik
Anne McElroy
Maria Milazzo
Sharon Nachman
Aurora Pryor
Katy Siegel
Rewa Thompson

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