School of Science

School of Science Faculty

At the core of the educational experience at Marist is our distinguished faculty. Offering both sterling educational credentials and deep professional experience, these talented men and women are deeply dedicated to the education and development of our students. The members of Marist’s faculty share their knowledge with our students, mentor and encourage them, challenge them to think in new ways, collaborate with them on high-level research, and help them become career-ready. We hear from countless alumni who reflect back on the significant impact their professors had and continue to have on their lives. Each and every day, Marist’s faculty prove not only that outstanding teaching and outstanding research can go hand-in-hand, but that great teachers have a lasting impact on their students.

Dean, School of Science

Alicia Slater
PhD in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
MS in Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
BS in Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology

Athletic Training Department

Chair, Michael Powers
Associate Professor of Athletic Training
Director, Athletic Training Program
Pre-Health Program Co-Coordinator
PhD in Sports Medicine, University of Virginia
MS in Athletic Training, University of Florida
BS in Athletic Training, Northeastern University

Mark Gildard
Lecturer of Athletic Training
Academic Director, Physical Education Program
MS in Athletic Training, West Virginia University
BS in Athletic Training, Marist College

Kevin Henry
Senior Professional Lecturer of Athletic Training
Assistant Dean of the School of Science
MSEd in Athletic Training, Old Dominion University
BS in Athletic Training, Marist College

Biology Department

Chair, Raymond Kepner
Associate Professor of Biology
PhD, Pennsylvania State University
MS, Michigan Tech University
BS, Juniata College

Michel Becuwe
Assistant Professor of Biology
PhD in Cell Biology, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris, France
BS in Cellular Biology and Physiology, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France

Megan Dennis
Associate Professor of Biology
PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine
BS in Biology, Gonzaga University

Jeanne Devine
Visiting Lecturer of Biology
MS in Genetic Counseling, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
BA in Biology, Genetics and Development, Cornell University

Kristin Dragos
Senior Lecturer of Biology
Pre-Health Program Co-Coordinator
MA, State University of New York at New Paltz
BS, State University of New York at New Paltz

Luis Espinasa
Associate Professor of Biology
PhD in Biology, New York University
BS in Biology, National University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City

Elizabeth Godin
Lecturer of Biology
PhD in Toxicology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
BS in Biochemistry, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Jennifer Han
Assistant Professor of Biology
PhD, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BLA, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Victoria Ingalls
Professor of Biology
PhD, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
BA, Vassar College (Phi Beta Kappa)

Heather Schiller
Lecturer of Biology
PhD in Biology, University of Pennsylvania
BS in Biology and Neuroscience, Brandeis University

Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics Department

Chair, Nicoline Kiwiet
Lecturer of Chemistry
PhD in Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin
BA in Chemistry, Rutgers University

Neil Fitzgerald
Professor of Chemistry
Associate Dean of the School of Science
PhD in Analytical Chemistry, University of Massachusetts at Amherst
MSc in Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, Loughborourgh University of Technology
BSc in Chemistry with Environmental Science, University of Kent at Canterbury

John Galbraith
Associate Professor of Chemistry
PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of Georgia,
BA in Chemistry, Colorado College

Navneet Kaur
Visiting Lecturer of Chemistry
PhD in Organic Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Pb, India
MSc in Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Pb, India
BSc in Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Pb, India

Jocelyn Nadeau
Associate Professor of Chemistry
PhD in Chemistry, Brown University
BA in Chemistry, Smith College

Matthew Pennachio
Visiting Lecturer of Chemistry
PhD in Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY
BS in Chemistry, State University of New York at Geneseo

Nelson Sivers
Lecturer of Physics
PhD in Physics, University at Albany, SUNY
MS in Physics, University at Albany, SUNY
BS in Physics and Mathematics, University at Albany, SUNY

Elisa Woolridge
Associate Professor of Chemistry
PhD in Organic Chemistry, State University of New York at Stony Brook
BS in Biochemistry, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Bill Zhao
Visiting Lecturer in Chemistry
PhD in Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Syracuse University
MS in Imaging Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
MS in Biochemistry, Adelphi University
BS in Physical Chemistry, Shanxi University

Environmental Science & Policy Department

Chair, Richard Feldman
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
PhD, State University of New York at Binghamton
MS, University of Virginia
BS, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Zion Klos
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
PhD in Environmental Science in Hydrology, University of Idaho
BA in Geology, Colorado College

Ramesh Laungani
Associate Professor of Environmental Science
PhD, Ecology and Evolution, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
BA, Biology, New York University

Katherine Weiss
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
PhD, Environmental Life Sciences, Arizona State University
BS, Environmental Science and Policy: Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of Maryland, College Park

Medical Laboratory Science Department

Chair, Francine Sage-King
Clinical Associate Professor
DPT, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
BS in Kinesiology, Michigan State University

Matthew Bolssen
Professional Lecturer of Medical Laboratory Science
MBA concentration in Healthcare Management, Walden University
BS in Clinical Laboratory Science, Michigan Technological University

Terrance Paskell
Senior Professional Lecturer of Medical Laboratory Science
Director, Medical Laboratory Science Program
MA, State University of New York at New Paltz
BA, State University of New York at New Paltz

Brigid Shanley
Senior Lecturer of Medical Laboratory Science
Memorial Sloan Kettering Program Coordinator
MS in Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College
BS in Biology, University of Scranton

Kat Skelly
Professional Lecturer of Medical Technology
Clinical Coordinator, Medical Laboratory Science Program
MS in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College
BS in Biology and Medical Technology, Marist College

Physician Assistant Studies Program

Jeffrey Midgley
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Physician Assistant Program
MS in Physician Assistant Studies, Touro College
BS in Physician Assistant Studies, Long Island University
BA in Psychology, Binghamton University

Elizabeth Young
Clinical Assistant Professor
Assistant Director of the PA Program
MS in Physician Assistant Education and Leadership, A.T. Still University
BAin Biology and Pre-Medicine Studies, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Christopher Barela
Clinical Assistant Professor
MS in Physician Assistant Studies, Mercy College
BS in Health Sciences, Mercy College
AAS, Dutchess Community College

Jessica Ferraiolo
Clinical Assistant Professor
MS in Physician Assistant Studies, DeSales University
BS in Athletic Training, University of New England

Padmavati Garvey, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
MD, Doctor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
BS in Biology, Rensselear Polytechnic Institute

Stephen A. Katz, MD
Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program
CPE, American College of Physician Executives
MBChB, University of Birmingham (England)
BA in Biology, University of Pennsylvania

Erin L. McLaughlin, MD
Assistant Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program
MD, Doctor of Medicine, New York Medical College
MPH in Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley
BS in Biology, Syracuse University

Michael L. LaCroix-Fralish
Clinical Assistant Professor
PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dartmouth College
BS in Biology:Toxicology, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Jennifer Winus-Robinson
Coordinator of Clinical Education
MS in Physician Assistant Studies, Touro College School of Health Sciences
Physician Assistant Certificate, St Vincent Catholic Medical Centers School of Allied Health
BS in Biology, Marymount College

Staff

Melissa McCarthy
Business Manager

Nicole Baker
Clinical Operations Manager

Jillian Cidras
Biomechanics/Simulation Lab Manager

Physical Therapy Program

James Rauh
Clinical Associate Professor
Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
DSc in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
MA in Athletic Training, Indiana State University
Certificate of Physical Therapy, Hunter College
BS in Physical Education and Athletic Training, Springfield College

Julie Fineman
Clinical Associate Professor
Director of Clinical Education of Physical Therapy Program
EdD in Motor Learning & Control, Teacher's College, Columbia University
EdM in Motor Learning & Control, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
MA in Motor Learning & Control, Teacher’s College, Columbia University
BA in Physical Therapy, University of Delaware

Yvonne Egitto
Clinical Associate Professor
DPT, Physical Therapy, Utica College
BS in Physical Therapy, Stony Brook University
BS in Biochemistry, Binghamton University

Christina Fojas
Assistant Professor, Director of Gross Anatomy Laboratory
Interim Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
PhD in Anthropology, University of Tennessee
MS in Biological Anthropology, Mercyhurst University
BA in Anthropology, New York University

Holly Korzendorfer
Clinical Assistant Professor
PhD in Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University
MPT in Physical Therapy, Chapman University
BA in Leisure Studies/Recreation Therapy, Iowa State University

Kristin Mende
Clinical Associate Professor
DPT, Physical Therapy, Drexel University
BS in Biology, Villanova University
BA in Psychology, Villanova University

Brian Pecchia
Clinical Assistant Professor
Credentialed Orthopaedic Residency Graduate, Sacred Heart University
DPT, Physical Therapy, Sacred Heart University
BS in Athletic Training, Marist College

Heather Roberts
Clinical Assistant Professor
DPT, SUNY Upstate Medical University
Advanced Masters Orthopedic PT, Touro College
PT, Russell Sage College
BS in Biology, Fordham University

Francine Sage-King
Clinical Associate Professor
DPT, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
BS in Kinesiology, Michigan State University

Staff

Tiffany Pastor
Business Manager

Tina Cornell
Administrative Coordinator, Clinical Education

Jillian Cidras
Biomechanics/Simulation Lab Manager