Wilkes University Welcomes New Faculty

Wilkes University recently welcomed eleven new faculty members for the fall semester. The new faculty and their areas of specialization include:

Jessica Anderson has joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an associate professor of neuroscience. Anderson was previously the program director and associate professor of neuroscience at King’s College. She earned her doctorate in behavioral neuroscience from Binghamton University, a master of arts in neuroscience and a bachelor of arts in behavioral science from the University of Connecticut.

Mun-Young Chung has joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor in the Communication and Media Studies department. Chung was previously an assistant professor in the Department of Media and Journalism at Bloomsburg University. He earned his doctorate in mass communication from Pennsylvania State University, a master of sciences in journalism and mass communication from Kansas State University, a master of arts in mass communications from Sogang University in South Korea and a bachelor in communication studies from Kwangwoon University, South Korea.

Kathleen Covey has joined the College of Health and Education as an assistant professor in early childhood education. Covey previously worked as the director of educational technology at Dynamic Campus and in curriculum development roles at several universities. She earned her doctorate of education from National University, master of arts in teaching and bachelor of science in nutrition from Marywood University.

Jessica Cordaro has joined the College of Health and Education as faculty of practice in the School of Education. Cordaro previously worked as the hydroponics coordinator and STEM education coach for Reach Cyber Charter School. She earned her doctorate in education from the University of Wisconsin, masters of science in education from Wilkes University and a bachelor of science from Bloomsburg University.

Elyssa Gage has joined the College of Arts and Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of history. Gage previously served as postdoctoral fellow of Global History and Governance at the Scuola Superiore Meridionale and as visiting assistant professor of History at Birmingham-Southern College. She earned her master of arts and doctorate degrees in history from the University of Florida and her bachelor of arts degree in international studies from Pepperdine University.

Erica Mabry has joined the College of Health and Education as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Mabry was previously a clinical pharmacist at Asheville Internal Medicine in Asheville, North Carolina. She earned her doctorate of pharmacy and bachelor of science degrees from Wilkes University.

Felicia Ryan is joining the College of Health and Education as a visiting professor in the Passan School of Nursing. Rey was previously employed as a clinical coordinator and nursing instructor at Wilkes and a registered nurse at General Hospital. She is pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice and earned a master of science in nursing from Capella University. She earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Wilkes University.

Sonia Wasan is joining the College of Business and Engineering as a visiting assistant professor of accounting. Wasan was previously an assistant professor at Zayed University in Dubai, UAE. She earned a doctorate in accounting from Louisiana State University. She is a Chartered Accountant with ICAI, India and earned her masters in commerce from Delhi School of Economics, India.

Yuzo Yanagitsuru has joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of biology. Yuzo completed postdoctoral work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and University of Washington through the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies. He earned his doctorate from the University of California, Davis, a master of science from the University of Florida, and a bachelor of science from the University of California, San Diego.

S.M. Zahid is joining the College of Business and Engineering as an assistant professor of finance. Zahid’s previous role was a visiting assistant professor at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. They earned their doctorates in finance and economics from Washington State University and Florida International University, respectively. They hold a master of arts in economics from Central Michigan University and a master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Stefan Zubal is joining the College of Arts and Sciences as faculty of practice and director of dance in the Division of Performing Arts. Zubal’s previous role was as an assistant professor of ballet at Utah Valley University. He earned his master of fine arts in dance from the Florida State University School of Dance and his bachelor of arts in theater at Purdue University at Fort Wayne.