Meet the Senators
Dawn Adams-Harmon
Dr. Dawn Adams-Harmon obtained an Undergraduate degree in Marketing and Psychology from Montclair State University, received an MBA in Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and has completed her Doctorate in Management/Organizational Leadership.
She has been working at Kean University for over 10 years, working in the CBPM, after serving as an executive in the healthcare industry. She spent the majority of her time as a sales leader launching five successful sales teams and launching blockbuster products (Viagra, Zithromax, Norvasc, Lipitor, Diflucan, Zetia, Vytorin, Asmanex, Nuvaring, Neupro and Vimpat) in the New York Metropolitan marketplace with Pfizer, Schering Plough, and Merck. She also held training management positions and was a Director of Leadership Development at Pfizer, and developed a mentoring program that was executed nationally at Schering Plough and Merck.
Dr. Adams-Harmon stays current in her field by conducting and publishing research on marginalized communities, the challenges faced, and the strategies implemented to ascend in various segments and industries.
Dr. Harmon has been married for over 34 years and has two children, who are talented in various academic, sports, and artistic disciplines. Her son is in the 4th year of his psychiatry residency after graduating from Rowan Medical School (’23), and her daughter is going into her junior year and attends Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI, to focus on obtaining her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education and special education. Dr. Harmon has been able to balance an extremely successful career while being present and involved in her family and children’s lives. She is an outstanding role model for our student population.
Her interests include skiing, dance, art, music, and she is an outdoor enthusiast.
Sucheta Ahlawat
Denise Anderson
Denise’s career as a design educator is rooted in extensive practical experience creating brand strategies and identities for corporations and new business start-ups. Since joining the Michael Graves College faculty in 2013, she has focused her research and teaching efforts on bridging the gap between design education and professional practice to ensure students are equipped to achieve their career goals. At the heart of her scholarly activities are two essential focal points: graphic design portfolio development—developing projects that reflect the skills and passions of students, and interdisciplinary, experiential learning—connecting the classroom experience to professional practice.
Billie J. Bailey
Billie is the Director of the Bridge to Success program. Billie earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Montclair State University. She is an alumna of Kean University with Master's degrees in Counseling and Public Administration. She is certified as a substance abuse coordinator. Her counseling theory is person-centered. Her research interests are first-generation, academically underprepared students at risk and economically disadvantaged populations. She is passionate about the work she does. She is a published scholar and has presented at national conferences. She is an Executive Board Member of the New Jersey American Council on Education (NJACE) and a former Executive Board Member of the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association (NJEOFPA).
Norma Bowe
Dr. Norma Bowe is a tenured professor at Kean University with a background in nursing, community health, and public health education. She created the acclaimed course Death in Perspective, featured in The Death Class: A True Story About Life. A published author and international speaker, Dr. Bowe has dedicated her career to advancing mental health, end-of-life education, and social justice. She is also the founder of Be the Change NJ, a nonprofit focused on community service and activism inspired by Gandhi’s philosophy.
Nira Gupta-Casale
Kathleen Curran
Kathleen Curran is an expert in Prehospital Emergency Medical Services and healthcare education. She teaches courses such as First Aid and Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Medical Responder, Instructor First Aid/CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Introduction to Public Health.
Committed to student success, Kathleen focuses on hands-on learning and practical EMS training while reinforcing the theoretical foundations needed for professional growth. Her goal is to help students develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to excel in real-world healthcare and emergency settings.
Gilda Del Risco
Gilda Del Risco coordinates the undergraduate Elementary Education/Bilingual K-6, Elementary Education/Bilingual K-6/5-8 undergraduate programs, Curriculum, Certification: Bilingual/Bicultural Education, and the M.A. Bilingual/Bicultural Education graduate programs. Gilda also serves on the Department of Bilingual, TESL, and Spanish ARTP Committee, the College of Education Retention & Tenure Committee, and the University Promotion (UPC) Committees. Gilda is also a member of the Bilingual Education Parents Advisory Committee in the Elizabeth Public School District.
Edward Farnum
Edward Farnum, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics in the IST. Dr. Farnum’s research interests include differential equations, mathematical physics, asymptotic analysis, numerical methods, and scientific computing. He applies all of these approaches to models in nonlinear optical science. In particular, he is interested in constructing and analyzing nonlinear wave models for ultra-short pulse propagation, which may be especially useful in all-optical computing and improved fiber optic communications. His teaching interests have a similar applied and computational flavor.
Dr. Farnum’s courses feature mathematical modeling, scientific computation, asymptotic analysis, and spectral methods. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Washington in 2005.
Will Heyniger
Will Heyniger, M.A. in Environmental Studies (2011), teaches a range of courses in environmental and sustainability sciences, including Introduction to Meteorology, Introduction to Environmental Science (lecture and lab), Observing the Earth, and Introduction to Sustainability. His academic interests span atmospheric science, ecological restoration, environmental management, and food composting.
Guided by an engaging teaching philosophy, Will is passionate about introducing students to new areas of science and inspiring curiosity through connection and enthusiasm. He believes that when students are excited to attend class because of their professor, real learning happens—and he embraces the challenge of connecting with learners from diverse backgrounds to spark a lifelong interest in environmental stewardship.
Ipek Kocoglu
Dr. Ipek Kocoglu is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Management at Stevens Institute of Technology, with a Ph.D. in Management, an M.S. in Strategy, Innovation, and Technology Management, and a B.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. She teaches courses including Principles of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Behavior.
Her research explores strategy and organization theory, with a focus on gender diversity and sustainability. Through both her teaching and scholarship, Dr. Kocoglu integrates management theory with practical applications that promote innovation, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.
Craig Konyk
Craig Konyk is the Associate Professor of Architecture at the School of Public Architecture at the Michael Graves College. Craig’s research interests include investigations into new areas of experimental preservation and its impact on architecture and urbanism. Craig has been named an Emerging Voice by the Architectural League of New York and a finalist for the Rome Prize in Urban Design by the American Academy in Rome. He has served on the Boards of the Architectural League of New York, The Architect’s Newspaper, and Artists Space Gallery in New York.
John Lee
Dr. John Jonghyun Lee, PT, DPT, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Kean University and an ABPTS Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He also serves as the Director of Clinical Education at a continuing education institution while continuing to treat patients in orthopedic and pediatric settings. His research interests include healthcare and higher education, interprofessional education, and the meaningful integration of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in healthcare education.
Brenna Levine
Dr. Brenna Levine earned her B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Arkansas. She went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in urban evolution and entomology at The University of Tulsa before joining Kean University, where she is now an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Levine’s research focuses on the ecology and evolution of reproduction and invasion, with particular emphasis on how reproductive strategies and ecological pressures shape the success of invasive species.
Patrick McManimon
Patrick received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 2000. Previously, he was an administrator and warden at several Illinois and New Jersey institutions. Dr. McManimon is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Kean Criminal Justice and Public Affairs Department in the College of Business and Public Management. He is a certified expert witness in the United States Federal Courts for correctional management and inmate rights. His current research interests are opioid addiction/death avoidance in New Jersey and the Violation of inmate rights in Prisons in the United States.
Matthew Mongelli
Matthew is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics since 2006. In that time, he served twice as the program coordinator and on numerous departmental committees. Dr. Mongelli has served as a member of the University, College, and Department Curriculum Committees, General Education Committee, Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Committee, and the College and Department Retention and Ture Committees. He is currently the Chair of The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology Curriculum Committee and the Department of Chemistry and Physics Grievance Committee. Dr. Mongelli has also been teaching in the Upward Bound Program every summer since 2007 and has been a mentor in the Ronald E. McNair Program at Kean University.
Reenat Munshi
Reenat Munshi is a higher education leader with over 16 years of experience in student research, innovation, and institutional growth. She currently serves as Director of Student Research and Innovation at the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) at Kean University, where she has played a key role in advancing the institution to Carnegie R2: High Research Activity status.
Her work focuses on expanding student research opportunities, managing internal research grants, creating inter-departmental research partnerships, and fostering strong faculty–student collaborations that enhance academic excellence and student success. She recently secured the TEDx Kean University license and provides executive leadership for University Research Days, Kean University’s premier showcase of student research and scholarly excellence.
She is recognized for developing innovative research programs and cultivating a campus-wide culture of engagement, mentorship, and scholarly achievement.
Mahchid Namazi
Mahchid Namazi earned her PhD from McGill University in 2010 and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Kean University in Union, NJ. Her areas of expertise include developmental language disorders in multilingual children, Autism, and interprofessional practice/education. Mahchid has 27 years of experience as a speech language pathologist in a variety of clinical settings and 3 different countries. In 2019, she established MENA: Middle East North Africa constituency group and is particularly invested in empowering clinicians and advocating for this population. Her research has been published in various peer reviewed journals, and she is an established expert in developmental language disorders and cultural-linguistic diversity as evidenced by her publication record, the development of programs at Kean, invited speaking engagements, and frequent requests for peer review. As a multilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, she has worked for over 27 years in a variety of urban settings, in three different countries, and with many different clinical populations. Dr. Namazi is currently serving as a language editor for the Journal of Speech Language Hearing Research and is a coordinating committee member of ASHA’s SIG 14. The overarching goal of all her research, teaching, and scholarship is to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion through interprofessional collaborations.
Julia Nevarez
Julia Nevarez is Associate Professor in Sociology at Kean University. Her research focuses on urban theory, urban development, and public space from an interdisciplinary perspective. In 2009 she edited the book "On Global Grounds: Urban Change and Globalization" followed by her latest book "The Urban Library: Creative City Branding in Spaces for All” (2021) and "Governing Disaster in Urban Environments: Climate Change Preparation and Adaption After Hurricane Sandy"(2018).
Cailin O'Connor
Cailin O'Connor is a lecturer of wildlife ecology in the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. She holds a BS and MS in biology and a PhD in environmental science. Dr. O'Connor is an ornithologist, bird bander, and wild bird rehabilitator who runs three banding stations including one at Kean Skylands. She is also an expert on avian window strike mitigation. Her research focuses on tracking songbird migration with radio telemetry, specifically using the Motus Wildlife Tracking System to track the fate of window struck and captive raised passerines.
Nicole Rodriguez
Nicole began her career at Kean University in June 2000. During her tenure, she has worked in University Relations, Conference Services, and Disability Services. She currently serves as the Director for Community Standards and Student Conduct, where she investigates, manages, and adjudicates various types of cases, including mental health concerns, harassment, assault, alcohol, and drugs. She is a two-time alum of Kean University, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Communications. She offers the Senate an experienced administrator capable of demonstrating inclusivity while considering the matters relevant to the Kean University community.
Benito Sanchez
Benito is currently the Accounting and Finance Department Chairperson and an Associate Professor of Finance. His research focuses on economic and financial development, banking efficiency, asset pricing models, and—more recently—economic policy uncertainty and ESG. Sanchez has extensive experience in curriculum and assessment issues at the department, college, and university levels. He has also served on numerous department, college, and university committees.
Galia Shokry
Galia Shokry, Ph.D., is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a focus on community and neighborhood (re)development issues pertaining to equitable climate adaptation and green infrastructure planning. Galia’s research combines qualitative and geospatial techniques to identify and shed light on systemic barriers and solutions to realizing socially and environmentally just cities in the context of the climate emergency. She also applies these approaches to uncover less visible community-led practices of resilience in historically marginalized neighborhoods facing gentrification and displacement. Galia was previously a researcher with the Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice and Sustainability, and several European projects, including GreenLULUs and DIVERCITIES. She also directed international educational programs aimed at fostering critical thinking, belonging, and civic engagement in schools in divided communities. Galia seeks to bring these experiences to her teaching and continue developing her research agenda to uncover alternative and just approaches to protecting socially vulnerable residents from climate and other compounding risks.
Zakeeyah Speight
Zakeeyah Speight serves as the Recruitment/Admissions Counselor and Internship Coordinator in the Educational Opportunity Fund program. Zakeeyah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Substance Abuse and Women's Studies from Ramapo College and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Financial Aid and Admissions from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Prior to her arrival at Kean University, Zakeeyah was the Job Developer/Recruiter at Union County College for the Nursing and Allied Health/TAACCCT NJ-Prep Grant program, where she provided externship development and worked cooperatively with academic advisors, faculty, and staff to serve students with career and program placement.
Zakeeyah is an EOF alumnus and has a passion for giving back to the community by serving on numerous committees. Zakeeyah enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling with her daughter.
Dawn Smith-Jeffries
Dawn has 16+ years of service at Kean University, having served in various capacities in the Office of the Registrar in Toms River and Union. She is currently a Graduation Degree Audit Specialist in the Office of the Registrar. As a first-generation graduate, Dawn is proud to have earned her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in College Counseling and Student Services from Kean University. Dawn is passionate about contributing to the University Senate. She serves on the University Senate Executive Committee, General Education Committee, and the KFT Professional Staff Development Committee.
Gail Verdi
Gail is the Chairperson and Professor in the Department of Bilingual, TESOL. Her research interests include literacy development, equity in education, culturally responsive pedagogy, and language acquisition. She is a member of the University Curriculum Committee and the University Appeals Board. She has worked on the CAEP report for the TESOL Advanced Program and is currently a Co-Pi on the NSF-funded Noyce Grant: Culturally Responsive Education of STEM Teachers.
Veysel Yucetepe
Veysel is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Marketing, Global Business, and Economics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Global Business School and interim Executive Director of the School of Accounting and Finance. Veysel has served on several key committees, including the University Planning Council (UPC), the General Education Committee, the Released Time for Research and Creative Works Committee, the Distance Learning Committee, and various search committees. Previously, he also held the role of Coordinator of Kean-Ocean Business Programs.