2024-25 Faculty Accomplishments
(Listed in the order as received)
Summer 2024
Dr. Courtney Taylor with coauthors Damiano Fulghesu and James Sellers received the 2024 George Pólya Award from the Mathematical Association of America for the paper “Infinite Families of Innite Series with Integer Sums.” (5/23/24)
Dr. Hyeon Joon Shin completed the Business Analytics Certificate Program through Cornell University (June).
Prof. Jeremy Keith successfully passed the NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association) CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) examination (July).
Dr. Matthew Preston contributed to the development of the Climate Resiliency and Adaptation Roadmap for the MIT Ofce of Sustainability (July 2024). Dr. Preston also completed his Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Texas at Austin (August).
Dr. Emmett Dulaney’s article, “Course Design and the Importance of the Porter” was published in The Teaching Professor, a weekly online publication which serves as a resource for faculty who wish to improve student learning. (8/5/24)
Prof. Thomas Kneeland’s creative work was published in the Modern Language Studies Journal (Volume 54, Issue 1), a semiannual publication of NEMLA (Northeast Modern Language Association). Kneeland’s published works included poems titled “Testament” and “POV: Your Favorite Black Superhero’s Pilot Episode.” (8/15/24)
Prof. Graeme States served on the PALNI (Private Academic Library Network of Indiana) First-Year Experience Taskforce, was a pivotal member in starting the PALNI library instruction plan repository, and hosts PALNI collaboration opportunities at AU. Prof. States recently received PALNI’s Outstanding Service Award for his unique contributions and collaborative efforts in helping drive key initiatives forward. In addition, Archivist Nicholas Stanton- Roark was honored with PALNI’s Hall of Fame award for his long-standing service. (August)
Dr. Renfang Song Taylor’s article, “Effect of High Glucose on Embryological Development of Zebrafish, Brachyodanio, Rerio through Wnt Pathway” was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a peer-reviewed, open access journal published online semimonthly by MDPI. (8/30/24)
September 2024
Dr. Alan Overstreet was selected by PALNI (Private Academic Library Network of Indiana) as one of nine faculty members from its 24 supporting institutions to receive its 2023-24 PALSave Open Educator Award. PALNI noted that this year’s award recipients “have been key players in the creation and adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) — a move that reduces costs for students, improves access to required texts, and increases student success and retention.” (9/4/24)
Dr. Stefanie Leiter presented “A Strategic Approach to Crisis Communication” workshop at the INDSPRA (Indiana School Public Relations Association) Future Ready: Fall Bootcamp 2024 held Sept. 11 in Columbus, Ind.
Dr. Renfang Song Taylor presented a session on “Engaging Students Through Group Video Assignments in the Digital Age” at the annual meeting of the Indiana College Biology Teachers Association (ICBTA) held at Indiana University. (9/21/24)
Prof. Kari Bryan recently added CNE ® (Certified Nurse Educator) to her professional credentials — a significant personal achievement, a mark of distinction for nursing faculty, and a valued asset to Anderson University’s School of Nursing’s accreditation standards. (9/25/24)
Dr. Emmett Dulaney spoke on “Challenges and Opportunities Facing DBA Programs Today” at the 2024 CCCU Doctoral Education Conference held at Lipscomb University (Nashville, TN) Sept. 26-28. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Role and Value of Doctoral Programs in Christian Higher Education.”
Dr. Connor Sutton co-authored a paper titled “Cold War Echoes: Bipolar Lessons for a Multipolar World” (by Firuze Sezgen, Connor J.S. Sutton, and Ilker Kalin) which was accepted for publication in the Peace Review, a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal.
The Exercise Science Program was distinguished as having met the educational guidelines recommended by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP) for a three-year period through September 2027.
October 2024
The Department of Teacher Education program was granted accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Dr. Jaye Lee Rogers presented “Castles and Cannons and ‘Lang Stairs’ – Oh, My!: An Introspective View of Learning Through Museums and Historical Sites” at a Colloquium held Oct. 22 on the AU campus. Dr. Rogers received a faculty development grant and was granted a sabbatical leave during the fall of 2023, and she travelled both in the U.S. (Chicago and Washington, DC) and abroad (London and Scotland), visiting 23 museums and historical sites.
Dr. Laura Stull and Dr. Lee Grifth were invited (along with student interpersonal trainers Steve Estes, Hailey Kirkpatrick, Lilah McGurer, and Alisa Young) to present “Effective Programming for Engaging & Empowering Parents” at the 2024 Inter-Site Conference of the Indiana Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) held Oct. 29 in Fort Wayne.
November 2024
Dr. Connor Sutton presented “Terrain and War: Measuring Topographic and Land Cover Heterogeneity in Extrastate Wars” at the Indiana Political Science Association (IPSA) annual conference held Nov. 16 at Ball State University. Serving as research assistants and also presenting their work were three undergraduate students: Christopher Blezek (National Security/History/Political science), Arie De Young (History/Political Science), and Abigail Goldman (Public History). The three were also recognized for “best poster” in the category “International Relations.” Dr. Sutton was also recently appointed to serve on the IPSA board.
Prof. Graeme States completed the Teaching Information Literacy Certicate program from The Ohio State University. The program empowers participants to: (1) Develop an enhanced understanding of information literacy concepts from the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, (2) Recognize the ways in which tacit disciplinary or academic knowledge about research can contribute to learning challenges for students on research or inquiry-based assignments, and (3) Develop new strategies, approaches, and activities for teaching information literacy related concepts and skills. (Nov.)
December 2024
Dr. Earlene Masi successfully defended her doctoral dissertation, “The Association Between Physical Literacy and Physical Activity in Phase I Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients,” earning her Doctor of Health Science (DHSc) from the University of Indianapolis. (12/14/24)
Dr. Adam Waller served as guest conductor for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra 2024 Christmas Concert, “Home for the Holidays,” performed at the historic Paramount Theatre December 14. Additionally, in December 2025, Dr. Waller will be conducting the Trisha Yearwood concert at the Carmel Palladium. 2 Faculty Accomplishments 2024-25
Dr. Janell Blunt has been featured on LinkedIn Learning in a course titled “Strategies to Learn and Upskill More Effectively” (released Aug. ‘23). More recently (Nov./Dec.), her work is being featured in the “Six Critical Human Skills for the Age of AI” campaign (12/17/24).
Dr. Paul Bankole contributed to research on a newly isolated bacteria strain capable of degrading plastics in the marine environment. The paper was accepted for publication in an Elsevier peer-reviewed journal, Polymer Degradation and Stability (Vol. 232, Feb. 2025). The full article, “Halopseudomonas sp. MFKK-1: A marine-derived bacterium capable of degrading poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate), poly(ε-caprolactone), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) in marine ecosystems,” can be accessed here.
Prof. Tyler Williamson defended his doctoral dissertation and is slated to earn his PhD in Physics from the University of Delaware.
January 2025
Prof. Thomas Kneeland was named one of Diverse: Issues in Higher Education’s 2025 Emerging Scholars of the Year. The January 9 Emerging Scholars edition profiles 15 scholars throughout the country “who are making their mark through teaching, research, and service and who represent the future of academia and serve as inspiration to students and faculty members.”
Dr. Adam Waller presented “Education Buzzwords for Music Educators” at the IMEA (Indiana Music Education Assn.) professional development conference held Jan. 16-18 in Fort Wayne. The presentation, aimed at assisting music educators in translating music education activities into administrative language, was well attended and well received.
Prof. Jason James presented a master class titled “Authentic Auditions” for the Indiana Thespian Conference held Jan. 24-25. The conference – a valuable learning experience for high school students – was held at Avon High School in Indianapolis.
Dr. Connor Sutton presented two papers at the Eurasian Peace Science conference held Jan. 24 at the University of Zagreb in Croatia: (1) Terrain and War: Measuring Topographic and Land Cover Heterogeneity in Extrastate Wars, 1816-2007 – with Michael J. Battaglia (Michigan Tech. Research Institute); and (2) Terrain, Strategy, and Success: Analyzing the Impact of Geography on UN Peacekeeping Operations – with Firuze Simay Sezgin (Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkiye) and Ilker Kalin (Stockholm University, Sweden).
Prof. Thomas Kneeland was selected by the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC) to participate in the 2025 Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) Faculty Seminar: Teaching Vocational Exploration. “Faculty members committed to vocational exploration strive to help students discover what could constitute a truly good, meaningful, and flourishing life that would lead to well-being for themselves and others. This work can expand, deepen, and enrich faculty members’ understanding of the privilege and responsibility of their own callings as teachers.”
Dr. Maria Scott announced the publication of Volume 19 in the book series, Transcultural Narrative Identities: A Study of Memoir in Contemporary Anglophone Women Authors of the Italian Diaspora, with Peter Lang International Academic Publishers. Dr. Scott, volume editor along with Irene M. F. Blayer, shares that “This groundbreaking book [by Dr. Eva Pelayo and Dr. Maria Pilar Rodriguez] makes a significant contribution to our understanding of women authors living in diaspora, offering profound insights into their narratives, identities, and transcultural experiences.” (1/24/25)
Dr. Janell Blunt presented “Conducting Research with Undergraduates: Enhanced Memory for Living Things” at a Colloquium held Jan. 28 on the AU campus. Dr. Blunt received a faculty development grant and was granted a sabbatical leave during the spring of 2024, to support her work in this area, as well as other academic projects.
Dr. Stefanie Leiter recently earned two CQ ® (Cultural Intelligence) certifications from the globally recognized Cultural Intelligence Center. Developing CQ ® can enhance communication, collaboration, and inclusivity in both professional and personal environments. Dr. Leiter’s CQ ® and Train-the-Trainer Certifications equip her with the necessary tools to help individuals and organizations strengthen their cultural awareness and effectiveness by becoming aware of cultural nuances, adjusting behaviors, and making informed decisions when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
February 2025
Dr. Rebecca Chappell and Dr. Adam Waller, along with part-time music faculty Amy Kniffen, Gert Kumi, and Laura Recendez, will be featured with the Gaither Vocal Band in several videos for their new album – Love Songs – to be released in February.
Dr. Adam Waller was a featured adjudicator and clinician for the Pendleton Jazz Festival held Feb. 14-15. Dr. Waller also had the opportunity to perform with Grammy nominated trumpet player and LA studio musician, Wayne Bergeron.
Both Prof. Michelle Bade (Area 3A) and Prof. Theo Hicks (Area 5) served as clinicians and guest conductors for IMEA’s Circle the State with Song 2025 Festival on Feb. 15. A statewide choral festival for elementary and junior high/middle school choirs, CSWS has been an integral part of Indiana’s choral landscape for 35 years. Nearly 5,000 youth from hundreds of schools participate each spring at one of 12 sites throughout the state. More than 15,000 community members attend these concerts annually.
Prof. Jon Craton published a peer-reviewed module “LLM Prompt Injections” (2/19/25) on CLARK, exploring large language model prompt injection via an exploitable web application. CLARK, created as a high- availability, relevant, and scalable repository for free curricular resources in the cybersecurity education community, hosts the largest compilation of free high-impact cybersecurity curriculum.
Dr. Brandon Bruning presented “Scribes with Treasures Old and New: Conservation and Innovation in the Tabernacle Text” at a Colloquium held Feb. 25 on the AU campus. Dr. Bruning, who holds a Master of Theological Studies and a PhD in Theology from Notre Dame, has done extensive study in the subject area.
Prof. Michelle Bade continues to serve on the board of the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA), also working with the Indiana Department of Education and serving on committees for the state’s academic standards in music education.
March 2025
Dr. Stephanie Moran received the 2025 Servant Leadership Award from the Leadership Academy of Madison County at a special event on March 6. The LAMC honored Dr. Moran for her “dedication, innovative spirit, advocacy,” and for “leading with purpose and inspiring lasting impact.”
Prof. Michelle Bade traveled with her husband, Dr. Christopher Bade, to Budapest, Hungary, for the International Honors Music Festival (IHMF) held March 19-23, where they served as guest conductors for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) high school orchestra. The IHMF event brings together nearly 200 musicians from across Europe for a week of music, learning, and collaboration.
Dr. Hyeon Joon Shin presented “Witch Hunting and Panic Buying: How the Scapegoat Mechanism Works in the Crisis of Food Insecurity” at a Colloquium held March 25 on the AU campus. Dr. Shin has received two different faculty development grants, as well as a spring 2024 sabbatical leave, to perform scholarly research in the area of Girardian interpretation of poverty and famine in the market economy.