October 17, 2018
Fall 2018 faculty news
Scholar Power: Dr. Laura E. Williams
Assistant professor of biology
Ph.D., University of Georgia
Expertise: genomics, bioinformatics, symbiosis, molecular evolution, bacterial lifestyle, antibiotic resistance
Newsworthy: Early in 2018, Williams’ lab published its first paper on predatory bacteria found in the environment on and around PC’s campus. Two student researchers, Molly Anthony ’18 and Brett Enos ’16, are authors. The research contributes to the quest to find effective options to combat disease-causing bacteria as antibiotic resistance continues to rise. Also, in August, Angeline Casale ’19, Karla Martinez ’19, Joe Mangiamele ’19, and Molly Oser ’19 accompanied Williams at the International Symposium on Microbial Ecology in Leipzig, Germany, to present posters on their predatory bacteria research.
Quotable: “It’s very rewarding to help students engage with science in the classroom and the research lab. Last fall, I taught genomics for the second time. We talked about the science and ethics behind current developments such as technologies that can be used to edit the human genome. We also worked directly with genome sequencing data to complete and publish the genomes of two bacterial strains used in my research lab. It’s an exciting course to teach, and students really respond to it.”
Hobbies: tennis, baking
Years at PC: 3
Eric E. Sung, photography professor, receives PC’s top teaching honor
Eric E. Sung, associate professor of photography, is the recipient of the 2017-18 Joseph R. Accinno Faculty Teaching Award, the College’s highest teaching honor. The award recognizes the faculty member who best exhibits excellence in teaching, passion and enthusiasm for learning, and genuine concern for students’ academic and personal growth.
Sung received a bachelor’s degree from Richard Stockton University in 2000 and a master of fine arts in photography degree from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2004.
He teaches photography in all levels and interdisciplinary art courses. He has shown his works in national and international art venues including galleries in New York and the Ping Yao International Photography Festival in Ping Yao, China. His current work is influenced by making landscape and architectural images as witness of recent history.
The Accinno award, established in 2002, is administered by the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Teaching Award Selection Committee.
Dr. Jack Costello’s work recognized with two major honors
Dr. Jack Costello, a professor of biology who has taught at PC for 29 years, received two significant honors this year.
Costello, whose research focuses on marine organism design and function, was named the recipient of the College’s 2018 Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award. The award is presented annually by the Office of Academic Affairs to the tenured faculty member who demonstrates the highest standards in research, scholarship, and contributions to the field.
He also was awarded a $407,061 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Biological Oceanography Program for a collaborative project with the University of South Florida, the University of Oregon, and Roger Williams University.
The team will apply new video techniques to observe the feeding process of ctenophores, or comb jellies, to determine prey selection and predatory impact. Costello has been awarded more than $3 million in external research funding and has authored or co-authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications during his career at PC.
Four faculty honored for excellence, service
Three faculty members earned awards of excellence and another was honored with a service award by the College for their contributions during the 2017-18 academic year.
• Dr. Bing Huang, assistant professor of art history, received the 2018 Innovation in Teaching Award, given to the faculty member who has implemented outstanding, innovative teaching approaches that increase student awareness and success.
• Tricia L. Forte ’07, visiting assistant professor of health policy and management, received the 2018 Visiting Faculty and Practitioner Award in recognition of excellence in teaching and promoting enthusiasm for learning. She is a student at Roger Williams School of Law.
• Dr. Darra D. Mulderry, adjunct assistant professor of history, received the 2018 Adjunct Faculty Award for excellence in teaching and promoting enthusiasm in learning. Mulderry, who has taught at PC since 2008, also is director of national and international fellowships.
• Mark J. Caprio, associate professor and associate library director, received the 2018 Faculty Service Award in recognition of exceptional service that contributes to the mission of the College. He also is associate director of the Center for Engaged Learning at PC.
Retired faculty leave indelible mark on PC
Five faculty members who enriched the education and lives of thousands of students over the course of their teaching careers retired from Providence College following the 2017-18 academic year. Combined, they contributed 164 years of service to the College.
They are:
Dr. Patricia Wurst Cichy, assistant professor of music; 2000; department chair, 2004-2006; director, Music Education Program, 2013-2018
Mary G. Farrell, professor of theatre arts; 1979; department chair, 1994-1996; professor emeritus upon retirement
Ann Galligan Kelley ’78, professor of accountancy; 1986; director, Business Studies Program, 1986-2018; professor emeritus upon retirement
Dr. Pamela D. Sherer, professor of management; 1991; director, Center for Teaching Excellence, 1994-1997; professor emeritus upon retirement
Sister Leslie E. Straub, O.P., associate professor of anthropology; 1970; director, Anthropology Division, 1971-1982 and 1988-1995; director, Social Science Program, 2013-2017.
