Wilkes Welcomes New Faculty

Wilkes Welcomes New Faculty

Wilkes University welcomed 14 new faculty members for the fall 2025 semester: The new faculty and their areas of specialization include:

David Carey joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an associate professor of computer science in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. He previously served as chair and associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Physics at Wilkes and worked in the private sector at TEVET LLC, Hiller Measurements, LLC and Lockheed Martin. Carey earned a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from Clarkson University, as well as a master's degree and bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Wilkes.

Irfan Ahmad Ganie joined the College of Business and Engineering as an assistant professor of electrical engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He was previously an instructor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he earned a doctorate in electrical engineering. Ganie also holds a master's degree in cyber physical systems from the Indian Institute of Technology, as well as a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Jammu.

Sean Patrick Gibbons joined the College of Arts and Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of theatre in the Division of Performing Arts. He is a theatre educator, actor and certified intimacy director with extensive experience teaching at the university level. He has taught acting, voice, movement and devised theatre at institutions including Brandeis University, Dean College, Wellesley College, Florida Atlantic University and Emerson College. Gibbons earned a master of fine arts degree in acting from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor's degree in theater education and acting from Marywood University.

Debra P. Holmes joined the College of Arts and Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of theatre, scenic and lighting designer, in the Division of Performing Arts. She previously served as a visiting assistant professor of scenic and lighting design at Susquehanna University and as an instructor of scenic and lighting design at Murray State University in Kentucky. Holmes earned a master of fine arts degree in drama with an emphasis in scenography, the study of design as a whole, from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a bachelor's degree in drama from the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Natalie Klek joined the College of Health and Education as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. She previously served as an executive fellow in association management at the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. Klek earned her doctorate in pharmacy and bachelor's degree in pharmacy foundations from Duquesne University.

J. Christopher Kovats-Bernat joined the College of Arts and Sciences as associate professor of anthropology and Africana studies in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. He previously served as assistant professor of anthropology and Black studies at the City University of New York - York College and visiting assistant professor of Africana studies at Gettysburg College. Kovats-Bernat earned a doctorate and master's degree in anthropology from Temple University and a bachelor's degree in philosophy/anthropology from Muhlenberg College.

Erica McGavin joined the College of Health and Education as a visiting professor of undergraduate nursing in the Passan School of Nursing. She previously served as an adjunct clinical instructor at Wilkes and a registered nurse at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Pennsylvania Hospital. McGavin earned a master's degree in nursing education from Wilmington University, as well as bachelor's degrees in biology and nursing from Wilkes University.

Dongfang Nie joined the College of Business and Engineering as an associate professor of accounting in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. He previously served as visiting assistant professor of accounting at Pepperdine University and assistant professor of accounting at University of Texas Permian Basin. Nie earned a doctorate in accounting from University of North Texas, as well as a bachelor's degree in finance and master's degrees in financial engineering, economics and accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Lauren O'Dell joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of philosophy in the Division of Global Cultures: History, Language and Philosophy. She previously served as a full-time lecturer of philosophy at Georgia State University and senior lecturer of philosophy at University of Louisville. O'Dell earned a doctorate and master's degree in philosophy from the University of Kentucky, as well as a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Eckerd College.

Meghan Pontz DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, joined the College of Health and Education as faculty of practice in the Passan School of Nursing. Pontz's background spans advanced practice nursing, psychiatry and behavioral healthcare. She previously served as an associate professor of APRN graduate nursing at Midwestern University and an associate professor of psychiatry in the Neuroscience Institute at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Pontz earned her doctor of nursing practice, as well as master's and bachelor's degrees in nursing, from Misericordia University.

Charles Resavy joined the College of Arts and Sciences as a visiting assistant professor of psychology in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. He previously taught at Wilkes, Penn State Harrisburg, Harrisburg Area Community College and Susquehanna University, and until his appointment at Wilkes, maintained a private practice in psychology. Resavy earned a doctorate in school psychology from Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in clinical services psychology from Marywood University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Wilkes University.

Kailey Rocker joined the College of Arts and Sciences as an assistant professor of anthropology in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She previously served as visiting assistant professor of anthropology at Lawrence University and a junior postdoc fellow in the Field of Excellence Dimensions of Europe at the University of Graz in Austria. Rocker earned a doctorate and master's degree in anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology from Millsaps College.

Loren Schemery joined the College of Health and Education as a visiting professor of undergraduate nursing in the Passan School of Nursing. She previously served as clinical placement coordinator for undergraduate nursing at Wilkes and nursing clinical adjunct at Bloomsburg University. Schemery earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Shippensburg University, a bachelor's degree in nursing from Wilkes and a master's degree in nursing from American Sentinel University. She is currently in the final dissertation seminar of her Wilkes University doctoral program, focusing her research on nursing burnout.

Jairo Yepes-Heredia joined the College of Business and Engineering as an assistant professor of civil engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Yepes previously served as a full-time lecturer at Missouri University of Science and Technology, visiting faculty at Washington State University, a postdoctoral scholar and fellow of University of Kentucky and Texas A&M University and a STEM graduate teaching assistant for the University of Texas at Arlington. Yepes earned a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as a master's degree in geotechnical engineering and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the National University of Colombia.

Wilkes University also welcomed new faculty members in the spring 2025 semester

Waleed Elballa joined the College of Health and Education as an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. He previously served as an assistant researcher at the University of Kansas Biopharmaceutical and Innovation Center and a lecturer at Nahda College in Khartoum, Sudan. Elballa earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and master's degree in pharmaceutics from University of Khartoum, a master's degree in pharmaceutical product development from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry from the University of Kansas.

Asif Abdullah Khan joined the College of Business and Engineering as an assistant professor of electrical engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He previously served as a postdoctoral scholar in the department of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Waterloo. Khan earned a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Waterloo and a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.

Ariana Solano joined the College of Health and Education as an assistant clinical professor in the Passan School of Nursing. She previously worked as a registered nurse in the oncology department and currently works per diem as a vascular access registered nurse at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital. Solano earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Wilkes University and is currently enrolled in the master's-level adult gerontology nurse practitioner program with graduation expected in August 2026.