New Faculty
Mr. Agyare Asante is a lecturer in Engineering Technology and a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at 惇蹋圖. Originally from Ghana, Mr. Asante was raised in a coastal area that sparked his lifelong interest in the environment and climate changeinterests that now guide his research on lithium battery extraction and sustainable technologies. Before joining 惇蹋圖, he spent three years teaching English in China, an experience that strengthened his appreciation for cultural diversity and global education. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive learning environment: I believe in creating an atmosphere where students can actively engage in my classes and feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or bias. Mr. Asante views great teachers as mentors who nurture growthhelping students not only succeed academically but also develop personally. Outside of academia, he finds balance in fishing and building community through his church and connections with fellow Africans. An interesting fact about him is that he is wonderful with children and enjoys babysittinghe looks forward to becoming a father one day.
Dr. Chrissy Blanchard-Alworth, Lecturer in Human Movement Studies and Special Education and licensed special education educator, is dedicated to supporting the wellness, social, and emotional growth of both youth and adults. Her research focuses on the relationship between physical activity, movement, dance, and exercise with socialization among individuals with autism. Over the summer, she celebrated the acceptance of two manuscripts for publication, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Guided by a teaching philosophy centered on collegiality and shared learning, Dr. Blanchard-Alworth strives to create an environment where collaboration enhances growth and understanding. She encourages new faculty and graduate students to get involved and build connections as they begin their professional journeys.
Rebecca Gilmore is a talented cellist who performs full-time with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, carrying on a proud family traditionher mother is also a cellist, and music has always been part of her life. In addition to her performance career, Rebecca teaches a masters-level student and leads a Baroque Ensemble, bringing her passion for music and mentorship to the classroom. A mother of two boys, Rebecca finds joy in teaching because she loves places where people want to learn. Her teaching philosophy reflects her grounded, long-term approach: Its hard work, and if youre in it for the long game, then youre in the right place. Rebecca is also a certified yoga instructor who believes great teachers are approachable, friendly, and treat students as whole people. To stay balanced, she enjoys cooking and taking peaceful walkssimple practices that help her stay centered and inspired, both on and off the stage.
Laura comes to 惇蹋圖 as a tenure track assistant professor in biology, specializing in microbiomes and wild animal systems. Her research has taken her around the globe, from studying bats in Sudan to baboon microbiomes in Kenya. A William and Mary alum, Laura earned her PhD in microbiomes and has worked as an Assistant Professor in Canada before moving to Virginia this summer. Coming from a family of teachers, she is deeply committed to helping students learn to think like scientists, even if they pursue other careers. She appreciates 惇蹋圖s balance of research and teaching and is excited to build local field stations and mentor students. When shes not in the lab or classroom, Laura enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two young children.
Dr. Ethan Guagliardo, Senior Lecturer in the English Department, is a Renaissance literature scholar with a focus on Shakespeare and John Milton, exploring the intersections of politics, religion, and aesthetics. He has published widely, recently completing a book and beginning a new project on horror in Renaissance literature. Originally from Louisiana, Dr. Guagliardos academic journey has taken him across the globe, from the Midwest to Istanbul, Turkey, and British Columbia, before returning to the South, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences that enrich both his teaching and scholarship.
Dr. Jae Lee, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, brings a unique perspective to academia with a background in mathematics and professional experience at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. His research centers on computational modeling and simulation, particularly in physiological systems and medical devices. Dr. Lee views every student as a flower for growth, reflecting his belief in nurturing potential through positivity, knowledge, and transparency. His path to academia, shaped by both federal and research experience, informs his collaborative and forward-thinking approach to teaching. He encourages graduate students to remain open to new ideas as they develop their own careers and contributions to the field.
Abby, a clinical assistant professor for occupational therapy, brings her passion for neuroscience and restorative wellness to the classroom and clinic. After beginning at 惇蹋圖 as an adjunct and later stepping in as an emergency hire, she is thrilled to now be part of the faculty full-time. Abby has worked extensively with patients from infants to adults and integrates her certification and research in nutrition, self-care, and wellness through active engaging experiences. A former high school science teacher and lacrosse player, Abby is also intentional about managing her own well-being, drawing on resilience after recovering from a head injury. She encourages new colleagues and students alike to embrace the overwhelming parts of starting fresh, with assurance that balance and confidence grow with time.
Dr. Mahmoud Nazzal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science with a joint appointment in the School of Cybersecurity, joining 惇蹋圖 as a tenure-track faculty member after completing his Ph.D. at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he received the Hashimoto Prize for research excellence. His work focuses on the security, robustness, and real-world deployment of advanced AI models, including Graph Neural Networks and Large Language Models. Dr. Nazzals research spans adversarial robustness, prompt optimization, and practical applications in areas such as secure code generation, hardware design automation, transportation analytics, and internet security. Passionate about teaching and mentorship, he seeks to engage students in machine learning and cybersecurity courses and to build a research lab at the intersection of AI, security, and societal impact. His academic journey, which has taken him across multiple countries, reflects a commitment to collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and applying AI to real-world challenges. Outside of academia, he is dedicated to his family and enjoys exploring new communities and cultures.
Dr. Ertunga Ozelkan, known to his students as Dr. Oz, serves as Department Chair and Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. His teaching and research are in the areas of production planning, supply chain management, decision and risk analysis, and lean six sigma. He believes in applied learning and the importance of balancing theory with real-world practice. Dr. Oz emphasizes that a great professor remembers they were once a student, which helps them understand their audience. He acknowledges that finding strong resources can be challenging, so he encourages networking as a way to overcome these obstacles. His advice to new faculty and graduate students is to be patient, listen carefully, stay focused, and enjoy the learning journey.
R.J. Risue簽o is an Assistant Professor in Speech-Language Pathology, with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Utah State University. His research focuses on the early identification and intervention of dyslexia and developmental language disorder in both monolingual and multilingual children, conditions that affect roughly two children in every classroom and can have lifelong impacts on wellbeing. Risue簽o takes an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, educators, parents, and individuals with disabilities to support early detection and to implement evidence-based interventions that improve learning, communication, and overall wellbeing. His work aims to enhance academic, social, and mental health outcomes, helping children thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Dr. Samantha Scarneo-Miller, PhD, ATC, is passionate about advancing emergency preparedness in athletic training, particularly in preventing and managing catastrophic sport-related injuries. Her research focuses on reducing sudden death in sport by making lifesaving policies and procedures more accessible to students and healthcare professionals. She was the lead author of the National Athletic Trainers Associations most recent Position Statement: Emergency Action Plan Development and Implementation in Sport and is currently leading a project to develop customizable emergency action plan templates for clinical use. Her work has been recognized nationally for its impact on policy development and interprofessional collaboration in sports medicine education. Additional research interests include exertional heat stroke, cardiac arrest, and the broader understanding of catastrophic sport injuries. Outside of work, Dr. Scarneo-Miller enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog. As a big basketball and football family, much of their free time is spent cheering from the sidelines or catching games together. She is excited to bring her expertise, energy, and passion for athlete safety to the 惇蹋圖 community.
Sangita Seaburg, a new full-time clinical nursing faculty member, brings both heart and life experience to her teaching. After the passing of her husband, Sangita transformed her grief into purpose, pursuing a nursing career at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospitala story shared in Positively HR. Once a stay-at-home mother of three (and now proud grandmother of two), Sangita first discovered her teaching gift while homeschooling her children and later through leading and mentoring roles in nursing. Her teaching philosophy, To help my students be the kind of nurse that I would want to take care of me, guides her approach to developing compassionate, policy-respectful nurseswhat she affectionately calls Granny Panty Nurses, who cover the whole butt. With about five years of teaching experience, she emphasizes listening, modeling professionalism, and empowering students to advocate for themselves. Outside the classroom, Sangita finds joy and balance in crocheting, traveling with friends, and spending cherished time with her family.
Mitchell Wilson joined 惇蹋圖s math faculty this year after completing all his studies and teaching experience in Arizona, where he earned both his bachelors degrees in engineering and mathematics and a masters in applied math with a focus on statistics. A proud Mexican American and first-generation college student, Mitchell knew as early as kindergarten that he wanted to be a teacher. His teaching philosophy centers on compassion, motivation, and the belief that every student can succeed. He has already made an impact on students, with one inviting him to visit NASA where they now work. Outside of the classroom, Mitchell enjoys karaoke on Granby Street, video games, and travel. He even once competed on Wheel of Fortune!
Mr. Agyare Asante is a lecturer in Engineering Technology and a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at 惇蹋圖. Originally from Ghana, Mr. Asante was raised in a coastal area that sparked his lifelong interest in the environment and climate changeinterests that now guide his research on lithium battery extraction and sustainable technologies. Before joining 惇蹋圖, he spent three years teaching English in China, an experience that strengthened his appreciation for cultural diversity and global education. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering an inclusive learning environment: I believe in creating an atmosphere where students can actively engage in my classes and feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or bias. Mr. Asante views great teachers as mentors who nurture growthhelping students not only succeed academically but also develop personally. Outside of academia, he finds balance in fishing and building community through his church and connections with fellow Africans. An interesting fact about him is that he is wonderful with children and enjoys babysittinghe looks forward to becoming a father one day.
Dr. Chrissy Blanchard-Alworth, Lecturer in Human Movement Studies and Special Education and licensed special education educator, is dedicated to supporting the wellness, social, and emotional growth of both youth and adults. Her research focuses on the relationship between physical activity, movement, dance, and exercise with socialization among individuals with autism. Over the summer, she celebrated the acceptance of two manuscripts for publication, reflecting her ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Guided by a teaching philosophy centered on collegiality and shared learning, Dr. Blanchard-Alworth strives to create an environment where collaboration enhances growth and understanding. She encourages new faculty and graduate students to get involved and build connections as they begin their professional journeys.
Rebecca Gilmore is a talented cellist who performs full-time with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, carrying on a proud family traditionher mother is also a cellist, and music has always been part of her life. In addition to her performance career, Rebecca teaches a masters-level student and leads a Baroque Ensemble, bringing her passion for music and mentorship to the classroom. A mother of two boys, Rebecca finds joy in teaching because she loves places where people want to learn. Her teaching philosophy reflects her grounded, long-term approach: Its hard work, and if youre in it for the long game, then youre in the right place. Rebecca is also a certified yoga instructor who believes great teachers are approachable, friendly, and treat students as whole people. To stay balanced, she enjoys cooking and taking peaceful walkssimple practices that help her stay centered and inspired, both on and off the stage.
Laura comes to 惇蹋圖 as a tenure track assistant professor in biology, specializing in microbiomes and wild animal systems. Her research has taken her around the globe, from studying bats in Sudan to baboon microbiomes in Kenya. A William and Mary alum, Laura earned her PhD in microbiomes and has worked as an Assistant Professor in Canada before moving to Virginia this summer. Coming from a family of teachers, she is deeply committed to helping students learn to think like scientists, even if they pursue other careers. She appreciates 惇蹋圖s balance of research and teaching and is excited to build local field stations and mentor students. When shes not in the lab or classroom, Laura enjoys being outdoors with her husband and two young children.
Dr. Ethan Guagliardo, Senior Lecturer in the English Department, is a Renaissance literature scholar with a focus on Shakespeare and John Milton, exploring the intersections of politics, religion, and aesthetics. He has published widely, recently completing a book and beginning a new project on horror in Renaissance literature. Originally from Louisiana, Dr. Guagliardos academic journey has taken him across the globe, from the Midwest to Istanbul, Turkey, and British Columbia, before returning to the South, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences that enrich both his teaching and scholarship.
Dr. Jae Lee, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, brings a unique perspective to academia with a background in mathematics and professional experience at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. His research centers on computational modeling and simulation, particularly in physiological systems and medical devices. Dr. Lee views every student as a flower for growth, reflecting his belief in nurturing potential through positivity, knowledge, and transparency. His path to academia, shaped by both federal and research experience, informs his collaborative and forward-thinking approach to teaching. He encourages graduate students to remain open to new ideas as they develop their own careers and contributions to the field.
Abby, a clinical assistant professor for occupational therapy, brings her passion for neuroscience and restorative wellness to the classroom and clinic. After beginning at 惇蹋圖 as an adjunct and later stepping in as an emergency hire, she is thrilled to now be part of the faculty full-time. Abby has worked extensively with patients from infants to adults and integrates her certification and research in nutrition, self-care, and wellness through active engaging experiences. A former high school science teacher and lacrosse player, Abby is also intentional about managing her own well-being, drawing on resilience after recovering from a head injury. She encourages new colleagues and students alike to embrace the overwhelming parts of starting fresh, with assurance that balance and confidence grow with time.
Dr. Mahmoud Nazzal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science with a joint appointment in the School of Cybersecurity, joining 惇蹋圖 as a tenure-track faculty member after completing his Ph.D. at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he received the Hashimoto Prize for research excellence. His work focuses on the security, robustness, and real-world deployment of advanced AI models, including Graph Neural Networks and Large Language Models. Dr. Nazzals research spans adversarial robustness, prompt optimization, and practical applications in areas such as secure code generation, hardware design automation, transportation analytics, and internet security. Passionate about teaching and mentorship, he seeks to engage students in machine learning and cybersecurity courses and to build a research lab at the intersection of AI, security, and societal impact. His academic journey, which has taken him across multiple countries, reflects a commitment to collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and applying AI to real-world challenges. Outside of academia, he is dedicated to his family and enjoys exploring new communities and cultures.
Dr. Ertunga Ozelkan, known to his students as Dr. Oz, serves as Department Chair and Professor of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. His teaching and research are in the areas of production planning, supply chain management, decision and risk analysis, and lean six sigma. He believes in applied learning and the importance of balancing theory with real-world practice. Dr. Oz emphasizes that a great professor remembers they were once a student, which helps them understand their audience. He acknowledges that finding strong resources can be challenging, so he encourages networking as a way to overcome these obstacles. His advice to new faculty and graduate students is to be patient, listen carefully, stay focused, and enjoy the learning journey.
R.J. Risue簽o is an Assistant Professor in Speech-Language Pathology, with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Utah State University. His research focuses on the early identification and intervention of dyslexia and developmental language disorder in both monolingual and multilingual children, conditions that affect roughly two children in every classroom and can have lifelong impacts on wellbeing. Risue簽o takes an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with pediatricians, speech-language pathologists, educators, parents, and individuals with disabilities to support early detection and to implement evidence-based interventions that improve learning, communication, and overall wellbeing. His work aims to enhance academic, social, and mental health outcomes, helping children thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Dr. Samantha Scarneo-Miller, PhD, ATC, is passionate about advancing emergency preparedness in athletic training, particularly in preventing and managing catastrophic sport-related injuries. Her research focuses on reducing sudden death in sport by making lifesaving policies and procedures more accessible to students and healthcare professionals. She was the lead author of the National Athletic Trainers Associations most recent Position Statement: Emergency Action Plan Development and Implementation in Sport and is currently leading a project to develop customizable emergency action plan templates for clinical use. Her work has been recognized nationally for its impact on policy development and interprofessional collaboration in sports medicine education. Additional research interests include exertional heat stroke, cardiac arrest, and the broader understanding of catastrophic sport injuries. Outside of work, Dr. Scarneo-Miller enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and their dog. As a big basketball and football family, much of their free time is spent cheering from the sidelines or catching games together. She is excited to bring her expertise, energy, and passion for athlete safety to the 惇蹋圖 community.
Sangita Seaburg, a new full-time clinical nursing faculty member, brings both heart and life experience to her teaching. After the passing of her husband, Sangita transformed her grief into purpose, pursuing a nursing career at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospitala story shared in Positively HR. Once a stay-at-home mother of three (and now proud grandmother of two), Sangita first discovered her teaching gift while homeschooling her children and later through leading and mentoring roles in nursing. Her teaching philosophy, To help my students be the kind of nurse that I would want to take care of me, guides her approach to developing compassionate, policy-respectful nurseswhat she affectionately calls Granny Panty Nurses, who cover the whole butt. With about five years of teaching experience, she emphasizes listening, modeling professionalism, and empowering students to advocate for themselves. Outside the classroom, Sangita finds joy and balance in crocheting, traveling with friends, and spending cherished time with her family.
Mitchell Wilson joined 惇蹋圖s math faculty this year after completing all his studies and teaching experience in Arizona, where he earned both his bachelors degrees in engineering and mathematics and a masters in applied math with a focus on statistics. A proud Mexican American and first-generation college student, Mitchell knew as early as kindergarten that he wanted to be a teacher. His teaching philosophy centers on compassion, motivation, and the belief that every student can succeed. He has already made an impact on students, with one inviting him to visit NASA where they now work. Outside of the classroom, Mitchell enjoys karaoke on Granby Street, video games, and travel. He even once competed on Wheel of Fortune!