This week marks the opening of the 2024-25 academic year not only for Bellarmine students but also for nine new full-time faculty members. Classes begin on Thursday, Aug. 22.
“Students and faculty are the heart of everything we do at Bellarmine,” said Dr. Mark Wiegand, the university’s vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “This diverse group of faculty have come to Bellarmine University
from other institutions of higher education; as new faculty recently graduated from their doctoral programs; and from industry and corporate positions. They bring fresh and contemporary ideas and understanding from their previous experiences to
complement the excellence of our current faculty.
"I know they will challenge our students to dig deeply into their subject matter and support them on their path of discovery.”
Meet the new faculty below.
Bellarmine College of Arts and Sciences
Max Cartor ’19, assistant professor of Mathematics
Areas of research: My areas
of research include multivariate and lattice-based post quantum cryptography. This field of research has the goal of creating cryptographic systems that are secure against adversaries who have access to quantum computers.
Why Bellarmine? I chose to work at Bellarmine to give back to those who shaped me as a mathematician and to be a part of the supportive student-centered community of Bellarmine. I am excited to show my students the fun and innate beauty math has
to offer!
Dr. Andrew Karem, assistant professor of Computer Science
Areas of research: My
area of research is machine learning, with a specific focus on imaging and psychological data.
Why Bellarmine? I came to Bellarmine in order to impart to students my passion for the ever-evolving nature of computer science and the amazing things it can do in the right hands.
Dr. Saurin Sutaria, assistant professor of Chemistry
Areas of research:
My research interests revolve around human health. Specifically, I apply my organic and analytical chemistry training towards measuring several types of metabolites as markers of health and environmental exposures. A new area of research I plan to
explore is the synthesis of structurally novel regenerative polymers for carbon dioxide capture.
Why Bellarmine? My experiences both as a student and a teacher have given me a real appreciation for the dynamics and accountability that relatively smaller class sizes provide, creating a better learning environment. I believe this is one of the
many reasons for Bellarmine's history of educational excellence and I chose to work here because I would like to help continue that tradition.
Dr. Felicia Smith, assistant professor of Psychology
Areas of research:
My research interest lies in exploring the intersection of African American youth and young adults and sport and performance psychology. I am particularly interested in understanding the unique cultural and psychological factors that impact experiences
and performance in sport. As a clinical psychologist, I will also help to develop and direct Bellarmine University's new Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program. Our program will prepare graduates to deliver high-quality psychological care
within diverse populations and evolving environments. Consistent with Bellarmine's values, our program prioritizes the development of skills that reflect cultural responsiveness, ethical practice and advocacy for all populations.
Why Bellarmine? I chose to work at Bellarmine because of its strong and longstanding commitment to fostering a learning community that values academic excellence, inclusion and social responsibility. These qualities resonate with my own values
and will foster my growth, both professionally and personally.
Dr. Flannery Wells ’15, assistant professor of Mathematics
Areas of research:
My research is in Mathematical Social Choice. I look at characterizing voting rules that satisfy different desirable properties, such as strategy-proofness, anonymity, neutrality, or not being a dictatorship.
Why Bellarmine? I am a Bellarmine alum, so coming back here to work is very exciting for me! I am excited to join a department that challenges students to think critically and to get to work with professors who were my instructors in the past.
Bellarmine helped me become a more engaged and reflective person, which has set me up for success in my years of teaching and learning; I look forward to helping and challenging students similarly.
College of Health Professions
Dr. Mike Harlowe, assistant professor of Health Care Administration and Public Health
Areas of research: I
have extensive experience as a hospital executive and served for 22 years as a CEO with Indiana University Health, the largest healthcare provider in the state. I have a particular interest in community and rural health.
Why Bellarmine? Bellarmine University has a vibrant culture and a strong sense of organizational values. I’ve been impressed with the staff and students, and serving at such a vital organization is a privilege.
Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences
Dr. Cassondra “Cassie” Degener ’09, assistant professor of Nursing
Areas of research:
My areas of nursing research are nutrition, cardiology, pulmonary and critical care. My main focus over the last 18 years of clinical practice (dietitian, RN and NP) was in the acutely ill cardiology and pulmonary population.
Why Bellarmine? I chose Bellarmine because I wanted to become a part of the Bellarmine way. As a Bellarmine graduate, I know firsthand the high standards and expectations placed on students. I want to use my clinical knowledge and expertise to
help teach others to become top-level nurses and practitioners.
School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences
Dr. Gabrielle “Gabby” Kirsch, assistant professor of Athletic Training
Areas of research: Diversity,
equity and inclusion, along with cultural competence.
Why Bellarmine? I have been an adjunct faculty member at Bellarmine in the undergraduate Exercise Science Department and the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program for the past three years. I had the opportunity to be a clinical
preceptor for five years with the Bellarmine MSAT program to aid in the hands-on skills and real-world experiences of their students. I recently accepted the position of clinical education coordinator for the MSAT program due to the success of the
program over the years and after being a preceptor.
W. Fielding Rubel School of Business
Jenny Wright, instructor of Business Administration
Areas of research:
My research focuses on the intersection of business strategies and workforce dynamics, particularly concerning Millennials. For instance, I’ve explored topics like “More Than Money: Business Strategies to Attract Millennials,” which
delves into effective strategies for engaging this demographic in the workplace, and “Soft Skills or the Social Generation: Making Millennials Successful in the Workplace,” which addresses the importance of soft skills for Millennial employees.
I’ve also investigated management skills through works like “An MBA Identifies Needed Soft Management Skills.” These studies aim to bridge the gap between academic insights and practical business applications, helping organizations
better understand and cater to the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
Why Bellarmine? I am passionate about teaching business and am thrilled to be part of an institution as esteemed as Bellarmine. The university’s commitment to academic excellence and its supportive community resonate with my own values. Having
the opportunity to work in Louisville, a city I deeply love, makes this role even more fulfilling.