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Our Faculty |
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| Name |
Sheri Adams |
| Title |
Assistant Professor of Mathematics |
| Started at Avila |
2005 |
| Courses Taught |
Foundations of College Math I, Finite Math, College Algebra, Discrete Math, Calculus I and II |
Research
Interests |
Mathematics Assessment, group theory
and non-Euclidean Geometry |
| Hobbies |
Water sports, cooking, remodeling houses, and reading. I love animals; if I could I would have a dozen pets. 2006 I did the Polar Plunge, and I have been known to water ski into November. |
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| Name |
Christina Arel |
| Title |
Clinical Supervisor |
| Started at Avila |
2007 |
| Courses Taught |
Introduction to Radiologic Science, Film Evaluation, and Medical Terminology |
Research
Interests |
I am interested in Radiologic Science and the human body. I am a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Missouri State Society of Radiologic Technologists. |
| Hobbies |
I collect snow globes, enjoy traveling, make exercise integral part of my life, water sports, camping is a blast and I enjoy family events and church on Sundays. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Linda Cleveland |
| Title |
Associate Professor of Chemistry |
| Started at Avila |
1983 |
| Courses Taught |
Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Molecules That Matter (non-science majors), Geology and Fossils of KC. |
Research
Interests |
My professional interest is extracellular fungal enzymes involves attempting to purify the enzyme and determine its physical properties, to discover whether it is similar or different form previously known enzymes produced by other organisms. I am active in the KC section of the American Chemical Society and have chaired the KC section and acted as Alternate Councilor. |
| Hobbies |
I play cello with the Medical Arts Symphony, perform with the Avila Women’s Chorus. I have a nice rock collection that I use for teaching geology and fossils. |
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|
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| Name |
Dr. Stephen Daggett |
| Title |
Professor of Biology |
| Started at Avila |
1993 |
| Courses Taught |
Bioethics, General Biology, Genetics, General Microbiology, Immunology |
Research
Interests |
Interested in the history of infectious diseases; the genetics and evolutionary biology of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (commonly known as pond scum); and methods in biology teaching. Editor of the education journal Bioscene since 2005 for the Association of College and University Biology Educators. |
| Hobbies |
I enjoy reading, classic movies and piano. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Linda Dubar |
| Title |
Office Manager |
| Started at Avila |
2008 |
| Hobbies |
I love to read, go to the beach and collect teapots and antiques. My favorite thing is reading to my one an only grandchild, Henry and spending time with my family. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Greg Fitch |
| Title |
Professor and Chair of Biology |
| Started at Avila |
1997 |
| Courses Taught |
General Biology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Behavior and the Brain, Animal Physiology, Cell Biology, Directed Studies in Biology, Biology Laboratory & Literature Research, Colloquium & Seminar and General Physiology |
Research
Interests |
Neuroscience, especially neuroanatomy of the mammalian brain and invertebrate neurophysiology; Invertebrate behavior; Scholarship of teaching. Awards: Avila Professor of the Year; State of Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; National Society of Leadership & Success Excellence in Teaching Award. Member of the editorial board of the education journal, Bioscene. |
| Hobbies |
I collect old music, 1954-1970 rock and roll. I enjoy being active in recreational sports leagues. I love to play games, which for me are becoming increasingly more mental and less physical. I am a below average amateur guitar picker. I have many strong political and philosophical views to which few people pay attention. I spend a lot of time reading & will read nearly anything. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Karin Gastreich |
| Title |
Assistant Professor of Biology |
| Started at Avila |
2007 |
| Courses Taught |
General Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Plant Form & Function, and Biology Literature and Laboratory Research. |
Research
Interests |
Behavioral ecology, plan-animal interactions, tropical ecology and conservation. Member of the Ecological Society of America, and the Society for Conservation. |
| Hobbies |
I enjoy creative writing, dance, hiking and camping. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Carole Hillestad |
| Title |
Chair and Program Director, Radiologic Science Major |
| Started at Avila |
1986 |
| Courses Taught |
At one time or another, nearly all of the Radiologic Science
courses in the major. I love teaching the Anatomy and Procedure courses and Radiography review course for boards. |
Research
Interests |
Technology in the Radiologic Science field. Advising students in the major. |
| Hobbies |
I love to read and collect books. I enjoy cooking, gardening and being outdoors! I am an avid NASCAR fan. I enjoy traveling with my husband which we do frequently. We have been to Europe and the Caribbean and all over the United States. Our next trip will be to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Jim Johnson |
| Title |
Associate Professor of Physics |
| Started at Avila |
2005 |
| Courses Taught |
General Physics and Physics Concepts |
Research
Interests |
I am interested in Physics Education and I’m a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. |
| Hobbies |
I love Sudoku I’m into unusual types of clocks and I am rarely late. I enjoy home improvement. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Patrick Kopp |
| Title |
Assistant Professor and Chair of Computer Science |
| Started at Avila |
1986 |
| Courses Taught |
Understanding Computers, Data Structures, C++, Java, Web Page Design, Web Page Programming, Database Management, COBOL, Visual Basic and A+ |
Research
Interests |
Member of Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Interests and interested in robotics and web page design |
| Hobbies |
I love to play softball, I am a deacon and the Youth Committee Chair of my church. Every summer I plan, organize and lead several youth and adult sponsors on a mission trip. We have taken the group to Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Mexico, and Canada. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Kristi Littleton |
| Title |
Assistant Professor of Radiologic Science |
| Started at Avila |
1996 |
| Courses Taught |
Radiologic Science I, II and III, Radiation Biology and Protection, Radiologic Pathology, Cross-Sectional Anatomy, Curriculum Review and First Year Seminar. |
Research
Interests |
History of X-ray, as it relates to radiation biology and protection, and its founders. I am a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Missouri State Society of Radiologic Technologist and a member of its Board of Directors. |
| Hobbies |
I collect (and love) Wizard of Oz memorabilia, chocolate, Spiderman, M&M’s and Looney Toons, and chocolate, did I mention that I love chocolate. I love to bake (especially with chocolate) work in the garden, read and eat (not necessarily in that order). I am an animal lover and try to be as ecologically responsible as possible. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Ron McCleary |
| Title |
Assistant Professor of Computer Science |
| Started at Avila |
2002 |
| Courses Taught |
Understanding Computers, Introduction to Computer Science I & II, Network +, Visual Basic Programming, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Networking, Computer Organization and Architecture, Foundations, Practicum Internship and Capstone. |
Research
Interests |
Systems design, programming, database design and I do contract computer programming and often consult with local companies on database and software projects when I have an opportunity. |
| Hobbies |
I enjoy bicycling and snow skiing and am an avid reader, usually having 2-3 books going at a time. I like a wide variety of music including folk, bluegrass, spirituals, early American hymns, choral, some classical, and some rock. Going to Estes Park, Colorado, a few weeks in the summer and doing day hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite, annual tradition. I lead music at my church 1-2 times each month, and I also teach Sunday school several times a year. |
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|
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| Name |
Dr. Robert Powell |
| Title |
Professor of Biology |
| Started at Avila |
1972 |
| Courses Taught |
General Biology II, Animal Form, Function and Development, Ecology, Evolution, Vertebrate Anatomy, Environmental Issues, Darwin & Literature, Natural & Cultural History of the Islands (Hawaii and the Bahamas), Opening of the West: Lewis & Clark. |
Research
Interests |
Community ecology and natural history of West Indian amphibians and reptiles. Authored and co-authored several publications and books. |
| Hobbies |
I love chasing lizards, photography and travel (especially to places where I can chase lizards…). |
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|
 |
| Name |
Gerald Larson, PhD, RCEP, PES |
| Title |
Assistant Professor of Sports Science
Chair of Sports Science Department |
| Started at Avila |
2008 |
| Courses Taught |
Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing & Prescription, and Sport Psychology |
| Research Interests |
Dr. Larson’s innovative R.A.I.R. Sports Therapy™ programming integrates soft-tissue release, advanced whole body vibration training (PowerPlate™), and progressive exercise to produce pain free motion, fitness for health, and enhanced sport performance |
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|
 |
| Name |
Kathleen Roy |
| Title |
Instructor and Chair of Mathematics |
| Started at Avila |
2002 |
| Courses Taught |
Foundations of College Math I, College Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus and Analytic Geometry III, Abstract Algebra and Modern Geometry. |
Research
Interests |
Upper-level Statistics and Mathematics Education |
| Hobbies |
I enjoy cycling and dance. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Mark Seelbinder |
| Title |
Associate Professor of Chemistry |
| Started at Avila |
1988 |
| Courses Taught |
Molecules that Matter, General Chemistry I and II, Quantitative Analysis, Instrumental Analysis, Physical Chemistry I and II, Knowing Reality, Natural Disasters and the Health Care Response, and Meteorology. |
Research
Interests |
I am a member of the American Chemical Society, National Association of Chemical Hygiene Officers, SkyWarn Communicator at the National Weather Service office in Pleasant Hill, Amateur Radio Emergency Services and Chemistry Teachers at Liberal Arts Colleges. My professional interests revolve around technology in education. I was the national area coordinator for DataStreme, an on-line education program on meteorology. I have been selected as Professor of the Year at Avila and I was awarded the Missouri Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. |
| Hobbies |
My family and I have made it our goal to travel out of the country in 2 out of 3 years. I earned my pilots license while in high school and enjoy flight simulation, military air show photography, and ham radio operation. |
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|
 |
| Name |
Dr. Larry Sullivan |
| Title |
Dean, School of Science and Health |
| Started at Avila |
1973 |
| Courses Taught |
General Chemistry I and II, Molecules That Matter, and Introduction to Health Care Careers. |
Research
Interests |
I am actively involved in Prehealth Professions Advising, Science Education and Environmental Studies. As a prehealth professions advisor, I have played a national leadership role through my work with the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions where I have served as President. I also have been on committees of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Dental Association. I am a member of the American Chemical Society, Missouri Academy of Science, Science Teachers of Missouri, and the National Academic Advising Association. As a Science Educator, I have received the Missouri Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. |
| Hobbies |
I love traveling throughout the world and have made trips to China, Europe and numerous Caribbean islands. I also like to take trips throughout the United States including Hawaii where I have been eight times. At home I love playing with my 120lb Golden Retriever, Rusty, and gardening. I enjoy listening to almost all types of music from techno dance to classical. I currently serve as the President of the Kansas City Lyric Opera Guild. |
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