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Meet the Faculty of the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education

Joanne Ardovini (BS, Marist College; MA, State University of New York, College at Brockport; PhD, Western Michigan University) ext. 2433

Associate professor, Dr. Ardovini joined Metropolitan College of New York via Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. While there, she served as an assistant professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Sociology. She taught a variety of classes, ranging from Principles of Sociology, Gender & Society, Ethnic Relations, Deviance, to the Sociology of Sport. She has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Dr. Ardovini specializes in Feminist Theory, Methodology, Pedagogy, as well as Social Problems, Deviance, Race and Ethnic Relations, and Criminology. She has been published in the areas of Feminist Pedagogy, Methods, Inequalities in Education, Juvenile Boot Camps, Media Portrayal of Rape, Victimization and Sexual Harassment. Her book entitled, It is Cold and Lonely Here at the Middle: Discrimination Against Female Graduate Teaching Instructors, discusses the marginalization of women in higher education. Dr. Ardovini is an avid NY Yankees fan and enjoys working with the Turn 2 Foundation and disenfranchised youth.

John Boedo (BA, SUNY Buffalo; M.Ed., SUNY Buffalo; PhD, SUNY Buffalo) ext. 2426

As a member of that dispossessed American generation who came of age in the 1970’s post-industrial rust belt, John Boedo has spent the last twenty-five years researching ways to overcome the disadvantages of a bankrupt working class value system. His scholarly interests focus on the ways mathematics can be used effectively as a tool for self-transformation and empowerment in transcending the social determinism of class, gender, and race. Prior to teaching at MCNY, Dr. Boedo held faculty appointments at the University of the Virgin Islands, Oswego State University, and Felician College, where he developed interdisciplinary mathematical modeling curricula. As an assistant professor here at Metropolitan College of New York, he is currently working on a qualitative research project "Elegy for an Academic" that explores impoverished conceptions of work and identity in the professorate.

Fahamisha P. Brown (AB and MA, Loyola University in Chicago; PhD, Boston College; Research Fellow in English and African American Studies at Fordham University and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture)

Dr. Brown is a resident of Staten Island, New York, and a native of Chicago, Illinois. She has taught literature, theater and communications at the College of Staten Island, CUNY; Austin Peay State University in Tennessee; at Boston College and at other Boston area colleges and universities including the University of Massachusetts, Boston, Harvard University, Tufts University and MIT. Her doctoral dissertation, Black Poetry, A Vernacular Art, explores the intersections of Black folk and popular cultural expression and Black Poetry. An expansion of this study, Performing the Word: African American Poetry as Vernacular Culture, was published by Rutgers University Press in 1999. Her major research interests include poetry of the African world with an emphasis on poetry as an expression of vernacular culture, literature in performance, and Black women writers. She joins Metropolitan College of New York as an associate professor.

Robert Carter (BA Howard University; PhD and M.Phil., Columbia University) ext. 2430

Dr. Carter has taught in the areas of civil rights and social history, social theory and religion, urban community, race and ethnic relations and policy analysis. His research interest revolves around the gap between the formal "rule of law" and substantive injustice in post-industrial society. His publications have appeared in an edited volume, Research In Human Social Conflict, in Pneuma, and in the journal, Sociological Inquiry.

He served as Affirmative Action Officer and Special Assistant to the President of Hunter College, where he was on the Faculty for more than 17 years. Assistant professor Carter also served as the Acting University Director of Affirmative Action for the entire City University of New York (CUNY) system. He is working on a book length manuscript entitled Law, Race, and Personal Life: Reflections on Growing up in the Mississippi Delta. Prior to joining MCNY's faculty, Dr. Carter taught for over 30 years at Hunter College of the City University of New York, and Rutgers University.

Steven Cresap (BA, Cornell University; PhD, Cornell University) ext. 2409

For over two decades Dr. Steven Cresap served as faculty and administrator at MCNY. As an assistant professor, his concentrations include values clarification, critical thinking, rhetoric, ethics, and introductory world civilization. He also leads master's seminars in philosophy. Prior to coming to MCNY, Dr. Cresap served as a researcher and role player at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City, where he created and performed the character "Jonah Fidd", a 19th-century sailor. He has written for numerous publications, specializing in the interaction between aesthetic experience and moral behavior. Recent publications include "Is Lookism Unjust?" for The Journal of Libertarian Studies (2005) and "Hegemonic Visualism" for Radical Pedagogy (2005), both in collaboration with Prof. Louis Tietje. In 1999 Dr. Cresap received an N.E.H. Fellowship for the New Media Classroom ("Crossing Urban Borders") at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Dr. Cresap is currently working on a monograph about the aesthetic value of terror.

Dr. Damian serves as an associate professor of philosophy, ethics and sociology, at both the undergraduate and graduate programs levels at Metropolitan College of New York. In addition to teaching at MCNY since 1992, Dr. Damian has taught courses at St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary and at the College of New Rochelle. In previous years he has held positions in Romania as a priest, Dean of Dorohoi District and magazine editor. He has also been the recipient of prestigious awards for his work in academics, poetry and theology. Dr. Damian has published several books as well as hundreds of articles and poems in both Romanian and English in the United States and Europe. His most recent books are The One Who Rises from on High (Christian Life, Bucharest: 2006), The Implications of the Theology of Icon (Eikon, Cluj: 2003), and The Icons: Theological and Spiritual Dimensions According to St. Theodore of Studion (The Edwin Mellen Press: 2002).

Richard Grallo (BA, Boston College; MA, New York University; MS, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; PhD Educational Psychology, New York University) ext.2407

Dr. Grallo is currently an associate professor of applied psychology in the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education at Metropolitan College of New York. Dr. Grallo began teaching at the College in 1983. Currently he teaches a number of courses in applied psychology in the undergraduate program, and a course on research methods in the Master's Program in administration. Dr. Grallo is a former Chair of the Faculty Council at Metropolitan College of New York, and he currently serves on a number of college committees. He is a Fellow at the Albert Ellis Institute, and a member of the American Psychological Society. His current research interests include problem solving, decision making and the application of mathematical models and multivariate methods to social science problems.

Charles Gray (BA, Syracuse University; MSW, New York University; DSW Yeshiva University) ext. 2405

Charles Gray is an assistant professor of sociology and psychology at MCNY and serves as Chair of the Faculty Council. He has held numerous academic positions at Columbia University, Yeshiva University, and New York City Technical College. In addition he has served as acting Associate Director for the New York City Department for the Aging. His research interests include cultural and ethnic diversity, group dynamics, counseling, systems theory, leadership and decision-making.

Theodore Hamm (BA, Rutgers University; MA University of California; Ph.D. University of California)

Prior to joining the Metropolitan College faculty in the fall of 2006 as an associate professor, Dr. Hamm taught undergraduate and graduate courses in urban studies, history and journalism at NYU, and urban studies courses at Eugene Lang College of the New School. Dr. Hamm is the founding editor of The Brooklyn Rail, an award-winning monthly paper covering the arts and urban issues across New York City. His first book, Rebel and a Cause: Caryl Chessman and the Politics of the Death Penalty in Postwar California, 1948-1974, was published the University of California Press in 2001. His next book, The New Blue Media: Progressive Popular Culture in the Bush Years, is due out from the New Press in the fall of 2007. Dr. Hamm has also worked in city politics, most recently serving as the press person for Norman Siegel in his 2005 bid to become New York City’s Public Advocate.

Holger W. Henke (MA, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany; PhD University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica) ext. 2415

Dr. Henke, assistant professor is a political scientist whose research interests range from international relations, (international) political economy, migration, and comparative politics, to political culture and inter-ethnic relations. He has previously held teaching and research assignments at the University of the West Indies, Iona College, Hunter College (CUNY), and the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College (CUNY), of which he is a senior fellow. In 2002 he was a Rockefeller Fellow at the Institute for the Research on the African Diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean (IRADAC) at the CUNY Graduate Center. In addition to a number of scholarly articles, Dr. Henke has published several books. His most recent work is an edited volume entitled Crossing Over: Comparing Recent Migration in the United States and Europe (Lexington Books 2005). He is currently working on issues pertaining to the construction of vernacular culture in the Trans-Caribbean. Dr. Henke also serves as the editor for the refereed journal Wadabagei: A Journal of the Caribbean and its Diasporas. Dr. Henke was recently appointed to The Council on Hemispheric Affairs.

Jaya Kannan ( BS, University of Mysore, India; MA., University of Madras, India; Master of Philosophy, University of Madras, India; PhD, Anna University, India) ext. 7039

Dr. Jaya Kannan has a PhD in Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) from Anna University, India. She has taught in India, Singapore and the United States. Currently, she works as an assistant professor at the Metropolitan College of New York, in New York City. Her teaching and research have involved the integration of learning technologies in the areas of English as a second language, business communication and general education studies. Her most recent research interest involves studying the development of learner autonomy in the online environment. In addition to her teaching duties, she is also the Coordinator of the Learning Enhancement Center (based on a Title V Grant). She plays a leadership role in the management of the center, matters related to academic learning, integration of technology for teaching and learning and collaborating with faculty in developing assessment instruments etc.

Anne Lopes (BA, Ramapo College; MA, Goddard College; PhD, Freie Universitaet Berlin) ext. 2404

Dr. Lopes is a political theorist who specializes in the relationship between gender and social class in late 19th century German history. She is currently conducting research for a study about gender and nation building and co-editing a volume on political theory and education with Dr. Jinx Roosevelt. Her most recent book, Men's Feminism: August Bebel and the German Socialist Movement (2000) was published by Humanity Books /Prometheus Press. Dr. Lopes has been a member of the MCNY faculty for over fifteen years, serving as a purpose leader for over ten. She holds the rank of professor and currently sits on the College's Strategic Planning Committee and Faculty Assessment and Compensation Committee. She also chairs the College-Wide Academic Technology Committee. Her teaching interests at MCNY include the history of social policy and the politics of education.

Mary McKenna (BA, University College Dublin, Ireland; MA, University of Michigan; PhD, University of Michigan)

Mary McKenna is an assistant professor who brings over thirty years of experience in education to Metropolitan College of New York. In Ireland and in the U.S., she has been a public school classroom teacher, consultant and administrator. In higher education, she has taught in and developed programs preparing teachers for inclusive educational settings. At The University of Rhode Island, Dr. McKenna served as coordinator for the NCATE accreditation process and this experience has lead to an interest in the evaluation of outcomes in teacher education. Her other research interests include an examination of the classroom strategies that result in high academic standards for all students and most especially students with special needs.

Judy Neustadt (BA, Touro College; MA, Teachers College, Columbia University, EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University)

Dr. Judy Neustadt has joined the faculty in the Master of Science in Education (Childhood 1-6) Program as an assistant professor after serving as an adjunct professor in the program. She received her BA at Touro College, MA and EdD degrees at Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Neustadt was a classroom teacher and math specialist for twelve years at the elementary school level. Her dissertation explored female students’ attitudes toward mathematics. Her research interests also include meeting the diverse needs of exceptional students on both ends of the learning spectrum and improving math education through the use of manipulatives.

Grace ("Jinx") Roosevelt (BA, Barnard College; MA and Ed.D, Teachers College, Columbia University) ext. 2422

For the past 30 years her research interests have spanned the fields of educational philosophy and political theory. Her doctoral dissertation was published as a book, Reading Rousseau in the Nuclear Age (1990), and she has published articles in The Journal of Aesthetic Education, History of Education Quarterly, Pensee Libre, History of Political Thought, Imprints Academic, European Journal of Political Theory, Teachers College Record, Encounter: Education for Meaning and Social Justice and the Encyclopedia of Philosophy Supplement. At MCNY she has taught both in the undergraduate Human Services program and in the Masters in Childhood Education program, focusing on Values dimension courses and on first semester and fourth semester Purpose seminars. In addition to being an associate professor, her service to the college includes initiating and coordinating the Fulbight Scholar-in-Residence program of Dr. Tuntufye Mwamwenda (2000-2001), chairing the Curriculum Committee of the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education (2005-2006), and helping to launch the new Title V Learning Enhancement Center (2006).

Lynn Sally (BA, University of California at Berkeley; MA, New School University for Social Research; PhD, New York University)

Lynn Sally received her PhD in Performance Studies from New York University in 2004 and in 2005 began teaching humanities and writing and working with the Learning Enhancement Center at MCNY. Before joining MCNY, assistant professor Sally taught at New York University and was the Assistant Director of the Center for Writing and Language Arts at Cooper Union. Her primary area of expertise is nineteenth century popular culture and entertainment. Dr. Sally has published articles and book reviews in The Journal of Popular Culture, Senses & Society, the Encyclopedia of American Material Culture. Her book, Fighting the Flames: The Spectacular Performance of Fire at Coney Island, is forthcoming by Routledge Press in the fall of 2006.

Doru Tsaganea (MA, University of Bucharest, Academy of Economic Studies; MA, City University of New York, Graduate Center; PhD, University of Bucharest, Academy of Economic Studies; PhD, City University of New York, Graduate Center)

Since 2004 Dr. Doru Tsaganea has taught the two courses in mathematics for social sciences, and the three courses on applied statistics offered by the Audrey Cohen School. Prior to joining our faculty as an associate professor, he has taught a large variety of courses in two areas: mathematical modeling in economics, and international relations and security. In the first area, he taught advanced mathematical theories, and mathematical models of optimal economic growth. In the second area he taught: international relations theories, globalization, geo-politics and geo-strategy, international political economy, and contemporary international conflicts. Dr. Tsaganea’s research is interdisciplinary. He uses high level mathematical theories and models for explaining complex political, strategic and economic problems. Two of his articles were published by the Journal of the World Organization of Systems and Cybernetics. He is a member of the International Studies Association, and he has presented a significant number of his research papers at the conventions of this professional organization. Dr. Tsaganea received two successive one year Fulbright grants at the senior level for developing courses in the area of international relations and international security in Romanian universities. He was also the recipient of a one year Civic Education Project/Soros Foundation grant for consolidating what he had initiated as a Fulbright professor. In his free time, Dr. Tsaganea is a painter who enjoys hiking, skiing and listening classical music.

Vanda Wark (BA, Shepherd College, West Virginia; MA, Teachers College, Columbia University; EdM, Teachers College, Columbia University EdD, Teachers College, Columbia University) ext. 2423

Dr. Vanda Wark has worked in the human service field as a counselor and licensed psychologist for nearly twenty years. Assistant professor Wark joined the full-time faculty of The Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education in September 2001 after more than seven years as an adjunct at New York University, York College and MCNY. She is a published author as well as an award winning playwright. Her first full-length play, "An Appearance of Desire," was a finalist in The Eugene O'Neill National Playwriting Conference as well as a finalist for a Jerome Foundation Grant. Additional plays include: "You Can't Get Uptown on the Downtown Train," "Our Lady of Stone," "Kvetching with the Virgin Mary," and "Screaming in the Wilderness"(for which she won an Edward Albee Fellowship). Her most recent plays, "Why D’Ya Make Me Wear This, Joe?" and "Vile Affections" have been recipients of a number of awards and grants. Dr. Wark is presently working on a novel entitled, The Violence of Gentle People.

Roger Wasserman (BA, Yale University; MA, Northwestern University; PhD, Westfaelische Wilhelms-Universitaet, Muenster, Germany) ext. 7114

Dr. Roger Wasserman is an associate professor with the Audrey Cohen School for Human Services and Education. He joined the full time faculty of Metropolitan College of New York in 2002. After graduating cum laude from Yale, he furthered his degrees in logic and the philosophy of mathematics, graduating summa cum laude for a dissertation submitted in German at Westfaelische Wilhlms-University. Dr. Wasserman's wide range of research interests include logic, ethics and critical reasoning. Prior to teaching at MCNY, Dr. Wasserman was able to acquire a professional understanding of economics and international exposure to the securities and money markets through his work for the German Federal Reserve, where his department helped reposition the Bank as the leading purveyor of financial services within the "Euro-Fed," or Eurosystem.

Adele Weiner (BA, SUNY Binghamton; MSW, Adelphi University; PhD, State University of New Jersey, Rutgers)

After many years as an associate dean of the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, Dr. Adele Weiner is returning to the classroom as a professor in Human Services. She received her BA from SUNY Binghamton, MSW from Adelphi University and her PhD from the State University of New Jersey, Rutgers. Her previous teaching experience included undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, including teaching at a maximum security prison and for the military. Since 1990, she has been a research consultant for one of the oldest and largest HIV prevention outreach projects to streetwalking sex workers and other marginalized populations. Her research with this population has led to several publications (including a chapter in The Encyclopedia of Social Work) and numerous presentations at national and international conferences. She is currently in the process of analyzing the most recent data in preparation for the upcoming International World AIDS Conference in the summer of 2006. After seeing AIDS first hand in South Africa, Dr. Weiner and a colleague began working with collectives of weavers to market their crafts in the United States to help them become financially independent. This project has expanded to Thailand following participation at the International World AIDS Conference in Bangkok.

Loren Weybright (BS, Manchester College; M.Ed. University of Illinois; EdD University of Illinois) ext. 2436

Dr. Weybright joined the MCNY faculty in 2004 as assistant professor in the M.S. in Childhood Education Program. Previously, he held faculty positions at Montclair State University, The City College of New York, CUNY, and Fordham University at Lincoln Center. He taught in the elementary schools in Brooklyn and in Illinois. His current research is on developing critical thinking and reflective practice among graduate education students, and in the assessment of college teaching. His publications and conference presentations are in the areas of critical thinking, helping caregivers and children cope with trauma and grief, and children’s play and development. He holds membership in national and international professional associations in elementary and early childhood, and in science education.

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