Spotlights
Jenna Drenten, PhD, Professor, Marketing, Quinlan School of Business
Jenna Drenten, Professor of Marketing and Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Faculty Affairs in the Quinlan School of Business, is a recipient of the Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Award for Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching. Inside and outside the classroom, Drenten fosters experiential learning opportunities that encourage students to think and act ethically in the marketplace. Drenten has taught marketing since 2012, first at John Carroll University and then Loyola in 2014. Her research explores how consumer culture is digitally mediated and monetized, centering on a critical and contextualized understanding of digital consumer culture. She holds a PhD in marketing from the University of Georgia.
Kevin Erickson, MS, Senior Program Manager, School of Environmental Sustainability
Kevin Erickson, MS, Senior Program Manager in the School of Environmental Sustainability, is the recipient of the Student Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to student learning and development. Each year, he engages more than 50 students in food production, sustainability research, and community food justice, with half of the produce donated to local pantries. Erickson’s thoughtful program design builds students’ leadership, teamwork, and professional skills while nurturing their personal growth. His dedication to student success and food equity reflects Loyola’s commitment to care for the whole person.
Joy Gordon, JD, PhD, Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J., Chair in Social Ethics, Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
Joy Gordon, JD, PhD, professor in the Department of Philosophy and Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J., Chair of Social Ethics and the recipient of the Alice B. Hayes Award for Advising and Mentoring. Throughout her career, Gordon has built a vibrant intellectual community with her students, modeling the deep mentorship she experienced as an undergraduate. She has directed approximately 15 doctoral dissertations and master’s theses in recent years, supporting research on topics such as international tax justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Beyond the classroom, Gordon initiates opportunities that expand students’ professional networks, from arranging internships with the United Nations to co-authoring publications on ethics, law, and social justice. Gordon has taught at Loyola since 2015 and previously served as department chair and professor at Fairfield University. She holds a JD from Boston University School of Law and a PhD in philosophy from Yale University, where she also earned her MA and MPhil.
Ann Hillman (MDiv ’20, MA ’15), Director of Campus Ministry, Health Sciences Campus
Ann Hillman (MDiv ’20, MA ’15), Director of Ministry at the Health Sciences Campus, is the recipient of the Kay Egan Person for Others Award. Ms. Hillman has been a steadfast leader in the Mission Integration Division and on the Health Sciences Campus, leading her team around initiatives such as the HSC Day of Service, the Ignatian Service Immersion program, and Jesuit values reflection sessions with the HSC professional schools, all of which help students understand and practice the values of being people for and with others. Throughout her time at Loyola, she has centered her work on the holistic needs of students, her colleagues and the broader University community, consistently embodying the value of accompaniment. She always has an open door for students and looks for opportunities to bring community together to create a culture of belonging. Whether in how she helps gather community for prayer in special moments in the life of the university, connects students to various campus resources, or in everyday opportunities for reflection that foster spiritual growth, Ms. Hillman strives to bring the mission alive at Loyola through her commitment to serving others.
Susan McCarthy, Clinical Professor, Business, Arrupe College
Susan McCarthy, Clinical Professor in Arrupe College, is the recipient of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching First Years. McCarthy has exemplified the Jesuit, Catholic value of accompaniment while teaching accounting and economics to Arrupe’s students, who are majority first-generation college students. She successfully builds her lessons to help her students see beyond the numbers and see themselves in the business community, utilizing experiential learning and real-world examples.
Molly Melin, PhD, Professor and Chair, Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Molly Melin, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science, is the recipient of the Mary Therese Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring. Melin is recognized for her innovative approach to mentoring and for her exceptional dedication to student scholarship. Through her Private Enterprise and Peace Lab, she builds collaborative teams of undergraduate and graduate researchers to study how the private sector can help prevent and resolve violent conflict. Melin has taught political science at Loyola since 2008. Her research focuses on international conflict management, mediation, and the role of business in peacebuilding. She holds a PhD in political science from the University of California, Davis.
Eva Mika, PhD, PMP, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Eva Mika, PhD, PMP, Clinical Associate Professor of Applied Psychology in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) is a recipient of Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J., Award for Assessment Leadership. She has been affiliated with Loyola University since 2003 when she taught psychology and gender studies courses for the Psychology Department. In 2017, Eva Mika joined SCPS in a full-time role where she provides oversight for undergraduate curriculum development, quality and assessment and mentors adjunct faculty on best practices related to instruction of adult learners. She has been instrumental in developing outcomes assessment and metrics for programs across SCPS including a quasi-experimental pre and post assessment of writing skills. She led a case study exploring student proficiency to represent complex data visually in embedded assignments in the Information Technology BA curriculum and recently completed an evaluation of critical thinking skills in the formation of legal arguments within the Institute of Paralegal Studies. She also teaches courses in applied behavioral science. Mika's expertise includes program evaluation, curriculum assessment, project management, health promotion, and fostering a sense of community in online settings. She holds a PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from DePaul University.
Seungho Moon, EdD, Professor, School of Education
Seungho Moon, EdD, Professor in the School of Education, is the recipient of the Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Faculty Award for Diversity Leadership for the ways he advances the ideals of inclusion, belonging, and academic excellence in his teaching and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. His approach centers on releasing the imagination to promote equity and justice in education. Moon’s scholarly expertise is in arts-based inquiry, and he has published three academic books and 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. His scholarship has been recognized with two book awards from the Society of Professors of Education and with Loyola’s School of Education Research Award. He has fostered a partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago and leads workshops in arts-based inquiry as a pedagogy that museum colleagues can utilize. He is one of the two founding directors of the EdD and MEd programs in Curriculum, Culture, and Communities. Moon is highly regarded as a teacher, mentor, and colleague. In the “Beyond his scholarship and pedagogy,” wrote one of his colleagues, “Moon is a singular kind of mentor, one who is both rigorous and deeply humane.”
Karla Nazario (MSW ’23, BS ’21), Academic Advisor, School of Social Work
Karla Nazario (MSW ’23, BS ’21), Academic Advisor in the School of Social Work, is the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star, New Employee Award. An alumna of Loyola’s School of Social Work, Nazario applies her background to advise post-admissions students as they are onboarded and prepare to begin their MSW education. Her dedication to student preparedness include advising students in English and in Spanish, leading workshops, and crafting informative newsletters for new admits to the Online Bilingual Program.
Catherine Nichols, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences
Catherine Nichols, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology and Museum Studies and the Director of the May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection in the Department of Anthropology, is a recipient of the Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Award for Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching. She has served as a lecturer for the University since 2014. Nichols has more than two decades of experience working in museums, in research and administrative positions. Rooted in Ignatian pedagogy, Nichols’ courses utilize museum collections as teaching tools for high impact research and learning opportunities. Working across cultural and museum anthropology, material culture and museum studies, and the history of science and anthropology, she examines the exchange of anthropological objects by museums in the late nineteenth century. Nichols holds a PhD in sociocultural anthropology from Arizona State University.
Tracy Pintchman, PhD, Professor, Global Studies Program & Theology, College of Arts and Sciences
Tracy Pintchman is professor in Theology and Director of Global Studies and a recipient for the Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J. Award for Assessment Leadership. She has played a leadership role in the University’s evolving and increasingly nuanced approach to the dynamics of student outcomes and scholarly production with the department and the global studies arena. As a scholar, Pintchman specializes in the study of Hinduism, with a focus on Goddess traditions and Hindu women's rituals. Her research is supported by the American Academy of Religion, American Institute of Indian Studies, and the National Endowment of the Humanities. She has taught at Northwestern University and Harvard University, where she was a visiting scholar in the Women's Studies in religion Program at Harvard Divinity School. She has published extensively on South Asian religions and on the history and culture of Hinduism in North America. She holds a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Bizzy Stephenson, MEd, Community Outreach Program Manager, Community Service and Action
Bizzy Stephenson, Community Outreach Program Manager in Loyola’s Office of Community Service and Action, is the recipient of the Megs Langdon Award for Person for Community. In her role, Stephenson coordinates programs such as Loyola4Chicago and the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen Outreach, building strong partnerships with organizations across Chicago and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for students. Her leadership empowers student volunteers to recognize and build upon the strengths of the communities they serve. Her dedication to ethical service and community engagement was recently recognized when Community Service and Action received the Community Leadership Award from Centro Romero.
Paula Skye Tallman, PhD, Assistant Professor, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences; Carolyn Farrell BVM, Assistant Professor of Women and Leadership, Gannon Center for Women and Leadership; Affiliate Faculty for the Center for Research and International Affairs (CRIA); Research Associate for the Field Museum of Natural History
Paula Skye Tallman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, is the recipient for the Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award for Engaged Teaching and Mary Therese Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring for her deeply engaged teaching that bridges classroom learning with global social impact. She empowers students through service-learning, research, and partnerships addressing issues such as water insecurity, gender-based violence, and environmental health in Peru and Indonesia. Her collaborative, justice-focused approach inspires students to think critically and act for the common good, exemplifying Loyola’s mission in every aspect of her teaching. Tallman joined Loyola in 2021, holds a PhD in biological anthropology from Northwestern University, and is the Carolyn Farrell, BVM, Assistant Professor in Women and Leadership for the Gannon Center.
Joseph Vukov, PhD, Associate Professor, Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
Joseph Vukov is the recipient of the 2025 St. Ignatius of Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching. Vukov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Director of the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage. Vukov has authored three books, contributed to numerous papers, and appeared in many media outlets, often discussing artificial intelligence. Vukov aims to apply a Catholic, Jesuit philosophy of universal, fundamental dignity to his teaching, approaching each student as an individual to encourage personal development, growth, and understanding throughout their academic journey.
Michael Hewitt, PhD, Ralph Marotta Chair in Free Enterprise, Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, Quinlan School of Business
Michael Hewitt, PhD, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Ralph Marotta Endowed Chair of Free Enterprise, has been named Faculty Member of the Year. A leading scholar in transportation and supply chain management, Hewitt develops quantitative models that help design efficient and sustainable supply chains. In the past year alone, he published eight papers in top journals, two book chapters, and three patent applications with Bayer Crop Science. His expertise has been recognized globally, including his selection as a Fulbright Scholar to Western Australia for 2025–26 and his invitation to join the Amazon Scholars Program. At Loyola, Hewitt serves as Faculty Director of the Supply Chain and Sustainability Center and Executive Director of the Quinlan Business Leadership Hub, mentoring students of all levels while leading initiatives that bridge academic research with industry impact. He holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and two master’s degrees in financial and industrial engineering from the University of Michigan.
Chris Hasselmann, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Global Studies Program & Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Chris Hasselman, senior lecturer in Global Studies and Political Science, has contributed immensely to the development of professional assessment and faculty portfolio management. Hasselmann's research and teaching interests are in the areas of international relations and comparative politics, with an emphasis on the European Union, and international economics. His most recent publications examine the effects of the financial crisis on public support for the EU, as well as the interaction between public attitudes and government policy stances in Germany and Ireland. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis.
Artificial Intelligence to Center the Patient Voice In Healthcare
With support from the Schreiber Venture Fund, Markossian, Iacobelli, and Mattix-Kramer are developing an innovative AI tool called The AVATAR to strengthen communication between patients and clinicians. The project aims to address a major gap in the U.S. healthcare system, which often emphasizes procedures and diagnostics over patient-centered care. Designed for individuals with kidney failure receiving dialysis, The AVATAR will interview patients in their native language, summarize their concerns and needs, and relay that information directly to clinicians through the electronic health record. This patient population was chosen due to the high rates of cognitive decline, limited English proficiency, and socioeconomic disadvantage. The team hopes The AVATAR will improve the capture of social determinants of health (SDOH) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), especially in high-risk communities. By centering the voices of patients—particularly those who are often underserved—this tool has the potential to reshape how care is delivered. The team envisions a future where patient perspectives are not only heard but used to guide treatment and care planning. If successful, The AVATAR could serve as a model for other patient groups and clinical settings.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Community-Engaged Air-Quality Monitoring in Chicago: Insights from Low-Cost Sensors
Within this interdisciplinary project, Whalen, Tran, and Jing seek to advance public health equity by expanding air quality monitoring in underserved neighborhoods across Chicago. The project includes support for graduate and undergraduate researchers in related fields. Motivated by recent findings that low-income and high-minority communities suffer disproportionately from air pollution—and often lack sufficient monitoring infrastructure—the team will use spatiotemporal analysis to identify gaps in existing data. In collaboration with community partners, they will deploy new air quality sensors and provide educational outreach on health risks and mitigation strategies. The team will also develop new methodologies to optimize sensor placement and improve future monitoring efforts. By directly involving students in research and community engagement, the project fosters interdisciplinary learning while producing actionable insights. The ultimate goal is to create an open-access database for use by residents, researchers, and organizations. In doing so, the team hopes to strengthen local environmental awareness, inform policy, and contribute to healthier outcomes for Chicago communities.
Advancing Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the Obtawaing Biosphere Region, Through Manoomin (Wild Rice) Research and Restoration
In this project, Lishawa and Ohsowski seek to advance tribal food sovereignty by restoring Manoomin (wild rice), a sacred plant central to the culture and health of the Anishinaabeg people. Once abundant across Michigan’s waterways, Manoomin has experienced sharp declines due to environmental changes and habitat loss. Today, there are few opportunities for Tribal members to gather this traditional food, threatening cultural practices and access to vital nutrition. With support from the Schreiber Venture Fund, the project team will lead a collaborative research and restoration effort that weaves together Indigenous knowledge and Western science. The team will study Manoomin’s environmental tolerances, refine a habitat suitability model for the UNESCO Obtawaing Biosphere Region, and replant at six promising sites. This work builds on over a decade of research and partnership with Indigenous communities. The project aims to inform future restoration efforts, support scientific publications, and generate competitive proposals for additional funding. Above all, the team hopes to strengthen the cultural and ecological foundations of Manoomin for generations to come.
Paulina Dzieza, EdD, Manager, Language Learning Resource Center, Modern Languages & Literatures
Paulina Dzieza, EdD, Manager of the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC) in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, is the recipient of the 2025 Staff Member of the Year award. Over the past year, she has significantly expanded the LLRC’s role as a space for language learning, academic support, and cultural programming. From hosting events like Diwali and Paczki Day to leading campus-wide language proficiency testing, Dzieza has helped create a supportive and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty. She also mentors a team of student workers, fosters collaboration across departments, and brings a strong sense of care and professionalism to her work. Drawing on her own experience as an immigrant and doctoral research on the challenges faced by immigrant students, Dzieza brings personalized care and cura personalis to everyone who walks through the LLRC doors. Her efforts reflect Loyola’s Jesuit mission and have made a meaningful impact across the University community.
Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez
The Health Sciences Campus Wellness Center team, consisting of Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez, is the recipient of the 2025 Team Spirit Award. The team was responsible for opening a new Wellness Center facility on HSC, creating a welcoming and effective space to address students’ immediate healthcare needs and build medical trust for future generations. By developing meaningful partnerships with campus medical partners and student groups located at HSC, the Wellness Center is taking a proactive and holistic approach to addressing campus culture and student needs.
Sarah Chamness, Instructor, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Sarah Chamness is an Instructor in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the 2024 recipient of the Magis Teaching Award for Part-Time Instructors. Prior to joining the faculty at Loyola in August 2023, Chamness taught at Indiana University, DePaul University, and Dominican University, and worked as a nurse at clinics across Illinois and Indiana. In her work with undergraduate student nurses, Chamness has demonstrated the Jesuit values of magis, presence, teaching to mission, and cura personalis. She supports her students by incorporating a holistic approach to her lessons by sharing examples from her own medical experience into her teaching and encouraging students to explore all types of nursing assignments.
Jenna Drenten, PhD, Professor, Marketing, Quinlan School of Business
Jenna Drenten, Professor of Marketing and Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Faculty Affairs in the Quinlan School of Business, is a recipient of the Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Award for Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching. Inside and outside the classroom, Drenten fosters experiential learning opportunities that encourage students to think and act ethically in the marketplace. Drenten has taught marketing since 2012, first at John Carroll University and then Loyola in 2014. Her research explores how consumer culture is digitally mediated and monetized, centering on a critical and contextualized understanding of digital consumer culture. She holds a PhD in marketing from the University of Georgia.
Kevin Erickson, MS, Senior Program Manager, School of Environmental Sustainability
Kevin Erickson, MS, Senior Program Manager in the School of Environmental Sustainability, is the recipient of the Student Service Award for his extraordinary commitment to student learning and development. Each year, he engages more than 50 students in food production, sustainability research, and community food justice, with half of the produce donated to local pantries. Erickson’s thoughtful program design builds students’ leadership, teamwork, and professional skills while nurturing their personal growth. His dedication to student success and food equity reflects Loyola’s commitment to care for the whole person.
Joy Gordon, JD, PhD, Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J., Chair in Social Ethics, Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
Joy Gordon, JD, PhD, professor in the Department of Philosophy and Ignacio Ellacuría, S.J., Chair of Social Ethics and the recipient of the Alice B. Hayes Award for Advising and Mentoring. Throughout her career, Gordon has built a vibrant intellectual community with her students, modeling the deep mentorship she experienced as an undergraduate. She has directed approximately 15 doctoral dissertations and master’s theses in recent years, supporting research on topics such as international tax justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights. Beyond the classroom, Gordon initiates opportunities that expand students’ professional networks, from arranging internships with the United Nations to co-authoring publications on ethics, law, and social justice. Gordon has taught at Loyola since 2015 and previously served as department chair and professor at Fairfield University. She holds a JD from Boston University School of Law and a PhD in philosophy from Yale University, where she also earned her MA and MPhil.
Ann Hillman (MDiv ’20, MA ’15), Director of Campus Ministry, Health Sciences Campus
Ann Hillman (MDiv ’20, MA ’15), Director of Ministry at the Health Sciences Campus, is the recipient of the Kay Egan Person for Others Award. Ms. Hillman has been a steadfast leader in the Mission Integration Division and on the Health Sciences Campus, leading her team around initiatives such as the HSC Day of Service, the Ignatian Service Immersion program, and Jesuit values reflection sessions with the HSC professional schools, all of which help students understand and practice the values of being people for and with others. Throughout her time at Loyola, she has centered her work on the holistic needs of students, her colleagues and the broader University community, consistently embodying the value of accompaniment. She always has an open door for students and looks for opportunities to bring community together to create a culture of belonging. Whether in how she helps gather community for prayer in special moments in the life of the university, connects students to various campus resources, or in everyday opportunities for reflection that foster spiritual growth, Ms. Hillman strives to bring the mission alive at Loyola through her commitment to serving others.
Susan McCarthy, Clinical Professor, Business, Arrupe College
Susan McCarthy, Clinical Professor in Arrupe College, is the recipient of the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching First Years. McCarthy has exemplified the Jesuit, Catholic value of accompaniment while teaching accounting and economics to Arrupe’s students, who are majority first-generation college students. She successfully builds her lessons to help her students see beyond the numbers and see themselves in the business community, utilizing experiential learning and real-world examples.
Molly Melin, PhD, Professor and Chair, Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Molly Melin, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science, is the recipient of the Mary Therese Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring. Melin is recognized for her innovative approach to mentoring and for her exceptional dedication to student scholarship. Through her Private Enterprise and Peace Lab, she builds collaborative teams of undergraduate and graduate researchers to study how the private sector can help prevent and resolve violent conflict. Melin has taught political science at Loyola since 2008. Her research focuses on international conflict management, mediation, and the role of business in peacebuilding. She holds a PhD in political science from the University of California, Davis.
Eva Mika, PhD, PMP, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Eva Mika, PhD, PMP, Clinical Associate Professor of Applied Psychology in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) is a recipient of Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J., Award for Assessment Leadership. She has been affiliated with Loyola University since 2003 when she taught psychology and gender studies courses for the Psychology Department. In 2017, Eva Mika joined SCPS in a full-time role where she provides oversight for undergraduate curriculum development, quality and assessment and mentors adjunct faculty on best practices related to instruction of adult learners. She has been instrumental in developing outcomes assessment and metrics for programs across SCPS including a quasi-experimental pre and post assessment of writing skills. She led a case study exploring student proficiency to represent complex data visually in embedded assignments in the Information Technology BA curriculum and recently completed an evaluation of critical thinking skills in the formation of legal arguments within the Institute of Paralegal Studies. She also teaches courses in applied behavioral science. Mika's expertise includes program evaluation, curriculum assessment, project management, health promotion, and fostering a sense of community in online settings. She holds a PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from DePaul University.
Seungho Moon, EdD, Professor, School of Education
Seungho Moon, EdD, Professor in the School of Education, is the recipient of the Pedro Arrupe, S.J., Faculty Award for Diversity Leadership for the ways he advances the ideals of inclusion, belonging, and academic excellence in his teaching and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. His approach centers on releasing the imagination to promote equity and justice in education. Moon’s scholarly expertise is in arts-based inquiry, and he has published three academic books and 35 peer-reviewed journal articles. His scholarship has been recognized with two book awards from the Society of Professors of Education and with Loyola’s School of Education Research Award. He has fostered a partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago and leads workshops in arts-based inquiry as a pedagogy that museum colleagues can utilize. He is one of the two founding directors of the EdD and MEd programs in Curriculum, Culture, and Communities. Moon is highly regarded as a teacher, mentor, and colleague. In the “Beyond his scholarship and pedagogy,” wrote one of his colleagues, “Moon is a singular kind of mentor, one who is both rigorous and deeply humane.”
Karla Nazario (MSW ’23, BS ’21), Academic Advisor, School of Social Work
Karla Nazario (MSW ’23, BS ’21), Academic Advisor in the School of Social Work, is the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star, New Employee Award. An alumna of Loyola’s School of Social Work, Nazario applies her background to advise post-admissions students as they are onboarded and prepare to begin their MSW education. Her dedication to student preparedness include advising students in English and in Spanish, leading workshops, and crafting informative newsletters for new admits to the Online Bilingual Program.
Catherine Nichols, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences
Catherine Nichols, Senior Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology and Museum Studies and the Director of the May Weber Ethnographic Study Collection in the Department of Anthropology, is a recipient of the Adolfo Nicolás, S.J., Award for Excellence in Engaged Learning and Teaching. She has served as a lecturer for the University since 2014. Nichols has more than two decades of experience working in museums, in research and administrative positions. Rooted in Ignatian pedagogy, Nichols’ courses utilize museum collections as teaching tools for high impact research and learning opportunities. Working across cultural and museum anthropology, material culture and museum studies, and the history of science and anthropology, she examines the exchange of anthropological objects by museums in the late nineteenth century. Nichols holds a PhD in sociocultural anthropology from Arizona State University.
Tracy Pintchman, PhD, Professor, Global Studies Program & Theology, College of Arts and Sciences
Tracy Pintchman is professor in Theology and Director of Global Studies and a recipient for the Vincent J. Duminuco, S.J. Award for Assessment Leadership. She has played a leadership role in the University’s evolving and increasingly nuanced approach to the dynamics of student outcomes and scholarly production with the department and the global studies arena. As a scholar, Pintchman specializes in the study of Hinduism, with a focus on Goddess traditions and Hindu women's rituals. Her research is supported by the American Academy of Religion, American Institute of Indian Studies, and the National Endowment of the Humanities. She has taught at Northwestern University and Harvard University, where she was a visiting scholar in the Women's Studies in religion Program at Harvard Divinity School. She has published extensively on South Asian religions and on the history and culture of Hinduism in North America. She holds a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Bizzy Stephenson, MEd, Community Outreach Program Manager, Community Service and Action
Bizzy Stephenson, Community Outreach Program Manager in Loyola’s Office of Community Service and Action, is the recipient of the Megs Langdon Award for Person for Community. In her role, Stephenson coordinates programs such as Loyola4Chicago and the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen Outreach, building strong partnerships with organizations across Chicago and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities for students. Her leadership empowers student volunteers to recognize and build upon the strengths of the communities they serve. Her dedication to ethical service and community engagement was recently recognized when Community Service and Action received the Community Leadership Award from Centro Romero.
Paula Skye Tallman, PhD, Assistant Professor, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences; Carolyn Farrell BVM, Assistant Professor of Women and Leadership, Gannon Center for Women and Leadership; Affiliate Faculty for the Center for Research and International Affairs (CRIA); Research Associate for the Field Museum of Natural History
Paula Skye Tallman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, is the recipient for the Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award for Engaged Teaching and Mary Therese Langerbeck Award for Undergraduate Research Mentoring for her deeply engaged teaching that bridges classroom learning with global social impact. She empowers students through service-learning, research, and partnerships addressing issues such as water insecurity, gender-based violence, and environmental health in Peru and Indonesia. Her collaborative, justice-focused approach inspires students to think critically and act for the common good, exemplifying Loyola’s mission in every aspect of her teaching. Tallman joined Loyola in 2021, holds a PhD in biological anthropology from Northwestern University, and is the Carolyn Farrell, BVM, Assistant Professor in Women and Leadership for the Gannon Center.
Joseph Vukov, PhD, Associate Professor, Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences
Joseph Vukov is the recipient of the 2025 St. Ignatius of Loyola Award for Excellence in Teaching. Vukov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Director of the Hank Center for the Catholic Intellectual Heritage. Vukov has authored three books, contributed to numerous papers, and appeared in many media outlets, often discussing artificial intelligence. Vukov aims to apply a Catholic, Jesuit philosophy of universal, fundamental dignity to his teaching, approaching each student as an individual to encourage personal development, growth, and understanding throughout their academic journey.
Michael Hewitt, PhD, Ralph Marotta Chair in Free Enterprise, Information Systems and Supply Chain Management, Quinlan School of Business
Michael Hewitt, PhD, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Ralph Marotta Endowed Chair of Free Enterprise, has been named Faculty Member of the Year. A leading scholar in transportation and supply chain management, Hewitt develops quantitative models that help design efficient and sustainable supply chains. In the past year alone, he published eight papers in top journals, two book chapters, and three patent applications with Bayer Crop Science. His expertise has been recognized globally, including his selection as a Fulbright Scholar to Western Australia for 2025–26 and his invitation to join the Amazon Scholars Program. At Loyola, Hewitt serves as Faculty Director of the Supply Chain and Sustainability Center and Executive Director of the Quinlan Business Leadership Hub, mentoring students of all levels while leading initiatives that bridge academic research with industry impact. He holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and two master’s degrees in financial and industrial engineering from the University of Michigan.
Chris Hasselmann, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Global Studies Program & Political Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Chris Hasselman, senior lecturer in Global Studies and Political Science, has contributed immensely to the development of professional assessment and faculty portfolio management. Hasselmann's research and teaching interests are in the areas of international relations and comparative politics, with an emphasis on the European Union, and international economics. His most recent publications examine the effects of the financial crisis on public support for the EU, as well as the interaction between public attitudes and government policy stances in Germany and Ireland. He holds a PhD in Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis.
Artificial Intelligence to Center the Patient Voice In Healthcare
With support from the Schreiber Venture Fund, Markossian, Iacobelli, and Mattix-Kramer are developing an innovative AI tool called The AVATAR to strengthen communication between patients and clinicians. The project aims to address a major gap in the U.S. healthcare system, which often emphasizes procedures and diagnostics over patient-centered care. Designed for individuals with kidney failure receiving dialysis, The AVATAR will interview patients in their native language, summarize their concerns and needs, and relay that information directly to clinicians through the electronic health record. This patient population was chosen due to the high rates of cognitive decline, limited English proficiency, and socioeconomic disadvantage. The team hopes The AVATAR will improve the capture of social determinants of health (SDOH) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), especially in high-risk communities. By centering the voices of patients—particularly those who are often underserved—this tool has the potential to reshape how care is delivered. The team envisions a future where patient perspectives are not only heard but used to guide treatment and care planning. If successful, The AVATAR could serve as a model for other patient groups and clinical settings.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Community-Engaged Air-Quality Monitoring in Chicago: Insights from Low-Cost Sensors
Within this interdisciplinary project, Whalen, Tran, and Jing seek to advance public health equity by expanding air quality monitoring in underserved neighborhoods across Chicago. The project includes support for graduate and undergraduate researchers in related fields. Motivated by recent findings that low-income and high-minority communities suffer disproportionately from air pollution—and often lack sufficient monitoring infrastructure—the team will use spatiotemporal analysis to identify gaps in existing data. In collaboration with community partners, they will deploy new air quality sensors and provide educational outreach on health risks and mitigation strategies. The team will also develop new methodologies to optimize sensor placement and improve future monitoring efforts. By directly involving students in research and community engagement, the project fosters interdisciplinary learning while producing actionable insights. The ultimate goal is to create an open-access database for use by residents, researchers, and organizations. In doing so, the team hopes to strengthen local environmental awareness, inform policy, and contribute to healthier outcomes for Chicago communities.
Advancing Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the Obtawaing Biosphere Region, Through Manoomin (Wild Rice) Research and Restoration
In this project, Lishawa and Ohsowski seek to advance tribal food sovereignty by restoring Manoomin (wild rice), a sacred plant central to the culture and health of the Anishinaabeg people. Once abundant across Michigan’s waterways, Manoomin has experienced sharp declines due to environmental changes and habitat loss. Today, there are few opportunities for Tribal members to gather this traditional food, threatening cultural practices and access to vital nutrition. With support from the Schreiber Venture Fund, the project team will lead a collaborative research and restoration effort that weaves together Indigenous knowledge and Western science. The team will study Manoomin’s environmental tolerances, refine a habitat suitability model for the UNESCO Obtawaing Biosphere Region, and replant at six promising sites. This work builds on over a decade of research and partnership with Indigenous communities. The project aims to inform future restoration efforts, support scientific publications, and generate competitive proposals for additional funding. Above all, the team hopes to strengthen the cultural and ecological foundations of Manoomin for generations to come.
Paulina Dzieza, EdD, Manager, Language Learning Resource Center, Modern Languages & Literatures
Paulina Dzieza, EdD, Manager of the Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC) in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, is the recipient of the 2025 Staff Member of the Year award. Over the past year, she has significantly expanded the LLRC’s role as a space for language learning, academic support, and cultural programming. From hosting events like Diwali and Paczki Day to leading campus-wide language proficiency testing, Dzieza has helped create a supportive and inclusive environment for students, staff, and faculty. She also mentors a team of student workers, fosters collaboration across departments, and brings a strong sense of care and professionalism to her work. Drawing on her own experience as an immigrant and doctoral research on the challenges faced by immigrant students, Dzieza brings personalized care and cura personalis to everyone who walks through the LLRC doors. Her efforts reflect Loyola’s Jesuit mission and have made a meaningful impact across the University community.
Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez
The Health Sciences Campus Wellness Center team, consisting of Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez, is the recipient of the 2025 Team Spirit Award. The team was responsible for opening a new Wellness Center facility on HSC, creating a welcoming and effective space to address students’ immediate healthcare needs and build medical trust for future generations. By developing meaningful partnerships with campus medical partners and student groups located at HSC, the Wellness Center is taking a proactive and holistic approach to addressing campus culture and student needs.
Sarah Chamness, Instructor, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Sarah Chamness is an Instructor in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and the 2024 recipient of the Magis Teaching Award for Part-Time Instructors. Prior to joining the faculty at Loyola in August 2023, Chamness taught at Indiana University, DePaul University, and Dominican University, and worked as a nurse at clinics across Illinois and Indiana. In her work with undergraduate student nurses, Chamness has demonstrated the Jesuit values of magis, presence, teaching to mission, and cura personalis. She supports her students by incorporating a holistic approach to her lessons by sharing examples from her own medical experience into her teaching and encouraging students to explore all types of nursing assignments.