Beryl Hoffman, Ph.D.
Co-Chair of Natural Science, Mathematics and Technology; Associate Professor of Computer Science
Dr. Hoffman’s research interests are in computer science education and broadening participation in computer science for female and minority students. In her NSF and Google research grants, she develops curriculum and trains teachers for AP high school and college courses involving mobile apps and Java. Her NSF grant “Girls Immersed in Robotics Learning Simulations (GIRLS)” is a joint venture with UMass Amhert and Holyoke Codes to interest girls in robotics.
Nina Theis, Ph.D.
Co-Chair of Natural Science, Mathematics and Technology; Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Theis’ research focuses on the ecology of fragrance production from flowers, and strives to understand the invisible forces that drive interactions between plants, pollinators, and herbivores.
Kevin Berry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Berry’s research interests include combinatorial group theory and dynamic programming.
Jill Bigos, M.S.
Lecturer in Biology and Chemistry
Jill Bigos received her master’s degree in forensic science. Her interests include the forensic applications of biochemistry and the expansion of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education for undergraduates. Her research projects have included work on tadpole metamorphosis and histology. She currently teaches anatomy & physiology for undergraduate nursing majors, as well as forensic science. She is also involved in various STEM outreach initiatives for local students in middle school and high school.
Ray Curran, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Curran’s research interests are in algebraic geometry and combinatorics.
Dennis Drake, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Drake’s research interests are in environmental and organic chemistry.
Melanie Joy-Cooper, M.S.
Chem Lecturer/Lab Safety
Melanie Joy-Cooper is a laboratory safety coordinator and chemistry lecturer. She has over 10 years of experience working with invasive and exotic forest pests and diseases from her past career with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She has over two years of advanced graduate studies in Environmental Health and a Masters degree in Forensic Science. Melanie has multiple certifications in hazardous waste operations and emergency response, confined space, and hazard communication. Her research interests are in environmental chemistry and toxicology.
John Mruk, M.S.
Lecturer in Mathematics
Syracuse University (Sabbatical Year) Lake Forest College (NSF Grant)
Dr. Sudad Saman, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Sudad Saman graduated with a master’s degree in bioinformatics from New York University. He continued his studies in a doctoral program in biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts with a research focus on Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately earning his Ph.D.
Janet Williams, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Dr. Williams has spent 10 years as a full time scientist/researcher at a biotechnology company in Massachusetts. Prior to coming to Elms College, Janet worked as a molecular biologist. Her research included cloning, sequencing, and expression of bacterial restriction-modification systems. Janet’s current research involves a metagenomic study of the equine intestinal tract. This research spans many different disciplines including molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, parasitology and microbiology and provides plenty of opportunities for undergraduate research.
