CLU welcomes 14 new faculty members

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Oct. 29, 2013) California Lutheran University welcomed 14 new faculty members this year.

Michael Lynn Adams, visiting lecturer in art, has exhibited his paintings in national and international shows, including Salon International and Oil Painters of America National. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art from CLU.

Chien-Hsiung (Scott) Chiu, assistant professor of English and Writing Center director, taught at Michigan State University for three years. He received a bachelor’s degree in English literature and language from Chinese Culture University in Taiwan, a master’s in linguistics from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, and a doctorate in second language studies from Michigan State University.

Erik Diaz, assistant professor of theatre arts, has been in charge of scenic design for more than 200 productions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre scenic design and technical direction from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and a master’s in theatre scenic design from the University of Connecticut.

William Gartner, visiting professor in the School of Management, taught at Clemson University for the past nine years as the Arthur M. Spiro Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, an MBA and a doctorate in business policy all from the University of Washington.

Virginia Gean, visiting lecturer in the MBA program, is researching the stories of Christian CEOs for a book. She received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Georgia (UGA) and an MBA in finance from Pepperdine University.

Kirstie Hettinga, assistant professor of communication, has researched the transformation of journalism through digital and mobile technologies. She earned bachelor’s degrees in mass communication and theatre arts and a master’s in mass communication and journalism from California State University, Fresno, and a doctorate in mass communication from The Pennsylvania State University.

Mary Holden, visiting lecturer in physics, is a glass scientist and ceramic engineer. She has a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering and a master’s in glass science from Alfred University in New York.

Jason Kingsbury, assistant professor of chemistry, received the prestigious Amgen New Faculty Award at Boston College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamilton College in New York and a doctorate in organometallic chemistry from Boston College.

Andrew Pattison, visiting instructor in the Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program, has researched the role of scientific information in policymaking. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Skidmore College in New York and a master’s in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver. He is completing his doctorate in public affairs with a concentration in sustainable urban infrastructure from CU Denver.

Theresa Rogers, assistant professor of biology, has researched the use of molecular biology and genetics to study bacterial physiology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from The Ohio State University, a master’s in microbiology from UGA and a doctorate in microbiology from Ohio State.

Ian Scheu, assistant professor in the Graduate School of Education, has researched adolescent play theory, play-based curriculum development and multicultural play. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, a master’s in education from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in instructional leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Andrea Sell, assistant professor of psychology, has investigated the role of the spatial and motor systems in grounding abstract thought. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida and a master’s and doctorate in cognitive psychology from Florida State University.

Linda-Marie Sundstrom, assistant professor in the MPPA program, taught in the Master of Public Administration program under the Office of the President of Ukraine as a Fulbright Scholar. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a master’s in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and a doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.

Vlad Vaiman, a visiting professor in the School of Management, has published three books on managing talent in organizations. He earned an MBA from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate in international business from the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.