September 16, 2024 - From the study of climate change to the exploration of historical texts, the diverse academic strengths of Laurentian’s faculty is reflected in the roster of eight newly appointed tenure-track faculty.
With the goal of tenure in sight, this distinguished group of scholars contribute to advancing research, inspiring students, and shaping the future within their respective fields. While their areas of expertise vary broadly, they are connected by their dedication to their work and their commitment to positively influencing the learning environment for Laurentian students.
"We are pleased to welcome these exceptional scholars to tenure-track positions," said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "This diverse group will create a positive impact across multiple academic programs. We look forward to seeing their research achievements and, perhaps even more significant, the meaningful connections they will forge with students and the lasting impact they will have on their academic journeys."
The tenure-track faculty members include those both returning and new to the Laurentian community. Emily Caruso Parnell has taught at Laurentian for seven years and welcomes the opportunity to grow in her new role, “Having spent 23 years working in education and years of teaching sessionally, I am absolutely delighted to be joining the full-time faculty at Laurentian. I look forward to working with our bright and capable students as they prepare to embark upon their teaching careers.”
With the fall term underway, the faculty are already settling into their roles and delivering courses. The newly appointed tenure-track faculty members are listed by Faculty below.
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture
Elizabeth (Liz) Favot, she/her/elle , School of Natural Sciences
● Research Interests: Aquatic ecology, Paleolimnology, Long-term environmental change, Climate change, Lake response to multiple environmental stressors
● Anticipated Courses: ENVI 1507 Introduction to Environmental Studies; ENSC 3246 Aquatic Ecology
Mateus Pepinelli, he/him/il, School of Natural Sciences
● Research Interests: Aquatic insect biology and ecology, Biology of Vectors, Plant-pollinator networks, Airborne eDNA for biodiversity monitoring, Ecology and health of honey bees
● Anticipated Courses: BIOL 3046EL General Entomology; BIOL 4817EL Medical Entomology
David Hung, he/him/ilFaculty of Education and Health
● Research Interests: Mathematics Education, Adolescent Learning, Teacher Education, Cooperative Learning, Discourse, Qualitative Case Study Research
● Anticipated Courses: EDUC 3026EL Mathematics Content Review for Teachers; EDUC 4242EL Mathematics (Junior/Intermediate)
Emily Caruso Parnell, she/her/elle, School of Education
● Research Interests: Teacher professional development, School leadership and systems change, Equity work in schools, French as a second language education, Arts education, Distance education, Early childhood education, Antisemitism education
● Anticipated Courses: EDUC 1016 Introduction to Teaching and Learning; EDUC 4244 Dance (Junior/Intermediate); EDUC 4286 Language II (Junior/Intermediate)
Additionally, Sonia Meerai has been appointed tenure-track with the School of Social Work and Handy Leroy has been appointed tenure-track with l’?cole de service social.
Banafsheh Karamifar, she/her/elleFaculty of Arts
● Research Interests: Digital humanities, Linguistic and Cultural Diversity, Plurilingualism and Pluriculturalism, French as a Second Language, French in minority contexts, Artificial Intelligence, Emergent technologies, Critical discourse analysis, Interpretative semantics, participatory research methods, Higher education
● Anticipated Courses: LING 3017 Morphologie générale; LING 3007 Phonologie générale; FREN 3806 Production de messages écrits; FREN 3807 Production de messages oraux; FREN 2507 Le FLS en contexte II
Sylvia Hunt, she/her/elle, School of Liberal Arts
● Research Interests: 18th-century juvenilia, Romantic poets
● Anticipated Courses: ENGL 2056 Texts in Historical Context; ENGL 3056 Modern and Contemporary Texts