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Mentor

Dawn Drumtra
Principal Lecturer
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Avian nesting ecology, population/community dynamics, anatomy, environmental pollution, & infectious diseases. Also, natural History Museum management.

Current Projects

• Avian Environmental Stressor – examining deceased birds for diseases, heavy metal contaminants, & plastic contaminants.
• Birds of Tumbling Creek Woods – investigating populations and communities of forest birds.
• Â鶹ÊÓƵ Flight Strike – tracking bird collisions with windows.
• Â鶹ÊÓƵ Gainesville Natural History Museum – managing the avian teaching collection.
• Â鶹ÊÓƵ Project Nest-Box Watch – monitoring avian nesting ecology.

Mentor

Natalie Hyslop
Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

My research interests predominantly center on problems in wildlife conservation, particularly those concerning herpetofaunal (reptile and amphibian) species in the eastern United States.

Current Projects

Mentor

Evan Lampert
Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Entomology, including insect ecology, med-vet entomology, and forensic entomology.

Current Projects

• Host plant mediation of caterpillar interactions with their predators and parasites.

Mentor

Jeanelle Morgan
Professor and Associate Department Head
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Genetics, Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Bioinformatics.

Current Projects

Mentor

Amanda Reynolds
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Animal Physiology, Ecophysiology, Metabolism, Animal Performance, and Muscle Physiology.

Current Projects

1. Diversity, Distribution, and Fitness of Native Crayfish Species (field and lab based experiments).
2. Emerging Metabolic Function of Parasitoid Wasps (lab based experiments only).

Mentor

Megan Wyatt
Lecturer
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

I look at the fossil record to understand how mammals responded to past change such as climate change, habitat change, and mountain building. A student who works with me will get training in skeletal anatomy, working with natural history specimens, and digital media including CT scans of specimens.

Current Projects

Not right now, I have many projects that are in progress and would prefer to let a student decide what they want to work on based on their interests and goals.

Mentor

Levi Zane Miller
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Flow chemistry, synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (porous hybrid materials), adsorption and release of chemical payloads from MOFs.

Current Projects

I am always interested in recruiting new students who have completed at least one semester of chemistry. My projects involve using flow-based techniques to synthesize and apply porous materials to the adsorption/removal of pollutants from water sources, adsorption and release of chemicals that are beneficial to crops and animals, etc.,

Mentor

Patricia Todebush
Department Head for Chemistry & Biochemistry
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

I work with students in Computational Chemistry research projects. The aim of this research group is to use theoretical models to explain and predict the electronic structure of small biologically relevant molecules and how those small molecules interact due to the intermolecular forces. Expectations include Interest in organic chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry Ability to work independently Ability to dedicate at least 2 semesters to the project Present results in poster and presentation format at regional and national meetings.

Mentor

Doris Wesley
Assistant Professor 
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

My research focuses on how communication shapes conflict and extreme violence and, in turn, can be used to rebuild fractured individuals, communities, and institutions impacted by conflict to move toward peaceful recovery and transformation. In other words, I study how people, groups, organizations, communities, and institutions use communication approaches and elements during and after times of conflict and how these communication choices can either escalate violence or help resolve it.

Current Projects

I am beginning a community-based research project focused on understanding conflict and recovery in local communities across North Georgia, including Gainesville, Buford, and the greater Atlanta area. Students are invited to volunteer as part of the initial scouting research team, where they will: Identify and map different forms of conflict impacting local communities Observe and document communication patterns related to these conflicts (e.g., media coverage, community narratives, public messaging) Help categorize conflict cases and define potential research questions.

Mentor

Ahmad Ghafarian
Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Any sub areas of Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Mentor

Khushi Gupta
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Cybersecurity and digital forensics.

Mentor

Young Ha Ki
Assistant Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Investment, Asset Management, Corporate Finance, Business Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, International Finance, Portfolio Management.

Current Projects

Investment, Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance.

Mentor

Ruohan Wu
Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

International Trade, Economic Development, Data Analytics.

Mentor

Matthew Higgins
Lecturer
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

My main research/teaching specialties include rhetoric/writing, archival research, philosophy of science and technology, and medieval rhetoric.

Mentor

Miriam Moore
Associate Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Discourse analysis, Second Language Pedagogy, Analysis of Second Language Writing/Rhetoric, Grammar/Syntax, Feedback on Grammar and Writing.

Mentor

Michael Rifenburg
Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Writing centers; teaching writing; qualitative research; workplace writing; designing new courses; study abroad; Christianity; the Bible; rhetoric.

Mentor

Erin Bush 
Associate Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

I can help students looking to use data from historical sources in their work.

Current Projects

I have two projects underway. One is looking at native prisoners in the Atlanta Penitentiary in the early 1900s, and the other is about two capital murder cases involving women in Georgia in the 1870s.

Mentor

Jacob McDonald
Associate Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Earth Surface Processes, Mapping, Surveying, Drones.

Current Projects

Mentor

Ryan Davis
Assistant Professor

Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Blood flow, vascular health, muscle oxygenation.

Current Projects

The Effect of Single Leg Cycling Training on Critical Velocity: A 4-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.

Mentor

Andrzej Przybyla
Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Movement neuroscience, motor control, biomechanics, neurorehabilitation, sports science

Current Projects

Interlimb differences in motor control and behavior - handedness is a prominent manifestation of asymmetry in neural organization that has previously been relegated as either an artifact of lateralization in non-motor systems, or as the simple effect of practiced patterns of hand use. We hypothesize that handedness reflects a functional optimization process through which control of limb position and trajectory have become specialized. This theory diverges from other biological descriptions of motor lateralization in defining the control mechanisms that underlie handedness, and in proposing hemispheric specialization for movement dynamics (dominant) and postural (non-dominant) control mechanisms. However, it remains speculative due to limited evidence for specialization of the non-dominant system. In general, this research is significant to understanding how the brain controls movements and what type of control mechanisms are being employed by neural structures and/or processes. The proposition that the human brain’s lateralization of motor function reflects optimization processes leads to predictions about motor behavior and motor learning. Thus, we will study the role of individual brain hemispheres in hand selection behavior and learning a new motor tasks across unimanual and bimanual tasks, handedness, and healthy aging. We will address our research questions by examining recordings of arm movements and muscle activity as people interact with a computer game. Improved understanding of motor control mechanisms studied here would provide basis for improved rehabilitative approaches to movement impairments such as stroke, Parkinson's Disease, and Cerebral Palsy. (2) Analysis of player performance and injuries in collegiate soccer - The purpose of this study is to monitor and analyze player performance data and injury information, if such occurs, in order to develop more effective injury prevention, return to play protocols, and playing readiness.

Mentor

Balea Schumacher
Assistant Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Female physiology, neuromuscular physiology sex differences, fatiguability, exercise behavior.

Stanislaw Solnik
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Motor Control, Movement Neuroscience, Motor Behavior and Performance, Biomechanics, Neurorehabilitation, Exercise Science.

Current Projects

Multidisciplinary research spanning movement science, biomechanics, motor control, and neuroscience, aimed at translating basic science into more focused and effective physical therapy interventions, investigating how the central nervous system coordinates muscles and joints to accomplish movement goals. Students are trained through a staged model beginning with the project's theoretical framework and research questions, continuing through instrumentation and data collection, progressing to data processing and analysis, and culminating in interpretation, presentation, and, when appropriate, authorship — giving students ownership of a phase of the project while exposing them to the complete research process. Many former undergraduate mentees have presented at international conferences and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Mentor

Anna Pak
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

My research interests are in strategic management, innovation, and international business — how companies make strategic decisions about when and how to innovate, why firms choose different innovation strategies, and how these decisions affect their performance. I also study sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), including why some companies make meaningful changes while others emphasize sustainability in their communications without making equally substantial changes in practice (sometimes called ESG washing), and what drives ESG performance and how its effects differ across countries and multinational companies. I would be happy to mentor undergraduate students interested in innovation strategy, managerial decision-making, sustainability and ESG, corporate strategy, and international business; student projects could examine real companies, compare firms or industries, analyze company reports and publicly available data, or explore how businesses make and communicate strategic decisions.

Current Projects

Yes. Research projects examining corporate innovation and ESG strategies, including why some firms make substantive changes while others engage in more symbolic actions or "ESG washing." Undergraduate students may contribute by collecting and organizing publicly available company data, reviewing sustainability reports and other disclosures, coding information about firms' innovation and ESG activities, conducting literature reviews, and helping identify patterns across companies and industries. Especially suitable for students interested in strategy, innovation, sustainability, international business, or data-driven business research.

Mentor

Lu Xu
Associate Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

My research area of interest is the application of data analytics in various business areas, including consumer behavior, quality management, sustainability, digitalizational transformation (e.g., emerging technologies of AI, augmented/virtual reality), and sustainable supply chain management.

Mentor

Nelly Belinga
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Mathematics, Mathematics Education and AI, improving student engagement and achievement in Mathematic

Mentor

Thinh Kieu
Professor of Mathematics
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Partial differential equations, fluid dynamics, numerical methods for partial differential equations, Bernstein-based finite elements, spectra of Bernstein-based FEM operators.

Mentor

Alejandro Sarria
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interest

Differential equations, partial differential equations, the mathematical study of equations modeling fluids and their special solutions.

Current Projects

Damped fluid systems and magnetohydrodynamics.

Mentor

Sarah Hubbel

Associate Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

My research focuses on Spanish for professional settings, especially Business Spanish and Medical Spanish. I am also interested in how people learn Spanish as a second language, effective approaches to teaching Spanish, and how the Spanish language works and is used in different contexts.

Current Projects

I am currently working on a Business Spanish and Medical Spanish project. I would be happy for interested students to join me in these research endeavors.

Mentor

Giuseppe Sanfilippo
Lecturer
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Study Abroad Experience, Second Language Acquisition, Linguistics and Contrastive Analysis, Foreign Language Teaching

Mentor

Alvaro Torres-Calderon
Associate Professor & Associate Department Head

Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Latin American Literature, Women Writers, Women, nation and identity in Latin America, Cultural Studies, Andean perspectives.

Current Projects

I am currently working on articles related to Latin American Gothic literature, women and nation. Interested students in conference presentations can contact me as well.

Mentor

Tonia Leigh Wind

Director Language Labs and Lecturer
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

My main research interests are in Afro-Latin American literature and culture (Portuguese and Spanish), African Diaspora Religions of the Americas, and Black Women's Literature of the Americas.

Current Projects

No, I do not have any current research projects. However, I intend to expand my research into the spiritual practices and related literatures of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Brazil.

Mentor

Francisco Guzmán Fulgencio
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Spectroscopy of astrophysical plasmas and its link to galaxy evolution

Current Projects

Looking for students to run simulations on planetary nebula emission to benchmark the cosmological origin of the elements.

Mentor

Bibek Chand 
Associate Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

International Relations (broadly defined), Security Studies, Foreign Policy, Indo-Pacific Affairs, International Relations of Asia, small states in international politics.

Current Projects

I am happy to help students develop individualized research projects within the scope of International Relations/Affairs. These can be in the form of a full research paper, a short policy paper, or a short opinion piece.

Mentor

Scott D. McDonald
Dahlonega Campus
Assistant Professor

Research Interests

I research foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China and the ideational factors, such as philosophy, that underlie decision-making. From a theoretical perspective, I am very interested in the incorporation of individual philosophy into international relations through a Neoclassical lens. I also research national security more broadly, specifically focusing on the intersection of US and other states within the Indo-Pacific region.

Current Projects

I am in the early stages of a project on the role of objectivity in international relations theory. In this regard, I would be interested in working with students who have an interest in international relations theory, history of the Cold War, or the philosophical study of epistemology.

Mentor

Joseph Gershtenson
Associate Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

My general research interests are in American public opinion (using survey data about people's attitudes about political issues, political parties, politicians) and elections.

Current Projects

I am open to working with students on specific projects of their interest in the general areas described. Ideally, this would be on either a solo-authored paper by the student or a co-authored paper to present at a professional conference (e.g., the Georgia Political Science Association annual meeting). I am also in the early stages of writing a book on Political Polarization in America and could use help with research on that.

Mentor

Jing He
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Policy diffusion, educational policy, risk management, big data, human resource management  

Current Projects

I am currently seeking a research assistant to be my co-author. The topic can be one of my research interests or we can find a topic that both of us are interested in.

Mentor

Scott McDonald
Assistant Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

I research foreign policy of the People’s Republic of China and the ideational factors, such as philosophy, that underlie decision-making. From a theoretical perspective, I am very interested in the incorporation of individual philosophy into international relations through a Neoclassical lens. I also research national security more broadly, specifically focusing on the intersection of US and other states within the Indo-Pacific region.

Current Projects

I am currently beginning a project on the role of objectivity in international relations theory. In this regard, I would be interested in working with students who have an interest in international relations theory or the philosophical study of epistemology.

Mentor

Jonathan Conrady

Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Cognitive Neuroscience; Auditory Perception; Reward Processing.

Mentor

Bryan L. Dawson
Associate Department Head and Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Diversity, Gaming, Leadership, Experimental Psychology! Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Mentor

Diane Cook
Professor
Gainesville Campus

Research Interests

Personality (Five Factor Model), religiosity, close relationships.

Current Projects

I am happy to assist students in developing their own project.

Mentor

Bryan L. Dawson
Associate Department Head and Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests

Diversity, Gaming, Leadership, Experimental Psychology! Industrial Organizational Psychology.

Mentor

John Dewey
Associate Professor
Dahlonega Campus

Research Interests 

Social cognition; cognitive psychology; experimental psychology (general)

Current Projects

I am more than happy to assist a student in developing their own proposal.