Faculty — K
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Kagey, Jacob D.
Jacob D. Kagey
Associate Professor of Biology, teaches courses in the areas of genetics and cell biology. His research focuses on using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) to model tumor development in humans. He received a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University in Genetics and a Ph.D. from Emory University in Genetics and Molecular Biology. As a graduate student and post-doctoral fellow he was awarded funding from NSF (National Science Foundation), NIH (National Institute of Health), DoD (Department of Defense), and HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute). Kagey joined the Biology Department in the fall of 2011.
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Kacir, David
David Kacir
Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Clinical Dentistry, Clinic Lead, earned a D.D.S. from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± and a Master in Biomedical Sciences from the Medical College of Ohio following his general practice residency in dentistry. He joined the University in 2012.
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Kang, HeKyong
HeKyong, Kang
Associate Professor, teaches both dental and postgraduate students various topics in orthodontics including diagnosis and treatment planning, mixed dentition, TADs hands-on course, orthodontic typodont course, and journal article review. She is also involved in postgraduate orthodontic student research and graduate orthodontic admissions. Prof. Kang received her M.S.D and Certificate in Orthodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the Tweed International Foundation. She joined the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± School of Dentistry in 2014.
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Kashani, Nahid
Nahid Kashani
Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Clinical Dentistry, Clinic Director, oversees the Group Practice Model for Dental and Dental Hygiene students. She earned her D.D.S. and completed a two-year AEGD program at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). She went on to write a master’s thesis on infection control, earning a Master of Science in Dentistry in Oral Medicine also at CWRU. Her clinical interests include oral medicine, infection control, diagnosis, and dental materials. Her research interests include education and dental curriculum, pain management and wound healing, infection control and dental materials. She maintains part-time practice. She joined the University in 1996.
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Keep, Suzanne M.
Suzanne M. Keep
Associate Professor, Site Coordinator, Aquinas Campus, McAuley School of Nursing, teaches at the Grand Rapids campus. Her area of expertise is community health. She earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from Rutgers The State University of New Jersey.
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Kelly, S.J., Justin J.
Justin J. Kelly, S.J.
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, teaches literature and theology, systematic theology and world religions. His courses include Spiritual Autobiographies, Poets, Mystics, and God, Theology of the Imagination, and the Quest for God today. He was a Warren Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Tulsa in 1991. He holds an A.B. and a Master of Arts from Loyola University in Chicago, a Licentiate in Theology from Woodstock College and a doctorate from Yale University. He joined the University in 1972.
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Kenno, Staci
Staci Kenno
Assistant Professor of Accounting, earned a Ph.D. and a Master of Science in Management-Accounting from Queens University in Canada, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Windsor. She taught a variety of graduate and undergraduate accounting courses at Brock University for six years prior to joining Detroit Mercy in 2019. Kenno has published several peer-reviewed articles on topics that include the automotive industry and service-learning, in scholarly journals such as Management Accounting Research, Behavioral Research in Accounting, and the Journal of Applied Accounting Research. -
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Kesavan, Ram
Ram Kesavan
Professor of Marketing, teaches in the areas of marketing/entrepreneurship. He has counseled over 300 small businesses, mostly minority owned. He has authored over 50 articles and a manuscript on international strategic marketing. Some of his work has been published in the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Academy of Marketing Science. He has served as the Sam Walton Free Enterprise fellow. He is the treasurer of the Marketing Management Association. Kesavan has a Ph.D. from the University of Rochester. He joined the University in 1980.
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Kikas, Lazaros D.
Lazaros D. Kikas
Associate Professor and Chair of Mathematics, teaches courses in mathematics. He received degrees in Electrical Engineering and in Mathematics from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±, a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics Sciences from Oakland University. His field of study is in the area of applied discrete mathematics, specifically in graph theory, combinatorial optimization and their applications. He joined the University in 2003.
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Kim, Suk Hi
Suk Hi Kim
Professor of International Finance, is the discipline coordinator of finance and international business at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±. He has been the founder-editor of North Korean Review since 2005, he was the founder-editor of Multinational Business Review from 1992 to 2002, and he is the author of North Korea at a Crossroads (McFarland, 2003), the coauthor of Global Corporate Finance, sixth edition (Wiley-Blackwell, 2006), the coeditor of Economic Sanctions against a Nuclear North Korea (McFarland, 2007), and the coauthor of Corporate Financial Management (Copley, 2010). Kim served as a guest research fellow on North Korea at the Bank of Korea from May 20 to June 12, 2007 and at the Kyungnam University Graduate School of North Korea from May 22 to June 11, 2008. In addition, he received a book grant for his North Korean research from the Korea Foundation in 2007 and a cash grant for North Korean Review from the Academy of Korean Studies in 2008. Kim received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± in 2003 and a Korea Global Award from Michigan State University in 2008. He studied Electric Engineering at Yonsei University for two years. In addition, he received a B.A. in Economics from Soongsil University in Korea, his M.A. in Economics from Yonsei University in Korea, his M.B.A. from Pepperdine University, and his Ph.D. in Finance from St. Louis University. As a Fulbright Scholar, Kim taught international finance and corporate finance at Yonsei University in spring 1992. Finally, Kim had the two highly rewarding experiences in 2008. First, he visited the Kaesong Industrial Complex, located in North Korea just across the Demilitarized Zone, on June 5, 2008; His essay about the visit, “Visiting the Kaesong Industrial Complex,” appeared in an Internet journal, Nautilus Policy Forum Online, http://www.nautilus.org/fora/security/08066SukHiKim.html, on August 29, 2008. Second, he organized a session on the North Korean economy at the 9th World Knowledge Forum held in Seoul, South Korea, Oct. 14-16, 2008. His essay about the session, “Pyongyang University of Science & Technology,” appeared in Nautilus Policy Forum Online, http://www.nautilus.org/fora/security/08100Kim.pdf, on Dec.23, 2008. He joined the University in 1977.
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Kinaia, Bassam M.
Bassam M. Kinaia
Associate Professor, Division of Graduate Education, Division of Clinical Essentials and Simulation, Director of Graduate Periodontology Program, teaches periodontal non-surgical and surgical therapies as well as dental implant placement and implant related regenerative therapies to graduate periodontal residents, dental students and dental hygiene students. Additional responsibilities include director of the Graduate Periodontics Program with emphasis on the clinical and didactic components of the program as well as mentoring periodontal residents and dental students in multiple research projects including systematic reviews, clinical studies and case series. He has received the Chasens Teaching and Research Fellowship from the American Academy of Periodontology. His focus is systematic reviews for dental implant and regenerative therapies. He lectures nationally and internationally giving continuing education courses related to soft tissue management and bone regenerative therapies around natural teeth and dental implants. He also serves on multiple committees at the University and the Michigan State Boards for Periodontics. Dr. Kinaia holds Master's Degree in Science, Certificate in Periodontics and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±. He joined the University in 2008 as a part time faculty and become a full time faculty in 2013.
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Kleinke, Darrell K.
Darrell K. Kleinke
Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of Master's of Engineering Management, teaches mechanics of materials, machine design, capstone design, and product development process. His research interests lie in design methodologies, sensors and actuators, innovation techniques, biomimicry, mechanical system engineering and product architecture. Kleinke earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University. He has over 25 years of industrial experience and is a licensed professional engineer.
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Kloft, Leonard
Leonard Kloft
Assistant Dean, College of Business Administration, earned B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa. An economic historian, he has taught a wide range of courses to graduate and undergraduate students. Prior to joining Detroit Mercy, he taught at Salisbury State University, Miami University of Ohio, Ohio Northern University, and Wright State University in Ohio, where he also served as director of the Graduate Program in Economics. He joined the University in 2011.
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Knight, Debra A.
Debra A. Knight
Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program, teaches Patient Evaluation Practicum I, II and III. Knight also practices as a physician assistant at Specialists in Family Practice/Providence Hospital in Novi. She completed a bachelor of science at Western Illinois University, a Master of Science in Physician Assistant at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± and a Master of Science in Adapted Physical Education at Illinois State University. Her area of interest is sports medicine. Knight has held numerous positions in sports medicine/athletic training in the 16 years prior to becoming a certified physician assistant. She also served for more than 10 years as a member of the USA Medical Staff for track and field/cross-country and was selected to work at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She joined the University in 2001.
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Ko, Arthur C.
Arthur C. Ko
Associate Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, teaches in the Health Systems Management Program. His area of expertise is quality improvement, management, and informatics. He earned his Ph.D. from Wayne State University. He joined the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± in 2013.
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Kondili, Elvita
Elvita Kondili
Assistant Professor of Counseling, teaches the counseling practicum, trauma and crisis counseling, introduction to addiction counseling, multicultural counseling, and organization and administration of counseling services. Her clinical experience includes 15 years in Massachusetts and North Carolina in various treatment settings, including the methadone program, intensive outpatient, crisis counseling, inpatient substance abuse and telepsychiatry. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Massachusetts. Kondili’s main area of research is in counselor training and supervision and incorporating contemplative practices in higher education. Her current research is focused on ways to promote social and cultural capital for refugees and social justice advocacy for systemic change. Additionally, she is interested in research and scholarship on utilizing mindfulness-based treatment approaches in the treatment of substance use disorders, behavior addictions and post traumatic stress disorder. She joined the University in 2018.
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Kotermanski, April
April Kotermanski
Practice Essentials and Interprofessional Education Manager of the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic, Division of Dental Public Health, Campus: Corktown Campus, Building: School of Dentistry, Room: 414, Email: kotermaa@udmercy.edu, Degrees: R.D.H., Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± B.S., Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± Bio: April Kotermanski is a Clinical Instructor for the Clinical Service Learning course for third and fourth year dental students. She manages the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic and the dental clinic at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) Clinic. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±. She joined the University in 2015 and practices in a private general dentistry office in Clinton Twp., Michigan. She currently is working on a Master degree of Health Services Administration at the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±.
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Koukal, David R.
David R. Koukal
Professor of Philosophy. David Koukal, Ph.D., teaches courses in phenomenology, existentialism, continental philosophy and social and political philosophy. His scholarly research has centered on the phenomenological method. He has published articles on how the work of various phenomenologists relates to expression, the body, imagination, media, pedagogy, politics and various technologies. Koukal holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Shimer College and a Master of Arts and a doctorate in Philosophy from Duquesne University. Koukal joined the University in fall 2000, received the Faculty Achievement Award in 2004, directed the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± Honors Program from 2001-2011 and has served as department chair.
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Kowalski, Sonya L.
Sonya L. Kowalski
Clinical Associate Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, joined the faculty full time in January 2013 and is currently the pre-licensure track coordinator for the traditional undergraduate and second degree option nursing programs. She is a certified adult health clinical nurse specialist and practices with a WOC appointment at the Detroit VAMC. She has taught medical surgical, health assessment, patho-pharmacology and Mercy Jesuit courses and currently teaches nursing pharmacology courses. Dr. Kowalski earned her B.S.N. from Eastern Michigan University and her M.S.N. and D.N.P. from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±.
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Kozicki, Zigmond A.
Zigmond A. Kozicki
Associate Professor in Health Services Administration at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±. Kozicki has been actively involved in healthcare since 1974 and in college/university education since 1976. He has achieved a Doctorate of Health Administration, Master of Science in Administration, Master of Arts in Social Psychology, Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from Central Michigan University. He leads courses in Health Services Organization Management, Health in the Community, Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, U.S. Healthcare System, Population Health and Theory and Practice of Health Services Management.
His clinical research interest includes motor vehicle accident survivors, chronic pain management and his institutional research includes waterborne pathogens and health care acquired infections and the social determinants of violence. He is involved with several national health care advocacy organizations. He is a documentary film maker and is still active in the medical community as a clinician and administrator. He is a frequent presenter at national and international health care conferences.
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Kroupa, Daniel R.
Daniel R. Kroupa
Lecturer of History and Director of Museum Studies, teaches American history and coordinates the Museum Studies minor. An experienced museum professional, Kroupa has worked as a historical interpreter at The Henry Ford (museum and Greenfield Village) and managed the educational programs of the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn. He worked for eight years as social science education specialist and manager of docent programs for the Education Division of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Prior to pursuing formal studies in history, he studied illustration at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. Kroupa holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Grand Valley State University and a Master of Arts in History from Michigan State University. He joined the University in 2010.
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Krukonis, Eric S.
Eric S. Krukonis
Associate Professor, Division of Integrated Biomedical Sciences, teaches current topics in microbiology and infectious disease to Dental Hygiene and Dental students as well as periodontal, endodontic and orthodontic residents. Krukonis’ particular interests are in bacterial pathogenesis and understanding the microbial etiology of dentally-related diseases including caries, implantitis, periodontitis and other microbially-influenced processes. Krukonis obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1998 from Tufts University. He has over 20 peer-reviewed publications in the field of bacterial pathogenesis, is an editor for the Journal Infection and Immunity and reviews papers for over a dozen academic journals including the Journal of Dental Research. Krukonis joined the University in July 2013.
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Kulbersh, Richard
Richard Kulbersh
Professor, Division of Graduate Education, Division of Clinical Essentials and Simulation, Director, Graduate Orthodontics, teaches both Dental and postgraduate students various topics in orthodontics as well as growth and development and TMJ. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and received his M.S. and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. Dr. Kulbersh has lectured at local, national, and international meetings. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and a Fellow of the American and International College of Dentists as well as a member of the Angle Society. He is a member of many orthodontic organizations and has received multiple awards for his work in the orthodontics specialty and as a professor at Detroit Mercy. He has written and co-authored articles and book chapters on various orthodontic topics. He began teaching at the University in 1975.
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Kutil, Emily
Emily Kutil
Instructor, School of Architecture, teaches design studios and visual communication courses. Kutil is an architectural designer and researcher. As a member of We the People of Detroit Community Research Collective, an interdisciplinary collaboration between community activists, academics, researchers and designers, she researches and visualizes information about water, land, and education issues in Detroit. Kutil also coordinates Black Bottom Street View, a project to visualize Detroit’s historic Black Bottom neighborhood using the Burton Historical Collection’s archive. The project will produce a website, mobile exhibit, and book that serve as a platform for neighborhood histories. Black Bottom Street View was awarded a Knight Arts Challenge Grant in 2016. Kutil earned her Master of Architecture (with High Distinction) in 2013 from the University of Michigan, and her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2011 from the University of Cincinnati. She joined Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½± as an adjunct professor in 2015 and became an instructor in 2017.
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Kwapis-Jaeger, Judy
Judy Kwapis-Jaeger
Associate Professor, Division of Dental Hygiene, teaches dental materials, clinical RDA expanded functions, legal, ethical and professional issues, research and statistics and clinical dental hygiene while maintaining clinical practices. She has published and presented papers on legal/ethical issues, learning styles, interdisciplinary course work and curriculum. Kwapis-Jaeger was the recipient of the Quest for Excellence in Dental Education. She received a certificate, a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene and a M.A. in Education from University of Detroit. In addition, she is a registered dental assistant. She joined the University in 1978.
kwajaeja@udmercy.edu -
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Kwasky, Andrea N.
Andrea N. Kwasky
Clinical Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, teaches psychiatric nursing and leadership. She is board certified as a child and adolescent clinical nurse specialist and family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Her area of expertise is children, adolescents and young adults. She earned her B.S.N. from Western Michigan University, M.S.N. from Wayne State University and D.N.P. from Oakland University. Dr. Kwasky joined the College of Health Professions/McAuley School of Nursing in 2009.