Our heartiest welcome goes to our 2023-24 new faculty! It is our great pleasure to be able to welcome you to our community. We look forward to your contributions and getting to know you. 

Doug Barlow (Physics)

Dr. Doug Barlow, a Florida native, earned his BS degree in physics from the University of Florida, a Masters in physics from Pittsburg State University, and a Masters and PhD in materials science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Doug has more than 20 years of experience teaching college courses in the physical sciences. These include general physics, general chemistry, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, physical chemistry, and the physics of sound. Dr. Barlow maintains an active research program in theoretical chemical physics and condensed matter physics. Areas of interest include crystal nucleation and growth, phase transitions, critical phenomena and the thermal properties of alloys. Dr. Barlow has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals such as Physical Review B, Physical Review E, Journal of Crystal Growth , and the International Journal of Thermophysics. Dr. Barlow is the author of the text: Introduction to Physics with Calculus, and is in the process of writing a textbook on electromagnetics. Since January 2023, Dr. Barlow has served at Sewanee where he teaches the calculus-based physics sequence along with intermediate electromagnetics and quantum mechanics.

Yejune (Arden) Chao (History/Fulbright Scholar)

Arden Yejune Chao received his BA degree at National Taiwan University and his MA and PhD degrees at Peking University. His interest in research is modern Chinese political history. His research topics focus on the development and failure of Chinese democracy. He has a family of four - his spouse and two daughters. He likes baseball, soccer, fictional writing and video games.

Stephanie Choi (English & Creative Writing)

Stephanie Choi’s poems appear in Bellevue Literary Review, New Ohio Review, PANK, Blackbird, Electric Literature, and elsewhere. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of Utah. She serves as the senior poetry editor for Quarterly West. Her debut collection, The Lengest Neoi, was selected by Brenda Shaughnessy for the Iowa Poetry Prize and is forthcoming from the University of Iowa Press in 2024. Links to some of her published work can be found at xostephchoi.com. She's thrilled to be at Sewanee this academic year and very eager to find a poem(s) to share with your class—there are seriously poems about every subject matter, so please reach out! In addition to dwelling in possibility in the classroom, she'll be trying to write her second book, which looks like disaster at the moment.

Cameron Coates (Philosophy)

Cameron received his PhD in Philosophy from DePaul University this past June. His research focuses on Ancient Greek philosophy. He also has broad interests in the history of philosophy in both the European and South Asian traditions, especially concerning issues in metaphysics, philosophy of biology, and political theory. His dissertation, Aristotle on the Concept of Life, examines Aristotle’s approach to the problem of defining life in light of its immense diversity and its tricky edge cases. Some of his recent research appears in Ancient Philosophy, in Phronesis, and in Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek Political Thought. During his free time, he enjoys playing board games and hiking.

Hoang Dao (Economics)

Hoang Dao is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics. He teaches various topics in Microeconomics including Health Economics and Urban/Transportation Economics. His main research interest lies in Transportation Economics. Outside of professional activities, he enjoys drawing, soccer, comedy, and an unnecessarily long conversation about coffee.

Eric Ezell

Eric received his PhD from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the ecology of the ocean’s largest predators. His research is focused upon the intersection of whale foraging ecology, coastal industries such as shipping, and the traditional territories of First Peoples in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to offering courses in marine conservation and sustainability, he co-chairs the Environment & Sustainability major, co-directs Sewanee’s Island Ecology Program, supports the Green House theme house on campus, co-leads Sewanee's field course to New Zealand, and serves as science director for the Canadian non-profit BC Whales. His family loves Sewanee for its community, its trails, and its network of local farmers.

Linxian (Lilian) Huang (Economics)

Linxian Huang, preferred name Lilian, is from China and has lived in Murfreesboro for six years. She received her Ph.D. in Economics at Middle Tennessee State University this August. Huang's research lies in Financial Economics, especially the relationship between FinTech innovation and cryptocurrency and the traditional financial markets. She will teach Principles of Economics and Corporate Finance this semester. Outside of work and research, she and her husband are the parents of two cats adopted from the shelter. She likes playing poker and video games and visiting national parks across countries to explore different scenes. She’s also a good chef of Chinese food and has been trying to learn different cuisines from other countries.

Stuart Marshall (History)

Stuart Marshall is from North Carolina and just completed his Ph.D. in History at UNC Greensboro. Marshall offers courses on Indigenous history topics that place Native people at the center of U.S. history. His research is on Eastern Cherokee resistance to Removal and their demands for citizenship rights in the Civil War era. When not doing history, Marshall devotes his time to music as a professional-grade bagpiper who has performed and competed across the U.S. and in Canada and Scotland.

Clarissa Peterson (Politics/African & African American Studies)

Dr. Clarissa Peterson holds the title of Professor of Politics and Professor of African and African American Studies, as well as Special Assistant to the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Faculty Affairs at Sewanee. She was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio and earned her Ph.D. from Emory University. Professor Peterson joined The University of the South in 2023 where she was the first, and only, Black woman to serve with the title of Professor. She is an award-winning teacher who has been recognized for her service, mentorship, and dedication to teaching. She will teach courses in both, politics and African and African American Studies. Her research focuses on the intersection between racial attitudes and the political behavior of people in the United States. Dr. Peterson’s work has been published in journals such as The National Review of Black Politics, The Journal of Black Studies, and the Journal of Race and Policy, and several book chapters. Her book 2022, Race and Policy co-authored with Emmitt Y. Riley III, Racial Attitudes Today: One Nation Still Divided, focuses on the relationship between racial resentment and American Politics. Professor Peterson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She loves traveling with her adult children, Ron, Deijhah, and Destiny, and nothing beats a good workout at the gym!

Liz Quinn-Stine (Math)

Liz was born in Princeton, NJ and was raised in an academic family. Liz earned a BA in Mathematics at Brown University and an MS in Geophysics at The University of Washington. Liz spent more than 26 years teaching primarily high school math and physics at a variety of private schools. She retired from SAS in 2019 and spent a couple of years relaxing before deciding to return to school as a student. Liz earned her MS in Mathematics with an Applied Statistics focus in May at UT Chattanooga where she was a teaching assistant. Liz is married and with two adult children who are working and living near DC and Boston. Her daughter Sam is a 2018 alumna of Sewanee. Liz spends much of her time taking care of her chickens, and two large dogs and doing yard work. Liz enjoys reading, hiking, Pilates, family gatherings, and spending time with her husband.

Emmitt Riley (Politics/African & African American Studies)

Dr. Emmitt Y. Riley, III is from the heart of the Mississippi Delta—Itta Bena, completed his undergraduate education at Mississippi Valley State University, earning dual bachelor's degrees in English and political science. He went on to attain a master's degree in political science from Jackson State University. Continuing his academic journey, he pursued a master's and Doctorate of Philosophy in political science with a specialization in American Politics and International Relations from The University of Mississippi. Dr. Riley's teaching and research interests span various subjects, including Race, Representation, Black Politics, Legislative Process and African and African American Studies. His research investigates the influence of African American political representation on racial attitudes and political behavior. Dr. Riley’s research has been published in the National Review of Black Politics, Journal of Black Studies and the Journal of Race and Policy. He is also Co-author of Racial Attitudes in America Today: One Nation, Still Divided. He has won several awards for excellence in teaching and service. Dr. Riley serves as the 42nd President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Dr. Riley's extensive work centers around diversifying the field of political science, providing opportunities for graduate students, junior scholars, and mid-career political scientists. As part of his presidential initiatives, Dr. Riley has introduced the Black Politics Author Speakers Series, which showcases the scholarly works of renowned experts in the field of Black Politics. This pioneering series aims to amplify the voices of political science that have often been marginalized and underrepresented in mainstream discourse. Additionally, Dr. Riley has appointed the NCOBPS Presidential Task Force for Political Engagement and Criminal Justice Reform, underscoring his commitment to addressing critical issues related to Black Politics.

Kevin Rodriquez (Biology)

I am excited to be embarking on a new chapter as a member of the Sewanee faculty. My academic journey led me to the University of California, Riverside, where I earned my B.S. in Biology and pursued a Ph.D. in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology. During my time at UC-Riverside, I studied the molecular mechanism of key molecules that govern stem cell maintenance. Through fruitful collaborations across various disciplines, we have integrated gene regulation, imagining, image analysis, and computer modeling to unveil the interplay of gene regulation, cellular identity, and tissue growth. Analysis of these regulatory genes, which have similar counterparts in agriculturally significant plant species, generated a library of floral organ mutants that enhance plant fruit yields. Understanding the development of a dynamic system between stem cells and organogenesis offers promising avenues for agricultural advancements. The next research goal is to dive into the intricate process of organogenesis. My overall goal is to deepen our understanding of fundamental biological processes but also expose the next generation of undergraduate students to the disciplines of molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. As I step into Sewanee, I am filled with enthusiasm for the innovative and collaborative atmosphere as well as an environment where I can foster a passion for scientific inquiry and exploration among my students.

Ross Sowell (Math & Computer Science)

Ross Sowell C'05 returns to the Mountain after spending the past twelve years teaching computer science at Rhodes College and Cornell College. He earned his Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and has research interests in human-robot interaction, computer graphics, and computer science education. When not in Woods Laboratories, Ross can be found in the forest, on a soccer field, or at Shenanigans.

Hunter Swenson (Art, Art History, and Visual Studies)

Hunter Swenson (they/them) is a new media artist, sculptor, and photographer born and raised in rural Colorado. They graduated from Sewanee in 2018 with dual degrees in Art and Philosophy and have a professional certificate from New York University Tandon School of Engineering in UX and New Interaction Design. Hunter’s work, drawn from lived experience and community, is split between the expression of how queerness manifests and forms itself in public and private spaces; and the quiet spaces within environments that act as pivotal moments of reflection and meditation. Hunter accomplishes this work using light, sound, installation, playful VR & AR experiences, sculpture, and photography. Since graduating from Sewanee, Hunter has worked as the printer and studio assistant to several artists, helped found an artist collective in Durango, Colorado, worked as a UX designer, and was a staff member at the Shakerag Workshops. Hunter has been published in Engaged Magazine, “Platinotype” by Pradip Malde, and self-published a zine. They have exhibited in Colorado and Tennessee, with the most recent at the Carlos Gallery here on campus. Hunter is currently a Visiting Instructor of Sculpture and Video.

Richard Tate (Anthropology)

Richard Tate's research is at the intersection of environmental anthropology, geography, and ethnobotany. He is especially interested in human knowledge about plants, and how landscape and lifestyle shape this vital interaction. Originally from Northern California, Richard is currently finishing his PhD dissertation from the University of Florida. He continues research projects in the country of Georgia (Caucasus), and is eager to initiate work in Appalachia.

Teri Terigele (Psychology)

Dr. Terigele teaches and researches around the topics of media effects, social identities, power dynamics, and intergroup interactions. She is interested in exploring mediated and personal contact in intercultural contexts, especially between the US and East Asian cultures. Dr. Terigele is particularly passionate about narratives and their effects on facilitating intergroup understanding and improving intergroup attitudes. She loves reading/watching great stories and travels a lot.

Sheahan Virgin (Politics)

Sheahan Virgin is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of the South, for which he will teach courses on American political institutions, including the presidency, Congress, and elections. In 2019, he received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Vanderbilt University. Prior to joining the faculty at Sewanee, Sheahan taught at his alma mater (2008), Grinnell College, for three years (2020 to 2023), as well as Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN (2019 to 2020). His research focuses on electoral rules and reform in the U.S., particularly the motivations that actors may have to change (or preserve) existing status quos. His work has been published in The American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) and Electoral Studies. Outside of academia, Sheahan enjoys spending time with his dog (Adlai) and listening to classical music.

Kayleigh Whitman (History/Women & Gender Studies)

Kayleigh Whitman is an American historian whose research focuses on the role of religious ideas in African American women’s international activism in the early twentieth century. She holds degrees from Florida State University, Brandeis University, and Vanderbilt University. Whitman also completed certificates in American Studies and College Teaching at Vanderbilt University. Her research has been supported by the Rose Library at Emory University, Smith College, the Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute, and the Massachusetts Historical Society through a NERFC Fellowship. She previously held an Andrew W. Mellon Graduate Fellowship in Digital Humanities at the Vanderbilt Center for Digital Humanities, which supported her public history work with local history non-profit Nashville Sites. Whitman’s public history work joins her interest in community engagement with education, while also considering how digital tools can aid in the expansion of local historical narratives to be more inclusive and representative of their constitutive communities. Her digital humanities work has been funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Partners for Humanities Collaboration and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Whitman is the co-creator of the digital project Plating the Past: A Year with the NCNW Cookbook, which explores how African American women used cooking and other domestic arts to promote Black history.

Andrew Maginn (History)

Andrew Maginn is an Atlantic World historian who specializes in the legacies of Slavery and Emancipation. His research interests include the history of Haitian trade, migration, and diplomacy during the nineteenth century. He is currently working on a book project exploring the experiences of three Haitian families, the Louverture, Christophe, and Toussaint, in France, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy during the long nineteenth century (1789-1880). Dr. Maginn offers courses in African American History that focus on connections to the African Diaspora and Atlantic World. Before his time in the History Department, Dr. Maginn taught at several colleges and universities, offering courses in the African Diaspora, World, American, as well as Latin American and Caribbean history within a multiplicity of disciplines. However, his most recent position was working as the Senior Research Associate and Program Coordinator for Sewanee’s Race and Reconciliation program, the Roberson Project. Dr. Maginn is the founder and director of the Haitians Abroad Digital Archive, which documents the Haitian émigré experience during the long nineteenth century (1791-1900). This work highlights how Haitian men and women, supported by kin and non-kin networks, traversed the Atlantic World, becoming integral parts of their newfound communities, all while maintaining their national identity.

Jordan Vera (Theatre)

Jordan Vera (he/him) is a freelance Lighting and Projection designer who works in Contemporary Theatre and Dance productions across the South East. He teaches Lighting Design, Projection Design, Sound Design, and Stage Management classes. Past credits include “Fun Home” (River & Rail Theatre), “ I and You” (Flying Anvil Theatre), “Detroit 67’” (Clarence Brown Theatre), “Lifespan of a Fact” (North Carolina Stage Company), and “Marvelous Wonderettes” (Oak ridge playhouse). MFA, University of Tennessee Knoxville, BFA, Florida International University.

Pandora White (Chemistry)

Pandora White, PhD, MPH is a visiting assistant professor in the department of chemistry. She received her PhD in biochemistry from The University of Alabama in 2019, MPH in epidemiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2020, MS in chemistry from The University of Alabama and BS in chemistry from Alcorn State University. Her research interests are in global health. Her hobbies include traveling.