New Faculty and Faculty Administrators 2010

College of Health Sciences

Dr. James D. Blando, Assistant Professor of Community and Environmental Health, received a Ph.D. in 1999 from the Environmental Science, Exposure Measurement and Assessment Division at Rutgers University, a Master of Health Science in Industrial Hygiene and Safety Sciences in 1995 from Johns Hopkins University and a B.S. in Environmental Science in 1992 from Rutgers University. Previously he was a Research Scientist for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental, and Occupational Health.

Ms. Ann Poindexter Bruhn, Instructor of Dental Hygiene, received an M.S. and B.S. in Dental Hygiene, in 2007 and 2006 respectively, from Old Dominion University. She has been a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Katherine V. Dean, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia in 2003 from Virginia Commonwealth University - Medical College of Virginia and a B.S. in Nursing in 1985 from Kent State University. Previously she was a Staff Nurse Anesthetist at Virginia Commonwealth University - Medical College of Virginia and at Sentara Careplex Hospital.

Ms. Joyce Marie Downs, Instructor of Dental Hygiene received an M.S. and B.S. in Dental Hygiene, in 2008 and 2001 respectively, from Old Dominion University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Services Research from Old Dominion University. She has been a Graduate Research Assistant in the School of Community and Environmental Health and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Beth Elya-Stephan, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S.N. in 1999 from Old Dominion University and a B.S.N. in 1989 from the University of Michigan. Previously she was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Atlantic Anesthesia, Inc.

Dr. Christianne Nesbitt Fowler, Assistant Professor of Nursing, received a Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2010 from Old Dominion University, a Post Masters Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and an M.S., Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, in 1998 and 1996 respectively, from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, and a B.S. in Nursing in 1981 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has been a Lecturer in the School of Nursing at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Shannon Harrington, Lecturer of Nursing, received a Master's in the Science of Nursing in 2005 from the University of Virginia School of Nursing, a B.S. in Nursing in 2002 from Old Dominion University and is enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing. She has been an Instructor of Nursing at Old Dominion University and Staff Nurse on the Medical-Surgical Oncology Unit at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Loree C. Heller, Associate Professor of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, received a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1993 from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, an M.S. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology in 1984 from Long Island University and a B.S. in Microbiology in 1979 from Oregon State University. She has been a Research Associate Professor for the Center for Bioelectrics at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Karen E. Higgins-Gillikin, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S. in Nurse Anesthesia in 1996 from Virginia Commonwealth University, an M.S. in 1991 also from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a B.S. in Nursing in 1987 from Old Dominion University. Previously she was a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with Atlantic Anesthesia, Inc. and an adjunct faculty member at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Pamela S. Hilke, Instructor of Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, received a Masters in Professional Leadership in 2001 from Carlow University and a B.A. in Biology from Virginia Wesleyan College. Previously she was a Cytotechnologist at Laboratory Corporation of America.

Ms. Margaret F. Lemaster, Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene, received an M.S. in Dental Hygiene in 2009 from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Dental Hygiene in 1992, also from Old Dominion University. Previously she was in private practice and an adjunct faculty member and clinical instructor in the School of Dental Hygiene at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Debra Murray, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S.N. in Primary Care Nurse Practitioner/Community Health Leadership in 2005 from the University of Virginia, a Master's in Human Relations in 2001 from the University of Oklahoma, a B.S.N. in 1995 from Pennsylvania State University and is pursuing a D.N.P. in Pediatric Health Disparities at the University of Virginia. Previously she was a Primary Care Manager at Atlantic Pediatric Specialists and an Adjunct Faculty member at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Tara L. Newcomb, Instructor of Dental Hygiene, received an M.S. and a B.S. in Dental Hygiene, in 2008 and 2002 respectively, from Old Dominion University. She has been a Registered Dental Hygienist and an Adjunct Faculty Member in the Old Dominion University Care Clinic.

Ms. Jacquelyn M. Nielson, Marketing Coordinator, School of Nursing, received an A.A.S. in Nursing in 1998 from Tidewater Community College, a B.S. in Education/Vocational Education Studies in 1992 from Southern Illinois University and an A.A.S. in Marketing and Merchandising in 1979 from Tidewater Community College. Previously she was an Administrator with the Virginia Surgery Center.

Ms. Rebecca Deal Poston, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S. in Nursing in 2005 from Old Dominion University, a B.S in Nursing and a B.A. in Religious Studies, in 2003 and 1999 respectively, from the University of Virginia and is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Nursing at the University of Virginia. Previously she was an Allergy and Immunology Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters.

Dr. Kathleen Forst Putnam, Assistant Professor of Nursing, received a Ph.D. and an M.S. in Nursing, in 2008 and 1992 respectively, from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia and a B.S.N. in 1976 from Old Dominion University. She has been a Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing and Adjunct Faculty member at Old Dominion University.

Dr. Michelle T. Renaud, Assistant Professor of Nursing, received a Ph.D. in 2000 from the University of Washington, an M.S.N. in 1984 from the University of Colorado and a B.S.N. in 1972 from the University of Connecticut. She has been a Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing at Old Dominion University.

Dr. Emmanuel M. Rudatsikira, Professor and Chair of the School of Community and Environmental Health, received a Doctorate in Public Health in 2007 and an M.P.H. in 1995 from Loma Linda University, and he holds an M.D. from Kinshasa University and a Certificate in the Management of Health Emergencies in Large Populations from Johns Hopkins University. Previously he was Professor of Public Health at San Diego State University and Associate Clinical Professor of Global Health at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health, co-Director of the San Diego State University Institute for Public Security and Health, and Director of the M.S. Program in Global Emergency Preparedness and Response at San Diego State.

Dr. Pamela B. Sharp, Lecturer of Nursing, received a Ph.D. in Nursing in 2008 from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.S. and B.S. in Nursing, in 2002 and 1999 respectively, from Hampton University. Previously she was an Associate Professor of Nursing at Thomas Nelson Community College and a Registered Nurse for Progressive Nursing Staffers.

Ms. Christine Ann Sump, Lecturer of Nursing, received an M.S.N. and a Teaching Certification, in 2007 and 1999 respectively, from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Nursing in 1980 from St. Joseph College. She has been an Adjunct Nursing Instructor at Old Dominion University.

Ms. Kelly Tanner Williams, Visiting Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene, received an M.S. in Dental Hygiene in 2002 from Old Dominion University and a B.S. in Dental Hygiene in 1996, also from Old Dominion University. Previously she was President and Owner of Exceed Dental, LLC, Consulting and Recruiting and an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene at Virginia Commonwealth University.