
Faculty

- Name
- Abdalla Aldras
- Title
- Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 1981, Jordan University
M.S.P.H., 1987, Tulane University
Sc.D., 1991, Tulane University
- aaldras@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3704
- Campus Address
- SciTech 226
I teach Immunology, Mechanisms of Diseases, Parasitology, research in Biotechnology, and other courses
Curriculum Vitae
Research Interests
Host-parasite interactions, immunological assessments of host immune responses to
pathogens.
Immunological Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi Antigens in Lyme disease. Cross-reactivity
between Borrelia burgdorferi Antigens and human antigens
Evaluation of the Immune Responses in mice
immunized with West Nile Virus Proteins.
The Effect of Alternative Sugars on the Intestinal Flora and the immune responses
of Mouse model
Student Group Advising
Advisor for Biotechnology Majors, Medical Technology Majors and Laboratory Medicine concentration

- Name
- James Hunt
- Title
- Professor of Biology, Director of the Marine Science Program
B.S., 1988, University of Rochester
Ph.D., 1996, University of California, Los Angeles
- jhunt@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3715
- Campus Address
- SciTech 225
Dr. Hunt teaches Investigations in Marine Science, Introduction to Oceanography, Marine Biology, Behavior of Marine Organisms, Marine Aquaculture, Conservation in Marine Science, Marine Evolutionary Ecology on campus and Marine Ecology and Coral Reef Ecology off campus at the Chincoteague Bay Field Station. His research is on the ecology and behavior of marine invertebrates, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Teaching Interest
Oceanography
Marine Biology
Ecology
Research Interest
Behavior and Ecology of marine animals
Climate Change impacts on the oceans
Service
Director of the Marine Science Program
Member of the ESU Council on Undergraduate Research
Student Group Advising
Marine Science Club Advisor
Publications & Presentations
Provost Colloquium: Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Our Oceans

- Name
- Christopher L. Kavanau
- Title
- Assistant Professor of Biology, Pre-PT Program Coordinator
B.S., 2004, California State University Los Angeles
Ph.D., 2010, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, of New York University
- ckavanau@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-2215
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 105
Dr. Kavanau is a computational neuroscientist, with a special interest in artificial neural networks. Dr. Kavanau teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology lectures & labs, introductory biology labs as well as BIOL 496 Seminar II. His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence and computational neuroscience to both electron microscopy image analysis and the analysis of the complex mixtures of signals found in the brain.

- Name
- Thomas C. LaDuke
- Title
- Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 1981, Michigan State University
M.S., 1983, Michigan State University
Ph.D., 1991, City University of New York
- tcladuke@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3520
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 128
I am a broadly trained organismal biologist with interests in Vertebrate Anatomy, Herpetology, Biology of Tropical Ecosystems and Vertebrate Paleontology. At ESU I teach Field Zoology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Herpetology and Tropical Ecosystems
Research Interest
I am currently working on a project to develop a methodology for effectively monitoring
Timber Rattlesnake populations in the state of Pennsylvania that will combine field
survey work with GIS methodology for evaluating changes in habitat quality.
I am considered an expert on the identification and study of fossil snakes.
I have conducted several research projects in Costa Rica on tropical reptiles and
amphibians in conjunction with my graduate students.
I have participated in research on West African Chimpanzees in Senegal.
Service
I am the chair of the IACUC committee at ESU.
I am a member of the Stony Acres Advisory Board.
I serve on the Green Campus Committee.
Student Group Advising
I am advisor to the Biology Club and am also the informal advisor to our Pre-Veterinary students within the Pre-Med concentration.
Publications & Presentations
Lattanzio, Matthew S. and Thomas C. LaDuke. 2012. Habitat use and activity budgets
of emerald basilisks (Basiliscus plumifrons) in northeast Costa Rica. Copeia 2012(3):465-471.
LaDuke, Thomas C., David W. Krause, John D. Scanlon, and Nathan J. Kley. 2010. A Late
Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) snake assemblage from the Maevarano Formation, Mahajanga
Basin, Madagascar. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 30(1):109-138.
Pruetz, J. D. and LaDuke, T. C. 2010, Brief communication: Reaction to fire by savanna
chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Fongoli, Senegal: Conceptualization of “fire
behavior” and the case for a chimpanzee model. American Journal of Physical Anthropology,
141: 646–650.
Grant, P.B.C., Lewis, T.R., LaDuke, T.C. & Ryall, C. (2008). Caiman crocodilus (Spectacled
Caiman). Opportunistic foraging. Herpetological Review 39 (3): 345-346.
Lewis, T. R., Grant, P. Quesada, M. G. Ryall, C. and T. C. LaDuke. 2010. A botanical
survey of Caño Palma Biological Station (Estacion Biologica Caño Palma), Tortuguero,
Costa Rica. Brenesia 73-74:73-84.

- Name
- Joshua Loomis
- Title
- Associate Professor of Biology
B.A., 1998, University of Florida
Ph.D., 2003, Pennsylvania State University
- jloomis2@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-2708
- Campus Address
- SciTech 224
I am a microbiologist who conducts research on mixed microbial biofilms, antibiotics, and the history of epidemic diseases.
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Interest
Microbiology
Applied Microbiology
Pathogenic Microbiology
Genetics
Virology
Research Interest
Microbial Biofilms
Soil Microbiology
Antibiotic discovery
History of epidemic diseases
Student Group Advising
Pre-Medicine Club
MEDLIFE
Publications & Presentations
Hickman, H.D., K. Takeda, C.N. Skon, F.R. Murray, S.E. Hensley, J. Loomis, G.N. Barber, J.R. Bennink, J.W. Yewdell. Direct priming of antiviral CD8+ T cells in the peripheral interfollicular region of lymph nodes. Nature Immunology. 2008 Feb; 9(2): 155-165.
Lin, Y.J., L. Alsad, F. Vogel, S. Koppar, L. Nevarez, F. Auguste, J. Seymour, A. Syed, K. Christoph, and J. S. Loomis. Interactions between Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus within mixed species biofilms. BIOS. 2013 Mar; 84(1): 30-39.
Loomis, JS. Epidemics: The Impact of Germs and Their Power Over Humanity. 1st ed. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO/Praeger; 2018.
Andrew Bischer and Joshua S. Loomis. Isolation of a novel antibiotic producer from the genus Microbacterium. To be submitted (Spring 2019)

- Name
- Emily Rollinson
- Title
- Assistant Professor of Biology
B.A., 2009, Skidmore College
Ph.D., 2016, State University of New York at Stony Brook
- erollinson@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3971
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 103
I teach Plant Ecology, Field Botany, and a graduate course in Research Design and Analysis, as well as General Ecology and Biology II labs. My research focuses on plant community ecology, riparian habitats, and invasive plant species.
Teaching Interest
My teaching interests are in botany, plant ecology, and in experimental design and analysis. I currently teach Field Botany and Plant Ecology, as well as a graduate course in Research Design and Analysis for Biologists, which uses the programming language R to explore methods of analysis for complex experimental designs.
Research Interest
My research explores the community ecology of plants, with particular focus on plants found in riparian zones. This includes understanding how disturbances (like flood events) affect plant diversity in riparian zones and the establishment of invasive plants in these habitats. I advise student research on a broad range of topics within plant ecology.
Service
I serve as a member of the steering committee and student research subcommittees of Pennsylvania Botany. I am also the faculty advisor for the ESU Campus Arboretum, established by the ESU Environmental Club. Additionally, I am the ESU Assistant Director for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists, and the Green Agriculture Working Group leader for the ESU Green Infrastructure Initiative.
Student Group Advising
I am an advisor for the Environmental Club.
Publications & Presentations
Selected publications:
E.J. Rollinson, C.M. Foley, and N.A. Friedenberg. 2017. Conservation Plans for Similar
Species: Strategies, Methods, and Case Studies. Electric Power Research Institute,
Palo Alto, CA. Product ID 3002012102.
Lowry, E., E.J. Rollinson, A.J. Laybourn, T. Scott, M. Aiello-Lammens, S.M. Gray,
J. Mickley, and J. Gurevitch. 2013. Biological invasions: a field synopsis, systematic
review and database of the literature. Ecology and Evolution 3(1): 182-196.
Selected presentations:
Rollinson, E.J. Trait diversity and composition of introduced and native components
of riparian plant communities. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting 2017.
Rollinson, E.J. An experimental approach to understanding the role of flooding in
riparian plant communities. Botanical Society of America Annual Meeting 2017.

- Name
- Thomas Tauer
- Title
- Professor of Biology
B.S., 1990, St. Cloud State University
Ph.D., 1996, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- ttauer@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3142
- Campus Address
- SciTech 227
I am a cell and molecular biologist with specific interests in molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and characterization of protein coding sequences. I teach courses in introductory biology, biotechnology, and eukaryotic cell culture.

- Name
- Matthew Wallace
- Title
- Professor of Biology, Department Chair
B.S., 1995, University of Connecticut
M.S., 1999, North Carolina State University
Ph.D., 2003, North Carolina State University
- mwallace@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3720
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 201
I teach Entomology courses and various introductory Biology Laboratories. My training is in insect systematics and taxonomy--the science of insect diversity and classification. I conduct research on an interesting family of insects, the treehoppers.

- Name
- Howard P. (Sandy) Whidden
- Title
- Professor of Biology
B.S., 1981, Hobart College
M.S., 1987, University of Vermont
M.S., 1989, University of Florida
Ph.D., 1995, University of Massachusetts
- hwhidden@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3714
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 130
I am a mammalogist with broad interests in the biology of mammals, including their natural history, conservation, morphology, and systematics.
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Interest
I teach upper-level courses in Mammalogy and Conservation Biology, plus Introductory Biology lectures and labs and a non-majors course on Human Ecology.
Research Interest
I have an active research program that involves ESU undergraduates and Master’s students, and I have students doing research both in the laboratory and in the field. Most of my current research concerns the natural history and conservation of Pennsylvania's mammals, especially small mammals and bats.
Service
I am a member of the Biology Department's Graduate Admissions Committee and I also serve on ESU's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Publications & Presentations
Schell, J.M., E.J. Rollinson, and H.P. Whidden. 2021. Detection and distribution of eastern small-footed bats (Myotis leibii) in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 94: 7–24.
Newbern, J.L., and H.P. Whidden. 2019. Dietary analysis of three migratory bats in eastern Pennsylvania. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 93:26–36.
Dodd, R.W., and H.P. Whidden. 2018. Dietary analysis of red foxes, gray foxes, and coyotes in eastern Pennsylvania. Journal of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science 92:36–52.
Schell, J.M., and H.P. Whidden. 2017. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area summer building survey. Submitted to: National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. 48 pp.
Hauer, C.L., E.E. McGovern, and H.P. Whidden. 2016. Impacts of White-nose Syndrome on bats in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Pages 167–179 in: C. M. Butchkoski et al., editors. Conservation and Ecology of Pennsylvania's Bats. Pennsylvania Academy of Science.
Wolbert, S.J., A.S. Zellner, and H.P. Whidden. 2014. Bat activity, insect biomass, and temperature along an elevational gradient. Northeastern Naturalist, 21: 72–85.

- Name
- Jennifer White
- Title
- Associate Professor of Biology
B.A., 1986, Dartmouth College
Ph.D., 1993, State University of New York at Stony Brook
- jwhite@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3712
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 129
I study and teach about anatomy, functional morphology, and development of humans and other mammals.
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Interest
I teach upper-level courses in Histology and Embryology, as well as introductory-level Human Anatomy & Physiology lectures and labs. I also co-facilitate two cross-disciplinary courses in Health Coaching.
Research Interest
I am a vertebrate anatomist with interests in functional and developmental morphology. Some current projects involve stomach histology in relation to diet, and limb morphology and reproductive anatomy of small mammals. Research techniques include dissection, histological slide preparation, and microscopy.
Service
I serve on the East Stroudsburg University Assessment Committee. I am also the Treasurer-elect for the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. I recently helped coordinate a Girls in Science day of events for visitors from local schools.
Student Group Advising
I am faculty advisor for the Pre-Physician Assistant student club.
Publications & Presentations
White, J.L. and Umberger, J. 2014. Assessing Mating Readiness in Male Migratory Bats from Pennsylvania. Journal of Pennsylvania Academy of Science 88(4): 235-246.
White, J. L. 2012. Phylogenetic and functional diversity of West Indian sloths. In: R. Borroto-Paez, C. A. Woods, and F. E. Sergile (eds.), Terrestrial Mammals of the West Indies; Contributions. Gainesville, FL: Florida Museum of Natural History Press, pp. 317-336.
Barrieres, K., J. L. White, C. J. Cerra, and J. P. Tinsley. 2011. Morphometric Analysis of Nuclei, Lumens, and Shape of Lactiferous Ducts in Cancerous Breast Tissue. Journal of Pennsylvania Academy of Science 85(4): 174-182.
Myla Keiling and Jennifer L. White. 2017. Gross and Histological Study of the Stomach in Small Mammals. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Gianeli Ortiz and Jennifer L. White. 2017. Functional Anatomy of the Manus in Rodents. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Jennifer L. White. 2016. Female Reproductive Morphology of Pennsylvania Bats. East Stroudsburg University Firecracker Faculty Research Symposium.
Kimberly Arendt and Jennifer L. White. 2015. Histological Analysis of the Effects of Exercise on the Development of Bone in Mice. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

- Name
- Tracy Whitford
- Title
- Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., 1984, Wright State University
Ph.D., 1993, State University of New York at Stony Brook
- twhitford@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3713
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 104

- Name
- Paul Wilson
- Title
- Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 1988, Lafayette College
Ph.D., 1996, Washington University
- pwilson@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3212
- Campus Address
- SciTech 229
I am interested in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science. My research and course offerings reflect this.
Teaching Interest
While I have taught a wide variety of classes I most enjoy teaching in the areas of Environmental Science, Evolutionary Biology and Ecology. This interest is reflected in three of the classes I normally offer. Stream Ecology, Organic Evolution and Environmental Biology.
Research Interest
While my graduate research was on the biogeography of freshwater fish I have since refocused my efforts on more traditional freshwater ecology. In particular I am involved with ongoing monitoring of aquatic ecosystems as part of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI). This work is well suited to involvement of undergraduate researchers. You can learn more at https://4states1source.org/
Service
My community service is often related to freshwater ecology. I assist groups such as the Brodhead Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited, Monroe County Conservation District, and local hunting and fishing clubs. In most cases students can become involved in these activities as well.
Student Group Advising
Environmental Club
Charity Water

- Name
- Heather Dominguez
- Title
- Biology Secretary
- hdominguez@esu.edu
- Phone
- (570) 422-3725
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall 126
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- Moore Biology Hall
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3725
- Fax:
- (570) 422-3724 (Fax)
- Title of Department Leader
- Department Chair
- Name
- Matthew Wallace
- E:
- mwallace@esu.edu
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3720