Faculty — N
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Najor, Nicole A.
Nicole A. Najor
Associate Professor of Biology, teaches courses in the areas of cell and molecular biology. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of the protein complex called the COP9 signalosome in skin development using mammalian cell culture lines. She received her B.S. in Biology from University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ, her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University School of Medicine. As a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow, she received Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Awards from the National Institute of Health. She has also published in top journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, the Journal of Clinical Investigation, and the Journal of Cell Biology. Dr. Najor joined òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ in 2016.
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Ndiogou, Baye Alioune
Baye Alioune Ndiogou
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. His research focuses on advancing energy solutions that drive decarbonization, conservation strategies, and multi-sectoral energy transitions. Dr. Ndiogou earned his Ph.D. in Energy Systems and Environment from the Polytechnic School of the University of Cheikh Anta Diop, specializing in Solar Thermal Technologies. His academic work integrates thermal-fluid systems, thermodynamics, and energy modeling, with a strong emphasis on computational simulations, energy policy, and sustainable building practices. Before joining òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ, Dr. Ndiogou held a faculty position at the Dakar American University of Science and Technology (DAUST). He has extensive experience leading energy and sustainability projects, including solar PV facilities, solar thermal systems, and energy efficiency strategies for buildings and industries. His work has contributed to carbon reduction initiatives and renewable energy policies across different sectors, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world challenges. Beyond academia, as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Dr. Ndiogou has worked as a consultant and project specialist with organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Soltrain West Africa initiative, where he helped develop decarbonization policies and sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Ndiogou joined òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ in 2024.
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Neely, Anthony
Anthony Neely
Associate Professor, Division Graduate Education, Division of Clinical Essentials and Simulation, has taught periodontology at both undergraduate and graduate levels for more than 28 years. He lectures locally, nationally and internationally on topics ranging from the relationship between systemic disease and oral disease to implant dentistry. His research interests include longitudinal progression of periodontal disease, the relationship between systemic diseases and periodontal and oral health, and determinants of peri-implant bone loss over time. He has published numerous scientific articles and has presented the results of his research locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Neely is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He earned a Bachelors’ of Science in Education (BSE) Degree in Biology from Arkansas State University and a D.D.S. degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. His Master's of Dental Science degree in Periodontopathobiology and Certificate in Periodontics were earned at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He earned a Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University’s School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He recently completed 18 months of training in the Ignatian Colleagues Program at University of òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ. In addition to these duties Dr. Neely maintains a part-time practice limited to Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. He joined the University in 1999.
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Nelson, Kristin M.
Kristin M. Nelson
Associate Professor of Architecture, teaches building technology and architectural design. Nelson’s research investigates the building envelope as a system to regulate and transform numerous environmental factors, the development of innovative building technology pedagogy and the integration of building technology into the design studio. She is a registered architect and co-founder of the collaborative design practice, THINKtank Design Studio. Nelson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design with Honors from the University of Iowa and a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. She taught at the University of Florida and Iowa State University before joining the University in 2018.
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Newness, Elmer J.
Elmer J. Newness
Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Clinical Essentials and Simulation, Director, Clinical Essentials and Simulation, teaches clinical responsibilities to dental students, serves as faculty facilitator in essentials of clinical practice, dental rounds, and developing communications skills to dental students. Dr. Newness has served in the dental student laboratory simulation courses, as clinical faculty in the third and fourth year dental clinic, new patient screening, emergency clinic, and the AEGD clinic, and served in the summer enrichment program while at òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ. Additional responsibilities include advising and mentoring dental students. His professional interests include evidence based dentistry, practice management and ethics. Dr. Newness holds a D.D.S. degree from The Ohio State University, a general practice residency certificate from Western Reserve Care/Northside Medical Center, and a M.B.A. degree from University of Phoenix. Dr. Newness joined the School of Dentistry in 2013.
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Nicholson, Claire
Claire Nicholson
Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program, College of Health Professions. She is an alumnus of òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ’s 5-year PA Program with a clinical background in Urgent Care and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat). Professor Nicholson's interests include research, simulation education, and mentoring others. Professor Nicholson also enjoys giving back by volunteering her time with animal rescue and community outreach organizations that serve the city of Detroit and surrounding communities.
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Nyutu, Eva
Eva Nyutu
Assistant Professor of Biology, has expertise in the areas of ecology/zoology, plant biology, and discipline-based science education in the biological sciences. Dr. Nyutu’s research focuses on incorporating evidence-based classroom practices and assessments and developing assessment tools to measure effective instruction in undergraduate STEM classrooms to improve student persistence and retention. She is also interested in assessing courses employing Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and developing active learning pedagogical techniques. Dr. Nyutu is also interested in understanding the impacts of human activity on aquatic ecosystems. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles and presented at regional and national conferences. She received a B.S. from the University of Nairobi, an M.S, from Western Kentucky University, an M.S. from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. Dr. Nyutu joined òòò½ÎÑÊÓÆµ in fall 2021.