The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) welcomes six new faculty members to Missouri State University this fall.

From exploring galaxies beyond the Milky Way to studying the movement of metals through water, these faculty members bring a wide range of research interests and experiences to the classroom.

Get to know them

They include:

Dr. Benjamin Davis – assistant professor of astrophysics

Davis earned dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physics from Pittsburg State University before completing his PhD in Space and Planetary Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Prior to Missouri State, his career included research and teaching positions in Arkansas, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

Davis specializes in extragalactic astronomy, studying galaxies beyond the Milky Way.

His research examines galaxy structure and evolution, black holes and the relationships between black holes and their host galaxies. He also uses artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science to investigate how physical processes shape the universe.

This fall, Davis teaches AST 113 Modern Astronomy and PHY 319 Mathematics for Science and Engineering I.

His interest in astrophysics grew from a love of mathematics and a desire to use it to answer questions about the real world.

He chose Missouri State because of the people, collaborative atmosphere and CNAS’s commitment to teaching and research.

“I hope students see they can participate in globally relevant science right here at Missouri State,” Davis said.

Dr. Nadje Najar – assistant professor of biology

Najar majored in neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, where she discovered her interest in birds and their communication systems. She went on to earn her PhD in Biological Education from the University of Northern Colorado, studying song complexity in rock wrens.

Her professional experience includes postdoctoral research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of California, Riverside. At UC Riverside, she studied the genomics of hummingbird courtship displays and migratory behavior. She also taught several courses.

Najar’s research focuses on the ecology and evolution of bird behavior, particularly communication signals and migration. Her work combines field and laboratory research, including observing and recording birds, surveying and banding populations, analyzing DNA and studying bird flight behavior.

At Missouri State, she is investigating behaviors, such as dipping and teetering, as well as the evolution of song repertoires in songbirds. She also collaborates with the Missouri Department of Conservation on bird surveys and habitat efforts in Southwest Missouri.

Najar originally planned to become a neurologist, but her experience working at the Lawrence Hall of Science, a children’s science museum in Berkeley, from 2006-08 changed her career path.

While educating visitors about animals, she developed a passion for learning and teaching. Later, courses in integrative biology introduced her to the study of bird behavior and communication.

For Najar, academia allows her to combine the parts of her work she enjoys most: learning, teaching and research. At Missouri State, she teaches courses including BIO 101 Biology in Your World, BIO 539 Biogeography, BIO 550 Statistics for Biologists, BIO 561 Environmental Issues and Education and SCI 783 Internship in Teaching Secondary Science.

She is excited to involve students in research on bird behavior, ecology and evolution while mentoring and helping them develop skills and experiences for their future careers.

Her work as an ornithologist (a scientist who studies birds, including their behavior, biology, ecology and evolution) connects her with members of the public who have questions about birds. She hopes to continue serving the community as an educator and biology expert.

Dr. Ellie Wallace – assistant professor of biology

Wallace earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, her master’s degree in marine and environmental biology from Nichollas State University and her PhD in Ecology from Utah State University.

She also completed a postdoctoral position at Iowa State University and has worked with organizations, including the University of Notre Dame’s Environmental Research Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Wallace’s research centers on fisheries and fish ecology. She currently works with the Missouri Department of Conservation to develop fisheries-related research projects throughout Missouri and the region. Her work examines fish populations, ecology and the effects of management and human activity.

Wallace teaches BIO 575/675 Ichthyology, BIO 532/BIO 632 Principles of Fisheries Management, BIO 597/697 Fisheries Techniques and BIO 586/686 Fish Ecology. She has always enjoyed education and outreach, particularly when they involve field and research experiences.

“Mentoring students and watching them gain confidence in their skills has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” she said.

The Ozarks’ biodiversity and abundance of freshwater fish also made Missouri State an exciting fit for her research interests.

Dr. Brigette Williams – assistant professor of biology

Williams has a long connection to Missouri State. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology from Drury University before completing her master’s degree in plant science at Missouri State. She later earned her PhD in Biology-Plant Epigenomics from Saint Louis University.

Her career has also included postdoctoral research at Idaho State University and the Missouri Botanical Garden, as well as work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Williams studies plant epigenomics, genetics and the ways plants respond to their environments.

Her current research uses genetics and other -omics approaches to better understand how plants adapt to changing environmental conditions. Her work supports the conservation of rare and at-risk plant species.

Williams teaches BIO 235 Genetics and BIO 236 Genetics Lab this semester. She will teach an upper-division genomics course next spring.

Her passion for science, research and working with students led her to a career in higher education.

The strength and collegiality of the department of biology, along with CNAS’s role in the university’s growth, drew her back to Missouri State.

Dr. Shannon Flynn – assistant professor of geology

Flynn grew up in northern Wisconsin and initially planned to pursue environmental engineering. An undergraduate course on environmental processes and copper contamination changed his path and sparked his interest in geochemistry.

He earned his PhD in Geomicrobiology/Geochemistry at the University of Notre Dame before completing postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta. In 2017, he began his academic career at Newcastle University in England, where he taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students.

Flynn specializes in aqueous geochemistry, focusing on how metals and contaminants move through water.

At Missouri State, his research will examine rock weathering for low-cost soil fertilizers and critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements. He will also explore how plants can help recover valuable minerals from mine waste.

Flynn teaches GLG 114 Earth Survival Guide this fall and GLG 782 Contaminant Hydrology next spring.

His curiosity has been central to his career. An undergraduate research experience inspired him to study cave systems and work with a mentor who shared his enthusiasm for discovery.

The welcoming, community-focused atmosphere he experienced during his interview drew him to Missouri State.

“I left knowing this is the type of place and community I want to be part of,” Flynn said.

Dr. Yun Shi – assistant professor of mathematics

Shi earned a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Her research involves algebraic geometry and homological algebra. Her work uses derived categories of coherent sheaves to explore problems in geometry and topology.

These methods offer new ways to understand geometric structures and uncover connections among different areas of mathematics.

Shi enjoys exploring mathematical ideas, teaching and working with students. At Missouri State, she teaches MTH 261 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1.

She wants to help students develop strong mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills while gaining confidence in their understanding of calculus.

“I look forward to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for mathematics and helping students discover what they can achieve,” she said.

Missouri State and CNAS’s commitment to teaching, research and close collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students drew her to the university.

The diverse expertise of these six faculty members strengthens CNAS and expands opportunities for students across the college.

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