Quality leadership fuels quality education among students. 

The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) is excited to welcome four new faculty members, who will further the knowledge base available to students in the college. 

Getting to know the new faculty  

The new faculty leadership in CNAS include: 

Dr. Tuhina Banerjee – assistant professor of chemistry 

Tuhina Banerjee completed her bachelor’s of science and master’s of science in chemistry at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India. 

She then went on to receive her PhD from the India Institute of Technology, Bombay in Mumbai, India. 

Banerjee has also done postdoctoral research at Wayne State University, University of Central Florida and Pittsburg State University.​ 

Her research specialty

Banerjee investigates the interface of chemistry and biochemistry.  

She strives to understand how microbes or viruses sustain themselves within the organisms that host them. She also looks at the internal interactions that lead to diseases involving misfolded proteins.  

Her inspiration for joining the MSU faculty

Banerjee valued the diversity promoted by MSU.  

This paired with the quality leadership team serving in CNAS made the university a great fit.  

“I am excited to join the diverse environment of CNAS faculty members, who possess excellent leadership skills,” Banerjee said, “and to continue building my love of teaching at Missouri State.” 

Dr. Mukulika Ghosh – assistant professor of computer science 

Mukulika Ghosh completed her bachelor’s of science in computer science at the National Institute of Technology in Durgapur, India.  

She then went on to receive her master’s of science and PhD from Texas A&M University. 

Ghosh engaged in postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland. 

Her research specialty

Ghosh studies robotics and computational geometry.  

With these focus areas, she creates algorithms for mapping objects’ motion and the geometric distance they cover.  

“Missouri State will offer my first experience with teaching these research areas in the classroom environment,” Ghosh said.  

Her inspiration for joining the MSU faculty

Ghosh has always had a passion for teaching at the university level.  

At MSU, she can fulfill this passion while also investing in quality research.  

“I hope to actively contribute to the excellent on-going research occurring at the university,” Ghosh said, “and I look forward to collaborating with other faculty members on the efforts.” 

Dr. Daniel Moreno – assistant professor of engineering 

Daniel Moreno completed his bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. 

He then went on to receive his master’s of science and PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

Moreno pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Kentucky. 

His research specialty

Moreno strives to promote alternative and renewable energy sources.  

He integrates electrochemistry – the interactions between chemical reactions and electricity – with traditional concepts from mechanical engineering like thermal and fluid sciences into his research.  

“At MSU, I hope to bring in a multidisciplinary group of researchers from different engineering backgrounds, as well as chemistry and materials science,” Moreno said. “Together, we can work on transitioning from the fundamentals of renewable energy sources to their practical application in the market.” 

His inspiration for joining the MSU faculty

The many facilities and collaborations across CNAS departments available at MSU attracted Moreno to the university.  

He also appreciated the opportunities for course and curriculum development within the cooperative engineering program offered at MSU.  

Moreno considers such potential course development a key motivator of his decision to pursue an academic career following his own student experience, he shares. 

“I look forward to serving as a mentor and educator for students, and assisting them in their professional development,” Moreno said. “Everyone brings different backgrounds and experiences to the classroom, which creates the chance to advance diversity and inclusion in the campus environment.”  

Dr. Tasnuba Jerin – assistant professor of geography, geology and planning 

Tasnuba Jerin completed her bachelor’s of science and master’s of science at the University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

She then went on to receive her PhD from the University of Kentucky. 

Jerin has engaged in postdoctoral research at the University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. 

Her research specialty

Jerin specializes in studying the processes involved in forming landforms and rivers, among other bodies of water that create or maintain habitats.  

She also integrates geospatial methods and techniques to investigate riverine landscapes with stream channels, floodplains and valleys. 

Jerin will pursue these focus areas at the university by working closely with the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute (OEWRI) housed by the GGP department.  

“I look forward to getting involved with OEWRI’s many research activities,” Jerin said. “The institute engages in an array of collaborative research projects, including those with federal and state agencies, university researchers, environmental groups and local communities.” 

Her inspiration for joining the MSU faculty

Jerin appreciated that MSU supports academic excellence and public affairs involvement.  

She found the university’s focus on community engagement to be particularly valuable for shaping students into quality contributors to their communities. 

“I believe that having the opportunity to work with communities is of considerable importance, as it helps students become informed and active citizens throughout the learning process,” Jerin said. “I look forward to contributing to the public affairs activities and mission areas at MSU and working with students of the campus community.” 

Welcome to CNAS, all!