Join us in congratulating these College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) faculty members whose distinguished contributions in teaching, research and service earned them an endowed professorship at Missouri State University.

Roy D. Blunt Life Science Professors

Dr. Deb Finn, associate professor of biology

Finn earned her PhD in Ecology from Colorado State University. She teaches courses spanning general biology, stream ecology, aquatic entomology and scientific writing. Her work emphasizes ecological systems, particularly aquatic environments, and she plays a key role in graduate education and research training within the life sciences.

 

 

Dr. Razib Iqbal, professor of computer science

Iqbal earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Ottawa. His research interests include multimedia systems, Internet of Things, software quality and K-12 computer science education. He has received multiple honors, including the Atwood Research and Teaching Award and Outstanding Thesis Advisor Award at Missouri State.

 

 

Dr. Kyoungtae Kim, department head and distinguished professor of biology

Kim is a nationally recognized educator and researcher. He earned his PhD in Cell and Molecular Genetics from Florida State University and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis. His research focuses on intracellular trafficking, membrane organization and nanomaterial-mediated gene expression. He has received many state, university and college-level awards for excellence in research, teaching, mentoring and service.

 

 

Dr. Gary Michelfelder, director of the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

Michelfelder holds a PhD in Earth Science from Montana State University. His research emphasizes volcanology, isotope geochemistry, magma systems and crustal evolution. He has served in leadership roles within the Geological Society of America and is a former U.S. Army engineer. He teaches mineralogy, petrology, volcanology and advanced field-based graduate courses.

 

 

Dr. Cyren Rico, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry

Rico earned his PhD in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso. He completed postdoctoral research with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the National Research Council. He teaches general and environmental chemistry and conducts research on engineered nanomaterials, environmental chemistry and food-chain exposure pathways. His work applies advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to understand nanomaterial behavior and environmental impact.

 

Dr. Steven Senger, professor of mathematics

Senger earned his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Missouri. He teaches undergraduate math and serves as managing editor of the Online Journal of Analytic Combinatorics. Senger’s research spans geometric combinatorics, additive number theory and swarm intelligence, focusing on pattern formation in large finite systems.

 

Guy Mace Professor

Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, associate professor in the cooperative engineering program

Obafemi-Ajayi earned her PhD in Computer Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She teaches courses in circuit analysis, control systems, electromagnetics and computational intelligence. Her research integrates bioinformatics, machine learning, intelligent systems and diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. She has received national recognition for research excellence, including an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Best Student Paper Award, and holds leadership roles within IEEE professional societies.

Brian and Anna Tobben Professor

Ngoc Do, associate professor of mathematics

Do holds a master’s degree in practicing accounting from Swinburne University of Technology. Her research interests include inverse problems, Radon-type integral transforms, hybrid imaging modalities, mathematical physics, spectral theory and nanomaterials, bridging applied mathematics with physical and imaging sciences. She teaches various classes, such as Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (MTH 261) and Differential Equations (MTH 303).

Matthew and Patricia Harthcock CNAS Faculty Fellowship

Dr. Ridwan Sakidja, professor of physics

Sakidja earned his PhD in Metallurgy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He teaches introductory and advanced physics, computational physics, quantum mechanics and materials science applications. His work emphasizes computational methods and interdisciplinary approaches connecting physics, materials science and statistical modeling.

 

James F. O’Brien Endowed Fellowship in Chemistry

Dr. Gary Meints, professor of chemistry and biochemistry

Meints earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Washington. He teaches physical chemistry and laboratory courses, as well as conducts research in physical and biophysical chemistry with an emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, DNA damage and DNA-materials interactions.

 

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