Faculty

Chih-Chiun (C.J.) Chen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Health Science, Pre-Medical Professionals Advisor Office Phone: 630-844-7560
Email: cchen@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Anatomy and physiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, health professions Education:

PhD, Molecular Genetics, The University of Illinois at Chicago

MS, Biochemistry, National Yangming University in Taiwan

BS, Human Nutrition, Fujen Catholic University in Taiwan

Jane Davis, DVM

Professor of Biology, Chair of Human-Animal Studies Department Office Phone: 630-844-4579
Email: jdavis@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, public health, human-animal studies, veterinary sciences and medicine Education:

DVM, University of Illinois
MS, Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois
BS, University of Illinois

Favorite thing about AU: "Here, interdisciplinary isn’t just a concept; it is the way we work together for student success."

Alma Rodriguez Estrada, PhD

Associate Professor of Biology Office Phone: 630-844-5266
Email: arodriguezestrada@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, mycology and mushroom cultivation, plant pathology Education: PhD, Plant Pathology, Pennsylvania State University-University Park
MS, Plant Pathology, Pennsylvania State University-University Park
BS, Universidad Veracruzana-Cordoba Favorite thing about AU: "I feel passionate about teaching at AU and I truly enjoy learning along with students." View LinkedIn Profile

Mariem Hathout, MD, MPH

Senior Lecturer of Health Science Office Phone: 630-844-5432
Email: mhathout@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Medicine, public health, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, microbiology, nutrition and health Education:

MD, University Mohamed V at Rabat, Morocco
MPH, Benedictine University, Illinois

Favorite thing about AU: "Student-centered learning and high-quality academics."

Ami Johanson, PhD

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Office Phone: 630-844-5420
Email: ajohanson@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Biochemistry, organic chemistry, kinetics, spectroscopy, food chemistry, physical chemistry Education: PhD, Chemistry, Northwestern University
BS, Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Favorite thing about AU: "Being in the lab with students as they experience chemistry in action."

Ruby Kaur, EdD

Assistant Professor of Health Science Office Phone: 630-844-5136
Email: rkaur@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Anatomy, physiology, and biology Education: EdD, Adult Learning, Aurora University, Aurora, IL
MPT, Physical Therapy, Governors State University, University Park, IL
MS, Biology and Physiology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Pb, India
BA, Education, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India
BS, Biology and Chemistry, Government Ranbir College, Sangrur, Pb, India Favorite thing about AU: "The collaborative and mentoring environment created by the top administration and individual departments to welcome and apply innovative ideas for student success. Other factors include a friendly and caring atmosphere where everyone seems to be eager to help and support in a timely manner. It is amazing to see enthusiasm and motivated colleagues all around who foster a sense of serious responsibility towards the institution, and most important, to the student body."

William Martin, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology, Chair of Biology Department Office Phone: 630-844-6841
Email: wmartin@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Botany, cellular biology, genetics, horticulture, physiology Education: PhD, Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics, University of Wisconsin
MS, Plant Breeding and Plant Genetic, University of Wisconsin
BS, Biology and Chemistry, St. Norbert College
Favorite thing about AU: "Class sizes that allow faculty to get to know students and help them towards their goals."

Kyle McElhoney, PhD

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Office Phone: 630-844-7588
Email: kmcelhoney@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: General chemistry, analytical chemistry, ion-selective electrodes, ion chromatography Education: PhD, Chemistry, Tufts University
BS, Chemistry, Siena College Favorite thing about AU: "Working closely with our faculty and students."

Chetna Patel, PhD

Professor of Chemistry, Chair of Physical Sciences Office Phone: 630-844-5513
Email: cpatel@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: General chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical education, K–12 education Education: PhD, Organic Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago
BA, Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago
BS, Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago Favorite thing about AU: "The university's commitment to student growth and creating a learning environment for all." View LinkedIn Profile

Juan A. Colón Santana, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physics Office Phone: 630-844-7833
Email: jsantana@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Condensed matter physics, material science, physics education, electronics Favorite thing about AU: "The collegial atmosphere and the strong support for engaging students in hands-on, meaningful experiences in the field."

Jay Shahed, MD, MBA

Senior Lecturer of Health Science Office Phone: 630-844-6188
Email: jshahed@aurora.edu Areas of expertise: Occupational medicine, wellness and prevention Education:

MD, University of Santiago, Dominican Republic

MBA, Robert Morris University, Illinois

BS, University of Illinois, Illinois

Favorite thing about AU: "Success is believing, trusting, and executing transformation."