Justin Knoepfel serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he has maintained continuous teaching responsibilities since 2021 through planned 2025 courses. His role encompasses private instruction, ensemble leadership, and audition oversight across the college's music program. Specializing in string performance and orchestral conducting, Professor Knoepfel's expertise focuses on violin and viola pedagogy at both undergraduate and advanced levels. His teaching portfolio demonstrates deep engagement with instrumental performance education, particularly through sustained direction of the Symphony Orchestra and specialized courses in instrumental conducting. The breadth of audition sections he oversees—from voice to percussion—confirms comprehensive knowledge across all instrumental families. As an active faculty member, he regularly teaches applied lessons (MUS-261/262/281/361/362/381), conducts Symphony Orchestra (MUS-150/170), and leads ensemble tours. His involvement in senior recitals, honors performances, and January-term courses underscores commitment to student development across all academic terms.
Rianne van der Niet-van Dam is a lecturer-researcher at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, working since August 2024 on the project "At Home in Language" within the research group "Working Together on a Language-Rich Environment for Young Children." She serves as a lecturer in the Master's program in Early Childhood, sharing expertise on creating language-rich environments for young children both at school and at home. Her research focuses on: Early childhood language development Professional development for educators Learning community methodologies Lesson study supervision Integration of theory and practice in teacher education With approximately 15 years of prior experience in primary education as both teacher and policy officer, she brings practical insights to her academic work. She completed her Master's degree in Learning and Innovation at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in 2019 and has been instrumental in developing teacher education programs, including co-establishing the Master's program in Young Children. She collaborates with professor Martine van der Pluijm and Inge Bos on knowledge development initiatives aimed at equipping future professionals with practical strategies for supporting children's language development in educational settings.
Svetlana Simeonova Tashevska is a Senior Lecturer at New Bulgarian University's Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in Sofia. She teaches courses including Language Testing and Assessment and Project: Language Testing and Assessment in the English Language and Professional Communication program (joint with University of York). Her research focuses on Foreign Language Teaching Methodology , Language Testing and Assessment , and Mentoring in Language Education . Key interests include teacher qualifications, online teacher training, lexical acquisition, and lesson planning challenges for novice educators. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications across Bulgarian educational contexts. Publication analysis reveals consistent contributions to language assessment standards (2006-2010), teacher training methodologies (2005-2009), and lexical pedagogy (2008-2010). Her scholarship demonstrates strong alignment with European language education initiatives through British Council collaborations. Professional engagements include: British Council projects on teacher training (2001-2006) Ministry of Education standards development for language assessment International conference participation across Europe and Asia She maintains active memberships in: BAPA (Bulgarian Association of English Language Teachers) IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language) ELTeCS (English Language Teaching Contact Scheme)
Ipek Bayrak serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University. Her academic role focuses on pedagogical development and practical training within sociology education. Research interests include: Sociology of Education Didactic Methodologies Social Science Curriculum Design Intervention-Based Learning She teaches specialized courses such as Social Studies & Social Science Didactics, Didactic Orientation Internship & Intervention in Sociology, Didactic Deepening Internship & Intervention in Sociology, and Research Training on Lesson Plan Design in Sociology, emphasizing applied educational frameworks. Professional contact is maintained through institutional email correspondence.
Stephen Versaevel serves as Associate Professor of Percussion and Director of Percussion Studies/Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at Montana State University's College of Arts and Architecture, School of Music since August 2006. He maintains an active dual career as Section Percussionist with the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and recording artist with Excelcia Publishing, performing internationally from Vietnam to Tampa while directing percussion studies for the university. His educational foundation includes a Master of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Kansas (2003) and Bachelor of Music Education from South Dakota State University (1999), with ongoing Doctor of Music candidacy at Florida State University where he previously instructed the Marching Chiefs 'Big 8' Drum Line. Doctor of Music candidate, Percussion Performance, The Florida State University M.M. in Percussion Performance, University of Kansas, 2003 Bachelor of Music Education, South Dakota State University, 1999 Versaevel's artistic research centers on comprehensive percussion performance practice across all genres—orchestral, chamber, ensemble, contemporary, and marching—with particular focus on expanding pedagogical approaches for drumlines and percussion techniques. His teaching philosophy emphasizes translating technical skills into lifelong musical applications, reflected in courses ranging from applied lessons to marching band leadership. Recent creative output demonstrates deep engagement with contemporary percussion repertoire, especially John Luther Adams' spatial compositions like 'Inuksuit,' performed at Tippit Rise Art Center and university venues nationwide. These works showcase evolving trends in site-specific percussion performance and cross-institutional artistic collaboration. His contributions to music education have been recognized through multiple nominations for teaching excellence and professional society honors. Nominated for Faculty/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013) by MSU Alumni Association Nominated for Faculty/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching (2008) by MSU Alumni Association Nominated for Pi Kappa Lambda (2005) Nominated for Kappa Kappa Psi - Honorary Member (2005) Nominated for Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Member (2004) As an educator, Versaevel mentors students through applied lessons, percussion ensemble, and marching band programs while serving as former President of the Montana Percussive Arts Society chapter (2012-2014) and organizer of the Montana Day of Percussion. His industry influence extends through arrangements for collegiate drumlines nationwide and membership on the Innovative Percussion Education Team. Current artistic activities include ongoing collaborations with contemporary music ensembles and continued development of percussion pedagogy resources for academic and professional settings.
Mark Pipes is a Portland-based musician and educator currently teaching saxophone at Reed College and Portland State University. He serves as a Private Music Instructor in Reed's Music Department and maintains active performance roles as a founding member of the Portland Saxophone Ensemble and performer with the Portland Wind Symphony. His academic credentials include: Doctor of Arts in Music (University of Northern Colorado), specializing in saxophone pedagogy with jazz and music history emphases Master of Music and Certificate of Performance (Northwestern University) Bachelor of Music (University of Delaware) Research interests center on saxophone acoustics , particularly how mouthpiece design affects tone production and timbral variation , alongside enduring commitments to jazz improvisation and historical performance practices . His community-building initiatives like PDX Saxophone Day demonstrate applied pedagogical outreach. Mark maintains a comprehensive teaching practice spanning university instruction, private studio lessons, and K-12 coaching programs. His educational philosophy integrates technical mastery with acoustic understanding and stylistic versatility across classical and jazz traditions.
Dr. Rebecca Boehm Shaffer serves as Adjunct Professor of Music at Luther College, specializing in horn performance, brass pedagogy, and music history. An active performer, she holds positions with the Fort Collins Symphony and Rocky Mountain Horn Ensemble while maintaining a vibrant teaching practice. Her educational credentials include: D.M.A. in Horn Performance and Pedagogy (University of Northern Colorado) M.M. in Horn Performance (University of Wisconsin-Madison) B.M. in Horn Performance (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) Dr. Boehm Shaffer's expertise spans performance practice, historical context, and pedagogical methodology. Her seminal work The Guide to Horn Ensemble Repertoire established new standards in horn literature classification. Teaching focuses on integrating technical mastery with expressive interpretation across applied lessons, brass methods, and music history courses examining Classical and Romantic era developments. Her professional performance career features collaborations with legendary artists including Robert Shaw, Tony Bennett, and Ray Charles across symphonic, operatic, and popular music genres. At Luther College, she mentors students through applied instruction and ensemble direction, emphasizing both individual artistry and collaborative musicianship.
John Melkon is an Assistant Professor at the United States Military Academy (West Point) and founder of the Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations since 2012. He also serves as Extraordinary Professor of Practice at South Africa's North-West University, leveraging 25+ years of national security experience to advance civil-military coordination research and education. His academic credentials include: A.B. in History from Princeton University (football, lacrosse, rugby) MA in European Politics/History & Risk Management Certificate from Columbia University MBA and MPIA with honors from Texas A&M University PhD candidate at Stellenbosch University, South Africa Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive in National/International Security Professor Melkon's research integrates combat-tested expertise in civil-military operations, unconventional warfare, and military geography across Africa and the Middle East. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world counterterrorism/counterinsurgency applications, drawing from deployments on five continents and multiple combat tours in Afghanistan. Regional focus areas include Sub-Saharan Africa's security dynamics and Middle Eastern/North African geopolitical landscapes. His distinguished service has been recognized with: French Medal for National Defense Combat Infantry Badge Afghanistan Campaign Medal Secretary of Defense Medal for Global War on Terrorism Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award As Center Director, Professor Melkon mentors West Point cadets through specialized geography seminars and civil-military coordination training, supported by institutional funding for the Center's strategic mission. His operational background ensures practical, field-validated curriculum development while maintaining active collaborations with USAFRICOM, USIP, and international academic partners. Professor Melkon also serves on Princeton ROTC's alumni board, extending his leadership beyond the classroom. The Center for the Study of Civil-Military Operations functions as West Point's dedicated hub for civil-military research, coordinating strategic planning between military and civilian entities. Under Professor Melkon's leadership, the Center executes educational programs for cadets and faculty while engaging the broader national security community through panels and publications, directly applying lessons from his combat experience in Afghanistan and Africa.
Marc GUYOT is a Professor in the Economics Department at ESSEC Business School, France, where he has taught since 2007 (becoming a full Professor in 2011). He holds a Doctorate in Economics from Sciences Po Paris (1994) and has specialized in defense economics, macroeconomics, and economic policy analysis. His academic journey includes serving as Director of Specialized Management Programs at ESSEC Executive Education (2002-2007) and as Academic Director (2002-2008). Professor GUYOT's research interests span defense economics (from his early career), public debt management, inflation dynamics, labor market economics, and European industrial policy. His work consistently applies economic principles to contemporary policy challenges, with a particular focus on market-oriented solutions. Since 2013, he has collaborated extensively with Radu Vranceanu as a regular columnist for La Tribune newspaper, producing approximately 20-30 policy analyses annually that bridge academic economics and public discourse. His recent publications (2022-2024) reveal a strong focus on geopolitical economic issues, European debt sustainability, inflation management, and industrial policy challenges. Rather than traditional academic journal articles, Professor GUYOT has channeled his expertise through media commentary, making complex economic concepts accessible to policymakers and the general public while maintaining academic rigor. His analyses often critique populist economic policies and protectionist measures, advocating instead for structural reforms and market-based solutions to Europe's economic challenges. Professor GUYOT's academic contributions include co-authoring several books, notably Economie managériale (2008), and numerous scholarly articles in journals such as Defense and Peace Economics and Revue française d'économie . His early work focused on European defense integration, evolving toward broader macroeconomic and policy analysis in recent years. As an educator at ESSEC Business School, Professor GUYOT brings his policy expertise into the classroom, likely teaching courses related to macroeconomics, public policy, and industrial economics. His extensive media presence suggests an ability to connect theoretical economic concepts with real-world applications, providing valuable context for students navigating complex economic landscapes.
Kristen Gore serves as an Assistant Professor of Data Science within the School of Computer and Information Sciences at Willamette University, bringing significant industry experience from HP Inc. where she provided technical leadership in quality systems and statistical strategy for manufacturing operations. Her appointment bridges academic rigor with real-world applications of data science. Dr. Gore's educational background demonstrates strong quantitative foundations: B.S. in Meteorology and Statistics, North Carolina State University (2009) Ph.D. in Statistics, Columbia University (2014) Her research integrates statistical methodology with critical applications across Environmental Statistics and Quality Control. She has evaluated air quality legislation impacts on tropospheric ozone and particulate matter, developed environmental forecasting models for spring freeze probabilities, and created manufacturing sampling strategies optimizing cost-quality tradeoffs. This applied focus extends to her passion for STEM education and outreach. Professor Gore's teaching excellence is formally recognized through her Howard Levene Outstanding Teaching Award from Columbia University. Howard Levene Outstanding Teaching Award (2012) While specific grant details aren't provided, her industry role at HP demonstrates experience leading high-impact statistical initiatives with tangible outcomes. She actively mentors through K-12 STEM outreach, coaching LEGO robotics for elementary students and conducting middle school STEM lessons. At Willamette, she focuses on developing students' appreciation for real-world data science applications through both classroom instruction and community engagement. Though no formal research lab is mentioned, Professor Gore's work extends beyond campus through her sustained STEM outreach efforts, fostering early interest in data-driven problem solving within local communities.
Garrett Allman is a Lecturer in the Department of Music at Illinois College, specializing in Applied Music Lessons. He holds advanced degrees in music, including a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Iowa, a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from Pacific Lutheran University. His primary fields of interest include Music Education and Applied Music, focusing on pedagogical techniques and performance training.
Anne Kunkle serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Houghton University, teaching Applied Saxophone Lessons and Saxophone Ensemble from her office in CFA 241. Her role emphasizes developing students' lifelong musical engagement through performance and pedagogy. Educational background: Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Saxophone Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music Master of Music (MM) in Saxophone Performance and Literature, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Bachelor of Music (BM) in Saxophone Performance and Music Education, Eastman School of Music Her teaching philosophy centers on cultivating life skills—self-assessment, planning, presentation, expression, and critical thinking—through musical practice. She aims to equip students as lifelong musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and educators by integrating listening, understanding, and performance into holistic development.
Alice Meyer serves as an Adjunct Professor of Clarinet at Houghton University, teaching Applied Clarinet Lessons within a Christian higher education context. She emphasizes her dual passion for music and teaching while aiming to influence future generations as both a Christian and professional musician. Education: MA in Music Theory from Eastman School of Music BM in Applied Music with Performer’s Certificate from Eastman School of Music Performance & Pedagogy: An active clarinetist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Meyer integrates professional performance experience into her teaching. Her expertise spans clarinet technique, music theory application, and applied music instruction, reflecting her Eastman School of Music training and commitment to nurturing musical excellence in students.
Rachael Beatson serves as a Teaching Professor at Victoria University's First Year College, teaching across education, physical education, health, and psychology units. With a background in secondary physical education at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar, she now focuses on innovative tertiary pedagogy emphasizing interactive learning environments and student-centered growth. Her academic credentials include: Masters of Teaching (Victoria University) Diploma of Education (Victoria University) Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education) (Secondary) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education (Victoria University) Beatson's research centers on inclusive physical education, with expertise spanning adapted physical education for disabilities, motor skills development, women in sport, and aquatics. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical classroom applications to foster accessibility and diversity in movement education, particularly through her 'growth mindset' philosophy that connects curriculum to real-world experiences. Recent publications demonstrate her commitment to inclusive coaching practices and lesson design for diverse learners, highlighting intersections between disability accommodation, gender equity, and motor skill acquisition in youth sports contexts. Her contributions have been recognized through: First Year College Award for Excellence in Inclusion and Diversity (2020) Australian Award for University Teaching – Block Model implementation (2020) VU Vice Chancellor's Award for First Year College innovation (2018) As an educator, Beatson prioritizes developing students' 21st-century competencies through technology integration and critical thinking exercises, building professional rapport to tailor instruction to individual learning needs while maintaining high engagement standards.
Kelly Roberts-Cooper serves as an Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems and Security at Our Lady of the Lake University, based in Main Building, Room 327A with contact number 210-431-3947. Her professional focus integrates academic instruction with practical cybersecurity applications. Her educational background includes: Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics from Sam Houston State University Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity from Sam Houston State University Master of Management (CISS concentration) from University of Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and Management from Park University Applied Science Associate degree in Electronic Systems Technology from Community College of the Air Force CompTia Network+ Certification CompTia Security+ Certification Professor Roberts-Cooper's research and teaching expertise centers on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Networking, and Hardware. She implements an active engagement philosophy through hands-on lessons, real-world scenarios, and practical exercises to reinforce theoretical concepts. Her professional affiliations with the Association for Computing Machinery and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers underscore her technical credibility. Outside academia, she maintains a lifelong learning commitment through genealogy research and preservation of a 150-year-old Texas Historic Cemetery.
