Faculty Promotion & Tenure Books

“I'm pretty sure that the first book I read for any college class was Homer's Iliad. It is, as Homer's opening lines say, a story about wrath - what stirs it up, what it can lead us to do, its deadly denouement, and its final dissolution. As I think about the thirty-five-year intellectual journey that took me from that first class up to my current work on the philosophy of mythology, it's easy to focus on the text itself. I think just as important was that I had the chance to read it as part of a community of engaged students, led by a professor who helped us to appreciate the deep relevance of such an ancient text to our world. I still think that facilitating that kind of connection and rich understanding is the hallmark of what a liberal arts education should provide. But I've also come to appreciate how easy it is to sever that connection, to dismiss this ancient wisdom as irrelevant to modern education or, worse, idealize and idolize it, approaching it only as a nostalgic monument for a past that never was. Emily Wilson's translation cuts right through both problems: raw, passionate, and vivid, she reads a story about male violence from the perspective of a woman. The violence that was so glorified becomes real instead. A humanistic education allows our students to experience the closeness of this difficult past to their own lived experiences. I'm honored to have this included in the University of Toledo's collection on my behalf.”

Ammon Allred, Ph.D.
College of Arts and Letters
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“Building a New Biocultural Synthesis: Political-Economic Perspectives on Human Biology was one of the most influential books I read as a graduate student contemplating my own research interests and goals. In their discussions of theory, methods, and case studies, the authors provided a much-needed vision for truly integrating biology and culture in anthropological analyses. The book helped me understand how political-economic, evolutionary, ecological, and adaptability perspectives can and should be brought together to examine human biological variation. By bringing attention to the links between social environments (including the inequalities present in societies) and human health, the authors established a framework that continues to inspire my work.”

Shahna Arps, Ph.D.
College of Arts and Letters
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"The book describes one of the most important discoveries in the 21st Century in Biological Sciences, the CRISP/Cas9-based gene editing. Through tracing the works of many biologists including microbiologists, molecular biologists, cell biologists, and biochemists, through more than two decades, this book illustrates perfectly how the study of a simple biological question led to a discovery that could save millions of human lives through curing genetic disorders.”

Qian Chen, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Biological Sciences
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“Rolf Dobelli presents a critical analysis of cognitive biases and systematic flaws in human thinking patterns that have shaped my approach to scientific research, mentoring, and teaching. I recommend it to everyone in the "academy," including students, professors, staff, and leaders, mostly in this critical era in higher education.

The book, divided into short chapters, provides insight into why humans consistently make irrational decisions. Each chapter addresses specific biases, fallacies, or shortcuts that affect our judgment.

This book could help us improve our critical thinking and creativity skills, which are arguably among a scientist's most important qualities.”

Kennedy Doro, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Environmental Sciences
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"This is a book by a mentor that has been singularly important to my work as an adapter, writer, and director both in the classroom and my professional work.”

Matt Foss, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Theatre and Film
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“The principles outlined in this book changed the way that I looked at my life, my career, and the world around me. I love the notion that creativity is our birthright and exists in us all, just waiting to be coaxed out by insight, patience, and grace.”

Sarah Francis, Ph.D.
College of Arts and Letters
Department of Psychology
Promoted to Professor, 2024

"Masten's study of the languages of sexuality in Renaissance England opens up the many worlds that live in words. It's one of those books that you read and say: "Wow, I didn't know this was possible.""

Joseph Gamble, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of English Language and Literature
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"The greatest source of information as to why a part failed is the broken part itself.”

Meysam Haghshenas, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"This book was published just after I received my PhD. It was part of a long back-and-forth debate, primarily between Richard Herrnstein and Stephen J. Gould centering on central questions of the role of experience versus genetics in determining intelligence. Moreover, it shows the inherent inseparability of basic biological questions from important societal problems. The book was much maligned (mostly, I believe, by people who did not read it). As a researcher studying the effects of early social experience, I felt that somehow it must have some great flaws, although those were mostly in terms of the limitations of science at the time, some of which have now been resolved. Nonetheless, I think it is one of the most important books of the last century, one that all people purporting to be thinkers, scholars, or decision-makers should read.”

F. Scott Hall, Ph.D.
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Pharmacology
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“Want to be a better person? Professor? Student? Administrator? Friend? Spouse? Partner? Then you need to know how to handle adversity. We must also know and accept our limitations so that we can be the best possible form of ourselves—for ourselves—and those around us. Positive thinking only goes so far. You must define what you value, and this book reminded me to do so. Once you know what you value, you can find the courage and confidence to deal with failure, fear, and uncertainty in your search for progress and success.”

William Hintz, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Environmental Sciences
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"This study on Jewish/non-Jewish intermarriage in Nazi Germany was the first major English-language study to bring this issue to a wider reading audience. The events it covers also took place in Berlin, a city of great importance to me where I have spent over 4 years of my life in various study-abroad and research stays. There is also an important memorial to the Rosenstrasse Protest in the heart of Berlin. In May 2024 I took a group of sixteen first-year UToledo students to see this memorial as part of CAL’s Palmer Global Fellows trip. Finally, I wanted to select a book not currently held by UToledo Libraries. So, this pioneering study checks many boxes."

Barry Jackisch, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of History
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“I chose this book because it is a representation of my personal and professional life in one book. My research prior to arriving at the University of Toledo was about social media; the author is a social media influencer who got his publishing deal because of the popularity of his TikTok account. My research since arriving at the University of Toledo has been about first-year experience and acclimating students to the library; what better way to show that than embracing a current, popular author who might resonate with those same students? And finally, baking and history are both personal interests of mine – I have already made several recipes found in the book!”

Jennifer Joe, M.L.S, M.A.
University Libraries
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“Cutting for Stone has profoundly influenced my journey—as a physician, and in my relationships. The novel captures the lifelong process of reconciling who we are with the many roles we inhabit, whether in our families, careers, or communities. Its portrayal of forgiveness and redemption reminds us that grace can heal even the deepest wounds and restore relationships fractured by time or circumstance.

Family, in all its complexities, forms the emotional core of the novel, reflecting the ties of love and sacrifice that shape our own lives. Cutting for Stone speaks to the enduring power of love—love that is at once painful and redemptive—for in the final analysis, it is the steadfast and unwavering bonds of love that will sustain us through life’s most challenging moments."

Joel Kammeyer, M.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Medicine
Promoted to Associate Professor, 2024

"I read this book several years ago, but I still use some of the guiding principles provided by Wayne Dyer. I especially like the motivational quote ‘If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.’”

Joseph Lawrence, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Granted Tenure, 2024

"How to Teach Mathematics" is one of those books I wish to know about when I was in graduate school. It is an excellent resource for graduate students in mathematics who are preparing for their teaching career. I got to know the book a couple of years ago when I already had an established teaching record, but I frequently refer to it and still learn new teaching techniques and ideas every time, which help fine-tune my classroom's approach. While "How to Teach Mathematics" is written for teaching mathematics, it might be useful for teachers of other disciplines as well."

Trieu Le, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“A shared favorite of mine and my father’s. It’s an honest depiction of the immigrant experience in North America. It captures the multigenerational impact of the struggle between choices fed by the desire for acceptance and belonging in Western Society, versus, a competing need to adhere to traditional values for the preservation of one’s ties to their community and roots. It breaks down barriers to understanding among immigrant parents and their first-generation children. It left me with a sense of comfort in my own skin I had not previously known, and a deep appreciation for the experiences from which our parents chose to protect us.”

Deepa Malaiyandi, M.D.
College of Medicine and Life Sciences
Department of Neurology
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"Of all the influential portrait photographers, August Sander remains in a class of his own. For over fifty years, he documented the people of Germany during peacetime as well as periods of national upheaval. He attempted to make portraits of people from all walks of life: teachers, artists, politicians, priests, nuns, musicians, farmers, cooks, aristocrats, bohemians, the poor, and the mentally ill. His work is unabashedly democratic and deeply empathetic toward his subjects. While he never finished this project, the result was over 600 images in 50 different portfolios. I was always stunned by the breadth of his image-making, as well as his humanity. These images were deeply influential in my photography. Sander said, ‘If we can create portraits of subjects that are true, we thereby in effect create a mirror of the times.’”

Daniel McInnis, M.F.A.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Art
Granted Tenure, 2024

"This book resonated deeply with me, evoking memories from my journey in respiratory care. It offers a powerful, heartfelt exploration of the raw human emotions experienced while caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. A must-read for both current and aspiring healthcare professionals.”

Nicole McKenzie, Ph.D.
College of Health 7 Human Services
Department of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“Having always been interested in nature and conservation, I found this book engaging, accessible, and convicting. I took away two lessons that are broadly applicable to life: messing with complex systems has unintended consequences, and we are all connected in ways we can't necessarily see. So be wise and careful -- your actions matter.”

Anne Medling, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“In “Those Who Came Before Us”, Nahano Lufungulo relates the stories of his ancestors from the 14th century to the 21st century and their involvement in the colorful history of their country, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nahano started authoring this book when he was only 12 years during covid, and he published the book in English and French when he was 17 years old. During five years, the author surveyed many people and collected their testimonies in seven languages using digital means, voice recordings, videos, emails, and notes. Nahano’s perseverance is a true inspiration, and I am proud of his work because he is my son.”

Ngalula Mubenga, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Engineering Technology
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“Since my childhood, I have been intrigued by human nature and individual-level outcomes. Hence, I pursued psychology in my undergraduate studies. After living in three different countries, I started recognizing that all societies have classes and individual-level outcomes, and social issues are also impacted by macro environments. As a young adult, reading this book was insightful in understanding how social structures can impact life trajectories. This has inspired me to pursue research anchored in social justice framework.”

Mamta Ojha Ph.D.
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Human Services
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“Reading When Breath Becomes Air profoundly impacted me by encouraging deep reflection on my priorities. It made me think more critically about what truly matters in the face of life’s fragility. At a time when I had to make one of the most significant choices in my life, it reminded me to focus on what would bring the most meaning.”

Mounika Polavarapu, Ph.D.
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Population Health
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

You have to begin.
Go.
Do it badly at first,
With sweaty palms and shaking limbs,
Gaps in what you know you should grasp.
Perhaps you won't feel ready,
Like you've fully prepared,
Maybe too late, too small, too scared,
But it's okay that you weren't born with all the skills,
That there are things you'll have to learn.

It's okay to not be perfect overnight,
To let people see you try,
To understand that reaching where you want
Will take time, will take steps,
And the first one, though clumsy,
Is still a step forward.
Please begin

Ala Qattawi, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"This captivating collection of autobiographical anecdotes by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman captures his humor, intellectual curiosity, and unconventional approach to both science and life. The book is hilarious and thought-provoking making it an entertaining read, perfect for unwinding or as a light distraction during stressful times. I first read this book many years ago and have revisited it several times since.”

Aniruddha Ray, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"The Name of the Wind is an epic fantasy by Patrick Rothfuss in which the legendary hero Kvothe, now in hiding as Waystone Inn owner Kote, recounts his past experiences to Chronicler, a story collector. The book forms the first of the three parts of Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicle. When the novel begins, demon spiders have been encountered near the Waystone Inn. Only a few locals who regularly gather at the Inn are aware of them. Meanwhile, Devan Lochees, a famous writer and story collector known as Chronicler, comes to the Inn to see if Kote is actually Kvothe. With a little urging, Kvothe agrees to tell the story of his life to Chronicler.”

Stephen Sakowski, M.F.A.
College of Arts and Letters
Department of Theatre & Film
Promoted to Professor, 2024

"My youngest brother was born with a congenital heart defect when I was 14 years old. He required several open-heart surgeries as a baby to save his life. Part of my family's story is told in this book. My family spent lots of time at the Cleveland Clinic where I remember observing various health professionals providing care to my brother and family in some of the most harrowing and stressful times. This life experience eventually influenced my decision to choose a career in the healthcare field as a pharmacist.”

Michelle Schroeder, Pharm.D.
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"’The Last Lecture’ by Randy Pausch, personally, inspired me by combining critical aspects of my passion for Hospice & Palliative Care Nursing and higher education. This book describes Randy Pausch’s experiences as he faces terminal illness with grace and humor. The author’s focus on mentorship reminds me with each success we can lift others along the way.”

Janice Servick, D.N.P.
College of Nursing
Department of Adult, Family, and Population Health
Promoted to Assistant Professor, 2024

“This narrative of human evolution is a fascinating read. It describes in simple language how Homo Sapiens became the dominant species on earth and the implications it has for the future.”

Shipra Singh, Ph.D.
College of Health & Human Services
Department of Population Health
Promoted to Professor, 2024

“I have always felt a strong connection to both Jane Austen and her protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth's wit, intelligence, and courage in navigating societal expectations have encouraged me to follow my own path with integrity. As a marketing professor and consumer behavior researcher, it seems fitting that I’ve been drawn to the complex relationships, motivations, and societal norms in this novel. And just as Elizabeth seeks to understand the world around her, my own curiosity about why people behave the way they do drives my work. Through the years, Pride & Prejudice has been an important reminder to approach life with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to staying true to my values.”

Jennifer Stevens, Ph.D.
John B. And Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation
Department of Marketing
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"This book inspired me to reflect on why and how children perceive the world so differently from adults, which led me to choose a career as a developmental psychologist.”

Cin Cin Tan, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Psychology
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

"A treatise in political philosophy that fundamentally shaped the kinds of questions that I think political philosophers should try to answer, as well as innovative answers to those questions.”

Kevin Vallier, Ph.D.
The Institute of American Constitutional Thought & Leadership
Granted Tenure, 2024

“This book written by my PhD advisor (Avi Loeb) when I was a graduate student was the perfect introduction to my primary area of research.”

Eli Visbal, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“This book has a deep exploration of themes that are highly relevant to various academic fields such as political science, literature, sociology, and philosophy. Specifically, it discusses very important topics such as Totalitarianism and Power, Surveillance and Privacy, Language and Thought Control, Critical Thinking and Political Awareness, and finally Psychological and Social Manipulation. The book was published in 1949, but all these concepts have been still imposed or exercised in the modern day. It is very important for an intellectual to be aware of these themes and how they affect the education and learning process.”

Eda Yildirim-Ayan, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Bioengineering
Promoted to Professor, 2024

"This book changed the way I thought about documentary photography, and significantly questioned, in a new way, what truth meant for photographs."

Eric Zeigler, M.F.A.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Art
Promoted to Associate Professor and Granted Tenure, 2024

“This book encouraged me in many distinct aspects, especially when I am feeling down. It inspired me to seek my dream with effort, courage, perseverance, and wisdom from God.”

Jianmin Zhang, Ph.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Cell and Cancer Biology
Granted Tenure, 2024