Faculty Promotion & Tenure Books

"Somewhat unexplainable, this nonsense poem is set on an island of chasms and crags where an unimaginable creature (the Snark) is being sought after by an absurdly constructed and limitedly skilled hunting party. As ridiculous as Carroll’s games in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where there are no rules or the rules change constantly, both the reader and the characters in The Hunting of the Snark try to make sense of the senseless, on a dangerous adventure where there is no reason, logic, or certainty. 'For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.' I read this book early in my undergraduate career and I think it serves as good parallel for how I think about and teach the research process. We often commit ourselves to a stubborn and hyper-focused search, reasonable and logical approaches to our investigation, with clearly defined expectations, and anticipated outcomes. We forget sometimes that it is okay to start with a blank map, feel lost and have a sense of perpetual anxiousness, work through absurd conundrums, and search for something we have never seen before and cannot describe. We forget that whimsy, stumbling, and serendipity are equal and powerful tools in the research process, that imaginary solutions sometimes work, and that it is perfectly acceptable to spend time chasing rabbits …and also hunting Snarks."

Thomas Atwood, M.L.I.S.
University Libraries
Promoted to Professor, 2020

“I read this book when I was a student and undergraduate researcher in pharmacy school. I found it fascinating that in research projects we try to answer unanswered questions, and found it challenging, often frustrating, that there isn’t a clear path to follow to find the answers and that plans many times don’t work because of unforeseen obstacles. This book was very enjoyable and made me realize that it’s okay to deviate from plans and try new, sometimes crazy ideas, what’s most important is to keep our ears and eyes open and be ready to make observations that may seem insignificant at first sight. Research challenges creativity and forces us to think outside the box and apply knowledge from other areas to solve a current problem. To those students who are just starting as undergrad researchers, my message is to never give up, get up after you fall and try again with a new approach, and always take notes of what’s happening in experiments – you never know what’s going to lead to a new discovery.”

Gabriella Baki, Ph.D.
College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"My graduate advisor assigned An Archaeology of the Soul as a core text for one of my early graduate courses. In my first reading, I was a bit perplexed – the book seemed to jump all over the place, from the Eastern Woodlands to the Plains, to Mesoamerica and back and forth across centuries. It was unlike any archaeological text I had ever read, moving in an almost cyclical fashion rather than through a linear chronology. But that was Hall’s goal – to engage with ethnographic, historical, and Indigenous narratives in conjunction with archaeological evidence to better understand the interconnections between Native North American populations and the ties of tradition, kinship, and relationality. This book inspired in me a way of considering archaeology from a multi-scalar perspective, and to consider the material past as the culmination of the actions of multiple social beings who simultaneously relate past, present, and future. Additionally, Hall’s humanistic focus on indigenous religious practices– a novel way of approaching archaeology at the time this was published – highlighted for me the significance of belief and spirituality in shaping the past."

Melissa Baltus, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

“As a scholar who researches social class and its confluence with mental health and counseling outcomes, this book has been invaluable in understanding the classed history of the United States, and how that history persists and impacts the present.”

Madeline Clark, Ph.D.
College of Health & Human Services
School of Intervention & Wellness
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

“Dr. Cassell is an internist who has written extensively on the role of the physician in addressing and alleviating patient suffering. This book, and my personal interactions with Dr. Cassell, have motivated me to be more attentive to a person's suffering."

Annette Collier, M.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Medicine
Promoted to Associate Professor, 2020

"This is my favorite book because it is about a strong female character wrapped up in an endearing young girl named Francie. One can't help but be inspired by Francie's tenacity in the face of poverty and other hardships, as she strives to move beyond the circumstances she was born into. I can only hope to raise my daughters to be as strong as Francie!"

Heather Conti, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Department of Biological Sciences
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

“In this academic monograph, Sandoval builds on work by cultural studies scholars and other women of color feminists to think about how to resist structures of domination in every day life through what she calls differential consciousness. Not only was Sandoval's work important for my understandings of oppression and a privilege and resistance in my own work in critical disability studies, but her approach and confidence in addressing and critiquing the work of cis white men opened space for me to understand my own place in the academe. Also, her writing is beautiful.”

Allyson Day, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Disability Studies Program
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"This book, written by my doctoral advisor Dr. M. Elizabeth Graue, was foundational in my learning to become an early childhood researcher. I am so honored to share it with our broader community as a part of the recognition of my tenure."

Katherine Delaney, Ph.D.
Judith Herb College of Education
Department of Teacher Education
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"This book has been central to my most important and successful creative work and at the core of so much of the teaching I share with students."

Matthew Foss, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Theatre & Film
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"As a middle schooler, I vividly remember reading bits and pieces of The Mahavamsa or Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka. This book expands the history of Sri Lanka from the founding era of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It allows capturing socio-economic information about this proud civilization from 500 BC through 300 AD."

Ajith Karunarathne, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"I read Player Piano for an assignment in the first economics course I took in college. Although I do not recall the particulars of the assignment other than it was to identify and discuss the book’s economic themes, the message I took was the desire to perform meaningful work is ingrained in human nature and without it – no matter how comfortable the lifestyle – we cannot live a good life. I also discovered that I love to read dystopia fiction, which is my favorite genre to this day."

Kristen Keith, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Economics
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"The world would be a better place if people put down their phones and tablets and read good books to their children. The entire Maple Hill Farm series by Alice and Martin Provensen is absolutely delightful, and Our Animal Friends is one of our family’s favorites. Over the last 20+ years, we’ve probably read it to our children hundreds of times and truly never tire of it. With touches of dry wit and warm affection, the authors detail the very real, sometimes messy, sometimes zany, often hilarious, and sometimes ordinary life (and death) of several dogs, five horses, a pig, some geese, many chickens, a few cows, a few goats, several sheep, and four special cats who shared life with them on the family farm. Anyone who has loved (or lost) an animal friend will welcome a refreshing respite with Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm."

David Kennedy, Ph.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Department of Medicine
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"Most people have learned to cooperate with others in order to become successful in modern society. However, this positive trait can be manipulated by leaders that seek to redefine truth by creating conditions that make dissent, independent study, and critical thinking into 'thought crimes.' One technique of tyranny that is discussed involves the corruption (e.g., corporate capture) of the peer-reviewed journal process, which requires that published scientific findings match a manufactured 'consensus.' Every academic should read this book."

David Lilley, Ph.D.
College of Health & Human Services
School of Social Justice
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"My Life in Science, written by Sydney Brenner, a Nobel laureate who made tremendous contributions to work on the genetic code and other areas of molecular biology focusing on DNA, worms and brain, inspires me to pursue scientific research and train the next STEM generation."

Guofa Liu, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Biological Sciences
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"This book describes the 1854 cholera outbreak in London, and the search to understand its cause. A doctor named John Snow tracked and mapped the cholera cases, hypothesized that the disease was a result of contaminated water, and pressured the city to remove the handle from the contaminated water pump to prevent the further spread of disease. This book covers important topics ranging from infectious disease and epidemiology, to urban planning and how it impacts public health. During our current global pandemic, this book describing the evolution in understanding how infectious diseases spread seems especially relevant.”

Jyl Matson, Ph.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology
Promoted to Associate Professor, 2020

"I chose this book because I believe this is a time in our history when confidence in the effectiveness of peace is sorely needed. Although written for a Christian audience, the ethical issues addressed are relevant for all readers and hold the promise of strengthening resolve in peace and promoting compassion for each other.”

Peter Mezo, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Psychology
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"Many virtuous statements come from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) but my favorite is when he says, 'A person is either your brother in faith, or one like you in creation' (Letter 53). This passage eloquently ties all humans together so that everyone is treated equally because of our common humanity. This book gives examples of his gracious and fair interactions with people and demonstrates the best of justice that Ali practiced. As a successor to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him), he constantly tells us to remember and support the poor, hungry, disadvantaged, and orphans. Another saying from Ali is 'He who adopts greed as a habit devalues himself; he who discloses his hardship agrees to humiliation; and he who allows his tongue to overpower his soul, debases his soul.' These are all lessons I apply with my family and friends. It also helps me take care of my patients and emergency medicine residents that I train. Being empathetic and grounded towards others keeps away the self-grandiosity and selfishness and makes the world a better place. This book has provided so much clarity in my life."

Mohamad Moussa, M.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Department of Emergency Medicine
Promoted to Associate Professor, 2020

"This feature film was released when I was in training in medical school and is the best biography of Gandhi that I have seen or read. I was fascinated by how Gandhi, a bespectacled small framed man, could liberate a country without violence. Satyagraha, which literally means persistence/firmness in truth (in Sanskrit satya means truth and agraha persistence), was his tool for the non-violent movement he led. His message of tolerance, truth, persistence, patience, non-violence, justice and love rings true even today. Albert Einstein once said of him 'Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.' "

Deepa Mukundan, M.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Pediatrics
Promoted to Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

“The River and the Source provides a vivid illustration of the rich cultural heritage of my Luo ethnic community in Nyanza, Kenya. It looks back at three generations of women, capturing their vision, hopes, and aspirations. It portrays the ability of traditional African women to embrace change, care for their families, and bequeath to their children the rich cultural traditions and beliefs that have long defined the proud community.”

Jared Oluoch, Ph.D.
College of Engineering
Department of Engineering Technology
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"This book was important for showing me that sociologists can play an important role in creating social change from the ground up by collaborating with local people and co-constructing knowledge with them.”

Karie Peralta, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"I read and re-read this book many times growing up. It is a great read, and was influential on my development. I shared a name and a penchant for science with the main character. With her I learned that girls can be powerful heroes, that each of us is responsible for improving and healing our world, and that all of our talents and skills - and even our faults - are valuable gifts to share with others on that journey.”

Megan Petra, Ph.D.
College of Health & Human Services
School of Social Justice
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"The Wizard of Oz has been my favorite movie since childhood. My favorite character in the movie is the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked portrays there are two sides to every story and that there are at least two sides to every individual."

Kelly Phillips, Ph.D.
College of Nursing
Department of Maternal, Pediatric & Mental Health Nursing
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"I selected Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics by Charles Krauthammer because it is a collection of his writings that I had either read or heard him describe during my years as a graduate student, post-doc, and young scientist. His writings and media commentary helped me understand the complexities of science, ethics, spirituality and politics such that I could take advantage of opportunities and break through barriers to advance my career as a scientist and educator. His timeless writings continue to inspire my goal to protect the equal opportunity of my students to succeed in their pursuit of higher education while providing the best quality experience."

Susan Pocotte, Ph.D.
College of Nursing
Department of Adult, Family & Population Health
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"Handbook of Ellipsometry was published in my graduate career and consists of chapters written by the world leaders in the field. Reading this as a graduate student, I found it to be an excellent resource but was also very intimidated by the body of work accomplished by these researchers. Many years later, I still find it to be an exceptional reference and am fortunate to have gotten to know many of the chapter authors both professionally and personally. The ellipsometry community has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my career, and now I endeavor to do the same for young researchers both in my group and the field. I would also like to add a special thanks to our own Prof. Robert W. Collins, author of several chapters in the book and my Ph.D. advisor. Rob’s contributions to ellipsometry extend well beyond what is covered in this book, and it has been my pleasure to work with him over the years.”

Nikolas Podraza, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Physics & Astronomy
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"The importance of The Satanic Verses lies not in the story itself, but rather in its consequences for the author and its implications for free speech. This book demonstrates three things: 1) the power of words; 2) the lengths people will go in their desperation to silence words that challenge their worldview; and 3) the incredible courage and sacrifice it takes to fight against that kind of attempted censorship, particularly when your own government or institution is complicit in said censorship. Scientists have an ethical obligation to objectively report their data, results, and the conclusions that follow from those results, regardless of whether those results might be inconvenient for some institution with influence. When scientists are attacked and discredited for conducting science because the results don't line up with an institution's political or financial agenda, THAT is the real breach in research integrity. Unfortunately, such attacks on science and scientists are becoming more and more common, and are occurring closer and closer to home. We are on thin ice, my friends. 'Mind your backs. Mind your heads' -- Salman Rushdie.”

Jeanine Refsnider, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Environmental Sciences
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"Several complex variables is not an easy topic to read or write about. The topic is technical and touches many branches of mathematics. This book does a great job in introducing several complex variables from a partial differential equations perspective. Reading the book showed me how mathematics is interconnected. For anyone interested in my field this is the first book I recommend. This is one of the books I have one copy at home and another at my office, just in case.”

Sönmez Şahutoğlu, Ph.D.
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"The books in Douglas Adams' series are the first books that I can remember not wanting to put down. The love of story telling that I have was ignited by them.”

Stephen Sakowski, M.F.A.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Theatre & Film
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020

"I choose the book The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu to represent my journey to full professor. The book profoundly teaches that true happiness is only found by giving to others. As an instructor it was critical that I work inwardly to obtain my terminal degree and demonstrate excellence in teaching, service and scholarship. Now that I have achieved Full Professor status, I plan to dedicate my career to help others realize and accomplish their goals and aspirations. The dialogue between Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu throughout the book brought light to revelations such as 'The ultimate source of happiness is within us' and 'we grow on kindness when our kindness is tested'. I am grateful for my academic journey at the University of Toledo, for all those that took the time to mentor me, and all those that I hope to mentor for the duration of my tenure!"

Martha Sexton, Ph.D.
College of Nursing
Department of Adult, Family & Population Health
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"Roots of Power, a phenomenological approach to gendered difference, takes rare account of the Darwinian body, biological capacities, and cultural structures to explain intersections of bodies and power structures. It was recommended to me by philosopher and friend William F. Ryan, SJ, and I am honored to have the chance to make it available to other scholars.”

Barbara Schneider, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of English Language & Literature
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"I first encountered Anthony Giddens’ ideas on the effects of globalization and modernity in this book as an international student in Massachusetts in the early 1990s. As someone who grew up on the other side of the Cold War Wall, I was new to the customs and society I was encountering, and was stumbling in my efforts to navigate university life. Giddens offered guidance for me not only in my personal struggles to make quick sense of the America around me, but also in my academic interests in institutional transformations in a rapidly changing social and cultural world. I continued to follow Giddens’ work throughout the years, and still include his ideas, as well as his Runaway World essays and other texts on the effects of globalization, in my writing and teaching today."

Snejana Slantcheva-Durst, Ph.D.
Judith Herb College of Education
Department of Educational Studies
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"My first book chapter on PTSD was published in this book.”

Xin Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Psychiatry
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"I wish this book had been published 20 years ago. It would have changed the way I do things. Since reading this two years ago, I've made some fundamental changes in my life and how I interact with others. David Brooks always intertwines the moral of the story with excellent stories, humor, and some politics. Very entertaining."

Randall Worth, Ph.D.
College of Medicine & Life Sciences
Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology
Promoted to Professor, 2020

"Yosano Akiko is one of the most well-known female poets from post-classical Japan. Her work centered around the theme of romanticism, eroticism, and emotional explicitness during a period of time when those themes were considered controversial. Yosano was also known as a pioneering feminist and social activist who had published various poems and commentaries in the area of women’s identities, independence, and social responsibility. Quite notably, Yosano had also lived through the 1918 Pandemic and published a commentary (i.e., 感冒の床から) depicting the issues that are also prevalent in the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is the main reason why I have selected this author/book today. While there is a limited number of her work that is translated into English, the book Rivers of Stars: Selected Poems of Yosano Akiko will be a great starter for anyone who is interested in exploring Yosano’s worldview, and I hope this would be your entry point to learning Japanese language and culture in the near future."

Kasumi Yamakazi, Ph.D.
College of Arts & Letters
Department of World Languages & Cultures
Promoted to Associate Professor & Granted Tenure, 2020