Join us in welcoming our new faculty members in the departments of Mathematics, Digital Media Arts, Animal Behavior, Ecology & Conservation and Physician Assistant Studies programs:
Nathan Fox, PhD
Nathan Fox, PhD, joins Canisius as an assistant professor of mathematics & statistics teaching calculus for the non-sciences and logic, set theory & proofs this fall. Dr. Fox received his PhD in mathematics from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He also graduated from the University of Minnesota with bachelor of science degree in both mathematics and computer science.
Dr. Fox’s research interests lie at the intersection of combinatorics, number theory and theoretical computer science. Much of his work relates to using computational tools to explore patterns in sequences of integers. He also enjoys games, both studying them with mathematics and playing them. Dr. Fox has broad teaching experience and interests across the mathematics curriculum.
His primary goal is for students to take ownership of their learning, underpinned by a philosophy that the best way to learn something is to teach it. This results in a great deal of collaboration in the classroom. When he is not on campus, you can commonly find Dr. Fox riding his bicycle around town.
Sarah Galasso, MFA
Sarah Galasso, MFA, joins Canisius as associate professor of digital media arts teaching Intro to Digital Media, Character Design and Game Development this fall. Dr. Galasso received her master of fine arts degree in computer animation from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She also earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting with a minor in art history from Buffalo State.
Dr. Galasso began her career in 2000, as the first-ever, full-time animator at Fisher-Price Inc. Within her first few months at the company she received the Champion Performer Award from the president of Fisher-Price for her development of innovative techniques that helped to advance the design processes and workflow used at the company. After six years with the company, she launched her own animation studio, August Productions, where she has produced animations for clients such as Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master Toys and the Home Shopping Network. Dr. Galasso has also earned three Telly Awards, as well as the 2014 Award of Excellence from the Videographer Awards, for her role as executive animator on the nationally aired ABC-TV documentary Building a Basilica. Sarah has 12 years of full-time teaching experience and 20 years of professional experience in all aspects of animation production.
Jennifer Snekser, PhD
Jennifer Snekser, PhD, joins Canisius as an assistant professor of animal Behavior, ecology and conservation teaching Introductory Biology, Research Methods in Animal Behavior, and Sex, Evolution, & Behavior courses this fall. She received her bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in psychology from Canisius, a master of science degree in biology from St. Joseph’s University and her PhD in integrative biology from Lehigh University.
Dr. Snekser’s courses focus on understanding the process of science that leads to our understanding of biology and relies heavily on evaluating primary literature. She particularly loves teaching introductory courses and any course focused on biological diversity. Dr. Snekser’s research interests lie in understanding different aspects of social behavior as related to ecology and evolution, focusing on both ultimate and proximate reasons for behavioral expression. She utilizes the diversity in fishes to explore a variety of behaviors, including parental care, territoriality, sexual behavior, and shoalmate choice. Fish live all over the world and Dr. Snekser loves traveling with her students to explore reefs, streams and desert springs. She can also spend hours watching the fish that live within her laboratory. Dr. Snekser, her collaborators and students regularly present their work at scientific meetings and publish in behavior and conservation journals.
Nicole Scovazzo, EdD, MPAS, PA-C
Nicole Scovazzo, EdD, joins Canisius as a clinical assistant professor and clinical medical coordinator in the Physician Assistant Studies program. She is an experienced physician assistant with a primary focus in general and bariatric surgery. After completing her bachelor of science and master of science degrees in physician assistant studies, she elected to continue her education at D’Youville College where she earned her doctorate in health administration. In addition to Dr. Scovazzo’s clinical work, she has served as an adjunct lecturer and clinical preceptor, as well as directed the bariatric service line for Erie County Medical Center. Her passion for education became evident very early on in her experience with her students. Dr. Scovazzo is an active member of many professional societies. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and attending group fitness classes.
Submitted by: Emily McGorry, executive assistant, Academic Affairs
