16 New Faculty Join Gonzaga University for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Gonzaga begins the 2026-2027 academic year with an incredible 16-person new faculty cohort, as well as three Fulbright scholars.
Interim Provost Mia Bertagnolli states, “I am excited to welcome the new faculty members to Gonzaga for the 2026-27 academic year. They bring remarkable expertise spanning critical areas of study, including healthy aging and cognition, neurodevelopmental disorders, literacy and language, educational leadership, health workforce development, ethical business practice, criminal justice, international and family law, and technologies that improve quality of life. As teachers, scholars, practitioners and mentors, they will expand opportunities for our students to learn, discover, and apply their knowledge to complex, real world challenges while advancing Gonzaga's commitment to academic excellence and empowering students to not only be successful, but to flourish in their lives.”
Learn more about our new faculty members in each area:
College of Arts and Sciences
Jessica Eliason, Lecturer in Biology -- PhD, Emory University. Expertise in genetics and neuroscience.
Adriane Mayda, Lecturer in Psychology and Neuroscience -- PhD, University of California, Davis. Expertise in neuroscience with a focus on the effects of aging and cerebrovascular disease on cognition.
Sara Pardej, Assistant Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience -- PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Expertise in the development of individuals with neurogenetic and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Tyler Smith, Assistant Professor in Sociology -- PhD, University of Washington. Expertise in the intersection of the criminal legal system and labor processes.
Foley Library
Cambria Sheridan, Lecturer – MLIS, University College Dublin. Expertise in information literacy and research and publishing skills. See profile.
School of Education
Kenneth Renner-Singer, Lecturer in Educational Leadership and Administration – EdD, University of Washington. Expertise in teaching, educational administration and instructional leadership. See profile.
Maria Ruiz-Martinez, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education -- PhD, University of Colorado Boulder. Expertise in transborder community language and cultural knowledge. See profile.
Katherine Trautman, Assistant Professor in Teacher Education -- PhD, University of Austin Texas. Expertise in elementary literacy and multilingual and translingual pedagogies for teacher preparation. See profile.
School of Engineering & Applied Science
Joshua Fleck, Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering -- PhD, Rice University. Expertise in haptic touch-feedback technology for prosthetic devices. See profile.
School of Health Sciences
Chrysta Cress, Lecturer in Nursing -- MSN, Gonzaga University. Expertise in simulation-based learning experiences that develop clinical competence, critical thinking, and safe patient care practices. See profile.
Molly Sperry, Assistant Professor in Nursing -- DNP, American Sentinel University. Expertise in strengthening the nursing workforce utilizing academic partnerships, regulation and effective on-boarding programs. See profile.
Rachel Winegart, Lecturer in Nursing – MSN, Belmont University. Expertise in procedural skills for neurosurgery and family medicine. See profile.
School of Law
Robert Hsu, Lecturer in Law -- JD, Indiana University. Expertise in business law, ethics and real estate.
Andrew Lah, Visiting Assistant Professor in Law -- JD, University of California Los Angeles. Expertise in policing, criminal law and procedure and trial advocacy.
Maria Veronica Saladino, Assistant Professor in Law – JD, William S. Boyd School of Law. Expertise in private international law.
Mirisa Torres, Lecturer in Law – JD, University of Houston. Expertise in wills and trusts and elder law.