Division Mission Statement
Inspiring and guiding the next generation of leaders in the STEM fields.
Division Of
Science and Mathematics
Program Details
Division Overview
The Division of Science and Math is dedicated to delivering a high-quality undergraduate science program tailored to a diverse student population. Through innovative instruction, applied research, internships, and service-learning initiatives aimed at fostering ethical values, the Division prepares graduates to tackle the challenges of both the global marketplace and public sector organizations.
Degrees Offered
- B.S. Biology
- B.S. Health Sciences
- B.S. Chemistry
- B.S. Forensic Science
- B.S. Mathematics
- B.S. Computer Science
Support Areas
- STEM Lab — McDonald Science Building, Room 5
- Science teaching and research labs
- STEM research, grants, and outreach programs
Certificate / Non-Degree Programs
- Cybersecurity certificate programs
- Vicksburg, Mississippi facility
- Workforce and continuing education programming
Department Goals
Division Objectives
- Provide programs and activities consistent with the institutional mission.
- Sustain robust academic programs integrating instruction, research, and experiential learning to equip students for a global society.
- Recruit and retain talented students from diverse backgrounds.
- Enhance students’ scientific laboratory skills to reinforce their grasp of the scientific process.
- Prepare and support graduates as they pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce.
Department Faculty & Staff
Em: cjones2@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4202
Office: Hamilton Science Center, Room 215
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4202
Office: Hamilton Science Center, Room 215
Biography
• Dean of the Division of Science & Mathematics.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Mathematics, Auburn University
• M.S., Mathematics, Alabama State University
• B.S., Mathematics, Alabama State University
Teaching / Courses
• Mathematics
• STEM leadership
• Research mentorship
• Academic administration
Research / Professional Interests
• Graph theory
• STEM education
• Research and grants
• Institutional innovation
• Student success
Accomplishments
• Dean, Division of Science & Mathematics
• Interim Dean, Division of Humanities
• Supports STEM academic programs, labs, grants, and outreach
Student Engagement / Service
• Faculty and student research support
• STEM partnerships
• Academic program development
Em: wshelton-jones@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: Hamilton Science Center, Room 217
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: Hamilton Science Center, Room 217
Biography
• Administrative Assistant for the Division of Science & Mathematics.
Research / Professional Interests
• Division operations
• Administrative support
• Faculty and student service
Student Engagement / Service
• Supports Science & Mathematics faculty, students, and division operations
Em: mashraf@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4252
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 31
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4252
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 31
Biography
• Chair of Biology & Health Sciences.
Teaching / Courses
• Biology
• Health Sciences
• Research mentorship
Research / Professional Interests
• Biology education
• Academic excellence in science
• Student development in biology and health sciences
Accomplishments
• Chair, Biology & Health Sciences
Student Engagement / Service
• Biology and health sciences student mentorship
Em: sanderson@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 39
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 39
Biography
• Assistant Professor of Biology with interests in biochemistry, molecular biology, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, Meharry Medical College
• Postdoctoral fellowships at the Marine Biology Laboratory, University of Georgia, and Translational Genomics Research Institute
Teaching / Courses
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Undergraduate research
Research / Professional Interests
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology
• Infectious diseases
• Metabolic disorders
• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• MRSA and campus-based microbiology research
Accomplishments
• Selected for the NSF National Data Science Alliance Curriculum Development Workgroup
• Research project: A Survey of Antibiotic Resistance in Microorganisms
• Published in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Parasitology Research, and Acta Tropica
Student Engagement / Service
• Undergraduate research mentorship
• Upward Bound student support
Em: rkuykindoll@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 4
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 4
Biography
• Associate Professor of Biology with expertise in microbiology, physiology, undergraduate research, and microbes from extreme environments.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Microbiology, Meharry Medical College
• B.S., Biology, Tennessee State University
• Postdoctoral Training, Physiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Teaching / Courses
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Undergraduate research mentoring
Research / Professional Interests
• Microbiology
• Physiology
• Undergraduate biology education
• Microbes from extreme environments
• Exobiology-related research
Accomplishments
• NASA Summer Faculty Research Fellow in the Exobiology Division at Moffett Field
Student Engagement / Service
• Undergraduate research faculty experience
• SMART-UP Undergraduate Research Faculty
• UNCF-UPS Undergraduate Research Faculty
Em: jzhu@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 9
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 9
Biography
• Adjunct Faculty in Biology with research interests in plant science, biotechnology, and plant genetics.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Plant Genetics and Breeding, Cornell University
Teaching / Courses
• Biology
• Botany
• Plant science
• Greenhouse-based teaching and research
Research / Professional Interests
• Plant science
• Botany
• Biotechnology
• Plant genetics and breeding
• Drought-resistant rice research
• Molecular plant biology
Accomplishments
• Research project: Modification of Drought Resistance Gene OsSKL in Rice Species
• Peer-reviewed publications include work in Gene and Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets
Student Engagement / Service
• Hands-on plant science
• Biotechnology and agricultural science engagement
Em: mbrown@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4254
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 29
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4254
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 29
Biography
• Chair of Chemistry & Forensic Science. Her interests include STEM education, workforce development, water quality, energy systems, environmental impacts, and forensic chemistry.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Chemical Engineering / Bioengineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
• M.S., Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
• B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rice University
Teaching / Courses
• Physical Science
• Upper-level Chemistry courses
• Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences
• Laboratory-based chemistry instruction
Research / Professional Interests
• STEM education
• Workforce development in the chemical industry
• Water quality
• Geothermal heat pumps
• Microgrids
• Energy systems
• Environmental impacts
• Forensic chemistry
Accomplishments
• Chair, Chemistry & Forensic Science
• NSF HBCU-UP Targeted Infusion Project: CURE-IT, Co-PI, 2025–2028
• NSF HBCU-UP Research Initiation Award proposal on geothermal heat pump usage, PI
• Research project: Development of a Forensic Chemistry Module
Student Engagement / Service
• STEM Seminar Series
• Rust College Research Symposium
• Chem Club
• Summer research instruction
• Upward Bound Chemistry instruction
• STEM outreach
Em: jharris@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 37
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 37
Biography
• Assistant Professor of Chemistry with interests in chemical education, statistical genetics, data-driven biomedical research, sickle cell disease, and health disparities.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Mississippi
• B.A., Biochemistry, University of Mississippi
• B.S., Biology, University of Mississippi
• Postdoctoral Training, Statistical Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Postdoctoral Training, Genetics, University of Florida
Teaching / Courses
• Chemistry
• Chemical education
• Laboratory-based chemistry instruction
• Cheminformatics and data analysis
• Genetics, genomics, and biomedical science-related instruction
Research / Professional Interests
• Chemical education
• Statistical genetics
• Structural equation modeling
• Sickle cell disease
• Fetal hemoglobin variability
• Health disparities
• Data-driven biomedical research
Accomplishments
• Selected for the NSF National Data Science Alliance Curriculum Development Workgroup
• Former Assistant Professor and Laboratory Coordinator at Grambling State University
• American Society of Human Genetics Human Genetics Scholar, 2020–2022
• NHLBI/NIH grant on fetal hemoglobin variability in sickle cell disease
Student Engagement / Service
• Undergraduate research leadership
• STEM leadership development
• Curriculum and laboratory modernization
• Lab safety and chemical hygiene planning
Em: trobinson@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4257
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 4
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4257
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 4
Biography
• Chair of Mathematics & Computer Science with interests in mathematics education, rural STEM education, adaptive learning, and curriculum development.
Degrees
• M.S.
Teaching / Courses
• Mathematics
• STEM education
• Adaptive mathematics support
Research / Professional Interests
• Mathematics education
• STEM education in rural communities
• Adaptive learning technologies
• Curriculum development
• Student growth and equity in STEM
Accomplishments
• Research project: Advancing STEM Education in Rural Communities using ALEKS
Student Engagement / Service
• Student support
• Mathematics learning and student success
• Curriculum development
Em: dferebee@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 34
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 34
Biography
• Associate Professor of Computer Science with interests in data science curriculum, IoT, Arduino-based programming, STEAM outreach, and workforce readiness.
Teaching / Courses
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Programming
• Internet of Things
• Technology and STEAM outreach
• Workforce readiness activities
Research / Professional Interests
• Computer science education
• Data science curriculum development
• Internet of Things
• Arduino-based programming
• STEAM education
• Youth technology engagement
Accomplishments
• Selected for the NSF National Data Science Alliance Curriculum Development Workgroup
• Led Rust College’s partnership with CLOUD901 for the Color Your World – EM teen IoT and • STEAM workshop
Student Engagement / Service
• Computer science instruction
• STEAM outreach
• Hands-on technology workshops
• Youth programming connected to IoT and emerging technologies
Em: wpan@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4251
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 7
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4251
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 7
Biography
• Assistant Professor of Computer Science with interests in software applications, 3D design, 3D printing, and technology-enhanced teaching.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Memphis
• M.S., Electronics Engineering Technology, University of Memphis
• M.S., Mathematical Sciences, University of Memphis
Teaching / Courses
• Undergraduate Computer Science courses
• Undergraduate Mathematics courses
• Day and evening Computer Science and Mathematics courses
Research / Professional Interests
• Software applications
• 3D design
• 3D printing
• Technology-enhanced teaching and learning
Accomplishments
• MakerBot Operation, Curriculum, Creator, and Innovator certification coursework
• CCNAv7: Introduction to Networks certification coursework
• Blackboard Designing Digital Teaching and Learning coursework
• Bioinformatics training coursework
• Project: Incorporating 3D Printers into Rust College Courses and Research
Student Engagement / Service
• Student advisor for Computer Science
• Rust College Research Institute, 2025
• Summer mathematics and 3D design/printing instruction
Em: ssise@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4304
Office: McCarty-Varnell BCS Building, Room 111
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4304
Office: McCarty-Varnell BCS Building, Room 111
Biography
• Instructor of Computer Science and advisor to Computer Science students.
Degrees
• M.S., Computer Science, concentration in Management Information Systems, Jackson State University
• M.B.A., Management, Jackson State University
• B.S., Business Administration, concentration in Management, Rust College
Teaching / Courses
• CMS 130 Introduction to Computers
• CMS 430 Computer Organization
• CMS 431 Data Structures/Algorithms
• CMS 435 Database Management Systems
• CMS 370 Computer Science Ethics
• CMS 432 Operating Systems
• CMS 411 Computer Science Seminar
Research / Professional Interests
• Supercomputers
• Computer science education
Accomplishments
• More than thirty-nine years of service to the Rust College family
Student Engagement / Service
• Advisor to Computer Science majors
• Liaison to the Ronald McNair Program with the University of Mississippi
• Advisor to Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society
• Advisor to Chi Beta Phi National Science Fraternity
Em: rmiller@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 3
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 3
Biography
• Mathematics Instructor with broad teaching experience and technical experience in systems analysis and modeling.
Degrees
• M.S., Mathematics, Tennessee State University
• B.S., Mathematics, LeMoyne-Owen College
Teaching / Courses
• Mathematics
• Undergraduate mathematics instruction
• Mathematics support for student success
Research / Professional Interests
• Mathematics education
• Student support and academic preparation
• Systems analysis
• Modeling and simulation
• Verification, validation, and accreditation
Accomplishments
• Mathematics Instructor at Rust College since 2019
Student Engagement / Service
• Mathematics instruction for at-risk youth and underrepresented student populations
Em: kzhang@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 32
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: McDonald Science Building, Room 32
Biography
• Assistant Professor with research interests in materials science, nanostructures, semiconductors, sensors, and atomic layer deposition.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Norfolk State University
Teaching / Courses
• Calculus III
• College Algebra
• Introductory Physics with Calculus
• Physics I and II
• Physics Lab
• Materials Science
• Semiconductor technology
Research / Professional Interests
• Nanoparticles
• Semiconductive thin films
• Thermoelectric materials
• 2D nanostructures
• Atomic layer deposition
Accomplishments
• Mississippi Space Grant Consortium grant: Developing a Pre-Engineering Workforce Training Program
Student Engagement / Service
• Physics and STEM instruction
• Pre-engineering workforce training support
Em: amahanama@rustcollege.edu
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: To be confirmed
Ph: 662-252-8000 ext. 4077
Office: To be confirmed
Biography
• Assistant Professor of Physics with expertise in geophysics, seismology, earthquake ground motion, and active laboratory instruction.
Degrees
• Ph.D., Earth Science, Geophysics and Seismology, University of Memphis
• M.Sc., Geology, Bowling Green State University
• B.Sc. Honors, Physics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Teaching / Courses
• Physics I and II
• Physics labs
• Physical Optics
• Electronics
• Geophysics
• Computational Physics
• Statistical and Thermal Physics
Research / Professional Interests
• Seismology
• Earthquake ground motion
• Hazard assessment
• Crustal structure
• Near-surface geophysics
Accomplishments
• NASA Mars InSight InSight Seers program
• EarthScope workshop instructor
• Celebrate Student Success Award, 2024
Student Engagement / Service
• Physics labs
• Geoscience mentoring
• Field methods and data interpretation
