Dr. Uttara Samarakoon – Samarakoon is an assistant professor in the greenhouse and nursery management program. She received a Bachelor of Sciences degree with honors from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka in agriculture with a specialization in horticulture. She earned her Master of Science degree in crop science at this university, in which her research focused on hydroponic production of leafy lettuce. Her Ph.D. degree is from the Institute of Agriculture and Environment at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She was most recently a post-doctoral research associate and research specialist in the Department of Horticulture, School of Agriculture and Forestry, at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.
Dr. Adem Cakmak – Cakmak is an assistant professor in mathematics. He received his Bachelor of Science Education in mathematics education and Master of Science in mathematics from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara Turkey. He subsequently earned a second Master of Science degree in mathematics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He earned his Ph.D. degree in applied mathematics at Texas Tech University. He has taught various classes in mathematics at the Ohio University Lancaster Campus over the past six years. He recently served as a board member of the Horizon Science Academy in Columbus and Noble Academy Elementary Schools.
Dr. Victor Ujor – Ujor is an assistant professor in the renewable energy program. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied microbiology and brewing from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria. He subsequently earned his Master of Science in applied microbiology and biotechnology from the University of Westminster, London, England. He then earned his Ph.D. degree in applied microbiology/fungal biotechnology at the University of Westminster. While working toward his Ph.D. degree, he earned a postgraduate certificate in support of learning from the University of Westminster in which he had intensive training in teaching undergraduate students in technical programs in both classroom and laboratory settings. He conducted research as a post-doctoral associate at the OARDC Wooster campus for four years focusing on waste remediation and energy production using biodigester technologies.
Dr. Zane Raudenbush – Raudenbush is an assistant professor in turfgrass management. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in plant sciences concentrating in turfgrass science from Rutgers University. He subsequently earned a Master of Science and Ph.D. in horticulture with a turfgrass weed science focus from Kansas State University. He has experience in the horticultural technologies area as a lawn care business owner and technician, apprentice golf course superintendent, and assistant golf course superintendent.
Dr. Elizabeth Parker – Parker will be employed half time as an associate professor in animal sciences. She has a Registered Nursing Certificate from the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She received the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Queensland. She subsequently earned a certificate for small animal medicine practice via distance education from the University of Sydney Post-Graduate Foundation. She continued her education by earning membership status for the Australian and New Zealand College Veterinary Scientists by examination. Subsequently she earned a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management degree and most recently a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education. She has worked in several veterinary practices and served as a diagnostic pathologist. Most recently she has served as a faculty member at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland.