Ann
Armitage Benson
Associate Professor
of Chemistry, Chair
Department of Science
Ann Armitage Benson is an associate professor of chemistry and a chair for the Department of Science, who is a native of New Orleans. She received a B.S. in chemistry from Tulane University, a B.S. in science education from Tri-State University, and an M.S. from Indiana University. She has been with TSU since 1977, starting as an adjunct professor. She now teaches general chemistry and is the director of the Northeastern Indiana Tri-State Regional Science Fair. Her professional interests include applied chemistry and forensic science. Other interests include tennis, gardening, and reading, and she is especially fond of shopping. She is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers.
Contact: 260.665.4256 or bensona@tristate.edu
Dr.
W. Brooks Bigelow
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Bigelow, has been with TSU since 1988. He is originally from Delaware and received his B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Delaware. He also holds an M.S. in organic chemistry and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from New Mexico State University. At TSU he teaches general and organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, and instrumental analysis. Professionally, he is interested in organic and analytical chemistry. He is also an expert railroad enthusiast. He is a member of the American Chemical Society.
Contact: 260.665.4254 or bigelowb@tristate.edu
Dr.
Ira Franklin Jones
Professor of Biology
and Chemistry
Dr. Jones has been a faculty member at TSU since 1983. He is currently a professor of biology and chemistry and teaches a variety of courses including: principles of biology, toxicology, animal biology, physiology, biochemistry and quantitative and instrumental analysis. He received a B.S. from Davidson College, an M.S. from New York University and a Ph.D. from Auburn University. His professional interests are as varied as the courses he teaches – including entomology, which he teaches during the summer sessions. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi and the Indiana Alliance of Chemistry Teachers. Outside of the classroom, he is an avid tennis player.
Contact: 260.665.4249 or jonesi@tristate.edu
Dr.
Chad Keefer
Visiting Professor of Physics
Dr. Keefer began his full-time teaching career at TSU in 2005.
As a visiting assistant professor of physics, he teaches university
physics and physical science, and is an academic advisor to science
education students. Prof. Keefer is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana
and received his B.S. in secondary science education from Ball
State University. He also holds an M.A. in both chemistry and
physics from Ball State. In 2005, he received his Ed.D. in science
from Ball State. He is a member of the American Chemical Society.
Contact: 26.665.4246 or keeferc@tristate.edu
Dr.
Vicki Moravec
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Moravec teaches general chemistry and physical chemistry and is director of the honors program at TSU. She is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana and received her B.S. in chemistry from Purdue University in Fort Wayne. She also holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She began her full-time teaching career at TSU in 2002 and has interests in physical chemistry and in new pedagogical methods in science education. She enjoys family activities with her young children and many kinds of crafts.
Contact: 26.665.4257 or moravecv@tristate.edu
Dr.
Cindy Neyer
Assistant Professor of Physics
Dr. Neyer has been on the faculty at TSU since 1998. She brought with her teaching experience from the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University. She teaches university physics, electromagnetism, and modern physics. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Kansas and a Ph.D. in physics from Iowa State University. She is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Cindy enjoys needle crafts and jewelry making.
Contact: 260.665.4258 or neyerc@tristate.edu
Kristine Palmer
Instructor of Biology
Ms. Palmer teaches General Biology, Anatomy/Physiology and Microbiology. She is currently involved in teaching a biology course in Kendallville. Ms. Palmer is assisting with Senior Research projects.
Contact: 260.665.4582 or palmerk@tristate.edu
Dr. William (Bill) Sluis
Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Sluis teaches General Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics, Embryology, Environmental Biology and Conservation Biology. He is currently involved in natural area restoration projects and has worked for the National Biological Service, U.S. Energy Department and Nature Conservancy of Illinois researching natural areas and restoration techniques. He enjoys kayaking, gardening, and volunteering for conservation project.
Contact: 260.665.4250 or sluisw@tristate.edu
