With the start of the new academic year, so come new faces to the Hill, as several new faculty members have joined the RSU community for the academic year.
According to Rogers State University Academic Dean Dr. Susan Willis, the new faculty members will make a positive impact on the university and the students, contributing to their respective programs in new and exciting ways.
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Caitlyn Thomas joined the nursing faculty in spring 2024 as an instructor – health sciences. She is a dedicated nursing professional, having earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University.
Over the past seven years, she has honed her expertise in the nursing field, working extensively in Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Operating Room (OR), Organ Donation and Medical-Surgical units.
With a passion for advancing the nursing profession, Thomas is thrilled to embark on her first adventure into nursing education. She eagerly joins the esteemed faculty at RSU, where she is excited to contribute to shaping the next generation of registered nurses.
LeeAnn Sipes joined the nursing faculty at the beginning of the spring 2024 semester as an assistant professor of health sciences. She has been a Registered Nurse for 38 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Oklahoma.
She previously taught at RSU from 2005-2011 and was a hospital nurse educator from 2011-2023. She partially retired but came back to teach full-time here in Spring of 2024.
Department of Biology
Dr. Rupak Timilsina joins the faculty as assistant professor of biology. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kathmandu University in Nepal. He then moved to South Korea, where he obtained his master’s degree at Pohang University of Science and Technology and doctoral degree at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology.
After completing his doctorate, he pursued postdoctoral training at the University of California – San Diego. Dr. Timilsina’s research focuses on investigating the molecular mechanisms of root development and growth using genetic and chemical tools.
In addition to his research endeavors, he is deeply committed to educating the next generation scientists, having guided many undergraduate and graduate students in their research projects. He is extremely excited to begin his journey at RSU.
Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Dr. Alexander “Alex” Lopez joins the faculty as director of RSU’s chemical engineering program, associate professor, and head of the Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Lopez holds a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in chemical engineering, both from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He previously served as associate professor of chemical engineering at the University of Mississippi after serving as assistant professor of chemical engineering, also at the University of Mississippi. He served as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Department of Communications
Heather Tisdale joins the faculty as instructor of strategic communications. She is originally from Bartlesville and is a proud member of the Osage Nation. She will serve as Director of Studio III Media at RSU. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in communication with an emphasis in new media and marketing.
With more than 20 years of experience in communications and marketing, Tisdale’s career spans television production, media buying, digital media, website management, social media management, and more. Her teaching background began at Oklahoma State University, where she taught students in event management and restaurant operations, and she is excited to return to the classroom at RSU, where she will share her passion for marketing and communications with her students.
Department of Technology and Justice Studies
Sai Tharuni Samineni joins the faculty as an instructor in the Department of Technology and Justice Studies, where she will teach courses in cybersecurity and programming.
She recently completed her Master of Science in Computer Science at Oklahoma State University, building on her Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering. Her journey has taken her through various roles, including her most recent position as a programmer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she worked on machine learning and AI projects. Prior to that role, she served as a senior system analyst at Capgemini Inc.
Samineni has a strong foundation in programming languages, machine learning, cyber security, database management, and web technologies, and is passionate about preparing students for the challenges in the tech landscape.
Rogers State University is the Tulsa metro area’s only four-year public residential university. Learn more and apply at www.rsu.edu.