Administrator Bios

Pamela Zarkowski
Professor, Department of Patient Management, Executive Associate Dean, Academic Administration, teaches community dentistry, ethical, legal issues including topics related to cultural diversity, leadership, women's issues and occupational hazards. Dr. Zarkowski lectures in continuing education courses and has published extensively in the areas of legal and ethical issues for the health professions. Dr. Zarkowski holds a B.S. in Dental Hygiene, a M.P.H. in Dental Public Health, a teaching certificate in Community Dentistry from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor and a certificate in Gerontology from Wayne State University. She joined the University in 1978.

Frank E. Pink
Professor & Associate Dean, Office of Graduate Education and Research, is past chairperson for the Department of Restorative Dentistry and is currently Chairman of the Institutional Review Board for the University. Dr. Pink has published twenty-seven manuscripts, over sixty research abstracts, and has presented numerous local and national programs in restorative dentistry and facial pain. He received his dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and a M.S. degree in Clinical Research Design & Statistical Analysis from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics. Dr. Pink joined the University in 1994

Mert N. Aksu
Associate Professor, Department of Patient Management, Assistant Dean of Clinical Administration, earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn, a Masters in Health Services Administration and a D.D.S. from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and a J.D. from Wayne State University. He is a former attending staff of Henry Ford health Systems, a member of the State Bar of Michigan, and is a Fellow with the American College of Legal Medicine. Dr. Aksu joined the University in 1993.

Jane M. York
Associate Professor, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene, has extensive teaching experience in both the dental and dental hygiene programs. She currently coordinates student services and serves as a liaison to professional organizations and the University at large. She holds a B.S. in Dental Hygiene, and an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Detroit. Professor York joined the University in 1975.

Faculty Bios

Salwa M. A. Atwan
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry teaches didactic and clinical courses in Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of numerous professional organizations and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her special interest lies in the medicament of the pulp and prevention. Dr. Atwan received her D.D.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy, a M.S. and a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and a Certificate of Dentistry for the Disabled from the University of Washington/Seattle. Dr. Atwan joined the University in 1996.

John W. Brand
Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, teaches oral radiology, oral diagnosis and diagnosis and treatment of TMJ pathology and facial pain. His research focus is in the accuracy of clinical examination procedures and validation of teaching methods. He is a past president of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and recently chaired the committee that wrote the report Radiation Protection in Dentistry for the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Dr. Brand earned B.S., D.D.S. and M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. He joined the University in 1999.

Leyvee Cabanilla
Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology, teaches non-surgical diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal disease. She is also involved in teaching local anesthesia to both dental hygiene students as well as practicing dental hygienists in a series of continuing education courses. She received her D.D.M. degree from the University of the Philippines and her D.D.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy. She also received a Certificate and MSD in Periodontics from Indiana University. Dr. Cabanilla joined the University in 2000.

Margaret E. Coleman
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, Director of Dental Hygiene Admissions, teaches clinical dental hygiene, dental anatomy and pain and anxiety control. Additional responsibilities include advising and monitoring students for Dental Hygiene Program admissions. Her interests focus on self-instructional design and evaluation. She has received clinical teaching awards. Ms. Coleman holds a Certificate and B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit and is currently doing research to complete her M.S. in Health Care Education at UDM. She joined the University in 1977.

Linda Louise Dobis
Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches non-surgical diagnosis and treatment planning of periodontal disease. Her areas of interest include periodontology and oral microbiology. She received her D.D.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy, a Certificate in Hospital Dentistry from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and a Certificate in Periodontology from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Dobis joined the University in 1998.

W. Choong Foong
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches pharmacology and therapeutics. He obtained his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from University of
Portsmouth (UK) and completed two post-doctorate fellowships in biopharmaceutics and dental biomaterials. He was an associate professor with Dalhousie University (Canada) before joining the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Foong joined the University in 2001.

William C. Forbes
Associate Professor of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches interdisciplinary courses in gross anatomy to dental and dental hygiene. Dr. Forbes spent 28 years in private general dentistry practice and 8 years as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine. He received his D.D.S. from the University of Michigan and his Master's in Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary. Dr. Forbes is also adjunct faculty at Wayne State University Medical School and Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Forbes joined the University in 1997.

James R. Geist
Professor and Chairman of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, teaches courses in pathology, oral medicine and oral radiology. His research interests concern the diagnostic efficacy of imaging systems and the effectiveness of educational techniques. Dr. Geist has had over 30 peer-reviewed articles and abstracts published. He has received the President's Award for Faculty Excellence and has been selected Outstanding Instructor nine times by dental and dental hygiene classes. Dr. Geist earned a D.D.S. from the University of Illinois and a M.S. in Oral Pathology from Indiana University. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and a past president of the Board. He joined the University in 1986.

Michael J. Gleason
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches biochemistry, nutrition and preventive dentistry. Publication topics range from basic biochemistry to applied clinical dentistry. He has presented continuing education lectures on computers in dentistry, dental office sterilization and nutrition. Dr. Gleason holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Dayton, a D.D.S. from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Kent State University. He joined the University in 1985.

Sara Gordon
Associate Professor, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, teaches pathology, oral pathology and oral medicine. She directs the tobacco program at the UDM School of Dentistry. She is also a member of the department of pathology at St. John Hospital and the VA Hospital, both in Detroit. Her research interests include tobacco cessation, foreign body gingivitis, and oral pathology. She regularly publishes and presents papers and cases internationally, including a chapter in the online textbook Emedicine. She received a B.Sc. in Biology from St. Mary's University, a B.A. in English and D.D.S. from Dalhousie University and a M.Sc. in Pathology from the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Gordon is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Pathology, a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a fellow of the American Academy of Oral Pathology. Dr. Gordon joined the University in 1997.

Kenneth L. Hillenburg
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches periodontal instrumentation and clinical periodontics. Dr. Hillenburg received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College and D.D.S. degrees from the University of Panama and the University of Detroit. He received an M.S. in Periodontics from the University of Michigan. Dr. Hillenburg joined the University in 1985.

Gary Jeffers
Associate Professor, Director of Predoctoral Education, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, assists in the instruction for the dental hygiene students in pain and anxiety control. Dr. Jeffers received his A.B. degree in biology, English and German from Malone College; his M.S. in physiology and pharmacology from Ohio University and his D.M.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. He also completed a General Practice Residency with the U.S. Navy, and he holds certificates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from Emory University and Anesthesiology from the Veteran Administration Medical Center (Atlanta, GA). Dr. Jeffers has been a full-time faculty member at UDM since 1985.

Richard Kulbersh
Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Orthodontics, teaches orthodontics, and growth and development. He has lectured at local, national and international meetings and is a diplomate of the ABP, a fellow of the ACOD, a m3ember of the AAO as well as many other dental organizations. Dr. Kulbersh received his D.M.D. from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and his M.S. in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy. He joined the University in 1975.

Judy Kwapis-Jaeger
**Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches dental materials, legal, ethical and professional issues, research and statistics and clinical dental hygiene while maintaining clinical practices. She has published and presented papers on legal/ethical issues, learning styles, interdisciplinary course work and curriculum. Ms. Kwapis-Jaeger was the recipient of the Quest for Excellence in Dental Education. She received a certificate, a B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene and a M.A. in Education from the University of
Detroit. She joined the University in 1978.

Judi S. Luxmore
Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, serves as the Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program Coordinator and the Marketing and Recruitment Coordinator for the Dental Hygiene Program. She teaches management of dental hygiene care, scientific literature, and clinical dental hygiene. Ms. Luxmore also practices as a dental hygienist in the private sector and has been active in dental hygiene organizations throughout her dental hygiene career. She received a Certificate in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit, a B.A.S. from Siena Heights University and a M.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy. She joined the University in 1989.

Durinda J. Mattana
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches in the first year dental hygiene curriculum and serves as the Director of Continuing Dental Education. Related teaching interests include care of special patients (geriatrics), preventive dentistry and periodontics. Ms. Mattana has published articles and is a contributing author to a dental hygiene textbook. While practicing clinical dental hygiene part time, she is also active in professional organizations. Ms. Mattana holds a B.S. and M.S. in Dental Hygiene from the University of
Michigan. She joined the University in 1991.

Virginia A. Merchant
Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches microbiology and nutrition. Dr. Merchant's current research interests are in infection control and the transmission of microorganisms, especially viruses in the dental environment. Recognized for her research in the
disinfection of dental impressions, she has published extensively in the area and on the herpes viruses. Dr. Merchant is a recipient of the UDM President's Award for Faculty Excellence. She received her B.A. from Winthrop College, a M.S. from the University of Georgia and a D.M.D.
degree from the Medical College of Georgia. She joined the University in 1980.

Gail E. Molinari
Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, teaches clinical and didactic courses in Pediatric Dentistry. She has special interests in behavior management and prevention techniques as well as child abuse and neglect prevention. Dr. Molinari is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a fellow of the International College of Dentists. She received a B.A. from Simmons College, a D.D.S. and M.S. degrees from Ohio State University and a M.S. degree in Health Care Education from the University of Detroit Mercy. She joined the University in 1987.

John Molinari
Professor and Chairman, Department of Biomedical Sciences, lectures on microbiology, immunology, infectious diseases and asepsis. He has published over 300 scientific articles, text chapters and abstracts and has lectured both nationally and internationally on numerous topics related to the biomedical field. He is a co-author of the text Practical Infection Control in Dentistry. He serves as a consultant for hospitals in the Detroit area and serves as a consultant to the ADA and the CDC in the areas of infectious disease and infection control. Currently he is the Infection Control Section editor for The Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. Dr. Molinari received a B.A. in Biology from St. Vincent College and a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

Anthony Neely
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches Periodontics, research methods and literature analysis techniques to dental, dental hygiene and Periodontics graduate students. Dr. Neely's main focus is the application of epidemiologic methods to identify and understand risk factors associated with periodontal disease. He also conducts research on the relationship between systemic disease and periodontal disease. Dr. Neely received a D.D.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, certificate in Periodontics and Masters of Dental Science in Periopathobiology from the University of Connecticut. He received a Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University's School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

Kathleen Neveu
Clinical Associate Professor and Dental Hygiene Clinic Coordinator for Dental Hygiene I and Dental Hygiene II, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches pre-clinical and clinical dental hygiene, pre-clinical and clinical periodontics to dental students and continuing education courses. Ms. Neveu is a registered dental assistant and holds a Certificate in Dental Hygiene and a B.S. from the University of Detroit and an M.S. in Health Care Education from the University of Detroit Mercy. She joined the University in 1989.

Michael H. O'Regan
Associate Professor of Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches human physiology in the School of Dentistry. He has an active research program utilizing in vivo and in vitro methodologies to investigate the causes of neuronal damage especially as it relates to
stroke. Dr. O'Regan has over 100 research publications in international journals. He holds B.S. and B.A. degrees from the University of Michigan/Dearborn, a M.S. degree from
Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. degree from Wayne State University. He joined the University in 1996.

Barbara A. Purifoy-Seldon
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene and Assistant to the Dean for Special Projects, teaches clinical dental hygiene, dental anatomy, dental materials, special patient care and lectures in dental ethics and community dentistry. She is a recipient of numerous block grants and a grant from Delta Dental Fund for development of a community-based outreach dental clinic. She is a coordinator of UDM's Dental Outreach Program. Ms. Purifoy-Seldon is a current member of the Michigan Board of Dentistry. She holds a Certificate and B.S. in Dental Hygiene and a M.A in Curriculum Administration from the University of Detroit. She has completed course work for a second M.S. degree in Health Care Education. Ms. Purioy-Seldon joined the University in 1972.

Kathi R. Shepherd
Associate Professor, Director of the Dental Hygiene Program, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches in Clinical Dental Hygiene II, III and IV. Additional teaching responsibilities include directing the dental hygiene board review, clinical seminar and lecturing in preclinical dental and dental hygiene courses. Her publications and professional presentations focus on both dental education and dental hygiene care. Ms. Shepherd is the recipient of Outstanding Faculty awards given by students. She received a Certificate in Dental Hygiene and a B.S. from the University of Detroit and a M.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy. Ms. Shepherd joined the University in 1985.

Claudine M. Sordyl
Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, teaches physical assessment, management of medical emergencies, and basic life support (re)certification. Ms. Sordyl lectures on pain and anxiety control, and inhalation and intravenous sedation protocol to
both dental and dental hygiene students. Her publications and professional presentations deal with registered nurses’ dental education, mock emergency drills, dental practice, and emergency drug kit setup in dentistry. Ms. Sordyl holds a B.S. in Nursing and a M.S. in Health Services Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy. She joined the University in 1989.

Warren Wagner
Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry (Prosthodontics), teaches dental materials and research design to dental hygiene, dental undergraduate, and dental graduate students. His primary interest is development of new dental and surgical materials; however, he is involved in a much wider range of research. Dr. Wagner is currently directing research in iomimetic materials, dental composites, dental esthetics, and environmental aspects of dentistry. He earned B.S., B.S.E, M.S and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. Dr. Wagner joined the University in 2000.

Kimberly J. Werth
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, teaches periodontal instrumentation, strategies for the prevention of oral diseases and clinical dental hygiene. Ms. Werth has received several outstanding faculty awards. She received a Certificate and B.S. degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit and is currently completing studies for her M.A. in Community Counseling at the University of Detroit Mercy. She joined the University in 1996.

Michelle Wheater
Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, teaches general histology and oral histology. She obtained her B.S. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D. from Iowa State University. She completed a post-doctorate fellowship in cell biology at Northwestern University Medical School. She was an associate professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Wayne State University School of Medicine before joining the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Wheater joined the University in 2004.

James Winkler
Professor, Chair, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene, Diplomate American Academy of Periodontology, teaches interdisciplinary courses in biologic basis to soft tissue disease to both dental and dental hygiene students. His interests include the management of oral manifestations of immunocompromised patients. His research focuses on the histopathogenesis of periodontal diseases. He is internationally recognized for his work on HIV. Dr. Winkler received his D.D.S. and Ph.D. in Biological Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Certificate in Periodontics from the University of California at San Francisco. He joined the University in 1996.

Charlotte J. Wyche
Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology and Dental Hygiene teaches community health and scientific presentations to dental hygiene students and special patient care to dental students. Ms. Wyche coordinates student community-based service-learning experiences. She works extensively with the UDM Leadership Development Institute (LDI) to promote interdisciplinary community-based collaborations. Ms. Wyche received her Certificate in Dental Hygiene, B.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene and M.S. Degree in Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Michigan. She joined the University in 1994.