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    Najor, Nicole A.

    Nicole A. Najor

    Associate Professor of Biology, teaches courses in the areas of cell and molecular biology. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of the protein complex called the COP9 signalosome in skin development using mammalian cell culture lines. She received her B.S. in Biology from ºÚÁÏÔÚÏß, her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences from Wayne State University School of Medicine, and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Northwestern University School of Medicine. As a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow, she received Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Awards from the National Institute of Health. She has also published in top journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, the Journal of Clinical Investigation, and the Journal of Cell Biology. Dr. Najor joined Detroit Mercy in 2016. 

    najorn@udmercy.edu

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    Ndiogou, Baye Alioune

    Baye Alioune Ndiogou

    Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. His research focuses on advancing energy solutions that drive decarbonization, conservation strategies, and multi-sectoral energy transitions. Dr. Ndiogou earned his Ph.D. in Energy Systems and Environment from the Polytechnic School of the University of Cheikh Anta Diop, specializing in Solar Thermal Technologies. His academic work integrates thermal-fluid systems, thermodynamics, and energy modeling, with a strong emphasis on computational simulations, energy policy, and sustainable building practices. Before joining Detroit Mercy, Dr. Ndiogou held a faculty position at the Dakar American University of Science and Technology (DAUST). He has extensive experience leading energy and sustainability projects, including solar PV facilities, solar thermal systems, and energy efficiency strategies for buildings and industries. His work has contributed to carbon reduction initiatives and renewable energy policies across different sectors, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world challenges. Beyond academia, as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Dr. Ndiogou has worked as a consultant and project specialist with organizations such as the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Soltrain West Africa initiative, where he helped develop decarbonization policies and sustainable energy solutions. Dr. Ndiogou joined Detroit Mercy in 2024. 

    bndiogo@udmercy.edu

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    Neely, Anthony

    Anthony Neely

    Associate Professor, Division Graduate Education, Division of Clinical Essentials and Simulation, has taught periodontology at both undergraduate and graduate levels for more than 28 years. He lectures locally, nationally and internationally on topics ranging from the relationship between systemic disease and oral disease to implant dentistry. His research interests include longitudinal progression of periodontal disease, the relationship between systemic diseases and periodontal and oral health, and determinants of peri-implant bone loss over time. He has published numerous scientific articles and has presented the results of his research locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. Neely is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. He earned a Bachelors’ of Science in Education (BSE) Degree in Biology from Arkansas State University and a D.D.S. degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. His Master's of Dental Science degree in Periodontopathobiology and Certificate in Periodontics were earned at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He earned a Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University’s School of Epidemiology and Public Health. He recently completed 18 months of training in the Ignatian Colleagues Program at ºÚÁÏÔÚÏß. In addition to these duties Dr. Neely maintains a part-time practice limited to Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. He joined the University in 1999.

    neelya@udmercy.edu

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    Nelson, Kristin M.

    Kristin M. Nelson

    Associate Professor of Architecture, teaches building technology and architectural design. Nelson’s research investigates the building envelope as a system to regulate and transform numerous environmental factors, the development of innovative building technology pedagogy and the integration of building technology into the design studio. She is a registered architect and co-founder of the collaborative design practice, THINKtank Design Studio. Nelson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design with Honors from the University of Iowa and a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. She taught at the University of Florida and Iowa State University before joining the University in 2018.

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    Nicholson, Claire

    Claire Nicholson

    Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator, Physician Assistant Program, College of Health Professions.  She is an alumnus of Detroit Mercy’s 5-year PA Program with a clinical background in Urgent Care and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat). Professor Nicholson's interests include research, simulation education, and mentoring others. Professor Nicholson also enjoys giving back by volunteering her time with animal rescue and community outreach organizations that serve the city of Detroit and surrounding communities.

    nicholce@udmercy.edu

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    Nowak, Rebecca Simkins

    Rebecca Simkins Nowak

    Assistant Dean of Experiential Education and Professor of Practice, was previously a Member of the Detroit law firm of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker and in-house counsel at Quicken Loans. Rebecca taught Law Practice Management at Cooley Law School and Michigan State College of Law for 12 years. She also taught pre-trial skills. She is immediate past chair of the Law Practice Management & Legal Administrators Section of the State Bar. She is a 2012 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law and was Community Legal Resources' 2006 Volunteer Attorney of the Year. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D. from the Detroit College of Law. She joined the University in 2016.

    simkinrg@udmercy.edu

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    Nyutu, Eva

    Eva Nyutu

    Assistant Professor of Biology, has expertise in the areas of ecology/zoology, plant biology, and discipline-based science education in the biological sciences. Dr. Nyutu’s research focuses on incorporating evidence-based classroom practices and assessments and developing assessment tools to measure effective instruction in undergraduate STEM classrooms to improve student persistence and retention. She is also interested in assessing courses employing Course Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and developing active learning pedagogical techniques. Dr. Nyutu is also interested in understanding the impacts of human activity on aquatic ecosystems. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles and presented at regional and national conferences. She received a B.S. from the University of Nairobi, an M.S, from Western Kentucky University, an M.S. from North Carolina State University, and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. Dr. Nyutu joined Detroit Mercy in fall 2021. 

    nyutuen@udmercy.edu