Biography
Dr. Spencer S. Stober is a Professor of Biology at Alvernia University, Reading, PA, USA. He has taught Biology for 30 years including undergraduate courses in genetics, botany, and environmental science. Since earning his doctorate at Temple University, with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, he teaches graduate courses in leadership and supervises dissertations. In 2005 he received Alvernia’s Christian R. & Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, and he was awarded the Neag Professorship in 2011. He has also served in a number of key administrative positions at Alvernia University, including Department Chairperson, Ph.D. Program Director, Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dean of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Dr. Stober currently serves on the international Advisory Board for the “On Sustainability Research Network” sponsored by Common Ground Publishing. His work on environmental, cultural and socio-economic sustainability has enabled him to travel, frequently with students, to universities in countries such as Japan, Croatia, Malaysia, India, Ecuador, Mauritius, Denmark, and New Zealand. Dr. Stober recently served as a co-editor with Dr. David Humphreys for a volume entitled Transitions to Sustainability: Theoretical Debates for a Changing Planet, and he co-authored Nature-centered Leadership: An Aspirational Narrative, with two Ph.D. students (Tracey L. Brown and Sean J. Cullen); both volumes were published by Common Ground in 2014 and 2013 respectively. Dr. Stober also co-authored a book with Dr. Donna Yarri, Associate Professor of Theology at Alvernia University, entitled God, Science, and Designer Genes: An Exploration of Emerging Issues in Genetic Technologies, published by Praeger in 2009; they are currently working on a new book entitled God, Darwin, and the Origins of Life.
Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Temple University, August 1997, emphasis in educational leadership and policy studies: dissertation, "A Content Analysis of College and University Mission Statements," (UMI Microform 9813554, Copyright 1998); Chair, Dr. Richard M. Englert
M.S. in Biology, Millersville University, August 1975: thesis, "Biosystematic Study of Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata and Physalis heterophylla," MU Library 1975-S863; Chair, Dr. James C. Parks
B.S. Ed. in Biology and General Science, Millersville University, January 1972
Neag Professorship, Graduate Leadership Studies, Alvernia University, for an outstanding record of service as a teacher-scholar, January 2012 – July 2013
Grant, “Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of the Human Genome Project (ELSI/NIH),” Dartmouth College, June 2004; stipend for ELSI reunion conference, August 11-13, 2006
Recipient, Alvernia College Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2004 – 2005
Grant (Dr. Gardner as co-recipient), $75,000, from George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, MA, for a new biotechnology course, Spring 2005
ACTS in PA Technology Grant (Dr. Yarri as co-recipient), $900, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to integrate technology into the classroom, Spring 2005
Alvernia College Sister Donatilla Award, for long and distinguished service of grace, enthusiasm, wisdom and prayerfulness, 1998
PA Teaching Certification for Biology and General Science, 1972
“Nature-Centered Leadership: Challenging the Rules of the Game,” International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review Vol. 15(1), 1-13, 2019, doi:10.18848/1832-2077/CGP/v15i01/1-13. Based on a paper presented at the 15th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, at the University of British Colombia, Robinson Square, Vancouver, Canada, January 17-19, 2019
"To Intervene or Not to Intervene? The Issue of the Liminal Feral Cat," co-authored article with Dr. Donna Yarri, published in the Open Journal of Philosophy, Vol. 9, 204-222, May 2019
Transitions to Sustainability: Theoretical Debates for a Changing Planet, Co-edited volume with David Humphreys (Open University, UK), Common Ground Publishing LLC, 2014. This book was recognized at a reception and book launch in the Copenhagen City Hall, Denmark, on January 21, 2015
Nature-centered Leadership: An Aspirational Narrative (co-authored book with Tracey L. Brown and Sean J. Cullen), Common Ground Publishing LLC, 2013
“Nature-Centered Leadership: Nature as a Stakeholder in Strategic Planning” in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 9, 2013; this paper was presented at International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Hiroshima, Japan, January 2013
“Darwin on the Treatment of Animals: His Thoughts Then and His Influence Now,” co-authored article with Dr. Donna Yarri in the Journal of Arts and Humanities, Vol. 2(2), 2013 (“best paper” award)
“Universities and Community Engagement for a Sustainable Community,” co-authored article with Dr. Alicia Sprow in The International Journal of Sustainability Education, Vol. 1, 2012
“Interdisciplinary Teaching: Confessions of a Biologian,” co-authored article with Dr. Donna Yarri in The International Journal of Science and Society, Vol. 3(1), 2012
“Environmental Memes: Form, Function, and Reasons for Optimism” in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 7, 2011, published by Common Ground (refereed journal); conference plenary presentation at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, January 7, 2011 (Finalist for the Internationa1 Award for Excellence sponsored by Common Ground Publisher)
“What Makes Us So Doggone Special? Darwin’s Challenge to Human Superiority,” co-authored essay in 150 Years of Evolution: Darwin's Impact on the Humanities and the Social Sciences, San Diego State University Press, 2011
"Biology, Theology, and Academic Freedom: The Challenges of Interdisciplinary Teaching at a Catholic University,” co-authored article in the AAUP Journal of Academic Freedom, Vol. 2, 2011, http://www.aaup.org/AAUP/pubsres/jaf/
“Ecuador: Mother Nature’s Utopia” in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 6 (2), 2010, pp. 229-240, published by Common Ground (refereed journal); also presented at the University of Cuenca, Ecuador, January 5, 2010 http://ijs.cgpublisher.com/product/pub.41/prod.656
God, Science, and Designer Genes: An Exploration of Emerging Genetic Technologies (co-authored book with Donna Yarri), Praeger/ABC-CLIO Press, 2009
“Mother Nature and Her Discontents: Gaia as a Metaphor for Environmental Sustainability” in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 5 (1), 2009, pp. 37–48, published by Common Ground (refereed journal)
“Academic Service Abroad: Confronting our Limitations,” in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 4(1), 2008, pp. 107–115, published by Common Ground (refereed journal)
“God, Science, and Designer Genes: An Interdisciplinary Pedagogy,” co-authored essay with Donna Yarri for The Human Genome Project in College Curriculum: Ethical Issues and Practical Strategies, edited by Aine Donovan and Ronald Green, University Press of New England, 2008, pp. 100–121
“Sustaining Gaia through Learning Communities: A Case Study in Higher Education,” co-authored article with Caroline Fitzpatrick in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 3(5), 2007, pp. 41–49, published by Common Ground (refereed journal)
“Close Encounters of the Natural Kind: Eco-Composition, Citizen Science and Academe,” co-authored article with Caroline Fitzpatrick, in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vol. 2(1), 2006, pp. 9–16, published by Common Ground (refereed journal)
“Traditional Curriculum Versus Hidden Curriculum,” co-authored essay with Leon D. Poeske, James C. Dyson, and Lynn A. Cheddar, published in Ethical Leadership and Decision Making in Education: Applying Theoretical Perspectives to Complex Dilemmas, by Joan Poliner Shapiro and Jacqueline A. Stefkovich, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2001, pp.41–54.
“Survival Strategies for Liberal Arts Colleges,” in Resources in Education, 1996, in ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education, No. ED386101
“Chromosonal Studies of Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata and Physalis heterophylla, co-authored article with James C. Parks, Bartonia, Vol. 51, 1985 (refereed)
Presentation, "Nature-Centered Leadership: Challenging the Rules of the Game." The 15th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, at the University of British Colombia, Robinson Square, Vancouver, Canada, January 17-19, 2019
Panel Discussion Chair (with James Elliker, Benjamin Delp Watts, and Daniel O'Conner), "A Triad of Stakeholders: Servant Leadership and Symphony for Generating an Authentic Sustainable Organization," 20th Annual Conference of The International Leadership Association (ILA), West Palm Beach, Florida, October 24-27, 2018
Co-authored presentation (with Brian Petersen and Patricia Brenner), “Leadership Programs and Their Espoused Outcomes: A Content Analysis," 20th Annual Conference of The International Leadership Association (ILA), West Palm Beach, Florida, October 24-27, 2018
Co-authored presentation (with Donna Yarri), "To Intervene or Not To Intervene? The Issue of the Liminal Feral Cat." Minding Animals Conference, Mexico City, January 18, 2018
Co-authored presentation (with Brian Petersen and Patricia Brenner), “Building Leadership Competence: Exploring Leadership Skills in Program Curricula,” 19th Annual Conference of The International Leadership Association (ILA), Brussels, Belgium, October 12-15, 2017
Presentation, “The UN 2030 Agenda. To Sustain or Not to Sustain: Is That Humanity’s Predicament?” at the 13th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability at the Social Sustainability Biomass and Water Management Research Center; Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January 19-21, 2017
Co-authored presentation (with Julia Dunst), “An Inquiry Approach for Leadership Education to Promote Inclusivity and Social Justice,” 18th Annual Conference of The International Leadership Association (ILA), Atlanta, Georgia, November 2-5, 2016
Co-authored presentation (with Brian Petersen), “I See You Have a Degree in Leadership. What’s That?” 18th Annual Conference of The International Leadership Association (ILA), Atlanta, Georgia, November 2-5, 2016
Co-Presenter (with Donna Yarri), workshop entitled “Crossing Boundaries: Promoting Constructive Dialogue in an Age of Religion and Science,” The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS) conference, June 25-July 1, 2016
Co-authored paper presentation (with Alicia Sprow), “Nature Play as a Formative Experience in the Development of Nature-Centered Leaders,” 12th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, January 21-23, 2016
Panel Discussion Leader (with Peggy C. Bowen-Hartung, Tracy L. Brown, Alicia H. Sprow, and Tufan Tiglioglu), “A Community Engagement Model for Thoughtful Leadership Education,” 17th meeting of International Leadership Association (ILA), Barcelona, Spain, October 16, 2015.
Presentation entitled “Global Sustainability: An Inquiry Approach to Nature-centered Decision Making” at the International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability to be held in Copenhagen, January 2015
Co-presentation entitled “Ecological Visionaries Evaluated as Nature-Centered Leaders: Rachael Carson, Chico Mendes, and James Lovelock” at the 10th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, at the University of Split in Croatia, January 22-24, 2014
Co-Presentation, “Darwin on the Treatment of Animals: His Thoughts Then and His Influence Now,” Twenty-second annual meeting of The Association of Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), San Antonio, TX, February 28 – March 3, 2013
Presentation, “Nature-Centered Leadership: Nature as a Stakeholder in Strategic Planning,” Ninth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Hiroshima, Japan, January 23-25, 2013
Co-Presentation, “Minding Darwin for Animal Ethics,” international Minding Animals conference in The Netherlands, July 3-6, 2012
Presentation, “Mother Nature’s Utopia,” Environmental Issues of Latin America (EVS/LAS/IDS-260), Albright College, Reading, Pennsylvania, March 20, 2012
Panelist (Religion and leadership discussion), “Mission-Centered Leadership: Challenging Assumptions,” Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting of The American Academy of Religion (AAR), New Brunswick, New Jersey, March 15, 2012
Co-Presentation, “Biology, Theology, and Academic Freedom: The Challenges of Interdisciplinary Teaching at a Catholic University”, Legatus organization, March 7, 2012
Co-Presentation, “Universities and Community Engagement for a Sustainable Community,” International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Vancouver, Canada, January 2012
Co-Presentation, “Interdisciplinary Teaching: Confessions of a ‘Biologian,’” International Conference on Science in Society, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, August 2011
Plenary session speaker, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, University of Waikato, New Zealand, “Environmental Memes: Form, Function, and Reasons for Optimism,” January 7, 2011
Co-Presenter, Lunch with an Author session, God, Science, and Designer Genes, National Association for Practical and Professional Ethics meeting, March 5, 2010
Co-Presenter, “God, Science, and Designer Genes: A Model for Integrating Teaching and Scholarship,” National Association for Practical and Professional Ethics meeting, March 5, 2010
Presentation, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Ecuador, “Ecuador: Mother Nature’s Utopia,” January 5–7, 2010
Co-Presentation, “What Makes Us So Doggone Special? Darwin’s Challenge to Human Superiority,” Darwin Symposium, San Diego State University, November 20–22, 2009)
Co-Presentation, “Biology and Theology in Dialogue: Social Justice Issues in Genetic Science,” Regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), Baltimore, MD, March 26, 2009
Presentation, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Mauritius, “Mother Nature and Her Discontents: Gaia as a Metaphor for Environmental Sustainability,” January 5, 2009
Co-Presentation, The Center for the Study of Film History, Biennial Conference, “Bioethics and Film” Section, Chicago, Illinois, “Here Comes Frankenstein Again: The Depiction of Genetics Science in Recent Films,” October 30 – November 2, 2008
Co-Presentation, AFCU 2008 Franciscan Symposium, Alvernia College, sponsored by Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, and the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies, “Social Justice: Teaching on Ethical Issues in Genetic Science,” June 6, 2008
Presentation, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), San Antonio, Texas, “Mother Nature and Her Discontents: Gaia as a Metaphor for Environmental Sustainability,” February 21 – 14, 2008
Presentation, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Malaysia, “Academic Service Abroad: Confronting Our Limitations,” January 4 – 7, 2008
Co-Presentation, Challenging Assumptions: Religious Faith, Genetic Science, Human Dignity conference sponsored by Pacific Institute of Ethics and Social Policy (Portland, OR) and National Institutes of Health, (paper accepted) “Teaching Genetic Science and Policy within Communities of Faith: The Unique Challenges at a Catholic College,” October 13, 2007
Co-Presentation, national Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), Cincinnati Ohio, “Making Explicit the Implicit: Pedagogical Considerations in Interdisciplinary Teaching,” February 24, 2007
Co-Presentation, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, India, “Sustaining Gaia through Learning Communities: A Case Study in Higher Education,” January 4 – 7, 2007
Co-Presentation, ELSI (ethical, legal and social implications of the Human Genome Project) reunion conference, Dartmouth College, “God Science, and Designer Genes: An Interdisciplinary Pedagogy,” August 12, 2006
Co-Presentation, national Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), Annual Conference, Jacksonville, Florida, “God, Science, and Designer Genes: Biology and Theology in Dialogue,” March 4, 2006
Co-Presentation, International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, South Vietnam, “Close Encounters of the Natural Kind: Eco-Composition, Citizen Science and Academe,” January 9 – 13, 2006
"Leadership at Three Mile Island: A Qualitative Study of a Technological Disaster," Curtis R. Stevens, 2019
"A Pilot Study for the AIM Scale of Psychological Well-being and its Relationship to Exemplary Leadership Behavior," Brian A. Petersen, 2018
"Investigating the Impact of Transformational Leadership on Work Engagement for Information Technology Associates," Timothy P. Fox, 2018
“A Typology of Police Departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Bernard S. Martin, 2018
“The Role of Technology in the Leadership Context,” Andrew P. Kochanowski, 2017
“An Exploration of the Emergent Leadership Styles of Fortune 500 Executives as Communicated in Annual Report Letters to their Shareholders,” Betty-Jo Legutko, 2016
“Leading Quality Improvement in Higher Education,” Sibel Ahi, December 2015
“The Impact of Institutional Leadership on Faculty Job Satisfaction,” Tracey Lynn Brown, December 2015
“The Health Care Leader’s Written Expression of Mission and Vision: A Content Analysis,” Marion A. McGowan, 2015
“A Systems Theory Approach to Career Development: Exploring Factors that affect Science as a Career Choice,” Brian K. Liskey, 2014
“The Meaning of Foreign Aid Insecurity for Senior Leadership of the Southwestern Uganda NGP/CSO Sector Striving for Financial Sustainability,” Father Frederick Leo Nkwasibwe, A.J., 2014
“Pennsylvania Regional Police Departments: An Exploratory Study of Predicting” Leadership Culture,” Patrick J. Hughes, 2013
“Attacking Bullying: An Examination of Anti-Bullying Legislation and Policies,” Tammy Toso, 2012
“The Role of Faculty-Student Interactions in Student Development and Engagement Based on Varying Levels of Institutional Scholarship of Engagement,” Alicia Sprow, 2011
Teaching Experience:
Professor of Biology, Biology (undergraduate) and Leadership (graduate), Alvernia University, December 2009 – present
Associate Professor, Biology (undergraduate) and Education (graduate), Alvernia University, January 2002 – December 2009
Assistant Professor, Biology, Alvernia University, June 1986 – August 1998 (earned tenure, August 1992)
Instructor, Biology, Alvernia University, August 1985 – June 1986
Adjunct Instructor (full-time), Biology, Millersville University, fall 1984
Science Teacher, Governor Mifflin Schools, January 1972 – June 1984, (earned tenure, May 1974, and a permanent teaching certificate, February 1975)
Administrative Experience at Alvernia:
Director, Center for Ethics and Leadership, June 2010 – July 2011
Director, Ph.D. Program, August 2007 – July 2010
Coordinator, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program (MALS), August 2005 – August 2006
Dean, Graduate and Outreach Division (Continuing Studies), March 2000 – December 2001
Dean, Arts and Sciences Division, July 1999 – March 2000
Chair, Division of Science and Mathematics, August 1998 – July 1999
Chair, Department of Biology, April 1994 – August 1998
Faculty Leadership Positions at Alvernia
Vice President, Faculty Council, August 2018 – August 2019
Chair, Rank and Tenure Committee, August 2014 – August 2015
Co-Chair, General Education and Core Revision Committee, September 2010 – May 2014
Co-Author (with Diane Kraft) Biology Program Review, September 2012 – January 2013
Faculty Council Secretary, August 2010 – August 2012
Chair, Graduate Academic Council, September 2008 – August 2010
Co-Chair, Search Committee, Associate Vice President and Dean, 2009
Co-developer, Program for Community Leadership: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, 2008
Co-Chair, Presidential Transition Team, February 2005 – April 2006
President, Faculty Council, academic years 1986 – 1988, 1997 – 1998, 2004 – 2006
Chair, Faculty Grievance Committee, June 1996 – August 1998
Vice President, Alvernia AAUP Chapter, academic years 1992 – 1996
Co-Chair, to prepare Self-Study Report to Middle States on finances, academic year 1993 – 1994 (previous committee member for Middle States reporting, academic year 1990 – 1991)
Chair, Faculty Review Committee, June 1991 – August 1992
Treasurer, Alvernia AAUP Chapter, 1989 – 1992
President, Alvernia NEA/PSEA Chapter, academic years 1989 – 1991
Selected Institutional Service at Alvernia
Institutional Review Board (IRB), academic years 2000 – 2001; 2007 – 2013; 2015 – present
Graduate Academic Council (GAC), September 2013 – June 2015, August 2017 – present
Sustainability Steering Committee, March 2012 – present; Co-chair, 2017 – present
Rank and Tenure Committee, September 2003 – August 2005, July 2013 – August 2018
Salary and Benefits Committee, September 2008 – August 2011, August 2017 – September 2018 (Co-chair for the spring 2018 semester.)
Information Technology Steering Committee, December 2013 – September 2017
Intellectual Property Committee, appointed November 2014, 2015
Board Trusteeship Committee, July 2013 – July 2014
General Education and Core Revision Committee, September 2010 – May 2014
Middle States committee for standard seven, July 2013 – February 2015
Board Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee; August 2012 – July 2013
Honors Program Advisory Board, September 2011 – May 2012
Academic Planning Advisory Council (APAC), January 2008 – July 2011
Provost’s Council, January 2008 – August 2009; July 2010 – July 2011
Faculty Council Executive Committee, secretary: academic years 2010 – 2012; faculty representative: academic years 1996 – 1997; 2002 – 2003; 2008 – 2012
TK20 “electronic portfolio” implementation task force, August 2010 – December 2011
Centers of Excellence (Gardner Institute) task force, first-year student experience assessment, July 2010 – December 2011
President’s Extended Cabinet, July 2010 – January 2011
Distance Education Committee, April 2008 – February 2011
Service Learning Action Committee 2007 – August 2011
Copyright Committee, March 2009 – August 2017
Grievance Committees: Student Grievance Committee, September 1989 – August 1992; Faculty Grievance Committee, June 2007 – August 2008, January 2010 – June 2010
Institutional Planning: Building and Grounds Committee of the Board, 1990 – 1992; Long Range Planning Committee, 1994 – 1995; Presidential Inauguration Committee, 1997; Technology Assessment Team, 2007; Campus Master Planning 2006 – 2008; Institutional Advancement Committee of the Board, 2007 – 2008; University Task Force, 2007; Alvernia Education Advisory Board, 2007; Alvernia Planning Advisory Council (APAC), 2007– 2008; University Transition Team, 2008 – 2009; Enrollment Management Committee of the Board, 2009
Committee to plan the Peace and Justice Conference: Seeking Peace and Justice in a Violent World,” Alvernia College, April 7 – 9, 2005
Curriculum Committees: academic years 1994 – 1995, 1998 – 1999; committee to design the MALS program, academic years 1996 – 1998
Faculty/Staff Searches and review committees annually1996
Faculty Handbook Development Committee, academic years 1989 – 1991
Academic Standards Committee, September 1988 – July 1990
Faculty Representative, National Assoc. of Intercollegiate Athletics, academic years 1985 – 1988
Professional and Community Service
Advisory Board member for the “On Sustainability Research Network” (formerly the “On Sustainability Knowledge Community”) and The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, sponsored by Common Ground Publishing, February 2013 – present
Judge and Moderator, National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, sponsored by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), annually 2008 - present
Honorary Editor, Maryland Institute of Research (MIR), Journal of Arts and Humanities (JAH), June 2013 – present
Alvernia Seniors College, annual presentations
Co-taught (with James Klucsarits and Charles Randazzo) a unit on Ecology for the PA Master Naturalist training program sponsored by Berks Nature, August 17, 2017
Session Chair, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) conference in Reston, VA, February 12, 2016
Co-taught (with James Klucsarits) a unit on Ecology for the PA Master Naturalist training program sponsored by the Berks County Conservancy, September 9, 2015
Presentation, “Mission and Vision Statements,” The Heritage of Green Hills, Pennsylvania, February 17, 2012
Panelist/Mentor, Junior Achievement of Greater Reading & Lehigh Valley, hosted by Alvernia University on October 7, 2011, and Albright College on October 15, 2012
External Reviewer, Cabrini College’s Faculty Governance System, 2011 – 2012
Book Review for the upcoming edition of Institutions and Organization by W. Richard Scott, Sage, 2013
Moderator, Author Meets the Critics Session, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), Debra J. H. Mathews, Author, Personal Identity and Fractured Selves: Perspectives from Philosophy, Ethics and Neuroscience, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 4, 2011
Participant, Strategic Planning Retreat, Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, Berks Community Foundation, Reading, PA, January 22, 2011
Associate Editor, Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, published by Common Ground, selected articles 2008 - present
Associate Editor, Journal of Science in Society, published by Common Ground, articles in Vol. 3(2), 2011
Associate Editor, International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social and Cultural Context, Vol. 9(1), 2013
Referee, Journal of World Universities Forum, CGP, 2013
Chair, panel discussion, “Working Together toward Radical Action on Climate Change,” Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), Cincinnati, Ohio, March 7, 2009
Member, Angelica Creek Park Executive Committee, June 2009 – December 2011
Public Official, Adamstown Borough Council, January 2000 – December 2009; President, March 2001 – December 2003; Vice President, January 2000 – March 2001, January 2004 – 2009; Chair, Finance Committee, January 2006 – 2009; Chair, Personnel Committee, January 2002 – December 2005; Chair, Water Committee, January 2002 – December 2003; Chair, Roads and Bridges Committee, January 2000 – December 2001
Appointed by the Mayor of Reading to serve on a Committee to determine the feasibility of a Nature Center to be constructed at Angelica Park, June 2005 – present
Appointed by the Mayor of Reading to serve on a task force to construct wetlands in Angelica Park, February 2005 – July 2008
Member, Adamstown Library Building Feasibility Task Force, April – July 2005
Trustee, Adamstown Library Board, February January 2000 – December 2005
Secretary, Adamstown Library Board – 2004
Judge, Reading Eagle Berks’ Best scholarship essay contest, in March of 2002 – 2005
Judge, Reading Berks Science and Engineering Fair, Botany Division, in March of 1989 – 2004
Board Member, World Affairs Council Board, September 1999 – May 2004
Member, Cocalico Regional Planning Committee, September 2001 – 2003
Board Member, AAUP Executive Committee, PA Division, academic years 1996 – 1999
Reviewer for Chapter 9 (Water in Plants) and Chapter 10 (Metabolism), Introductory Plant Biology, 8th Edition, W. Stern, Mc-Graw Hill Publishers, 1997
Lecturer and conservation project participation, June 1995 Don Hartman Conservation Leadership School, Berks County/DEP
President, Adamstown Lions Club, 1987 – 1988
Vice President, Adamstown Lions Club, 1985 – 1987
Executive Committee member, Governor Mifflin Education Association, 1977 – 1980
Special Training
Participant, Institutional Review Board (IRB) Workshop, School of Graduate Studies, Alvernia University, March 25, 2011
Participant, Safety Training: Science and Math, Alvernia University, August 17, 2011.
Participant, Institutional Research Board (IRB) Workshop for Faculty, Alvernia University, presented by Dr. Sarah Keller, IRB Chair, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA, March 25, 2011
Participant, Ethics Center Colloquium, Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 4, 2010
PA Inspired Leadership Program, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Paxtonia, PA, November 16, 2009.
Distance Education: Blended Course Instructional Certificate, Alvernia, 2009
Dissertation Workshop (for Committee Members), Alvernia College, May 19, 2008
ATLAS.ti (Qualitative Software) Training Workshop, Alvernia College, May 22, 2008
Chemical Hygiene and Disposal, Turning Bird Consulting, Ltd., June 27, 2007
National Incident Management System training (NIMS IS-700), July 25, 2006
Continuing Professional Education: “Faculty-to-Faculty Exchange,” Berks County Intermediate Unit (6 PA Act 48 hours), June 21, 2006
Certificate, Laboratory Safety course, sponsored by The Laboratory Safety Institute,
October 18 – 19, 2005
Certificate, Forensics/Biotechnology Workshop, sponsored by EDVOTEK: The Biotechnology
Education Company, March 21 – 22, 2005
Internet security training, Alvernia College, November 22, 2004
Interactive white-board training, SMART BoardTM Technologies, May 18, 2004
Continuing Professional Education: “Dioceses of Allentown Education Convention,” Bethlehem Catholic High School, (5 PA Act 48 hours), October 18, 2003
Continuing Professional Education: “Nolde Forest Environmental Training,” (2 PA Act 48 hours), January 24, 2001
Certificate, Plan Reading, Building Construction and Estimating program, Chicago Technical
College, 1982
YMCA certificate, open water scuba diving, 1970
Business Experience (partial list)
Partner, Adamstown Transfer LLP and LLC, real estate restoration and development, including historical properties, 2000 – 2019
Partner, Adamstown Starfish, LLC, 2013 – 2018, community development
Board member, Bare Foot Organics, LLC, 2009 - 2019
President, Stober, Ltd., 1985 – 2005, a real estate development company and developer of the Meadows at Adamstown, a “green” development with fifty-percent natural habitat
Professional Memberships and Certifications
Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE)
American Association of University Professors (AAUP), life member
Berks Nature
Berks World Affairs Council
Beta Kappa Chi, National Scientific Honor Society
CITI IRB certified to March 26, 2022, Record ID 29472654
CITI IRB COI certified to March 26, 2023, Record ID 30901819
CITI IRB SB&R certified to March 26, 2022, Record ID 30901370
International Leadership Association (ILA)
NIH Office of Human Subjects Research: Certificate for “NIH IRB members,” September 25, 2007, #1190767758; Certificate for “Protecting Human Research Participants,” October 2, 2012, #1017525; March 10, 2015, #1720796; February 5, 2018, #2639167
NIH FCOI: September 17, 2012; March 10, 2015; February 5, 2018
PA Teaching Certification for Biology and General Science - Inactive