New College welcomes 9 new faculty members advancing research and education

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is welcoming nine new faculty members this fall, bringing expertise that spans forensic science, psychology, communications, the humanities and biological sciences. 

Together, their diverse backgrounds reflect New College's commitment to interdisciplinary education, innovative research and student-centered learning. They also strengthen New College's growing portfolio of interdisciplinary teaching, scholarship and community engagement while expanding opportunities for students to learn from accomplished educators and practitioners.

This year's cohort includes faculty joining several of New College's academic units, each bringing expertise that reflects the college's interdisciplinary mission.

The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics welcomes four new faculty members who bring expertise in psychology, forensic science, cybersecurity and teaching innovation.

Assistant Professor Mikaela Spruill joins the school with a research focus at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. She said New College's interdisciplinary environment made it the ideal place to continue that work.

"As an interdisciplinary social psychologist, the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences felt like the perfect home for my program of research," Spruill said. "Through innovative teaching, exceptional research and powerful partnerships with practitioners, the faculty in SIF are impacting the legal system for the betterment of society. That is the exact environment that I want to contribute to and look forward to growing within."

This year, Spruill plans to launch the Justice, Mind and Society Research Lab while teaching courses in psychology and law. She will also introduce students to concepts from her recent research, including "legal enculturation," which examines how legal systems shape individual attitudes and behaviors.

Other new additions to the school include Assistant Teaching Professor Emma Rodgers, Associate Professor George Grispos and Clinical Assistant Professor Paul Yount, who is transitioning to academia after serving as a forensic scientist with the Phoenix Police Department.

Yount says that after developing and teaching Advanced Forensic Biology for ASU's Master of Science in forensic science program, he knew New College was where he wanted to build his career.

"I always knew I would become a full-time professor and I cannot wait to apply my professional skills as a forensic scientist to my teaching at ASU," said Yount, who also serves as director of the Arizona Forensic Science Initiative. There, he plans to expand student opportunities through workshops, research and community partnerships while continuing research on workplace belonging and inclusion in forensic science.

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences welcomes Carolyn Davis, associate teaching professor, and Dietram Scheufele, Foundations Professor of Communications. Their appointments enhance New College's strengths in human performance, communication and behavioral science while creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across the college.

The School of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies also welcomes Assistant Teaching Professor Norman Whitman and Instructor Sasha Anaya.

Whitman said he was drawn to New College because of its commitment to addressing today's most pressing questions through interdisciplinary learning.

"I am drawn to the New College because of its strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning focusing on complex emerging issues at the intersection of technology, science, religion, ethics and the humanities," Whitman said.

His scholarship examines the relationship between philosophy, embodied cognition and artificial intelligence, and he hopes to develop courses that help students explore how historical ideas inform contemporary scientific and technological advances.

The School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences welcomes Adel Karabegovic, whose journey at ASU began as an instructional specialist before earning a master's degree in biological data science and joining the faculty.

Karabegovic said working with students inspired him to pursue teaching full time.

"Teaching them was such an enjoyable moment and seeing their efforts shine through their work made me want to become a full-time instructor," he said.

As he begins his first year, Karabegovic hopes to continue developing as an educator while exploring future research opportunities in biology. He also encourages students to pursue their creative interests alongside their scientific studies, noting that his passion for baking has made him a better laboratory scientist and vice versa.

As the academic year begins, New College's newest faculty members share a common goal: preparing students to address complex challenges through interdisciplinary thinking, hands-on learning and meaningful research.

From forensic science and psychology to communications, philosophy and biology, these educators bring fresh perspectives that will enrich the student experience and continue advancing New College's mission of innovation, collaboration and societal impact.