Our Faculty

Walid Abushahba, Ph.D.

B.S. Rutgers University; Ph.D. Rutgers University

Dr. Walid Abushahba is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bard High School Early College. He holds a B.S. in Biology and Clinical Laboratory Sciences and earned his Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences from Rutgers University. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Abushahba brings a strong foundation in teaching, research, and academic leadership. His research interests include molecular biology and cancer immunotherapy, and he is known for his deep scientific and technical expertise.

Dr. Abushahba has taught a broad range of courses, including Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Microbiology, Forensic Science, Immunology, Bioethics, Health and Fitness, and the Science of Addiction. He has served as faculty at several colleges and universities in New Jersey, including Montclair State University, Berkeley College, Ramapo College, Middlesex County College, and Essex County College.

Committed to student success and scientific curiosity, Dr. Abushahba values engaging with students in and beyond the classroom. Outside of academia, he enjoys exercise, travel and spending quality time with family and friends.

Brenna Abplanalp

Jayme Alves-Filho

BS, Kean University; MA, American College of Education

Jayme Alves‑Filho is a dynamic and dedicated professional in the fields of health and physical education. Currently serving as our Athletic Director, PE and Health Professor, and Head Coach for Tennis and Softball. Born in Brazil and raised in Newark, he brings a rich multicultural perspective to his work and academic leadership. Jayme earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Kean University, where he developed a strong foundation in health education, physical wellness, and pedagogical practice. He further advanced his leadership skills by completing a Master’s in Educational Administration from the American College of Education. With a passion for promoting healthier, active lifestyles, Jayme has achieved significant milestones in his career. As an Athletic Director, he has successfully overseen athletic programming, coordinated interscholastic sports initiatives, and fostered environments where student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom. In his role as a Professor of Health and Physical Education, Jayme is known for his innovative teaching methods that integrate theory with hands-on learning, encouraging students to develop both physical competence and well-being.

Celeste Andrews

Curtis Andrews, Ed.D.

BA, Rutgers University; Ed.M, Rutgers Graduate School of Education; Ph.D, Pacific Western University; Ed.D, Wilmington University

Curtis Andrews is a distinguished Assistant Professor of History at Bard High School Early College in Newark, NJ. With extensive experience in both academia and public service, Dr. Andrews brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. He previously served as a consultant for the Wilmington University Future Development of a Violence and Peace Institute.

Andrews’ academic research includes a notable case study on the types and prevalence of violence at two middle schools and one high school in Camden City Public Schools, conducted under the auspices of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the Institute of Behavior Sciences, University of Colorado. Additionally, his work on the “Crime as Work Theory” was recognized by the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons in California.

Throughout his career, Dr. Andrews has held significant positions, including working with the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons and serving as the Director of the New Jersey Department of Corrections Professional Training at the State Corrections Training Academy. He was also appointed by former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman as the Assistant Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Personnel, where he directed the Division of Policy and Planning.

Andrews has been instrumental in developing cultural diversity and race relation conflict resolution training programs. His expertise was sought after by the State of Arizona Law Enforcement Academy, where he served as an annual trainer from 1980 to 1986. He has received multiple awards for his contributions to public policy development, leadership, capacity building, strategic planning, and gang and conflict resolution.

Andrews is scheduled to present at the American Correctional Association State of New Jersey conference on June 1st in Cape May, New Jersey. His educational background is equally impressive, with degrees from Rutgers University (BA in Sociology), Rutgers Graduate School of Education (Ed.M), Pacific Western University (Ph.D. in Sociology), and Wilmington University (Ed.D). He has also completed further studies at The New School for Social Research in New York City, the University of Chicago, and Drew University.

Sergio Artiles

BA, Arizona State University

Sergio Jose Artiles is proud to be a Spanish Teacher at Bard High School Early College; attended Mt. Vernon School (graduated 8th grade/won second place at the State of NJ Spelling Bee Competition); had the opportunity to graduate from East Side High School. In addition, he graduated from Arizona State University with a 4.0 GPA; has worked in education for several years with a strong passion for teaching. Mr. Artiles enjoys music, plays different instruments including piano, guitar, bass, drums and has been teaching private lessons for many years. Moreover, Mr. Artiles has been working as a police chaplain for Newark Police Department, a chaplain for the University Hospital in Newark, Chief Operation Officer for the International Federal of Chaplains, Chief Operation Officer for the International Council Liberation for All Souls and a member for the Newark Interfaith Alliance directed by the Honorable Council Women at large Rev. Rountree and the Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka; Mr. Artiles is also an ordained minister for the State of New Jersey and music director for the previously mentioned organizations.

Scottye Battle

BA, California State University, Long Beach; MA, New Jersey City University

Scottye Battle is an Associate professor of English and a Humanities Special Education Teacher at Bard High School Early College in Newark. A proud graduate of urban public institutions in California, before moving to New Jersey to serve in Newark Public schools, she brings over 23 years of experience as an educator and mentor. Ms. Battle began her career as a middle school Special Education Teachrer and served in roles ranging from classroom educator, resource specialist and award leader. She holds a B.A. from California State University of Long Beach, and an M.A. from Jersey City University. Deeply committed to educational equity, she enjoys collaborating with faculty, staff and parents to support every student’s growth. Ms. Battle lives in New Jersey and enjoys music, writing poetry and exploring new ideas.

Kate Beridze, Ph.D.

MS, Tbilisi State University, Georgia; PhD, Georgian Academy of Sciences

Straubel Cetoute

• [email protected]

BA in Mathematical Science, Kean University; MA in Instruction and Curriculum in Mathematics, Kean University

Mr. Straubel Cetoute holds a Master of Arts in Instruction and Curriculum in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematical Science with a minor in Management Science from Kean University. With over a decade of teaching experience across secondary and higher education, he has taught a wide range of mathematics courses, from developmental algebra, geometry to college-level statistics and pre-calculus. He currently serves as a Math Instructor at Bard High School Early College Newark, where he prepares students for both high school and college-level success. Previously, he lectured at Kean University and taught at Union County and Passaic County Community Colleges, as well as in vocational and public school settings.

A dedicated educator, Mr. Cetoute is skilled in curriculum development, academic advising, and integrating digital learning tools to enhance student engagement. He is an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America. Born and raised in Haiti, Mr. Cetoute is fluent in Haitian Creole and is a first-generation college graduate. Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking, camping, and watching sports and movies.

Susan Chenelle, Ph.D.

BA, Kenyon College; MA New Jersey City University; PhD, Montclair State University

Dr. Susan Chenelle is the Department Chair of English and History at Bard High School Early College Newark. Her nearly 20-year career in secondary education includes tenures as teacher of English and journalism, English department chair, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, and adjunct professor. As a teacher, supervisor, and researcher, she prioritizes culturally responsive pedagogy and equitable family and community engagement, aimed at supporting the success of all students. She holds a B.A. in English from Kenyon College, an M.A. in Urban Education from New Jersey City University, and a Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development from Montclair State University. She serves on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English and co-edits the New Jersey English Journal. She also co-authored the Using Informational Text to Teach Literature series from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Louise Chernosky, Ph.D.

BM, Eastman School of Music; MA, SUNY Buffalo; PhD, Columbia University

Yasmin Darwish

BA, Minia University in Egypt; MS, Kean University; MS, MUST University in Egypt

Prof. Yasmin Darwish is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Bard Early College High School Newark. With over five years of experience teaching at both the high school and college levels, she has taught subjects including biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and chemistry. Before transitioning to education, Prof. Darwish worked as an associate scientist, pharmacist, and clinical researcher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Minia University in Egypt, a Master’s degree from Kean University, and an additional Master’s from MUST University in Egypt. Prof. Darwish is dedicated to help students truly understand science while building strong, supportive connections in the classroom. She’s from New Jersey, she enjoys cooking, baking, arts and crafts, and crocheting. She also has a deep interest in research and nutritional science.

David Dowling

BS, Ithaca College; MA, Adelphi University

Mr. Dowling is a founding faculty member at BHSEC Newark.  Since 2011, Mr. Dowling has taught and coached here at BHSEC. He has received his Bachelor’s Degree at Ithaca College in upstate New York, and his Master’s Degree from Adelphi University.  Prior to teaching at BHSEC Newark he taught all levels of Physical Education and Health on Long Island.  In addition to teaching, Mr. Dowling coaches the girls’ volleyball team and coordinates the athletic program.  He is an avid sports fan and enjoys participating in outdoor activities.  He resides with his wife and three children in Sussex County NJ.

Emilio Feijóo

Lara M. Friedman-Kats, MFA

BFA in Dance Performance and PreK-12 dance education certification, Towson University; MFA in Dance, Montclair State University

Lara M. Friedman-Kats, born and raised in Central NJ, began her dance training at Kaye-Lynn Dance Studio in Edison. In 2008, Lara received the NJ Governor’s Award for Excellence in Dance. Ms. Friedman-Kats graduated with her BFA in Dance and PreK-12 certification from Towson University in 2013 and earned her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at Montclair State University. In 2011, she won the National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) regional competition for Art of the Solo and went on to compete and place nationally. She also received the Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education Award in 2013 from Towson University. Lara has performed with Dissonance Dance Theatre (DC), Deep Vision Dance Company (Baltimore), Deviated Theatre (DC), Mish-Mash Productions (NYC), Nikki Manx Dance Project (NJ), Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre/Sean McLeod Dance Experience (NYC), and most notably, Carolyn Dorfman Dance (NY/NJ) from 2015-2021. She also had her work adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival Association (now ACDA) in 2011. Lara was the long term leave replacement teaching dance at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains from 2014-2015, Piscataway High School from 2021-2022, and Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy in 2022-2023. Ms. Friedman-Kats continues to teach both dance and fitness throughout studios, schools, and gyms in NJ. She served as adjunct professor teaching Modern II at DeSales University and Dance Appreciation at Montclair State University. To Lara, “Dance is a way of healing and finding acceptance within one’s own life. Socially charged work and personal experiences have motivated my creative endeavors. My mission is to bring awareness to the surface that which remains unseen or unspoken. Everyone has a story to tell- I tell mine through my body.”

Brett Laramee, Ph.D.

B.S. Ramapo College of New Jersey; Ph.D. Clark University

Dr. Laramee is a Physics professor at BHSEC Newark. He is a proud NJ native, growing up in South Jersey and attending Ramapo College of New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ) for his B.S. in Engineering Physics. Dr. Laramee completed his PhD in Physics from Clark University (Worcester, MA) in 2024, with his research studying organic superconducting crystals at ultracold temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields. With a focus on problem solving as a backbone, he is dedicated to cultivating the critical thinking skills of all of his students in High School Physics, College Physics, and Computer Science. Outside the classroom, Dr. Laramee enjoys travelling with his wife, playing disc golf & Pokémon Go, and is also a classically trained musician who plays & teaches mallet percussion.

Kamyar Malakuti, Ph.D.

M.A. in Pure Mathematics, Kerman University, Iran; Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, New Jersey Institute of Technology.

​Dr. Malakuti ​was a lecturer in Ardabil University, Iran. After immigrating to the United State​s​,​ he​ worked as a researcher at​ ​Simpotek, Inc. ​He ​also worked as part​-​time ​lecturer at Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson​ University Becton College of Arts and Sciences, and Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business.

John Martin

BS, Montclair State University

Mr. Martin started teaching at Bard High School Early College in 2016.  He achieved his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health from Montclair State University.  Mr. Martin teaches ninth grade Health and Physical Education as well as College Personal Health and College Personal Fitness.  Additionally he coaches high school football, wrestling, and baseball.

Reynaldo Martinez

Anand Mhatre, Ph.D.

BSc, Queens’ University, PhD, McGill University

Christopher Morabito, Ph.D.

BA, College of Staten Island, CUNY; MA & Ph.D., The Graduate Center, CUNY.

Dr. Christopher Morabito is an Assistant Professor of English at Bard High School Early College Newark.Dr. Morabito is proud to have received his college education at CUNY, the public university system for New York City. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the Macaulay Honors Program at the College of Staten Island, CUNY and his Master’s Degree and Ph.D. from The Graduate Center, CUNY. Dr. Morabito’s research interests include young adult literature and the literacy practices of marginalized communities. He also taught within the CUNY system for 6 years before joining the BHSEC Newark community. When he is not teaching, Dr. Morabito enjoys spending his time seeing Broadway plays, crocheting, and playing with his cat Hades.

Michael Murray, Ph.D.

BA, George Mason University; MA, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; M.L.I.S., Rutgers University; A.M., PhD, University of Pennsylvania

David D. Oquendo, MFA

BFA, Rutgers University-Newark; MFA, Montclair State University

David D. Oquendo is a New Jersey, USA based artist – born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2009, while being mentored by the late Denyse Thomasos, Oquendo completed his undergraduate degree at Rutgers University (Newark Campus), earning a BFA in Painting and a Minor in Art History. In 2012, he earned an MFA in Painting from Montclair State University.

Oquendo’s most notable exhibitions are a 2016 solo show at Solo(s) Project House in Newark, NJ, a 2017 solo show at the Henao Contemporary Center in Orlando, FL, and a 2020 solo show at Equal Space located in Newark, NJ. He also has artwork in Rutgers University’s art collection.

David’s hobbies include; Brazilian JiuJitsu, Archery, bowhunting & fitness.

David Petriello, Ph.D.

B.A. Seton Hall University; M.A. Montclair State University; Ph.D. St. John’s University

David Petriello is a teacher with over 20 years of experience. He is a historian who specializes in the topics of disease and history, conservative political history, military history, and East Asian history. He has written over two dozen books and articles on a variety of topics, including Bacteria and Bayonets, A Pestilence on Pennsylvania Avenue, From Columbus to COVID: Disease and American History, and The Republican Party and China.

Jazmín Puicón, Ph.D.

Mokhtar Rashwan, Ph.D.

BSc, Beni Suef University (Egypt); MSc, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Saudi Arabia); PhD, University of Alberta (Canada)

Dr. Rashwan is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Bard Early College High School Newark. He holds a BSc in Chemistry from Beni Suef University, Egypt, an MSc in Chemistry from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, and earned his PhD in Chemistry from University of Alberta, Canada. He then did his postdoctoral fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, USA. Dr. Rashwan believes that simplifying chemistry concepts is a key to engaging new generations with STEM fields. His research interests include lasers, nonlinear optical spectroscopies, surfaces and interfaces, mineral oxides, and environmental chemistry. Dr. Rashwan has taught a broad range of chemistry courses, including general, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry.

Outside academia, Dr. Rashwan enjoys playing and watching soccer games (He is a big fan of Real Madrid), and spending time outdoors with his family and friends.

Shana Russell, Ph.D.

BA, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; MA, Simmons College; PhD, Rutgers University

Dr. Shana Russell is an Assistant Professor of English at Bard High School Early College Newark. She has dedicated the last twenty years to the study of literature and history and is passionate about education as a human right. In this capacity she has directed national public history initiatives, served on the Board of the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, and worked with the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School initiative. Dr. Russell holds a B.A. in English from Florida A&M University, an M.A. in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Rutgers. She is a proud first generation college-graduate. When she isn’t teaching the amazing students at Bard, Dr. Russell serves as the chief historian for the Rikers Public Memory Project.

Lekha Sekhar

Tiffany Sims, Ph.D.

BS, MS, New Jersey Institute of Technology; PhD, Rutgers University and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Sims’s interests include robotics, sensorimotor integration, physical rehabilitation,  and the development of outcome measures for movement disorders. She has taught 9th grade physics, Geometry, College Physics, Engineering, Bioengineering, and Bioinformatics. She is also the coach for the robotics team.

Nicholas Sprenger, Ph.D.

Agnes Sung

B.A., University of Pennsylvania; M.S., NJIT; M.S., Harvard University

Ms. Agnes Sung is a math teacher at Bard Early College High School Newark. Her career began in computer science creating language teaching software for a small start up. She then entered a long career in Wall Street’s financial technologies and aerospace’s software engineering. After realizing that God’s work for her was in education, she changed careers to teaching. She holds a B.A. from University of Pennsylvania specializing in classical Chinese writing, an M.S. from NJIT in Computer Science, and a second Masters from Harvard University’s Mathematics in Teaching. Deeply committed to educational equity, she enjoys researching different teaching approaches that enable urban, suburban, and rural students to be successful in the classroom and in life. Ms. Sung lives in a forest preserve in New Jersey and enjoys visits from deer, groundhogs, chipmunks, bats, foxes, flying squirrels, racoons, and occasional black bears.

Andrew J. Trevarrow, Ph.D.

BA, Western Michigan University; MA, Illinois State University; MA, Ohio State University; PhD, Ohio State University

Lubna Tumeh, Ph.D.

B.S. Yarmouk University, Jordan; M.S. University of Jordan, Jordan; Ph.D. Stevens Institute of Technology

Dr. Tumeh is an assistant professor of Physics at Bard High School Early College in Newark. She began her teaching career in Jordan where she also received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics. Later in the U.S. she received her Ph.D. in Physics /Engineering physics from Steven’s Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J. Since then she has taught undergraduate
physics at all levels at Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Brooklyn, NY, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ and at Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY. for 14 years . Since
2024, when she joined the faculty here at Bard High School Early College, Newark, NJ. her goal is always to bring the excitement of a rigorous physics education to her students who are looking forward to the promise of the Sciences in the 21st century. Dr. Tumeh gets her daily inspiration from teaching and supporting her students at Bard, just as she has always supported her own kids. Outside the classroom Dr. Tumeh enjoys walking and spending time with family and friends.

Betsy Wood, Ph.D.

BA, Arkansas Tech University;  MA, University of Arkansas; PhD, University of Chicago

Dr. Wood is an American historian with more than 15 years of teaching experience. Her work focuses on American labor, law, and politics from the 1850s to the modern era. Dr. Wood is interested in how culture and morality shape capitalism and capitalist society.

After graduating with her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Dr. Wood taught American history and labor at the University of New Hampshire, Cornell University’s School of Labor and Industrial Relations, and the Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, NJ. She joined the faculty at Bard-Newark in 2021 where she teaches History of the Americas, History of U.S. Social Movements, and the Bard Seminar. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the National Honor Society.

Dr. Wood was named Bard-Newark’s 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Wood’s book, Upon the Altar of Work: Child Labor & the Rise of a New American Sectionalism (University of Illinois Press, 2020) examines how the issue of child labor in America was debated in the context of moral, ideological, and legal disputes over slavery. Upon the Altar of Work was published as part of “The Working Class in American History” series, the premiere press for labor history in America. Dr. Wood’s award-winning research has been widely acclaimed in academic journals and national media. Upon the Altar of Work was recently featured in a podcast interview hosted by the Society for the History of Children and Youth. In the wake of recent efforts to roll back child labor laws in America, Dr. Wood has received national attention for her expertise. She was 1 of 13 national leaders invited to discuss this issue at the University of Arkansas Law School Symposium on Child Labor in the fall of 2023. In the spring of 2024, she was invited to speak at Georgetown University’s 2024 Symposium on Work and Poverty.

Dr. Wood’s work has appeared in many national publications, including TIME Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, U.S. News & World Report, The Conversation, and dozens of local newspapers nationwide. She regularly provides historical expertise and commentary about the status of child labor laws in the U.S. and has recently been interviewed by Stateline News, The Guardian, Bloomberg News on “The Big Take” podcast, YES! Magazine, “Rising Up with Sonali” syndicated news program, the DNA of the News / El ADN de las Noticias international news program, and others.

Dr. Wood has long worked at the intersection of academia and policy. Prior to teaching, she worked as a policy and research analyst in Washington, D.C. at the Institute for Policy Studies, the oldest progressive think tank in the country. At IPS, Dr. Wood published major policy reports and served as a media spokesperson about income and wealth inequality. She also helped to launch and manage Inequality.org, a project that bridges academic expertise with political activism. While in D.C. she served on the Advisory Board of the Labor and Research Action Network (LRAN) which connects academic experts to labor organizers. Dr. Wood’s work in D.C. led to Rutgers University where she helped launch the Center for Innovation in Worker Organization (CIWO) to provide strategic support for labor organizations.

Dr. Wood’s current research projects include a biography of American businesswoman Vivien Kellems who popularized tax evasion as a form of civil disobedience. Dr. Wood has received a Bard Early College Research Grant for this project.

Samuel Worthington

MA,Wichita State University; PhD in progress at University of Texas

Sam Worthington works with language, literature, and history across the Hispanophone world. In the Spanish classroom, his interdisciplinary teaching foregrounds the intersections of language, cultural production, and power, inviting students to see language as both a skill and a lens for understanding the world. Before returning to higher education, he worked as a Spanish language interpreter in the State and Federal Court systems, later earning an MA in Spanish Literature at Wichita State University with a focus on translation theory and co‑authoring multiple translations of Golden Age Spanish theater.

Sam is finishing his PhD in History from the University of Texas at Dallas, where his research examines modern Mexico, especially late‑revolutionary propaganda and the formation of the post‑revolutionary state. His broader interests include Latin American political rhetoric, nationalism, and the cultural impact of populist discourse. When not teaching, Sam can be found looking for snacks.

Biyuan Yang, Ph.D.

BA, China Central University of Nationalities; MS, University of Bridgeport; PhD, New York University

Dr. Yang is an assistant professor of Chinese at Bard High School Early College. She has 20+ years of teaching  experience in ESL and Chinese at the K-12 and college level. She holds a B.A. from Minzu University of China, an M.S. from University of Bridgeport, and a Ph.D. from New York University. A long time member of the Bard community, she combines her hobbies with work, serving as the caretaker of our courtyard garden and photographer for school events.

Juan Yu

BA, Huanggang Normal University, China; MA, Durham University, England

Ms. Yu joined Bard High School Early College in 2017, having received her MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages) from Durham University in Great Britain, BA in English Literature from Huanggang Normal University in Hubei Province, China, and working as a translator and interpreter for several well-known artists in Beijing, as well as teaching at high schools and colleges in China and the United States. A perpetual adventurer at heart, her academic interests are in promoting intercultural exchange by finding new, innovative, and interactive methods to teach language, history, Mathematics and heritage to non-native speakers. Her courses include Introduction to Language: Chinese, Chinese 9, and Mathematics 10: Geometry.