Loyola University New Orleans

Dr. Thomas has received more than $780,000 to fund her research and environmental education programs and has worked with over 10,000 students ranging from kindergarten to graduate school in formal and informal science settings, in addition to teaching for 20+ years. She co-leads tropical ecology study abroad trips to Belize, Guatemala, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands.

Dr. Dorn believes students learn science by doing science so engages her students in “discovery based” and active learning activities in her courses. She encourages an atmosphere where students and faculty work together, support and teach each other in a cooperative, rather than competitive environment. To train students in effective communication, she emphasizes oral and written scientific communication. She strives to enliven the material by discussing recent findings and how science is relevant to everyday life. She encourages meaningful engagement with the community and a deeper understanding of the subject through service learning.

Patrick has worked professionally as a performer, director, and instructor in New York, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, and Louisiana. He received a BA in Theatre Arts from St. Edwards University and his MFA in Acting and Directing from Texas Tech University. Currently, he is the Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance at Loyola University New Orleans. Patrick was chosen as one of only fourteen theatre professionals to participate in the prestigious The Actors Center Teacher Development Program in New York City. He has taught theatre at the University of Richmond and Texas Tech University.

Professor Robert Racine has over 22 years of experience in digital non-linear systems, broadcast television systems, and digital media networks, and holds an MFA in film production from the University of New Orleans. Since 2001, he has taught courses in digital cinema technology, editing, visual effects, sound production and design, and 3D animation. Recently, Robert completed a 4K digital cinema production pipeline, including 5K Red Epic acquisition dailies processing, color grading, DCP creation, and 4K projection.

Kate Duncan brings a wealth of musical and music industry experience to Loyola's School of Music Industry. A musical educator and performer, Kate has spent the decade-plus working in nearly every genre - jazz, funk, pop, opera, and even country. Kate also currently works as a performing musician, vocal jazz arranger, lecturer, and clinician across the country in addition to her duties at Loyola. Kate currently serves as Loyola's Associate Director for the School of Music Industry and Chair for the school's Popular & Commercial Music and Urban & Electronic Music degree programs respectively. Her classroom duties include ensemble direction of two vocal jazz groups: Crescent Collective (SATB Vocal Jazz) and Quarter Tones (SSA Acapella), private voice study, professional development and internship course instruction, Pop. Capstone instruction, Artist Health & Wellness course instruction, and Masterclass direction. Kate is also co-director for Loyola's Paris Study Abroad program; teaching a common curriculum course within that program each summer as well.

Kate Yurgil joined the Department of Psychological Sciences in the fall of 2014. After receiving her B.A. in psychology in 2005 from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Yurgil earned her M.S. in psychological science from Tulane University in 2008. She completed her Ph.D. in 2010, also from Tulane, with an emphasis in cognitive neuroscience. Her doctoral research focused on using electroencephalography (EEG) to examine individual and age differences in attention and memory processes. After completing her doctorate, Dr. Yurgil conducted research in applied behavioral health at the VA Healthcare System in San Diego, CA. She continues to collaborate on projects related to posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and other mental and physical health outcomes following combat.

Dr. Johnston has received several research and teaching awards in the field of communication. She was named one of Gambit’s 40 under 40 and has appeared on Ch. 6 News and The Business Report as a communication expert. She is an active presenter at international and national conventions, and has published various articles for research journals. Her recent research has found a positive link between a Team’s Listening Environment (TLE) and financial performance.

When Saxophonist Gordon Towell’s not teaching jazz in a Loyola University classroom, he’s likely to be performing with many national acts. Towell, who holds a BEd in music education from the University of Alberta, an MM in jazz studies from Indiana University and a DME with a cognate in jazz studies from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, has shared his expertise with students at the University of Cincinnati, Morehead State University, Indiana University, Keyano College, Grant MacEwan College, and numerous public schools. As Coordinator of jazz studies at Loyola University, New Orleans, Towell directs jazz band I and jazz combos, teaches jazz history, arranging/composition, and improvisation. He also finds time to adjudicate, guest solo and perform with national and international artists, and conduct throughout Canada and the U.S.