Faculty & Staff

Kevin Brooks

Bio Coming Soon

Dr. Agbor Ebot

Biography

Dr. Agbor Ebot is an applied Mathematician with a specialization in differential equations, asymptotic methods, approximation theory and numerical analysis. He has also published some of his works in renowned journals. Dr. Ebot graduated from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte with both an MSc and a PhD in applied mathematics. He has a wealth of experience teaching in several institutions of higher learning across America and Africa. His 20+ years career as a teacher has allowed him to teach courses in Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, Probability and Statistics, Geometry, Ordinary Differential Equations, Real Analysis, Functional Analysis, Numerical analysis, Statistical Modeling, and Operation research amongst others.

He started his career at the University of Buea, Cameroon as a Lecturer in the Math Dept. He is also a computer programmer with proficiency in C++, MATLAB, R, SAS, python, Tableaux and SPSS. Dr. Ebot was born in the southwest region of Cameroon where he did his nursery, primary and secondary education. He then continued his studies in Nigeria under the Cameroon government scholarship sponsorship. He graduated from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria with a BSc and an MSc in Mathematics/Statistics

Damein Greatheart

Biography

Professor Damein Greatheart, originally from Cherryville, NC, epitomizes the blend of academic rigor and cutting-edge research. A proud 2013 graduate of Livingstone College, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, further advancing his expertise with a Master of Information Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2015. Currently, he is expanding his academic horizons as a doctoral candidate in the Information Systems program at Nova Southeastern University.

Professor Greatheart’s research is at the forefront of Esports and Knowledge Management Systems, fields that are rapidly transforming the technological landscape. In his dual role as a Computer Information Systems professor and the Campus Technology Coordinator at Livingstone College, he is not only shaping the minds of the next generation of IT professionals but also strategically enhancing the college’s technological infrastructure. His dedication to education and innovation makes him a pivotal asset to both the academic and local communities.

Gregory F. Janczak

Biography

Professor Janczak has been a devoted educator in the field of mathematics since 1998, and he has been sharing his passion for numbers and problem solving with the students at Livingstone College since 2018. Before he turned to teaching, Mr. Janczak served with distinction as a Navy Veteran, where he specialized in the meticulous field of aircraft maintenance. This experience honed his attention to detail and discipline, qualities that he brings into his classroom.

Mr. Janczak’s academic journey is marked by a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University, where he first laid down his educational roots. He continued to grow his expertise with a Masters of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Jacksonville University, FL, and an Education Specialist Degree (EdS) from Liberty University. His pursuit of knowledge is a beacon of inspiration for his students.

Beyond his professional life, Gregory is a family man at heart, being a father to four children and a grandfather to six grandchildren. His role as a patriarch is as central to his identity as his commitment to education, offering him a wellrounded perspective on life’s equations both inside and outside the classroom.

Allan Lanton

Biography

As the Research Lab Coordinator for Livingstone College, Allan Lanton stands as a highly knowledgeable figure in the realm of sustainable agriculture. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Allan’s journey into the scientific world began in his childhood, marked by a deepseated fascination with the intricacies of nature and the mechanisms of life. This early interest laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

With a decade of hands-on experience in aquaponics farming, Allan has not only mastered this sustainable farming technique but has also contributed significantly to its advancement and accessibility. His unique combination of practical expertise and academic knowledge, especially his Juris Doctorate, equips him with an exceptional ability to approach scientific problems with a legally analytical mindset, bridging the gap between law, science, and agriculture.

Allan’s work as a hydroponic research professor is not just a profession but a testament to his commitment to sustainable practices, innovative agricultural methods, and his enduring passion for science.

Gordon Miller

Biography

Mr. Miller is a distinguished member of the Livingstone College faculty, renowned for his dedication to “green” research initiatives over the past decade. He has adeptly leveraged perovskite solar cells, a cost-effective technology, to inspire students to develop their own research projects derived from contemporary scientific literature.

His commitment extends beyond the lab; he has orchestrated field trips to professional meetings, businesses, research facilities, universities, and conferences, crafting unforgettable experiences that resonate deeply with his students.

Previously, Mr. Miller’s research endeavors focused on pioneering new analytical techniques and crafting instruments to implement these methods. His tenure at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was marked by significant contributions, including optical spectrometer design, laboratory management, and the strategic planning of research activities. His expertise is not limited to analytical chemistry; he also boasts experience in agricultural research with the USDA.

In his current role, Mr. Miller is passionately working to enhance the engagement of underrepresented groups in scientific research careers, underscoring his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field of science.

Josette Wilkes

Biography

Dr. Josette Wilkes, an esteemed Associate Professor of Chemistry at Livingstone College, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the institution’s Biology department. Originating from Bethel, NC, she embarked on her academic career at North Carolina Central University, where she obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry. Her scholarly quest then led her to the University of Georgia, culminating in a Ph.D. in Chemistry.

Since joining Livingstone College in 2017, Dr. Wilkes has been instrumental in advancing the department’s research initiatives. Her academic focus is on the characterization and synthesis of carbohydratebased analogs that have significant biological relevance. Her work is not just a contribution to the field of chemistry but also serves as a vital educational pillar for her students, whom she mentors and guides through the complex landscape of chemical research.

Dr. Dawn B. McNair

Biography
Dr. Dawn B. McNair is a noted mathematics educator and researcher with more than 25 years of student-centered higher education experience and currently serves as the provost and vice-president of academic affairs at Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC.
McNair was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She received her master’s degree from the University of North rolinaCharlotte and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill.
McNair has served in various capacities at the local, state and national levels, including serving as a reviewer for the American Association of Colleges and Universities, National Science Foundation, North Carolina Department of Instruction, and the United States Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Also, with a demonstrated career record in securing external funding, McNair’s grantsmanship efforts have resulted in the procurement of more than $14 million.

Dr. Felix Adusei-Danso

Dr. Felix Adusei-Danso is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Biology Dept at Livingstone College. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; and a joint Master’s degree in Structural Biology (with a concentration in Protein Crystallography) from the University of Cape Town and University of the Western Cape, South Africa, under the tutelage of Professor Girish Kotwal and Professor Trevor Sewell. Dr. Adusei-Danso received his Ph.D. in 2019 in Biomedical Sciences (with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases) from Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, under the supervision of Professor David Dubnau. After a brief stint as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Public Health Research Institute (PHRI) at Rutgers University, NJ, (working on Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Dr. Adusei-Danso worked as a Biology Instructor at different colleges, including Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, South Piedmont Community College, Montgomery Community College, Catawba Valley Community College (all in North Carolina), and University of California (Berkeley). In 2022, Dr. Adusei-Danso was appointed Assistant Professor of Biology at Livingstone College and in 2023, was appointed as the Chair of the Biology Department. Dr. Adusei-Danso’s research interest areas are the role of Iron-Sulfur cluster s in mRNA processing, and drug discovery using molecular docking and machine learning simulation.

Dr. Selma Burrell

Dr. Selma Burrell holds a BA in Biology from St. Andrew’s College, a MAT in Biology Education from Duke University, and an Ed.D in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, her educational foundation is as robust as it is diverse.

Over 30 years, Dr. Burrell has brought the wonders of biology to life for students at all levels – from middle school to college. Her journey has taken her across the globe, from guest lecturing at Cuttington College in Liberia, West Africa to conducting research in London, England at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her current focus lies in innovating strategies to enhance academic performance in science, particularly in testing and laboratory work.

Dr. Sashi Sabaratnam

Dr. Sashi Sabaratnam, an esteemed biologist, joined Livingstone College in 1987 with a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Her notable doctoral work on ‘The Effects of Air Pollutants on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Soybean’ has led to multiple publications. She has taught Biology, Botany, Microbiology, and Environmental Studies, and has extended her repertoire to Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, by participating in several workshops offered by Universities nationwide.

Her exceptional research skills have been acknowledged through prestigious fellowships at top institutions like Brookhaven National Lab, Pacific Northwest National Lab, and the Environmental Protection Agency Lab. She was also awarded EPA/NAFEO fellowships to conduct research in Environmental Microbiology. Her research in these projects was published in the journal, ‘Environmental Conservation and Restoration’.

At Livingstone College, Dr. Sabaratnam not only imparts knowledge but also inspires. In 2003, she obtained a grant from the Ecology Society of America to start an Ecology Club, fostering student interest in plant diversity, species conservation, and ecology. She has taken students on educational field trips and guided them toward enriching summer opportunities, postgraduate studies, and career paths in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. Her contributions to ecology were further highlighted through travel awards to Ecology Society Annual Meetings with her field experience being published in Salisbury Post.

As a Pre-Med Advisor for biology majors, Dr. Sabaratnam coordinates the visits of representatives from Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University and Allied Health Programs at UNC Chapel Hill and the School of Medicine. Her community involvement extends to being a board member of the Savannah River Site Experimental Station and the Greenway Committee of Salisbury Parks and Recreation. She is also a master gardener volunteer with the Rowan County.

John Thomas, III

Professor Thomas, a dedicated educator and cybersecurity expert, began his academic journey at Livingstone College, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems in 2012. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Security and Database Management Systems from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University in 2017. His keen interest and proficiency in cybersecurity concepts have defined his career path.

Before academia, Professor Thomas gained substantial real-world experience as a Federal Contractor for NASA, where he worked for three and a half years. This role not only honed his skills but also provided him with practical insights into the applications of cybersecurity in critical environments.

Since Fall 2019, he has been imparting his knowledge and experience as an instructor at Livingstone College. His unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience in high-security environments makes him an invaluable resource for students aspiring to enter the dynamic field of cybersecurity and information systems.