Faculty Research Interests

My research includes studies on the integration of mathematical reasoning into computer science curricula, development and integration of innovative teaching approaches that aim to improve the learning process and enhance the comprehension of the study materials, evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness of the proposed techniques, curricular development issues related to core introductory programming courses, interdisciplinary courses, courses for non-majors, and elective courses for computer science and information systems majors.

Currently, in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Shea at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, my students are exploring predator prey interactions using marine gastropod shell collections. Predators of marine snails often leave evidence of attempted and successful predation attempts on the shells of their prey, including drill holes and cracks in the shells. Paleontologists have used this type of predation evidence to describe ancient ecological interactions. In the Krumm lab, we are applying this technique to recent shell collections, allowing examination of predator-prey interactions of marine gastropod populations that are otherwise challenging to access due to location and depth. Our lab is currently working on:

1. Characterization of predator shell damage in Family Terebridae. Does damage differ in frequency, size, and other characteristics across species in recent (non-fossil) shells
2. Do different drilling predators of the Terebridae, distinguished by the shape of the drill hole, differ in where they attempt to create a hole in the shell? Is the hole location impacted by predator size or shell outer wall thickness?

The Krumm lab is also examining morphological variation in Family Xenophoridae, the carrier shells. These marine gastropods attach found objects in their environments to their shells, including shells and rocks. There are multiple hypotheses that attempt to explain this attachment behavior. We are currently working on:

1. Characterization and comparison of shell footprints between species in Family Xenophoridae. Do we see regional variation within species? Do species with overlapping ranges show similarities in shell footprint patterns, such as width and shape of footprint?

My research and service interests also extend beyond my laboratory at Widener University, leading to the creation of BCEENET (Biological Collections in Ecology and Evolution Network), a research coordination network in undergraduate biology education. Undergraduate research experiences were a pivotal point in my career trajectory, leading me to pursue research in ecology and evolution. I am committed to expanding those opportunities for both my students, and undergraduates beyond my institution. As PI of BCEENET, I’ve had the opportunity to support faculty at diverse institutions in embedding research in their courses as CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences) through CURE development and faculty development workshops. Additionally, I am involved in a large-scale assessment of BCEENET CUREs, demonstrating the value of participating in these CUREs through measures of student belonging and skills building.

My research interests all aim to alleviate societal problems. They include alternative refrigerants to R-22 and their physical properties, flammability studies of partially fluorinated hydrocarbons, thermophysical properties of ionic liquids and of their mixtures, and the thermodynamic behavior of medicinally valuable compounds.

• Simulation in Nursing
• Disaster Preparedness
• Interdisciplinary simulations in nursing

I envision communication as a central process in our relational lives, not just a variable. I use a variety of methods to study communication in personal relationships. The majority of my research has focused on LGBTQ+ relational communication, especially the way that socio-cultural factors and shifts, such as marriage equality, affect these relationships. I am also especially interested in studying family communication, especially for marginalized families.

My research interests include Self-care practices; The Internet of Things; Engagement in online learning.

My current research interests include assessing complex sport marketing service quality encounters at professional sport events. The work looks at the encounter from both the service provider's side and the event attendee's side and compares those perceptions.

I primarily specialize in research related to gender, work, and family. The bulk of my research is on work-family conflict and the division of paid and unpaid labor in households. I am particularly interested in health outcomes associated with various aspects of work-family balance. A second area of research examines the effectiveness of high impact practices, such as experiential classroom simulations, in achieving student learning outcomes. While not a primary area of focus, I have also conducted research on how culture and identity shape food patterns and meanings.

My primary interests are in the fields of American federalism and state and local policy agendas. Recently I co-edited the book Teaching Federalism: Multidimensional Approaches (2023), which was published as part of Edward Elgar’s Teaching Methods series. Prior to that I researched how the American federal system has affected the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in four co-authored publications. I am currently co-editing The Health of Democracy in Federal Political Systems: Consolidating, Thriving, or Backsliding? which draws upon papers presented at the 2023 International Association of Centers for Federal Studies Annual Conference in Philadelphia.

Much of my state politics research focuses on Pennsylvania. I have co-edited Pennsylvania Politics and Policy: A Commonwealth Reader, Volume 1 (2018) and Volume 2 (2019). I am currently doing research for Governing the Commonwealth: Politics, Policy and Executive Power in Pennsylvania. The book examines how recent Pennsylvania governors have used their formal and informal powers to influence public policy across a range of issues including education, the environment, and social welfare.

My research focuses on the neurobiology of social behavior and how hormones play a role in regulating those behaviors. Together with Widener undergraduate biology majors, I work on projects ranging from brain and behavior studies in songbirds, stress physiology in fish, to testing gene therapy treatments for nervous system disorders in rodents. All of my projects are conducted at Widener, some of which are done in collaboration with researchers at larger institutions.

In my research, I explore the rich, diverse tapestry of human sexuality, recognizing the importance of acknowledging and respecting this diversity. Whether it’s addressing the challenges faced by sexuality professionals, or examining the complex issues surrounding sex, work, and ethics, my research pursuits aim to explore critical aspects of human sexuality in our ever-evolving world.

My main research interests include sexual ethics and diversity, cross-cultural sexuality, and Catholic sexual theology.  I often research justice issues in the field of sexuality, examining issues of consent, sexual behaviors, sexual fantasy, trauma, and sexuality education

My research focuses on consumer behavior and digital marketing, with a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. I investigate sources that generate consumer happiness and improve consumer well-being. My works have been published in the Review of Marketing Research and presented at conferences including Academy of Marketing Science and American Academy of Advertising.

My research focuses on translating teachers' knowledge into classroom practice.

• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Occupational Justice
• Trauma Informed Practice
• Clinical and Professional Reasoning
• Role of Occupational Therapy in Healing Police & Community Relations

My research interests include restaurant management, casino management, human resource management, lodging management, food and beverage management, food safety, organizational behavior/dynamics, labor relations, interpersonal communication dynamics, pedagogy in hospitality education, freshman studies/retention, assessment, and accreditation in higher education.

Dr. Love’s research sits at the intersection of faith, spirituality, and education. She employs qualitative and historical inquiry to explore topics related to spiritual wellness, organizational change, and social justice. Her work investigates how morals and values influence individual development, resilience, and purpose, and how these personal attributes connect to broader institutional outcomes such as retention, community building, and a sense of belonging.

• Clinical and Professional Reasoning
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Occupational Justice
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

My research interests include forest phenology/climatology, sustainable development, and tropical ecology.

My research interests include the treatment of rape victims by the criminal justice, medical and legal systems, the transformation of rape crisis centers, and the experiences and struggles of rape victim advocates, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.   In addition, I have conducted research on the effect of marijuana legalization on crime rates, mock jurors’ understanding of sentencing instructions, and students’ fear of crime on campus.

My research interests include modern Chinese history, race and ethnicity, and transnational history. I have published a number of book chapters, journal articles, and book reviews in these fields. I am currently working on a book manuscript on the history of Muslims in China.