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Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025




Faculty — D

Daimi, Kevin

Kevin Daimi

Professor Emeritus of Computer Science and Software Engineering, teaches classes in Computer Science and Software Engineering. He received a M.S. in Applied Computation and a Ph.D. in Computational Optimal Control from the University of Cranfield, England. He has long and extensive computing experience including working as a programmer, systems analyst, director of a computer center, computer manager, computer consultant, head of computer science department, and professor of computer science. His research interests include software engineering, computer and network security, and computer science and software engineering education. He is a senior member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a fellow of the British Computer Society (BCS). He joined the University in 1998.

daimikj@udmercy.edu

Dari, Tahani

Tahani Dari

Assistant Professor and Director of the School Counseling Program, teaches career counseling, group counseling and school counseling. More than 20 years of experience inform Dari’s commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities. A licensed professional counselor, she has worked as both a school counselor for K-12 students and a mental health counselor in various clinical practice settings (crisis centers, non-profits and private practice). Her scholarly work has focused attention on community-based participatory research, with areas of interest related to advocacy efforts for diverse client populations (particularly youth) and advancing topics in school counseling. Dari has presented her work regionally, nationally and internationally, and has published in several counseling journals. She served two terms on the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation’s Minority Fellowship Program Advisory Council for Master’s Programs, serving as chair for one term. She also served on the board of the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES). She currently serves on the editorial board for the Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation journal and the Journal of School-Based Counseling Policy and Evaluation. She was the recipient of the 2020 NCACES Research Award and is co-authoring a handbook for addressing trauma in children in high poverty communities. Dari joined the University in 2022.

darith@udmercy.edu

Dasgupta, Abhijit

Abhijit Dasgupta

Professor of Mathematics, teaches classes in mathematics at all levels using various teaching techniques such as the Moore Method. He received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the University in 2004. His research interests are in Topology, Analysis, and Measure Theory in the context of the Borel and Projective hierarchies in Polish spaces, an area known as Descriptive Set Theory, which uses tools and techniques from Mathematical Logic and Theory of Computation. Recently, he has also worked in Nonstandard Analysis, Philosophy of Randomness, and Algorithmic Information Theory. Before joining Detroit Mercy, he had earlier taught at the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and Jadavpur University, India. He had also worked in the networking industry as a network hardware and software engineer for many years at various companies including ANS, AOL, MCI/Worldcom, and Cisco Systems. His EECS interests and experience are in the areas of network and systems programming and operating systems (especially Linux/UNIX). He is also an electronic hobbyist, likes playing with embedded systems and writing programs in C and assembly, and occasionally writes parsing and lexical analysis software.

dasgupab@udmercy.edu

Das, Shuvra

Shuvra Das

Professor of Mechanical Engineering, teaches mechanics of materials, mechanical design, computer aided design, and finite element methods. His research interests and publications are in mechanistic modeling of manufacturing processes, solution of inverse problems, laser assisted manufacturing, mechatronics, and the thermo-mechanics of manufacturing. He received the Engineering Teacher of the Year Award in 1996 and was named the Best Teacher in the North Central Region of the US by the American Society for Engineering Education in 2003. Das earned his B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Iowa State University. He was a post-doctoral research associate at University of Notre Dame and worked as an analysis engineer for Concurrent Technologies Corporation prior to joining the University in 1993.

dass@udmercy.edu

Dauphin, V. Barry

V. Barry Dauphin

Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training for the Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, teaches courses in abnormal psychology, psychological assessment, psychoanalytic concepts, child therapy and principles of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Dauphin published a book titled Tantalizing Times: Excitements, Disconnects, and Discontents in Contemporary American Society. He has published and presented papers on experimental analyses of psychological assessment instruments, psychotherapy process and outcome, regulatory issues concerning the practice of psychology, and philosophical issues in psychoanalytic psychology. He has ongoing research projects on clinical judgment, personality organization, understanding absorbing and very psychologically involving experiences, among other projects. Dauphin received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tulane University in 1981 and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University in 1988. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship through Wayne State Medical School in 1990. He is board certified in psychoanalysis by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), a fellow of the American Psychological Association. He is also a former president of the Society for Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychology.

dauphivb@udmercy.edu

David, Jeanne M.

Jeanne M. David

Associate Professor of Accounting, teaches introductory and upper level financial and managerial accounting, auditing, and accounting information systems. She has published in the Journal of Business Ethics, Research in Accounting Ethics, the Indian Journal of Management Science, the International Journal of Marketing, Financial Services, and Management Research, the Journal of Catholic Social Thought, and the Journal of Business Case Studies. She has made presentations for the American Accounting Association, ORSA/TIMS, the Michigan Association of CPAs, and the Institute of Management Accountants. She is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, and has previously served as Michigan Council director and Oakland County Chapter president for the IMA. She is also a member of the American Accounting Association, Beta Alpha Psi, Alpha Iota Delta, and the Michigan Association of CPAs. David received her CPA from the State of Texas, her Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Texas A & M University and her B.S. from the University of Lowell. She joined the University in 1988.

davidjm@udmercy.edu

Davis, Nickolas

Nickolas Davis

Assistant Professor of Social Work, broad research interests include policy analysis and social work regulatory and professional issues. Recently, he engaged in research focusing on LGBTQ+-related state policies. Davis has more than 10 years of social work experience in various sectors, including managed care, telemental health, hospice, public school systems and community-based mental health. He holds the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC) and Board-Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) credentials. Davis earned his doctorate in Public Affairs and Social Work from the School of Public Administration, University of Central Florida. He is active in professional organizations, currently serving on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity & Expression and the American Board of Clinical Social Work’s Membership and Certification Committee. He joined the University in 2020.

davisnb@udmercy.edu

Davis, Louis M.

Louis M. Davis

Assistant Professor, McAuley School of Nursing, teaches in the prelicensure nursing programs. He is a Family Nurse Practitioner. He earned his doctor of nursing practice (DNP) from the University of Detroit Mercy.  Dr. Davis joined the McAuley School of Nursing as adjunct in 2014 then, full time term faculty in 2016, and permanent full time in 2017.

davislm4@udmercy.edu 

Dean, Jennifer

Jennifer Dean

Dean and Associate Librarian, University Libraries and Instructional Technology, provides leadership and direction for all libraries and the instructional design operations. She works to assure compliance with accreditation requirements and with national standards for academic libraries and instructional design. Her research is in organizational theory and leadership and communication. Dean holds a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University, a Master of Music and Performance Certificate from Northwestern University, and a Master in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She is pursuing a Ph.D in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. She joined the University in 2016.

deanjl@udmercy.edu

Demir, Mustafa

Mustafa Demir

Associate Professor of Mathematics, received his Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and Technology from Michigan State University (2009). He joined the University in 2010. Demir teaches courses in Mathematics and Mathematics Education. He also designs online learning environments to improve students’ content and pedagogical knowledge in mathematics. Demir's research focuses on learning and teaching mathematics in technology-based settings and the effective integration of information technology into mathematics education. His most recent research examines the impact of using web-based technologies with different instructional methods on students' knowledge of mathematics. He also holds a M.A. degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology (2004) from Michigan State University, and B.S. degree in Mathematics Education (1999) from Marmara University, Turkey.

demirmf@udmercy.edu

Dereczyk, Amy L.

Amy L. Dereczyk

Associate Professor and Chairperson, Physician Assistant Program spent 10 years in Emergency Medicine before joining the faculty at Detroit Mercy in 2008. She is well published in peer review journals most notably on the topic of point of care ultrasound in PA education. Dereczyk earned her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Wayne State University, her master’s degree in PA studies from University of Detroit Mercy and her Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology from Wayne State University.

dereczal@udmercy.edu 

DeWitt, Rachel D.

Rachel D. DeWitt

Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Program,

began her professional life as a high school science teacher.  While employed in secondary education she was actively involved in researching, writing, implementing, and teaching a newly adopted district-wide K-12 science curriculum. She earned her Physician Assistant degree in 2004 through University of Detroit Mercy, earning many academic accolades, including the Chairperson’s Clinical Excellence Award, given to the top performing graduate student each year.

After graduation, DeWitt worked in family practice where she enjoyed treating the broad spectrum of patients, managing chronic conditions, and practicing preventative medicine. She then transitioned into Physical Medicine and Rehab, working both on the inpatient unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and in the outpatient PM&R clinic.

In the fall of 2013, DeWitt returned to University of Detroit Mercy as an assistant professor and coordinator of the Accelerated Five-Year PA Track. She currently co-teaches the Physical Exam Practicum courses and serves as remediator for students who need assistance with clinical medicine.

DeWitt’s professional interests include improving patient education and patient’s access to care.

dewittrd@udmercy.edu 

DiPaolo, Donald G.

Donald G. DiPaolo

Professor and Director of the Leadership Minor Program, teaches introduction to leadership courses. DiPaolo regularly presents on campus and facilitates leadership retreats for students, faculty and staff. His publications and professional presentations have been in the area of leadership and leadership education. DiPaolo earned his doctorate from University of Michigan and joined the faculty there in 1997. He came to University of Detroit Mercy and served as chair of the Education Department from 2003 to 2006. DiPaolo was selected to serve as an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Leadership Education and has held that position since 2007. He is a leading national voice for effective undergraduate leadership education and has been recognized internationally for his contributions to campus life.

dipaoldo@udmercy.edu

Dosch, Michael

Michael Dosch

Professor, Nurse Anesthesia, holds a RN diploma from Mercy School of Nursing of Detroit, a B.A. from the University of Michigan, a M.S. from Mercy College of Detroit, and a Ph.D. from Wayne State University. He teaches the anesthesia gas machine, volatile anesthetic pharmacology, physics, and thoracic anesthesia. He has been active in service to his profession including as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the AANA Journal, a member of the National Certification Examination Committee of NBCRNA, and many years service as on-site reviewer (currently a chair reviewer) for the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. He has published and spoken extensively on the anesthesia gas machine and other topics. He also maintains an active clinical practice.

doschmi@udmercy.edu

Dow, Marilyn

Marilyn Dow

Director, School of Dentistry Library, provides reference and research skills instruction in dentistry, dental hygiene, political science, legal administration, legal assistant, economics, and marketing. She holds a B.A. in History from Michigan State University and a Master's of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Dow joined the University in 2008.

dowmk@udmercy.edu

Dowgwillo, Emily

Emily Dowgwillo

Assistant Professor of Psychology and Associate Director of the Psychology Clinic, teaches psychology to undergraduate and graduate students. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Dowgwillo's program of research examines the between and within personal assessment of co-occurring personality dysfunction, psychopathology and interpersonal dynamics in daily life, with the ultimate goal of identifying person-specific interventions that can be administered in the moment using smartphone technology. In pursuing these research domains, she relies on intensive longitudinal data (e.g. using ecological momentary assessments), utilizes advanced quantitative methods such as multilevel models, parallel process growth curve models, structural equation models and person-specific (i.e., idiographic) models. Dowgwillo joined the University of Detroit Mercy in 2020 after completing a clinical internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. 

dowgwiea@udmercy.edu

Dukhan, Nihad

Nihad Dukhan

Professor of Mechanical Engineering and a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), teaches thermal science courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. His research interests are focused on experimental, analytical and numerical modeling of flow and heat transfer in metal foam in various thermal-management applications. He has authored over 165 referred scientific/engineering papers and edited the most recent book on metal foam’s fundamentals and applications. He is a member of the international scientific committee of the bi-annual conference on metal foam. His research has been funded by Ford Motor Company, Constellium, DENSO North America, Chrysler Foundation, NSF’s Center for Power Electronics and Systems at Virginia Tech, and Pratt & Whitney. Dukhan joined the University in 2005 and was honored with Detroit Mercy’s Faculty Achievement Award in 2011. In the 2014-2015 academic year, he was a Fulbright Scholar at Istanbul Technical University and in 2018 he was a Fulbright Specialist at Yildiz Technical University (Istanbul, Turkey). Dukhan earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo in 1996, and worked in academia and industry.

dukhanni@udmercy.edu

Dutta, Utpal

Utpal Dutta

Professor and Chair, Civil & Environmental Engineering, teaches transportation engineering, constructional materials, engineering economics and optimization. Dutta’s publications and professional presentations both here and abroad have dealt with transportation planning, use of waste materials in highway construction and transportation safety and control. He is currently doing research on the use of automotive shredder residue in asphalt pavement. In 1994, he was awarded the Detroit Mercy President’s Award for Faculty Excellence. Dutta has a Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma and is a licensed professional engineer in Michigan. He joined the University in 1988.

duttau@udmercy.edu