Karina Kapusta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Tougaloo College
Dr. Karina Kapusta is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Tougaloo College whose research focuses on molecular modeling, computer-aided drug discovery, and computational biochemistry. Her work integrates quantum and molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and machine-learning approaches to study molecular recognition and biomolecular interactions. She is one of the principal investigators for the NSF-funded E-RISE RII project establishing the Mississippi Nano-Bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC), where she leads computational biomedical sciences efforts across two research focus areas and serves as the team lead for Diversity and Culture of Inclusion in STEM. Dr. Kapusta mentors undergraduate researchers and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to advance computational methods in biomedical and chemical research.
Discipline: Chemistry
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Manliang Feng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Tougaloo College
Dr. Manliang Feng is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in the School of Natural Sciences at Tougaloo College. His research focuses on the development of polypeptide-based multi-functional drug carriers for targeted and image-guided drug delivery, with the goal of improving cancer therapies by enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing side effects. He also investigates the electron transfer mechanisms of metal enzymes and their roles in biocatalysis. In addition to his research, Dr. Feng is dedicated to undergraduate education and mentorship. He has secured significant external funding, including a National Science Foundation award, to promote student engagement in chemistry through innovative pedagogies such as adaptive learning, Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). He also collaborates with faculty in the School of Natural Sciences on comprehensive initiatives designed to strengthen the STEM pathway at Tougaloo College. Dr. Feng is committed to advancing STEM education and preparing the next generation of scientists and health professionals.
Discipline: Chemistry
Mariana Sa, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Belhaven University
My research bridges fungal taxonomy and proteomics to explore microbial diversity and host–pathogen interactions. In taxonomy, I investigate Basidiomycota fungi across Brazilian ecosystems, describing new species and clarifying evolutionary relationships to advance understanding of fungal biodiversity. In proteomics, I apply mass spectrometry to study antimicrobial resistance and host–pathogen dynamics, identifying molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity and informing innovative approaches for infection detection, treatment, and ecological applications.
Discipline: Biology
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Philip Kains, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Belhaven University
Dr. Kains is interested primarily in connectivity of graphs. The intersection of longest cycles in k-connected graphs has been studied extensively, with results having significant implications in cybersecurity. Dr. Kains’ research explores results of long cycles in k-connected graphs that are not necessarily longest in the graph overall. He is interested in path analogues for these problems as well. Additionally, Dr. Kains is interested in scheduling problems, discrete math games, and statistical modeling. He is currently working on a predictive model for baseball results and is exploring the use of machine learning in brute force solutions for graph theory.
Discipline: Mathematics
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