MCLA Welcomes New faculty: Expanding Expertise in Chemistry, Journalism, and Nursing for Fall 2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is bolstering its academic offerings with the addition of three distinguished new faculty members for the Fall 2025 semester: Dr. Amr (Elkabbany) Ibrahim in Chemistry, Muge Karabag in Multimedia Journalism, and Amanda Davis in Nursing. These appointments signify MCLA’s commitment too providing students with cutting-edge education and research opportunities across diverse disciplines. This article delves into the backgrounds, research interests, and anticipated contributions of each new trailblazer, offering insights into how their expertise will enrich the MCLA learning surroundings. We’ll also explore the growing demand for professionals in these fields and the unique advantages MCLA offers students pursuing careers in higher education and beyond.
A Deep Dive into the New Faculty
Dr. Amr (Elkabbany) Ibrahim – Pioneering Antiviral Research in Chemistry
Dr.Ibrahim joins MCLA as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Chemistry department, bringing a wealth of knowledge in medicinal chemistry. His research is focused on a critical area of modern science: the design and synthesis of small-molecule antivirals. This work isn’t just about creating new drugs; it’s about understanding the intricate dance between viruses and their hosts. Specifically, Dr. Ibrahim’s investigations center on V-ATPase modulation and TIM-1-mediated entry – key mechanisms viruses use to infect cells.
His skillset is impressively broad, encompassing organic synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, computational modeling, and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) profiling. This holistic approach allows him to not only design potential antiviral compounds but also predict how they will behave within the body. A recent report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights the urgent need for novel antiviral therapies, especially in light of emerging infectious diseases and increasing antimicrobial resistance (NIH, 2024). Dr. Ibrahim’s research directly addresses this critical need.
At MCLA, he will teach biochemistry and related courses, but his commitment extends beyond the classroom. He’s dedicated to providing undergraduates with hands-on, publication-quality research experiences – a notable advantage for students aspiring to careers in pharmaceutical research or biotechnology careers. This mentorship opportunity will equip students with valuable skills in scientific inquiry and collaboration.Muge Karabag – Bridging Journalism and the Digital Frontier
Muge Karabag arrives at MCLA as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Multimedia Journalism, bringing a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience. Her background is rooted in broadcast journalism and digital communication, having previously served as a reporter and news anchor for television channels in Istanbul, Turkey. She also has experience as an assistant university professor in New Media and Communication.
Karabag’s research interests are remarkably forward-looking, focusing on the societal impact of rapidly evolving technologies. She’s exploring the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), interspecies communication, and the broader implications of technology on social behaviour. This is particularly relevant given the exponential growth of AI – a recent study by Statista projects the global AI market to reach $407 billion by 2027 (Statista, 2024).
Beyond her academic pursuits,Karabag is also an entrepreneur,developing a digital services startup focused on home-based solutions in the U.S. This entrepreneurial spirit will undoubtedly inspire students interested in digital media trends and the intersection of technology,user experience,and everyday life. She will be instrumental in preparing students for the evolving landscape of modern journalism.
Amanda Davis – Championing Compassionate and Evidence-Based Nursing
amanda Davis joins MCLA’s Nursing department as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Health Professions, bringing a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for nursing education. She holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Education and has previously served as the Simulation Coordinator for the MCLA Nursing program and as a nurse leader for the North Adams Public School System, in addition to her work as a medical-surgical nurse.
Davis’s expertise lies in preparing future nurses to deliver exceptional patient care. She’s particularly passionate about end-of-life care, oncology, and school nursing – areas where compassionate and skilled nursing is paramount. She emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and strong clinical judgment, utilizing realistic simulations to create immersive learning experiences. The demand for registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS, 2023), highlighting the continued importance of quality nursing education. Davis’s dedication to evidence-based practice and compassionate care will equip MCLA nursing students to thrive in this challenging and
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