New personnel at Monmouth College for 2026-27 include four full-time faculty

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, Ill. (08/24/2026) — Four faculty members are among the new personnel at Monmouth College for the 2026-27 academic year. Many of those new faculty and staff members were introduced at a kick-off breakfast Aug. 20, held in advance of Monmouth's first full day of classes on Aug. 26.

The college's School of Engineering, Science and Innovation welcomed three of the new faculty members - all of whom have international ties - with the School of Business adding the other, an alumna returning to her alma mater.

Assistant professor of engineering Lexi Gao earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Ocean University of China and her master's degree in marine chemistry from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Gao recently completed her Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering at Binghamton University, where her research focused on sustainable bioelectronics, wearable biosensors and self-powered energy systems. Gao, who joins Monmouth's faculty with expertise in interdisciplinary engineering, materials science and bioelectronics, has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications while mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Assistant professor of engineering Rodrigo Dalvit Carvalho Da Silva earned his bachelor's degree in control and automation engineering from the University of Fortaleza and his master's degree in teleinformatics engineering from the Federal University of Ceara, both in Brazil. He earned his Ph.D. in biomedical mngineering from the University of Western Ontario. Dalvit joins Monmouth from Yale University, where he served as a postdoctoral associate in the neurosurgery department, conducting interdisciplinary research in machine learning, biomedical engineering and neuroscience. He brings expertise in artificial intelligence, image and signal processing, biomedical data analysis, and engineering education, along with a strong record of research, teaching and student mentorship.

Visiting assistant professor of physics Marco Wiedenhoeft earned a diploma in physics from Germany's Technische Universitat Berlin and his Ph.D. in physics from Western Michigan University. He has more than 20 years of experience teaching physics and mathematics at the collegiate level, including appointments at Western Michigan, The University of Olivet, Grand Valley State University and Argonne National Laboratory. Wiedenhoeft joins Monmouth with expertise in physics education, curriculum development and laboratory instruction, as well as a commitment to student success.

Visiting assistant professor of accounting Carissa Murphy earned her bachelor's degree in accounting and business administration from Monmouth in 2004 and her master's degree in accounting from Bradley University. She brings extensive experience in higher education and industry, having taught accounting and business at Knox College, Carl Sandburg College and Robert Morris University, while also working in public accounting, nonprofit organizations and private industry. In her return to Monmouth, Murphy brings expertise in accounting, taxation, financial management, curriculum development and student mentorship.

Other new personnel

At the kick-off breakfast, the Office of Student Affairs introduced a half-dozen new employees, including one, Deb Southern, who was just 40 minutes into her Monmouth career. Southern will serve as the assistant director of student success and retention.

Kaylann Beekman and Omokheshi Adurodija recently completed their graduate programs at Western Illinois University and have the titles of director of student engagement and assistant director of fraternity and sorority life and student engagement, respectively.

Also new to the office is Jake Miller, who'll serve as director of career and professional connections; and Kenro Black and Micah Fox, who both have positions in the college's TRIO program, which is beginning its second year. The program's director, Kari Fischer, started in January.

Two members of the Fighting Scots basketball programs have also been on campus for a while. Jeff McChristy, a 2020 Monmouth graduate, will continue to serve as an assistant coach with the men's team, while adding two new roles - director of intramurals and assistant sports information director. Izy Todd '18 was announced as the new head coach of women's basketball in April. Former assistant soccer coach Rhys Lewis is now the head coach of the women's team.

The other addition in the athletic department is new defensive line coach Adam Taylor.

In the Office of Campus Safety, Justin Roberson, who was hired earlier this year, recently moved to full-time lead operational security officer. In a corresponding move, Mark Grover is now lead technical security officer.

Other new staff members are Jake Secrist, director of development and legacy giving; admission counselor Allie Lewis; Sarah Peterson in student financial services; and counseling intern Bindi Gosney '24.

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