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New Faces on Campus
Meet the newest members of the faculty: Sarah deRosa, Joshua Ruiter, and Alissa Ganley
University News | October 3, 2024
VWU is happy to welcome the newest members of the faculty to campus. Our series on new faculty members continues as we get to know more about Sarah deRosa, Joshua Ruiter, and Alissa Ganley.
Sarah deRosa, Research and Electronic Resources Librarian
Sarah deRosa is originally from Gaithersburg, Maryland, however, she has lived in Hampton Roads for 11 years. She completed her Master’s degree in Library and Information Science in May 2023 from St. John's University. Before becoming a librarian, she served in a variety of roles in university systems, including as an academic counselor, financial aid advisor, assistant registrar, and administrative assistant.
She first started at VWU as the Research and Electronic Resources Librarian and Liaison Librarian for the Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in October 2023. Her areas of expertise include research, archival studies, acquisitions, cataloging, processing, electronic resources, content management, data curation, library management, history, and archaeology.
Her interests include reading, writing, archiving, martial arts, swimming, hiking, and traveling. She’s looking forward to being involved in new opportunities on the VWU campus.
Dr. Joshua Ruiter, Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Ruiter grew up in Seattle, Washington. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Calvin College (now Calvin University) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his doctoral degree in mathematics from Michigan State University. Ruiter taught at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa before coming to VWU.
His areas of expertise include algebra—specifically algebraic groups and matrix groups— more specifically rigidity properties of homomorphisms of algebraic groups.
Ruiter’s interests outside of work include playing board games, reading and audiobooks, and biking. He says he is most looking forward to interacting with students at VWU and adapting his teaching to a new context.
Dr. Alissa Ganley, Visiting Lecturer in Biology
Dr. Ganley grew up in the Bay Area of California. She received her bachelor’s degree from University of California, Santa Cruz.
“I was lucky enough to have a few jobs as a field researcher before landing in Norfolk and completing my Ph.D. at Old Dominion University,” notes Ganley. “I have a background working in science education for the public through aquariums and museums, as well as teaching at the university level.”
Her areas of expertise include: marine invertebrates, biomechanics, physiology, and cephalopods.
“I love animals and currently I’m working on developing my own personal zoo—I have five cats and a puppy—and I have fostered litters of neonatal kittens in the past.”
She says that despite her short stay as a visiting professor for the fall semester, she is looking forward to becoming a part of the Marlin community.
"I am very much enjoying teaching my classes and advising student research as well!”