The University of Illinois Springfield has announced the appointment of nine new faculty members for fall 2025. These educators bring a diverse array of expertise and research interests to their respective fields, enhancing the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Maria Bondesson joins UIS as a professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health, and has also been awarded a Presidential Professorship. Bondesson earned a doctorate in cell and molecular biology from Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Her research interests include developmental toxicology in zebrafish and environmental health. She enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, biking and gardening.
Jennifer England has been appointed as a clinical assistant professor of medical laboratory science. She earned a master’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Florida in 2010. Her research focuses on medical laboratory science education. She enjoys reading and traveling to watch her son play collegiate football.
Md Mehedi Hasan joins UIS as an instructor of computer science. He earned a master’s degree in computer science from Stony Brook University in 2023. His research focuses on system security, flash memory security and reliability. He enjoys parenting, photography, travel, hiking and exploring educational technology tools.
Jessica Madrigal joins UIS as an associate professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health. She earned a doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2020. Her research focuses on environmental and occupational epidemiology, community engagement, exposure and risk assessment, cancer, children’s health, geographic information systems, biomarkers and leadership development. She enjoys walking, spending time with family, gardening, meeting new people and going to the library.
James Nickras has been appointed as a clinical assistant professor in the library. He earned a master’s degree in library and information science from Kent State University in 2002 and a master’s degree in geographic information science from Northwest Missouri State University in 2023. His professional interests include helping make research open access and discoverable. He enjoys baseball, Western history, maps and gardening.
Morell Old joins UIS as a clinical assistant professor in the library. They earned a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. Their research interests include effective 21st century library research skills and teaching. They enjoy reading, walking in the woods and thinking about cryptids.
Anna Payne joins UIS as an education instructor. She earned her doctorate in educational psychology from Baylor University in 2023.
Joseph Schweickert has been appointed as a visiting assistant professor of public management and policy. He earned a doctorate in public administration from UIS in 2022. His research focuses on public sector human resources, public service motivation and veterans issues. He enjoys reading history and fantasy fiction and spending time with his granddaughters.
Julia Wykoff joins legal studies as a clinical assistant professor. She earned a law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2014. Her research focuses on criminal law and procedure, legal research and writing, and appellate advocacy. She enjoys running, yoga and spending time with family.