February new faculty spotlight
Assistant Professor of Biology Colleen Quaas grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and has called Charleston home since 2012. She received her Ph.D. in biomedical science and post-doctoral training at the Medical University of South Carolina. Quaas’s research specialty is cancer biology, with a focus on biochemical DNA mechanisms and how they pertain to oncogenesis. She currently teaches genetics and molecular genetics.
Quaas hopes to inspire the next generation of biologists. “I love interacting with students,” she said. “I was extremely fortunate to have excellent female teachers and mentors during my education, and I’m excited by the opportunity to continue that legacy.”
Quaas was drawn to The Citadel’s dedication to academic excellence. “I’m excited by the opportunity for students to pursue research in my field and pass on the skills and knowledge that have led me to success in science,” said Quaas.
DNA biochemistry isn’t the only part of the natural world to fascinate Quaas; she is also an avid indoor gardener. “I have a few terrariums in my office and am always looking to add to my growing collection,” said Quaas.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Bryan MacGavin hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned his Ph.D. in engineering in the summer of 2024. Just two days after graduating from Saint Louis University, MacGavin moved to Charleston to begin life as a professor at The Citadel. “It was a very quick turnaround, but this semester has made it 110% worth the process,” said MacGavin.
MacGavin was drawn to The Citadel by its campus community. “The people of The Citadel ended up being the bestselling-point of the institution. The senior students that showed me around, the mechanical engineering department faculty, the staff involved throughout the hiring process, the administration, every single person I talked to throughout the interview left me hoping that I would get the thumbs up call from Dean Williams. Never have I felt more immediately comfortable in a new place, and that still holds true after a semester teaching here.”
MacGavin specializes in haptics, or touch and touch technologies, and has worked with people with sensory disabilities to create wearable technology that improves their quality of life. Passionate about hands-on learning, he hopes to engage students in research. “Ideally, I want every student to walk out of my class having had fun learning through hands-on applications and gaining knowledge to put towards real life situations.”
Outside of the classroom, MacGavin is a sports enthusiast, always ready to step up for competition. “Since 2020, I have played over 15 different sports from recreational to highly competitive levels, and I will never say no to trying something new. If faculty or staff ever need an extra in team sports like softball or volleyball, or just a partner to go one-on-one in pickleball or racquetball, it’s an easy yes for me.”
