Continuing Education at the University of Utah: Classes for All Ages!

Current Instructors

FREDERICK ADLER
Dr. Frederick R. Adler is an educator and researchers across the breadth
of topics in mathematical biology, ranging from epidemiology and ecology
to cancer and immunology. He received his PhD in Applied Mathematics
from Cornell University where he focused on mathematical models of
ecology, evolution and epidemiology, and has expanded that work to a
wide range of applications in cancer, cell biology and biomedical
science more generally. This work is in collaboration with empirical
scientists, both to use models to establish mechanisms from data and to
inspire general theory.

His commitment to interdisciplinary science that links across
disciplines and with diverse collaborators extends directly to a focus
on mentoring and training in interdisciplinary science and in
establishing collaborations across fields and across different
countries. This includes mentoring graduate and undergraduate research,
designing new courses on Mathematics and Medicine, Mathematical
Oncology, Mathematical Modeling, and Applied Statistics in addition to
authoring the textbook ``Modeling the Dynamics of Life: Calculus and
Probability for the Life Scientists" now in its third edition with
Brooks/Cole Publishing, and ``Urban Ecosystems: Ecological Principles for
the Built Environment" (with Colby Tanner) published by Cambridge
University Press.

Dr. Adler is the 2025 recipient of the The John Jungck Prize for
Excellence in Education from the Society for Mathematical Biology, which
recognizes his dedication to bringing interdisplinary thinking to a wide
range of students and audiences.

Outside of Continuing Education, Dr. Adler is teaching the following regular U of U Biology classes in the College of Science:

Urban Ecology ~ Fall 8/18/25 - 12/04/25
Advanced Statistics ~ Spring 1/06/26 - 04/23/26
LAUREN ANDERSEN
Lauren Andersen is the director of the Utah Judicial Institute. For two and a half years, Lauren practiced appellate law in the state of California and presented arguments to the California Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. During this time, Lauren closely studied the Roberts Court. She has lectured about the Supreme Court and the death penalty. Her opinions were quoted by The New York Times as well as the ABA Journal. She was previously the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah for four years.
CAROL SUE ANDERSON
Dr. Carol Anderson recently celebrated her twentieth season as Principal Coach of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) and has been a member of the music staff at the prestigious Santa Fe Opera each summer since 2002. Dr. Anderson is passionate about audience education, presenting the immensely popular Prelude talks before all Utah Opera performances as well as appearing as a lecturer at the Santa Fe Opera Prelude Dinners. She also co-hosts the USUO Ghostlight Podcast, now in its eighth season, with Jeff Counts, General Manager of the Grand Teton Music Festival. An active performer of chamber music and vocal repertoire, she most recently joined mezzo-soprano Katharine Goeldner in Silenced Voices: Music of the Holocaust, presented by the Wagner Society of Santa Fe. Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. Anderson holds degrees from the University of Southern California, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Baylor University.
JODY ANDES
Jody Andes holds a Bachelor's degree in History and English from the University of Montana and a Master's degree in Education and History, with a focus on Cultural and Intellectual History, from Michigan State University. She has over 30 years of experience teaching junior high and high school history, English, social science, and debate across Michigan, Montana, Utah, California, Ohio, and Texas. Additionally, she spent a year as a substitute teacher at the British School in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Now retired, Jody serves as a docent at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and volunteers with Intermountain Therapy Animals. She is married to Bill, and together they have two sons, Chris and Scott, and three grandchildren, Michael, Joey, and Max. They also have two dogs, Queen Liliuokalani and Cleopatra.
JODENE ARAKELIAN
Jodene Arakelian is a mother, grandmother, educator, traveler, reader, creator, learner, talker, volunteer, and history enthusiast, as well as an Osher member since 2023.
CAROL ARNZEN
Carol is an accountant by trade but her real passion is in helping others. Over the last 30 years, she has facilitated support groups for people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Arthritis. When her husband of 37 years died from a chronic illness, she moved forward in her grief towards a new life purpose of helping others who are also suffering with the pain from loss.

Carol is a certified Grief Educator through David Kessler, a world renown grief expert and author. She has also been trained by Paul Denniston, creator of Grief Yoga, as a Grief Movement Guide using yoga movements, breath, and sound to help individuals to release pain and struggle from their bodies. Carol owns Hearts Healing Together and provides grief workshops, Grief Chat groups, one-on-one grief peer support and teaches Grief Yoga.
Michael Austin
Michael Louis Austin has been a music instructor for 20 plus years. He has toured the United States three time as the lead and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas' award-winning Rock band The All-Togethers. He teaches guitar, ukulele, bass, and vocals. Michael has a degree in guitar performance from McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul Minnesota. He has opened up for bands such as The Steep Canyon Rangers, Billy Strings, Taylor Ashton, Cracker, Nada Surf, Everclear, and the Spin Doctors. He has released a full album of all original music titled "Radio" in 2015 and has released eight new singles produced by Thaddeus Corea (Son of Jazz legend Chick Corea).
BOB BADER
Bob Bader is a Professional Engineer (PE) with almost 40 years working as a Consulting Mechanical Engineer. Bob designed and oversaw the installation of plumbing, fire protection, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for all types of buildings, schools, hospitals offices industrial, etc. Prior to becoming a Consulting Engineer, Bob was employed from August 1977 to June 1979 as a product engineer for American Air Filter. He primarily spent his time organizing the fabrication drawings for cooling coils. This involved putting together design drawings for all the components needed to fabricate the coils, which were then sent to the fabrication plant. A large part of this work involved cooling coils used in Nuclear Power Plants. These coils were used to cool the various areas of the plant, including the nuclear reactor containment structure. As such, they were deemed safety related and subject to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements. A large part of this work involved maintaining the records of all the material used and the fabrication process of these coils. So, Bob has been personally affected by the Nuclear Power industry and thus has a great interest in it, which he would like to share with his fellow Osher members.
JOON BAE
Joon Bae received her BFA in visual arts with an emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Utah. She began learning traditional Korean ink painting methods during her childhood. After a lifetime of practice and an exploration into Western forms of painting through her studies, she has found her rhythm as an East Asian ink painter. Her work has been collected internationally and exhibited in Utah at the Salt Lake City Library, the University of Utah, the Springville Museum, the Jewish Community Center, and more. She has given countless demonstrations and was featured in the 2019 edition of Sunshine Artist magazine. Joon has taught Korean Ink Painting for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute since 2017 and was selected as the artist in residence for summer 2024 at the University of Utah Taft-Nicholson Center. She is excited to continue teaching and learning through storytelling by putting brush to rice paper.
MIRIAM BARTH
Dr. Miriam Kaiyo is an educator, researcher, and human development specialist whose work explores the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and social systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Social Policy from the University of Utah, where her research focuses on psychedelic therapy, trauma healing, and integrative models of care. With almost a decade of university-level teaching experience, Miriam is known for her ability to make complex material accessible, meaningful, and engaging for diverse learners.

Her recent work includes an in-depth qualitative study of psychedelic facilitators across the United States, offering insight into best practices around preparation, safety, integration, and ethical care. She approaches the field with both academic rigor and deep curiosity, drawing on interdisciplinary knowledge from neuroscience, developmental theory, sociology, and consciousness studies. Miriam is particularly passionate about the biopsychosocial-spiritual model and its potential to reimagine how we approach healing and human flourishing.

Class members in her courses are encouraged to think critically, reflect deeply, and engage with both research and lived experience. Miriam's teaching invites meaningful inquiry into the evolving landscape of mental health, the role of psychedelics in personal and cultural transformation, and the possibilities of more compassionate, integrative systems of care.
Richard Bell
Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book, "Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home," which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the 2021 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Charlie Belusa
Charlie Belusa has been addicted to bridge since she began playing in 2012. She is a local bridge player and director, and a Life Master through the American Contract Bridge League. She plays bridge casually with friends and has played competitively throughout the US and Canada. Her objective at the bridge table and in the classroom is to uncomplicate the game as much as possible, and to help others learn to love it as much as she does. When Charlie isn't focused on bridge, she's focused on writing, or on spending time with friends--many of whom she's met at bridge tables.
ROBERT BIGELOW
Robert Bigelow has a BS in physics and is an amateur astronomer. He recently retired from Clark Planetarium (formerly Hansen Planetarium) after nearly 27 years, where he gave presentations on science and astronomy, both at the Planetarium and in schools throughout Utah. He has previously taught courses on astronomy and physics for the Osher Institute and Lifelong Learning. He is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador.
CHARLES BOYNTON
Charles Boynton has spent decades studying Shakespearean plays and sonnets, as well as examining the problem "Who wrote Shakespeare?" His expertise and enthusiasm are reflected in his involvement as past chair of the Marin Shakespeare Company and membership in the respected Shakespeare Oxford Society. Charles's post-graduate education is in business.
SANDRA CAMERON-GREENE
Sandi Greene is a certified reinvention life coach, passionate yogi, and devoted meditator. With a deep love for nature, she embraces the beauty of the outdoors in both personal and professional life. After a fulfilling career as an Administrative Director at the University of Utah, she has transitioned into a role that truly resonates with her heart and soulâ€”guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery. With a unique ability to help others peel back the layers of their experiences, Sandi is dedicated to illuminating the path to oneâ€™s true self. She believes in the inherent magnificence within everyone and works to empower clients to recognize and embrace their authentic selves. Through personalized coaching, Sandi inspires individuals to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
TIMOTHY CHAMBLESS
Tim Chambless, PhD, has taught seven different courses for the University of Utah's Department of Political Science since 1987. He has also taught courses for the U's departments of Communication and History as well as the English Language Institute. Tim has worked for a mayor, a governor, a senator, and a congressional representative. He served for over 20 years on Salt Lake City's Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment, and he has participated in more than 30 political campaigns. Tim emphasizes current events and contemporary world problems in the study of American government as both an experiment in democracy and as a tool for solving societal problems. He has taught for Osher since 2007.
DENNIS CLARK
Dennis Clark has a PhD in management economics from Trinity University, a Master of Education in adult educational psychology from Westminster College, and a BS in business administration and economics from Westminster College. He has taught at Weber State University, the Air Force Institute of Technology, George Washington University, and Utah State University.
SANDRA CLARK
Sandy Clark is a longtime Osher member and volunteer. She serves on the Osher Curriculum Committee, where she helps recruit and support our instructors, and is also in charge of coordinating our Lunch and Learn series of six lectures on Zoom Webinar in fall, winter, and spring terms. She served on the Osher 15th Anniversary Committee in 2018-19. Sandy worked in public relations and advertising for several years before going into the floral business as a designer. She has a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with emphasis on marketing and advertising and a history minor from Westminster and the U of U. She loves studying and writing about western history and genealogy, along with researching history through the National Archives. Sandy and her husband Dennis have taught several Utah history classes for Osher in recent years and they really enjoy spending time with the Osher family. Currently, Sandy is working with their son in his online business.
MARCIE COLLETT
Moving to Salt Lake City from Denver in 2005, Marcie has spent her professional and volunteer life working to advance film programs, the arts, health, and educational causes that serve the community. Her work includes organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the University of Utah, Utah Film Center, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Since 2017, Marcie has been associate director of the Salt Lake Film Society, thrilled to advance their mission and programs through the Broadway and Tower cinemas, slfsathome.org, and the Studio Backlot Motor Cinema.
MERINDA CUTLER
Merinda Gurney Cutler is a Masters of Public Administration and Public Policy candidate with a passion for civic engagement and policy advocacy. She has served as a neighborhood precinct delegate, helped with several political campaigns, sat on many school councils, and served as a poll worker in two states. She is deeply involved in grassroots organizing, working on many issues and bipartisan collaboration to create lasting change. As a dynamic educator, Merinda empowers individuals to use their voices effectively and build peacemaking skills for meaningful civic discourse. She is committed to strengthening civic participation, guiding others in impactful advocacy, and fostering collaboration and understanding across political and community lines. She delights in opportunities to inspire informed engagement and equip citizens with the tools to shape positive change in their communities on issues about which they care deeply.
DAVID DEREZOTES
DrDave Derezotes is Professor in part time retirement at the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. He also served this past academic year as Director of the Peace and Conflict Studies Program in the College of Humanities, as a Fellow at the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, as an Osher instructor, and as a MUSE Professor. As a therapist with about five decades of experience helping people and as a teacher and consultant in mental health practice with over three decades of teaching experience, drDave is interested in helping people develop as "ecobiopsychsocialspiritual" beings, who can continue to find joy and meaning in their lives as they enter the aging process. DrDave is currently working on many service projects, including community dialogues on social justice issues through Utah Humanities and on KRCL radio. His latest textbook, "Inclusive social work" which addresses many of the issues we will discuss in class, will be published by Cognella later in 2022. Finally, on days when he is not working, DrDave can often be found somewhere in the desert where he loves to wander and wonder in the wild beauties of Utah.
EPHRIAM DICKSON
Formerly curator at the Fort Douglas Museum, and later with the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Ephriam Dickson is an historian with special interest in Native Americans and their relationship to the federal government. He has also studied the Civil War extensively. Ephriam currently serves as Deputy Superintendent at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
GARY DIXON
BS Chemistry, University of Utah
MS Chemistry, Seattle University; Thesis: Quantum Theory and Negentropy in Process Development
National Science Foundation Fellow
Director: Development of Saudi Arabian Laboratories (U.S. State Department)
Manager: Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters (NASA)
Director: Warhead Development Center (U.S. Military)
Adjunct Professor: Chemistry Department (Weber State)
TERRELL DOUGAN
Terrell Harris Dougan's most recent book is a memoir, "That Went Well: Adventures in Caring for My Sister" (Hyperion, 2009). Other books include: "This is the Place: An Entertaining Guide" (1976-1986) with Jo Rose, and "We Have Been There: A Guidebook for Families of People with Mental Disabilities." Her award-winning humor column appeared for 13 years in "The Deseret News." More recently, she has been a blogger for the "Huffington Post." She is at work on two books: an update of her memoir about her sister, "Normal People Worry Me," and a memoir about growing up as a descendant of handcart pioneers.
JONATHAN DUNCAN
Jonathan Duncan has over 20 years of experience working as a professional adventure photographer and digital storyteller. His work has taken him through many of the world's most remote landscapes and cultures. He is driven by a passion for wild places and for understanding and communicating the way different people relate to the natural world. He has served on the faculty of The Art Institute of Portland, Western Washington University, and Westminster College, where he is currently an adjunct professor teaching Adventure Media and Photography.

"The Instructor, Jonathan, was always prepared and shared great information and techniques. He is open to assisting us in developing our continued journey through successful implementation. I would take another class from this instructor." -Camille B.

"Jonathan is a thoughtful, engaging instructor with a great deal of experience to share. He creates a positive learning environment, very enjoyable!"-Bruce Q.
CHRISTINE DYSON
Chris Dyson received a BA in English and a Master's of Education from the University of Utah. Before retiring in 2016, she worked for Granite School District as a geography teacher for 16 years and a District Teacher Specialist for 11 years. While working at the district office, she coordinated a Character Education/Service Learning Program for 90 schools and also served as a National Trainer for the Community of Caring Program. Her last six years of teaching she focused on AP Geography and loves teaching about the elements of culture around the world.

Chris became fascinated with calligraphy over 40 years ago and has studied with international master calligraphers from across the U.S., Canada, and England. Her experience includes studying at St. John's University in Minnesota under Donald Jackson, who is the official scribe and calligrapher to Queen Elizabeth II. Chris focuses on ancient alphabets and illuminated letters. She has taught calligraphy classes in the public schools and also though community education. Her pieces have received Best of Show and Honorable Mention awards in juried exhibitions.
ALAN EASTMAN
Alan Eastman has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah. During his nearly 30 years working in the research department of a major oil company, Alan acquired some 35 patents in refinery processes and on-line process control. After taking an "early retirement," he established a startup geothermal energy company. Alan's experience in several facets of the energy industry has given him a unique perspective from which to view our country's energy problems and the potential solutions.
LISA ESTERLING
Lisa Esterling has been working in, and learning about, genetics her whole adult life. What started as an interest in high school, became her undergraduate major, ultimately leading to a PhD and work as a postdoctoral fellow. Since then, Lisa has focused on the application of data to associate genes and genetic variants to disease. As part of this focus, she participated in the Human Genome Project mapping susceptibility genes for bipolar disease and schizophrenia. Then, she worked in Informatics and with software developers to support laboratories and genetic discoveries. As the next step, she developed an expanded variant classification program to determine if changes in DNA contribute to cancer development. Lisa has taught numerous classes, from brown bags to undergraduate courses, on the concepts and techniques behind her favorite subject and she is eager to share this knowledge with Osher.
JANET FAUGHT
Janet has a BS in Biology, a K-8th grade teaching credential, and a BFA in Art. She is currently on the board of the Utah Calligraphic Artists Calligraphy Guild. She enjoys teaching students of all ages. Her interests include Calligraphy, Painting and Drawing, Reading, Bookbinding, Knitting, Wheel thrown Ceramics, Classical Guitar, Studying creativity, Learning to speak French, and continually learning in general. Janet was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area, and moved to Utah in 1984.

What Students are Saying:

"Janet is an outstanding instructor: highly skilled, inventive, encouraging at all skill levels, goes above and beyond for her students. She is fun and encourages a camaraderie among her students." -Virginia R.

"Janet is such a knowledgeable teacher and willing to share everything she knows. You might think a person couldn't talk about fountain pens for 12 hrs but I learned so much and have a stack of resources for any additional research or questions. Wonderful class!!!" -Connie C.
Kathleen Fehr
Kate Fehr is a Professional Organizer with over 14 years of experience and the new owner of Clear & Simple, a company that has been transforming lives since 1999. The C&S signature approach, See It. Map It. Do It. simplifies the organizing process and fosters lasting change. With expertise in professional organizing, coaching, and interior design, Kate empowers clients to reclaim their space, time, and energy through one-on-one sessions, classes, workshops, and community support. Kate believes that true organization creates freedom and allows individuals to focus on what matters most.
PETER FILLMORE
Peter was the primary care partner of his wife Susan of 54 years, who was living with Alzheimer's Disease. The journey began in 2011 when Susan diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Yearly follow-ups were done with the Neurology staff at the U of U. In 2019 Susan was diagnosed as living with Alzheimer disease. The goal was to provide a home-based care for Susan throughout the journey including the end of life. Therefore, strategies were developed to create an environment to meet the emotional and physical needs of Susan. This class will help to define how those strategies were developed, the resources available to help and the actual hands-on requirements to meet the needs of living with Alzheimer's Disease.
DEE DEE FIRMAGE-TURPIN
Dee Dee is a certified death doula, grief facilitator, and founder of A Necessary Conversation. Her purpose and passion is to share her knowledge and to compassionately guide others to empower their own experiences in life, which include death, dying, and grief. From a very early age, Dee Dee says she has always been interested in death and dying. However even as a child, she understood that these kinds of subject matters were rarely discussed in society. So, she did what most do: She avoided any kind of conversations around these topics. Many decades later, she finally honored her yearning, and chose to circle back to her childhood curiosity, where she met her "elephant in the room". This journey was the beginning of gaining knowledge and receiving various trainings and certifications in End of Life support. Dee Dee looks forward to meeting each Osher class member as we traverse this unique and powerful journey together.

What Previous Class Members Are Saying:

"The instructor handled difficult questions well, not embarrassing the questioner!"

"She was superb, also offering additional instructional materials for further study."

"This course, in my opinion, should be mandatory for all students and adults. It was excellent, as was the instructor."
GENE FITZGERALD
Gene Fitzgerald has been a professor of Russian Language and Literature at the University of Utah since 1969. He has also taught courses in the Honors, Liberal Education, and Comparative Literature programs. He has principally concentrated on the fiction of Dostoevsky, Gogol, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and the poetry of Aleksander Pushkin. His teaching awards over the years include the U's Distinguished Teaching award, the Hatch prize for Excellence in Teaching, and the Presidential Teaching Scholar award. In addition, in 2023 he was given the Brooke Hopkins Award for Excellence in Adult Education for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
GABINO FLORES VALINO
Gabino Flores has been teaching classical guitar for over 20 years, bilingually, as he is in fluent Spanish and English. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He has performed in Mexico, Europe, and throughout Utah. He currently teaches for the Harmony Hub program, part of the Mundi Project at the Sorenson Unity Center, and the Madeleine Choir School in Salt Lake City.
LUCAS FLORIN
Lucas de la Florin is the Principal Oboist with Ballet West and the Missouri Symphony. Additionally, Luca is on faculty with Utah Valley University and Snow College. In performance, Luca has recorded numerous albums as well as soundtracks for movies and video games. In academics, he spends his time teaching courses on Jazz, Popular Music, Rock, Classical, Early Music, Opera, and Ballet!
CHRISTINE FRAIZER
Christine Fraizer (retired) is a former newspaper and magazine writer/editor. She enjoys researching Utah stories from the past, and this happens to include people interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Her talk will not dwell on the morbidity of those in the cemetery, but, rather, embrace their contributions to Utah's past. Fraizer has a bachelor's degree in journalism/biology and a master's in journalism/English. Utah has been her home since 1984.
BETH ANN FRIEL
Beth Ann Friel is a full-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student and a part-time nursing instructor with a passion for lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others. She brings over two decades of experience in nursing leadership within a large healthcare system, where she supported professional development, guided practice transformation, and championed nurse-led innovation. Her work has centered on mentoring new leaders, advancing nurses' professional practice, and creating environments where nurses and patients thrive. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in curiosity, mutual respect, and the belief that we all have something to learn and something to teach.
LARRY GERLACH
After receiving a BS in education and an MA in history from the University of Nebraska and a PhD in history from Rutgers University, Larry Gerlach taught at the University of Utah from 1968 to 2013, except for one year when he was a fellow at the Institute of Early American History in Williamsburg, Virginia. In addition to teaching college and educator workshop courses on the American Revolution, Larry has published several books and numerous scholarly articles on the subject. He previously taught Osher classes on the American Revolution and the Modern Olympic Games.
STEPHEN HALL
Stephen C. Hall (Col., USAF, retired) is a former senior fellow at L-3 Communications Systems-West, in Salt Lake City. He is a 1967 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his master's degree in management from Troy State University in 1976. Col. Hall lectures on World War II history at Georgia Tech, Morehouse College, BYU, and Osher at the University of Utah.
ALEXANDER HARRELSON
Alex Harrelson is a 24-year-old tenor pursuing a DMA at the University of Utah. He studies under Dr. Robert Breault. At the U, he has performed as the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit in A.L.I.C.E., a new opera by Amy Scurria, as well as Marley, Fred, and Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, the Defendant in Trial by Jury, and Ferrando in scenes from Cosi fan tutte. In addition to operatic performance, Alex performed Schubert's Die Schone Mullerin for his Master's Recital. As a lover of lieder, he has also performed Schumann's Dichterliebe and Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte. He looks forward to performing Wolf's Italienisches Liederbuch in December. With Lyrical Opera Theater, he has performed Le Remendado in Carmen, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi, Parpignol in La Boheme, and Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Other notable roles include Gastone in La Traviata and Lindoro in L'Italiana in Algeri. Most recently he performed in Le Roman de Silence, a new opera by Anthony Buck. Alex regularly sings with the Cathedral of the Madeleine and in opera outreach within Salt Lake and Utah counties.
STAN HENDERSON
Stan and Diane Henderson are a team-teaching dynamic duo. They are both avid readers: Stan reads history; Diane reads fiction. In other lives, Stan would have been a history professor and Diane an English professor. They have teamed up to share their passion for history and literature with the Osher community. In their previous worlds, Stan was the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane was an educational program planner and consultant. Both earned baccalaureate and degrees at Michigan State University. Stan earned an MA in Government at Cornell. Diane earned an MA in Communication at MSU. Both say they are currently failing retirement.
DIANE HENDERSON
Stan and Diane Henderson are a team-teaching dynamic duo. They are both avid readers: Stan reads history; Diane reads fiction. In other lives, Stan would have been a history professor and Diane an English professor. They have teamed up to share their passion for history and literature with the Osher community. In their previous worlds, Stan was the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Diane was an educational program planner and consultant. Both earned baccalaureate and degrees at Michigan State University. Stan earned an MA in Government at Cornell. Diane earned an MA in Communication at MSU. Both say they are currently failing retirement.
PAUL HOLBROOK
Paul Holbrook has a Master's degree in Gerontology from the Fischer Institute for Wellness at Ball State University and experience at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, he has worked as a personal trainer for over twenty years. In 2005, Paul founded the Age Well Center, a human performance training center for older adults.
MARTINA HOLLEARN
Martina Hollearn is a fifth-year graduate student in the University of Utah's Psychology Department. Her area of expertise is in memory enhancement research within the Cognitive Neuroscience field. Currently, she explores her research hypotheses in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, which provides direct access to deep brain regions that control learning and memory functions. Martina's prior experiences built expertise in neuroimaging and neuropathology techniques to understand various dementia types and differentiate them. She has 10 years of research experience, working alongside world-leading experts in dementia, memory enhancement, and emotional memory fields to further understand how memory systems operate and may be altered in individuals with neurological disorders affecting memory.
JOHN HOREL
Professor John Horel has been a member during the past 39 years of the faculty in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah. His research is centered on observing and analyzing weather and climate processes in mountainous regions. He has led the MesoWest research team that conducts research and software development to provide access to environmental observations for operational, research, and educational applications (https://horel.chpc.utah.edu/). This research and development is related to fire weather, flash flooding, the Great Salt Lake, and air quality along the Wasatch Front.

The research and development undertaken initially by the MesoWest team led to the development of a Public Benefit Corporation, Synoptic Data (https://synopticdata.com), whose mission is to provide expanded access to environmental data to enhance public safety, improve the productivity of government agencies and commercial entities, and assist in research and educational initiatives to advance the understanding of Earth systems. Professor Horel serves as a Director on Synoptic Data's board, and past members of the MesoWest team and the University of Utah are shareholders in Synoptic Data.

Professor Horel has been the course developer or co-developer of many classes offered in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He has taught most recently courses in Environmental Programming and Statistics, Professional Development, Mountain Weather and Climate, and Environmental Instrumentation. He served as Department Chair from 2018-2023.

Outside of Continuing Education, Professor Horel is currently teaching the regular U of U fall semester class, Environmental Instrumentation, in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
JULIE HOWELL
Julie Howell is a certified mindfulness facilitator who trained at the Mindful Awareness Research Center within the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA. She continues to enjoy a decades-long meditation practice. She previously worked at the Huntsman Cancer Institute facilitating mindfulness-based classes for patients and staff. Having personally experienced the benefits of a mindfulness practice, she delights in teaching the experiential practice of meditation and the practical application of mindfulness to everyday life.
MARTIN HURLBURT
Martin Hurlburt is a certified retirement counselor, author, Tedx speaker, husband, father, grandfather and guitarist in a rock n roll cover band.
WALTER JONES
Walter Jones, retired Head of Western Americana at the J. Willard Marriott Library, teaches history at Salt Lake Community College. He has Master's degrees in Library Science from BYU and in History from the University of Utah. Walter was a Korean linguist in the US Army (four years active duty and 23 years Reserves), and in the National Guard. He has presented papers and written about the Vietnam War.
LYDIA JONES
Lydia Jones worked her way through college decades ago as a florist at "Flowers for the U", still located on 200 South near University Ave. In retirement, after a career in museum administration and higher education, Lydia established Dicentra Foundation, a non-profit foundation that provides floral bouquets to hospital patients facing health challenges without the support of family or friends.
BRIAN JONES
Brian K. Jones is a lifelong geologist with degrees from Stanford University (B. S. 1973) and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks (M. S. 1976). He has worked all over North and South America, from the Brooks Range in northern Alaska to the Amazon Jungle in Colombia and Bolivia, and the Atacama Desert of Chile. He also was General Manager of Minera Montoro for two years in Michoacan, Mexico where he became fluent in Spanish. He also made brief trips to China and the Philippines.
Brian also found time to teach skiing at Alta for eighteen years. In the evenings, he taught workshops on the geology of Little Cottonwood Canyon, glaciation of the Wasatch Mountains, climate change in geologic history, the history of mining, the town of Alta in 1875, and the transition to skiing in 1939. In 2020, he was awarded the Best Article of the Year for his paper entitled, "Geology and the Skiing Experience," by the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists.
Brian has published over 40 articles on geology, fly-fishing, and op-eds. With Osher, he has taught classes on Geologic Treasures of Utah and two seasons of All About Volcanoes. This fall he will teach a course he calls The Magic of Little Cottonwood Canyon, one of the most remarkable places in the world.
Abdulnaser Kaadan
Prof. Abdulnaser Kaadan is from Syria. He was an orthopedic surgeon, and received his Ph.D. in History of Medicine in 1993. He was the chairman in the History of Medicine Department at Aleppo University, and a professor of history of medicine and medical ethics. He now teaches as a visiting international professor at Weber State University's Department of History. His work and writing led him to be nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2012.
DAVID KEYES
David Keyes completed his yoga teacher training soon after retiring from the Salt Lake City School District. He teaches yoga, qigong, and other healthy living classes in the community. His interest in walking meditation began in earnest after attending a labyrinth workshop at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.
PAT LAMBROSE
Pat Lambrose has a BA in recreation and youth leadership, a BA in education, and a Master of Education in technology and computers, all from the University of Utah. She taught in middle and high schools and was an instructional technology facilitator with the Salt Lake City School District. Pat coordinates statewide geospatial technology opportunities.
SEAN LAWLER
The Honorable Sean P. Lawler is a former U.S. Ambassador and Chief of Protocol of the United States (2017-2019), where he led diplomatic engagements for the White House. His distinguished career includes service as Director for Visits, Planning, and Diplomatic Affairs on the National Security Council and Chief of Visits and Protocol at U.S. Cyber Command. A decorated 21-year Navy veteran, Sean culminated his military service as Director of Administration at Camp David. He currently serves as Strategic Communications Manager at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and is Founder of Fortitude Strategies, LLC, specializing in international engagement strategies. Sean holds a Master's in Professional Communication, a BA in History, and is pursuing a Master's in Public Policy at the University of Utah.
LINDA LAWLESS
A pharmacist by training, Dr. Linda Lawless LaStayo retired from a long career in oncology pharmacy and the biotech world to become a sommelier and a beekeeper. She is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and holds an Advanced Wine Certificate from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. Linda has a wine consulting business called "My Somm Friend" where she conducts wine tastings and wine education sessions via Zoom and in person. Her specialty is making the science of wine fun and approachable. Linda also has a long history of teaching at the university level both at the University of Utah in the College of Health and the University of Washington where she was once awarded "Teacher of the Year" in the School of Pharmacy.
DEBBIE LEAMAN
Debbie Leaman has always found solace in writing and journaling. Her writing, including personal essays, has appeared in numerous local, national, and international magazines and on a variety of websites. Debbie is also a Certified Grief Educator, completing a 12-week program with world-renowned grief expert and author David Kessler. She teaches various writing workshops including, Writing Through Grief, Re-Imagining Your Life: A Creative Aging Writing Workshop, Let's Write! and Write Your Creative Aging Story: The Art of the Personal Essay. As a writing instructor, Debbie listens deeply, helping others translate their thoughts, experiences, and feelings into words on the page.

What her students are saying about 'Writing Through Grief':

"Thank you Debbie! She was a wonderful facilitator and gave us much insight into the very complicated topic of grief. Her writing prompts were spot on to get us to work through our grief. She also made the class a safe space for all to share. I am now ready to continue this process of living with my grief and growing stronger around it."
- Julie S.

"This class is a great resource to help someone deal with grief. All the information provided by the instructor was very helpful and was presented well. I didn't want the class to end. By the end of the class I didn't feel as weighed down by my grief as I did before I signed up."
- Kjori S.

"I feel like I can cope again. Writing gets it out on paper and lets you rest and process. Writing helps to relieve some of the pain.I learned more about myself. When I put the pen to paper I never knew what I was going to write it just flowed and took the pain with it. Sharing helped too saying it out loud was also helpful."
- Rachel S.

"Debbie Leaman did an exceptional job: sending us suggested readings to get us started, giving us writing prompts and then creating an environment where all learners felt comfortable sharing very personal stories of grief."
-Bradley K.

What her students are saying about 'Creative Aging: Re-Imagining Your Life'"

'Debbie Leaman provided an excellent framework, thoughtful and caring, and helped us reimagine our lives while knitting the class group together in a highly supportive and effective way. Zoom made my participation possible, and I'm grateful!'
-Jane S.

'Debbie is a wonderfully supportive and creative instructor who helped is focus on what is possible during a time that feels very difficult. I am very grateful for the hope she instilled in me and for helping me find out that I enjoy writing!'
-Brenda V.
HUGH LEEMAN
Hugh Leeman is an artist and educator teaching art history and technique classes in English and Spanish. He has been a guest lecturer at Duke University, Jons Hopkins University, and the Huntington Library. He is a lecturer and instructor at the Crocker Art Museum. Hugh's lectures focus on the manifestation of the spiritual realm and social power structures in art. His artworks have been exhibited at the de Young Museum, the Museum of Mexico City, and the Masur Museum of Art. His paintings examine the confluence of technology, mythology, and the history of inequality. His first social art project focused on a five-year collaborative project with the inner city's homeless, using technology to create micro self-empowerment business platforms for homeless individuals. More recently, Hugh cofounded a non-profit organization collaborating with the indigenous Aeta Tribes of the Philippines to bring sustainable clean water projects to remote villages.
JENNIFER LOVE
Jennifer Love attended Westminster College of Salt Lake City where she earned a BS in Marketing with a Minor in Spanish and a Teaching Minor in Fine Art. She later returned to Westminster to earn a Master of Professional Communications. Art has always played an important role in her life. It is therapeutic and brings her a joy that she loves to pass on to others as often as possible. Jennifer is a Signature Member and Past President of the Utah Watercolor Society (UWS) and has served in several volunteer roles with the UWS since 2003. She has participated in multiple watercolor exhibitions and several art festivals as well as Community Nursing Services Art & Soup Celebration fundraiser. She began teaching private watercolor and drawing lessons in 2020 as well as outdoor summer workshops and demonstrations for multiple students. She discovered a passion for passing on her love of art to others and encouraging people to find their creative voice.

Jennifer has been teaching ZumbaÂ®, Zumba GoldÂ®, and Zumba GoldÂ® Chair classes since January 2021. She loves working with mature adults and anyone who is ready to move their body and feel better. ZumbaÂ® is for everybody and EVERY body. Movement is medicine! No experience necessary. These days, Jennifer focuses her attention on teaching Zumba GoldÂ® - which is a low impact, lower-intensity format of ZumbaÂ® and a super fun workout!
KATHRYN MACKAY
Kathryn MacKay is an emeritus professor in the History Department at Weber State University. She also teaches in Honors, Women & Gender Studies, and Economics. She came to Utah from California in 1969 and earned a PhD from the University of Utah. She taught art history at the U and history classes for Utah State University in the Uintah Basin before joining WSU full time in 1988.
JENNAFER MARTIN
Jennafer Martin is a Reiki master and ordained non-denominational minister who teaches a variety of classes on metaphysical topics, offers one-on-one mentoring sessions, and officiates weddings. She volunteers on the organizing committee for the annual TEDxSaltLakeCity event, loves to travel, and is passionate about animal welfare, art, spirituality, and good grammar.
DAVID MEIR-LEVI
David Meir-Levi is an American-born Israeli currently living in Palo Alto, CA. He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA in Near Eastern studies from Brandeis University. He taught archaeology and Near Eastern history at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at the University of Tel Aviv in the '60s and '70s, during which time he completed his service in the Israeli military. Upon returning to the U.S., David worked as a professional Jewish educator. Most recently, he has lectured on the Middle East and Israel in the Department of History at San Jose State University, and on Biblical studies and archaeology at Lehrhaus Judaica in Berkeley, as well as at the Osher programs at San Jose State and Santa Clara University. David has lectured throughout northern California and abroad at synagogues, churches, high schools, universities, and service organizations on topics related to Biblical archaeology and modern Middle East history.
Daniel Mendoza
JILL MEYER
Jill E. Meyer has a BA from the University of Utah and an MA from the University of Delaware in art history. She enjoyed presenting public lectures and gallery talks while employed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and the IBM Gallery in New York City, as well as the Winterthur Museum in Wilmington, Delaware. She currently serves as the director and curriculum coordinator of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah.
SEBASTIAN MISCENICH
Sebastian Miscenich graduated from the University of Utah with an M.S. in sociology, specializing in the study of religion and political-economic development. He is currently working on a Ph.D. dissertation on the politics of African Christianity in the age of globalization, specifically focusing on the role of religion in the regulation of African sexuality. As a lifelong religion nerd, Sebastian has always been fascinated with peoples' senses of faith and belief. He loves sharing this passion through research and teaching.
MARK MUIR
Mark P. Muir is a licensed geologist with advanced degrees in geology and business administration. His first job was working as a consulting geologist on water resource and dam safety projects in the Southwestern US. Much of his career has been spent in environmental consulting with projects in the US, Mexico and Germany. He later co-founded a geothermal energy company with Dr. Alan Eastman. This company works on new technologies and strategies in order to make geothermal energy a much more prominent part of the world's energy portfolio.
SUSAN NIBLOCK
Sue Niblock is a retired Career Minister of the Foreign Service with over three decades of work experience serving the U.S. abroad with the State Department in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. She received a B.A. in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and a Masterâ€™s in Public Administration from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Born and raised in the Philippines as a third culture kid, she raised her two children abroad and in New York and Maryland. Overseas postings included New Zealand, Jordan, Singapore, Belgium, Ethiopia, Russia, Indonesia, and Equatorial Guinea. Domestic assignments in Washington DC were in the Bureaus of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, European and Eurasian Affairs, and African Affairs. Sue retired from the State Department in 2019 and moved to Park City, Utah to be near family. She currently serves as President of the Friends of the Summit County Library and chair of the University of Utah Osher Curriculum Committee. She was previously President of the Newcomers Club of Park City for two years from 2022-2024, as well Secretary of the Friends of the Summit County Library from 2022-2024. Sue is a regular discussion moderator for Great Decisions Discussion Groups hosted by the Summit County Library and has been a presenter for the Osher Lunch and Learn series.
JOHN OLIVER
Bim Oliver researches and writes about Utah architecture with a focus on Modernism. He's the author of two books, "South Temple Street Landmarks: Salt Lake City's First Historic District" and "Air Mail Outpost To International Hub: The Salt Lake City Airport's 100-Year Evolution" as well as articles in various local and national periodicals. Bim has conducted studies for the University of Utah, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Preservation Utah, and local architectural firms. And he has presented lectures on a variety of architectural topics for Osher, the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, Preservation Utah, and community organizations.

Bim has also taught guitar to students from all backgrounds. His credits as an instructor include classes in beginning guitar and swing guitar for the Osher program and in swing guitar for Salt Lake Community Education. He has provided personal instruction for interns with the Music Therapy program at Primary Children's Hospital, where he plays as a music volunteer. Bim's teaching style is structured but casual with an emphasis on playing songs as a way to learn basic techniques and the theory behind the music.
James Pagliasotti
James Pagliasotti at age 23 became the first rock music critic and columnist for The Denver Post, where he produced a twice-weekly column and regular articles about music and the counterculture from 1968-74. His work appeared in Rolling Stone magazine and various other publications. He also did shows as a deejay at KRNW-FM radio in Boulder, which he co-founded as a freeform station, and later at KFML AM & FM in Denver. He is the author of three books, a bi-monthly newsletter and blog jampags.com, and is the creator of Radical Radio: FREEFORM Radio Archive. His expertise is experiential rather than academic and is offered as first-hand observations in the form of a memoir from a time when he had press credentials, a back stage pass, and a front row seat at a fascinating time in history. He has taught this and several other courses at OLLI chapters across the country.
RUTH PALMER
Ruth Palmer is happily retired. While exploring options to stay involved and healthy, she discovered and fell in love with line dancing. Many years later, she is a participant and teacher in a number of line dance classes for active seniors in the Salt Lake Valley. Her focus is on having fun as well as learning dance moves and great exercise. Ruth and her co-teacher, Linda Wood, are committed to sharing their skills and experience so that others can learn to love and enjoy line dancing as much as they do. Together they look forward to sharing their enthusiasm for line dance and the social and physical benefits it provides.
Chantal Papillon
Chantal Papillon, (MQP) Medical Qigong Practitioner Chantal Papillon is a certified Medical Qigong Practitioner and founder of Mindful Essence based in Salt Lake Valley. Qigong is an ancient Chinese energetic medicine that can assist us to unlock our innate ability to heal ourselves and unleash our highest potential. The gentle and subtle manipulation of energy that flows through and around our human body facilitates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and healing. Chantal teaches Qigong classes in her community and offers special events and workshops to help people improve and maintain their wellness. She also offers Qigong Healing & Vitality Coaching sessions where she accompanying others on their journey to healing.
WESLEY PEEBLES
Wesley Peebles is an early career environmental and natural resources attorney. He is currently a Research Associate and Legal Fellow at the Law and Policy Program in the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment, where he has worked on issues related to permitting, public lands management, and critical minerals. A lifelong interest in nature and how humans interact with the environment has motivated his career, which began by obtaining B.A.s in Ecology and Sociology at the University of Georgia in 2020 and a J.D. at the University of Utah in 2024. Wesley is particularly interested in understanding how the law can facilitate science-informed policies and decision-making regarding land use, natural resources management, and landscape conservation.
ASYA PERELTSVAIG
Asya Pereltsvaig received a Ph.D. in Linguistics from McGill University and taught at Yale and Stanford, and has been teaching in lifelong education programs since 2010. Her expertise is in language and history, and the relationship between them. Her most recent book, Languages of the World: An Introduction, 3rd edition (2020) was published by Cambridge University Press. Asya is a popular instructor for several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute programs around the country. She was the faculty host for a trip to the Baltic countries and St. Petersburg in July 2017.
CYNTHIA PERRY
Cynthia Perry has a BS in Applied Mathematics and an MBA, and spent her career in marketing analytics, competitive intelligence, and strategic planning. She is adept at making complex information easy to understand. An experienced Osher instructor, she has taught courses on political polling, big data, bionics and Quaker history. Cynthia is a researcher at heart and was an early adopter of ChatGBT in her everyday life. Cynthia currently lives in Denver, where she enjoys teaching, writing, and silver smithing.
RODOLFO PROBST
NANDO RAYNOLDS
Nando Raynolds has been doing a mix of psychotherapy, supervision, life coaching, and teaching since 1988, all based in the Rogue Valley, Oregon, mostly in private practice. His post-graduate psychotherapy study has included Hakomi, NLP, Voice Dialogue, NVC (non-violent communication), and Energy Psychology. He taught various classes on personal development and T'ai Chi privately, at Rogue Community College and through Southern Oregon University's continuing education program, and others. Born in El Salvador, he grew up overseas and in Washington DC while his father was working in the diplomatic service. Since his middle name is Fernando, he has always been called Nando. He earned a BA in psychology from New College of San Francisco and an MA in Transpersonal Psychology. He also has a fifth-degree black belt in Karate and Kenpo and studies Escrima, as well as dancing and Contact Improvisation.
BARBARA REID
Barbara Reid is a former practicing physician, longtime Osher member, and Osher curriculum committee volunteer. She has kindly arranged many outstanding lecture series on science and medicine topics, tapping her medical connections for the benefit of her fellow Osher members. Barbara also has served as an Osher instructor herself in the past. She has an appreciation of Frank Lloyd Wright, developed over a period of years. She taught a few classes on Wright, presented from the viewpoint of a client/consumer and groupie.
SANDRA RICHARDS
Sandy joined the Osher team in January 2022 as a Program Coordinator, transferring from Continuing Education's Registration and Information department. Her excellent customer service skills and love of the Osher program will be an asset to our staff. She is the mother of three adult children: all graduates of the University of Utah. Outside of the office, Sandy enjoys spending time with her husband while mountain biking, gravel biking, hiking, practicing yoga, and reading.
SALLY SMITH
Sally Smith owned and operated A Woman's Place Bookstore for 10 years. She taught English literature for 22 years at Judge Memorial Catholic High School and West High School. She graduated from the University of Utah with a major in English and minors in history and French. Sally received the Brooke Hopkins Award for Excellence in Adult Teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in 2018.
TAYLOR SPARKS
Dr. Taylor Sparks is an educator, researcher, and materials scientist whose work bridges the fields of materials informatics, machine learning, and sustainable innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University and his MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is currently a Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Utah in the same department where he did his undergraduate B.S. 20 years ago. As a leading voice in materials informatics, Taylor's research focuses on accelerating materials discovery through artificial intelligence, autonomous experimentation, and data-driven approaches.

With over a decade of university-level teaching experience, Taylor is known for his highly energetic and engaging style, making complex concepts in materials science clear and exciting for learners of all backgrounds. He has developed innovative online resources and tools, including his materials science YouTube channel and his widely recognized Materialism Podcast, which explores the past, present, and future of materials science and how materials that shape our world.

His recent work includes the development of self-driving laboratories for autonomous characterization and synthesis, the creation of generative models for novel materials discovery, and pioneering efforts to modernize science communication through digital media.

Outside of Continuing Education, Taylor is currently teaching three regular U of U classes:

MSE 1050: Material for Sports Gear ~ Fall 2025
MSE 5540/6640: Materials Informatics ~ Spring 2026
MSE 5050: Materials Innovation ~ Spring 2026
LEANN STAMOS
Le Ann B. Stamos holds BS degrees in Nursing and Communications and an MS in Health Science Education with an emphasis in Family Medicine. For the past 21 years, she has been a cardiac nurse working with heart failure and heart transplant patients. She has served on committees for the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, American Society of Transplantation, United Network of Organ Sharing and Medical Ethics for the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. She has been adjunct faculty for the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and Ensign College. Le Ann is passionate about cardiac disease and maintaining heart health. In her spare time, she volunteers for the American Red Cross as a Community Preparedness Educator and teaches Lifelong Learning courses.
SHAWNA STEWART
Shawna Stewart is a theatre enthusiast, having seen over 150 shows, some of them four or five times. She is passionate about the works of many composers. She enjoys listening to the music of Broadway and understanding the themes and complex nature of the musicals.
DAVID STILLMAN
David Stillman received a BS from UC Berkeley and a PhD from UC San Diego. He joined the University of Utah in 1986 and retired from the Division of Microbiology and Immunology in the Department of Pathology in 2020 as a Professor Emeritus. David's lab studied the mechanisms of gene regulation, and he has published over a hundred peer-reviewed scientific papers.
RYAN STOLLEY
Dr. Ryan Stolley is a scientist, educator, and entrepreneur whose work centers around the design and synthesis of novel substances for a variety of applications. He earned his PhD from the University of Utah in organic chemistry, specializing in the design of new reactions. He then had a post-doctoral appointment at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and as a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the US Department of Energy's Solar Technologies Office.

His current work is split between the University of Utah's Science Research Initiative (SRI) and Glycosurf, Inc. a local specialty chemical company. At the University of Utah, he is part of the leadership of one of the biggest undergraduate research programs in the US (SRI) which also allows him to run his own research laboratory where his research spans fundamental organic chemistry, biochemistry, condensed matter physics and chemical educations. At Glycosurf, he is the principal chemist and director of Research and Development.

With broad experience academically, professionally and personally, he is well-regarded in his ability to relate to students and provide high-level education to a broad audience with humor and rigor. He is a staunch believer that science is not as hard as your fear leads you to believe but is rather a fun simple puzzle of small easy to handle games.
DOUG STOWELL
Doug Stowell is a consumer and political polling veteran in both U.S. and EU Markets. His career includes Market Research Director for the Xerox Corp., U.S. Clients Director for the U.K. polling firm NOP, Ltd in London and Senior Polling Executive for Wirthlin Worldwide in Washington, D.C. He launched Market Resource Associates, in 2008 and conducts opinion polls on U.S. and global issues today. He is a member of the Furman University OLLI in Greenville, SC and conducts ZOOM programs for more than 80 groups nationally. This is his fourth quadrennial election program.
SHARON SWENSON
Sharon Swenson loves talking about films as much as watching them. She spent 30 years teaching film and found students' perspectives illuminating. Part of her research focused on spectatorship, and she enjoys learning about how others experience film and figuring out the ways "seeing is believing".
TAUNA TOOLE
Tauna Toole is an employee at the Cardiovascular Center of the University of Utah Health and has been an AARP volunteer for over a year now. Tauna specializes in teaching the AARP Smart Driver Course with fun and enthusiasm. She has experience being in front of a crowd and takes pride in including the participants in a comfortable and welcoming classroom.
ELI VEGA
Eli Vega is a highly-published and award-winning photographer and author. He has taught photography for over two decades, including several Osher Lifelong Learning Institute groups around the country. His largest teaching venue is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, where he teaches his three-day in-the-field workshops. As a certified workshop facilitator, he makes his classes and workshops engaging, interactive, and fun. He is the author of two photography books: Right Brain Photography (Be an artist first) and Renditions of Famous Paintings.
JEFFREY WALKER
Jeffrey Walker, emeritus professor of English at Oklahoma State University, authored a critical study of Revolutionary poet and traitor Benjamin Church, edited collections of essays on James Fenimore Cooper, co-edited the annual journal "Literature in the Early American Republic" and the first scholarly edition of Cooper's 1821 bestseller The Spy, and is completing an edition of Cooper's unpublished letters. A Fulbright lecturer in Norway and Belgium, he won the Phoenix Award for outstanding graduate teaching, the A&S Outstanding Professor Award, and the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award. His teaching interests include Charles Dickens, the history of the book, comedy, mystery, film, and radio, and American literature in general.
EVY WARMBIER
Evy Warmbier's twenty-year clinical experience as an RN includes progressive care, Intensive care, Cardiac Cath Lab, and serving on the cardiovascular team in the operating room at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City. She worked as a nurse educator for Broward College for fifteen years, five of which included coordinating and teaching the Critical Care Nursing course to RNs. Evy also spent two years at Westminster College in Salt Lake, teaching Junior nursing students in the simulation lab.
GLADYS WEBB
Gladys Webb received her BA and MA in Art History from the University of Utah. She lived abroad in Central and South America, Australia, England, and France for 20 years and has been a docent at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for 20 years. She has served on various committees, trained new docents on the museum's European Collection, and represented the UMFA at five National Docent Symposiums. In Guatemala, Gladys collected woven textiles. She has presented her collection to many groups and organizations.
JOHN WECKER
John Wecker served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State from 1990 until 2021. Overseas assignments included tours in Jamaica, Malaysia, Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, Afghanistan (three tours), and Beirut. His domestic assignments in Washington, DC, included working as the Director of the Economic Section on the China Desk, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Multilateral Office, Senior Advisor in the Bureau of Energy Affairs, and leader of the USG delegation to the OECD's Working Group on Bribery. Upon retirement, he continued to work for the Department's Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE), directing operations at Ft. Dix, Ft. Vance, Kosovo and Albania through May, 2024. He grew up in California, Japan, Hawaii and Georgia before graduating from Ogden High School and the University of Utah. He speaks Japanese and Dari.
DEBORAH WHITE
Debbie White has over 40 years of teaching experience (30 years in public education). Following her retirement, Debbie spent four years as an Apple product professional repairing computers and teaching classes. She enjoys helping adults get the most out of their Apple electronic devices, which is why she loves teaching technology classes for the Osher program.
C WHITEMAN
Dr. C. David Whiteman is an Emeritus Research Professor in the Atmospheric Sciences Department at the University of Utah. His area of study, mountain meteorology, reflects his life-long interest in mountaineering, ski patrolling, hiking, rock climbing, and fly fishing.

Dr. Whiteman earned a Ph.D. at Colorado State University studying local-scale wind circulations in mountain valleys. He then worked for 24 years as a Senior Research Scientist and Staff Scientist at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Washington. During this time, he wrote a textbook published in 2000 entitled "Mountain Meteorology: Fundamentals and Applications". He joined the University of Utah in 2005 as a Research Professor, where he enjoyed teaching, guiding graduate students, leading field studies and writing research articles.

His research topics include the buildup and breakdown of temperature inversions in mountain valleys and basins and their effects on atmospheric dispersion, frost damage in vineyards, and interactions of local and regional scale circulations in mountainous terrain. His broad range of interests have led him to study semi-diurnal solar tides and meteorological effects produced by solar eclipses.

He has done field research in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah's Peter Sinks basin, Arizona's Meteor Crater, California's Central and Owens valleys, the Columbia Basin, Austria's Wipp valley, the Basin of Mexico and many Colorado valleys.

Dr. Whiteman interacts frequently with scientists in other mountainous regions, and he has enjoyed collaborations and extended guest appointments with scientists at educational institutions in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Chile. He has also taught short courses on mountain meteorology in Finland, Austria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, Italy, Argentina and New Zealand.

As part of the series, Current Research in the University of Utah College of Science, Dr. Whiteman's Osher class lecture on October 23 will be:
Ice Mushrooms - An Unusual Weather Phenomenon on Southern Patagonia Peaks
ELIZABETH WHITSETT
Beth Whitsett has practiced law in Utah and California since 1978. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Yale University (MA in teaching), and Stanford University. She has broad transactional legal experience with a focus in recent years on compliance and governance, including code and policy development and employee training for U.S. and multinational clients. She is a former adjunct professor of law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law.
SCOTT WILLIAMS
Scott Williams, a retired civil litigator and trial lawyer, was a partner and member of the board of directors of a prominent Salt Lake law firm, Strong & Hanni. For several years he represented Utah civil trial lawyers in a national organization. He currently is affiliated with Utah Alternative Dispute Resolution as a mediator and has volunteered legal services to some nonprofit organizations. He describes himself as a cinephile or "film buff" because of his passionate interest in movies. He has taught several classes at the Osher Institute including "Law in Film: Parts 1 and 2," "Journalism Law and Ethics in the Movies," "Short Story into Film," "The Cold War in Film," and "Medical Law and Ethics in Film" with Dr. Jay Jacobsen. Scott is the recent recipient of the Brooke Hopkins Award for Excellence in Adult Teaching.
JONI WILSON
Joni Urry Wilson began dancing with Virginia Tanner and later received the Hayes scholarship in dance and her Honors Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah. She also has a terminal MFA in performance and choreography from Mills College, California. Joni has taught at several universities and has performed throughout the United States, as well as internationally. Currently, Joni is the Studio Director for the Virginia Tanner Creative Dance Program, which brings her teaching opportunities that include all ages and abilities. Joni has served on the daCiUSA National board, UDEO board and daCiUtah chair.
JEANINE H WILSON
Jeanine Wilson has worked in the Human Resources field for 25 years. She has worked in hospitality, finance, benefits management, broadcasting, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Jeanine is currently owner of Corporate Talent Advisors, a full service HR consulting, training, and recruiting company.

Jeanine has a Bachelor's Degree in Human & Organizational Development from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, a Masters in Human Resources from Utah State University, and she has achieved an SPHR certification from SHRM and HRCI. Jeanine was the 2005 President of the Salt Lake SHRM Chapter and currently sits on the Utah SHRM State Council.
LINDA WOOD
Linda Wood has been participating in and teaching line dancing in the Salt Lake Valley for over nine years. She has been dancing as long as she can remember and is a skilled and generous instructor in the community. She was a long-time member of Young at Heart, a popular performance group that entertained audiences at local fairs, sporting events, and senior centers. Linda and her co-teacher, Ruth Palmer, are committed to sharing their skills and experience so that others can learn to love and enjoy line dancing as much as they do. Together they look forward to sharing their enthusiasm for line dance and the social and physical benefits it provides.
RITA WRIGHT
Rita R. Wright recently retired as the Director of the Springville Museum of Art in Springville, Utah. The Museum's collection focuses on Utah art with smaller collections of American and Russian art. She came to the Museum in October of 2012 from the LDS Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah where she was the Curator of Art and Artifacts for two years. As Curator she was responsible for acquiring new art works and for developing new exhibitions. Her primary emphasis was on religious art education.
MICHELLE WYATT
Chelle Wyatt is co-owner of Hearing Loss LIVE!. She has a progressive hearing loss and has worn hearing aids for 30 plus years, most of her life. After a big drop in hearing in 2010 she found support through the SayWhatClub and began participating with the Hearing Loss Association of America, Salt Lake City Chapter (HLAA-SLC) meetings. Through them, she found the Utah Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) classes to learn how to live more successfully with hearing loss. She worked for DSDHH for 8 Â½ years. As a Hard of Hearing Assistant for 5 years, she taught classes and gave presentations on hearing loss: Hearing aids 101, Tinnitus, Speechreading and Living with Hearing Loss. For three and a half years, she was the Hard of Hearing program manager increasing educational events and participation. Chelle credits her volunteer experience with HLAA - SLC and the SayWhatClub with giving her valuable work experience. Her volunteer experience includes being a board member for the SayWhatClub, sponsorship chair and convention setup.
Jane Yager
Formerly senior economist for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Dr. Jane Yager has held several senior environmental conservation positions in the public and private sectors, as well as adjunct faculty positions in mid-career graduate programs with Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland University College. Jane has a PhD and an MS in marine-estuarine-environmental sciences from the University of Maryland and a BS in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Arizona.