The Sciences department at FranU is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in biology, chemistry, math, and physical science. Our goal is to foster a deep understanding of the natural world and to prepare students for successful careers in scientific research, healthcare, and environmental stewardship.
Our dedicated team of faculty and staff are experts in their respective fields and are committed to providing exceptional education and mentorship to our students.
Dr Alexander teaches chemistry at all levels of coursework.
Phone: 225-526-1949 | Email: Catherine.Alexander@franu.edu
Professor Bird teaches biology labs and microbiology.
Email: Lawrence.Bird@franu.edu
I was born in neighboring Mississippi and did my undergraduate work at Millsaps College in Jackson. I came to LSU for graduate work in 1978. I fell in love with the people, the state and teaching and stayed for a lifetime. After 37 years I retired from LSU as a Senior Instructor, in August of 2015. I was awarded a position as an assistant professor of mathematics at FranU that same month. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Renee, for 46 years. I have 2 grown daughters, three grandchildren and a houseful of pets. The opportunity to work at a small college, with dedicated, responsible students is, for me, a dream come true. I enjoy teaching mathematics and I look forward to teaching at the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University for many years to come. After 44 years as an educator, I still rise in the mornings and drive to school thinking I am not going to work, but I am just going to talk to people about things I love. I have been blessed with the greatest job in the world.
Phone: 225-526-1629 | Email: Paul.Britt@franu.edu
Eliska Davis has been in academia for over 20 years with 13 of those years in dental education, where she served as senior clinic supervisor in the dental hygiene program at LSUHSC School of Dentistry in New Orleans. She presented continuing education classes at dental conferences and was director of an advanced certification course for dental personnel. Professor Davis is an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. She teaches pathophysiology for nursing students and anatomy and physiology for the Biology Department.
Phone: 225-526-1968 | Email: Eliska.Davis@franu.edu
Dr. Gautreaux earned her BS in Chemistry from Nicholls State University & her PhD in Solid-State Chemistry from LSU. She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and presented her work in solid-state chemistry & physics worldwide. She has mentored numerous student research projects throughout the years and presented at local and national research conferences.
Phone: 225-526-1976 | Email: Dixie.Gautreaux@franu.edu
Dr. Kosh teaches college algebra and statistics.
Phone: 225-526-1611 | Email: Emily.Kosh@franu.edu
Dr. Natalie Lenard serves as the Biology program director and advises several students in the Human Medicine, 3+2 PA, and 3+3 DPT tracks. She teaches upper-level courses in biochemistry, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, immunology, and research and mentors both course-related and independent student research. Dr. Lenard completed her doctoral degree in Pharmacology with a minor in Neuroscience at LSUHSC-Shreveport and postdoctoral training at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations in the basic biomedical sciences.
Phone: 225-526-1660 | Email: Natalie.Lenard@franu.edu
Professor Daphne Moore serves as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Franciscan University, with an emphasis on Organic Chemistry. She is a proud alumni of Our Lady of the Lake College (2012) and South Dakota State University (2017), and holds degree specializations in Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, and Chemical Education. Professor Moore's graduate work focuses on the analysis and interpretation of environmental PAHs generated during biomass burning, and her pedagogical work focuses on improving undergraduate perception of Organic Chemistry. She also maintains an academic interest in emerging illicit substances. Professor Moore accepts undergraduate researchers on an ongoing basis via CHEM 4915 and BIOL 4915.
Phone: 225-526-1663 | Email: Daphne.Moore@franu.edu
Professor Napoli teaches college algebra and statistics.
Phone: 225-526-1756 | Email: Barbara.Napoli@franu.edu
Dr. Nichols serves as Assistant Professor of Biology and the Director of the Forensic Science Certificate Program. Her primary teaching responsibilities include General Biology I & II, Criminalistics, Forensic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Toxicology, and other courses needed by the department. Dr. Nichols completed her doctoral degree and postdoctoral training in Biology with an emphasis in Toxicology at the University of North Texas. She has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and presented her research at international conferences. She has mentored both undergraduate and graduate student research projects throughout her years in academia and her expertise is centered on the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, particularly metabolism and gene expression.
Phone: 225-526-1690 | Email: Carmen.Nichols@franu.edu
Dr. Latoya Paul is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the department of Biology. She received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology from Southern University Baton Rouge. She then enrolled in the biological sciences doctoral program at Louisiana State University (LSU). After receiving her doctorate in biological sciences with a concentration in developmental biology/neurobiology, she accepted a post doc position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). During her post-doc training, Dr. Paul studied neurodegenerative diseases in mice and embryonic developmental disorders in zebrafish. Dr. Paul currently oversees FranU’s first animal research facility which houses adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Dr. Paul’s research interests are animal behavior and development using the model organism zebrafish.
Phone: 225-526-1743 | Email: Latoya.Paul@franu.edu
Dr. Porthouse coordinates and teaches the anatomy and physiology laboratory courses alongside histology and anatomy and physiology lecture courses.
Phone: 225-526-1983 | Email: Kristina.Porthouse@franu.edu
Dr. Reddix teaches in the service-learning courses pathophysiology I and II.
Phone: 225-526-1660 | Email: Rhoda.Reddix@franu.edu
Professor Sheffield teaches chemistry coursework and coordinates chemistry laboratory courses and maintains the instrumentation.
Phone: 225-526-1697 | Email: William.Sheffield@franu.edu
Professor Simms’s expertise includes microbiology, virology, cell culture, electrophoresis, genotyping, gene expression, and DNA sequencing. She has authored dozens of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, is an assistant professor of biology and biology lab coordinator, and is the university’s Chemical Hygiene Officer. She is focused on enhancing student engagement and learning assessment. Her primary teaching responsibilities include Microbiology Fundamentals and Pathogenic Microbiology. She is also a mentor for the LABS and SIRE stipend programs.
Phone: 225-526-1690 | Email: Carmen.Nichols@franu.edu
Professor Vigee teaches anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and computerized gross anatomy courses. She completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Honolulu in 1999. She earned a Master’s degree in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation from the Department of Kinesiology at LSU Baton Rouge in 1995, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the same department in 1993. Additionally, she was awarded a Board of Regents grant to purchase the Anatomage Table.
Phone: 225-526-1950 | Email: Kimberly.Vigee@franu.edu
Phone: 225-526-1962 | Email: Mariah.Rogers@franu.edu
Phone: 225-526-1809 | Email: Lekeisha.Taylor@franu.edu
At FranU, we believe in the importance of hands-on research experiences for our students. We offer various research opportunities, allowing students to work closely with faculty members on cutting-edge projects and contribute to scientific advancements.
The Sciences department is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities to support student learning and research. If you have any questions or would like more information about our Sciences department, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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