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CMU welcomes new faculty to start 2025/26 academic year
CMU enters a new academic year with both excitement and gratitude, welcoming five new faculty members whose expertise spans music, biology, social work, psychology, and chemistry.
Together, these teaching appointments highlight the university's ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, faith-integrated scholarship, and nurturing students in ways that prepare them to engage the world with curiosity, compassion, and purpose.
Anneli Loepp Thiessen, Assistant Professor of Music
As a musicologist, Loepp Thiessen's research focuses on congregational song, with particular attention to women's experiences in the Christian music industry and how identity shapes music-making communities.
"CMU's new tagline of Expect More captures the enthusiasm I have for innovative pedagogy and faith-integrated learning," she says.
Loepp Thiessen graduated from CMU in 2018 with a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in Piano Performance and Music Ministry.
Travis Goron, Assistant Professor of Biology
Goron values teaching that blends science with reflection and purpose. "I appreciate how [CMU] encourages students to think across disciplines and reflect on the ethical side of science," he says.
His research interests include plant biology and sustainability, while his passion lies in mentoring students. "Teaching is always changing, and that keeps it interesting. I enjoy working with students and seeing them grow in confidence and understanding."
Felicia Owadara, Assistant Professor of Social Work
With a PhD in Social Work, Owadara brings expertise in community-based mental health, inclusive policy, and culturally responsive care. Her scholarship and practice highlight ways education can equip students to respond to diverse needs while promoting equity and justice.
"CMU's commitment to reconciliation, justice, and holistic education deeply resonates with my values," she says.
Opeyemi Ogunyomi, Teaching Assistant Professor of Psychology
Ogunyomi specializes in motivation, self-efficacy, and academic engagement, and brings prior training in guidance and counseling to his teaching and mentoring.
"CMU's mission to integrate faith, learning, and service resonates deeply with my own philosophy of education," he says.
Wenyu Qian, Teaching Lecturer and Lab Steward
Qian is trained in organic chemistry with a focus on synthetic methodology development and homogeneous catalysis. He taught general and organic chemistry at the CEGEP level in Quebec prior to joining CMU.
"As a scientist, I believe that our goal is the pursuit of objective truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. With sufficient depth in science and an open mind, one can and should naturally find harmony between Christianity and science."
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