Sean McGuinness, Ph.D., joins ´óÏóÊÓƵ as an assistant professor of physics, bringing a dynamic blend of research, teaching, and national service experience. Most recently a professor at Ivy Tech Community College, McGuinness also spent three years with the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) after earning his Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame, where his research focused on medical applications of low-energy nuclear physics. His technical expertise spans nuclear and accelerator physics, alongside certifications in nuclear acquisitions, project management, and college teaching. Passionate about student engagement, McGuinness has a strong record of mentorship, public outreach, and leadership — whether teaching the physics of curveballs to kids or advocating for science funding on Capitol Hill.
Cody A. Ruiz, Ph.D., will serve as an assistant professor of biology at ´óÏóÊÓƵ this fall, bringing a strong interdisciplinary background in molecular biology and anthropology to the classroom. He most recently taught genetics and general biology as an adjunct professor at Bethel and has served as a research assistant in the Molecular Anthropology Lab at Kent State University since 2015. At Kent State, he also taught courses and was actively involved in graduate student leadership. Ruiz is highly proficient in a range of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, CNV assays, and software platforms such as R, Python, and Geneious Prime. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Kent State, where he is defending his dissertation this summer. He also holds an M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Kent State and a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Anthropology from the University of Notre Dame.
Heather Hostetler, CNM, joins ´óÏóÊÓƵ as an assistant professor of nursing, bringing over two decades of experience in nursing, women’s health and maternity care. A certified nurse midwife since 2014, she has served with Beacon Medical Group OB/GYN, providing compassionate, evidence-based care to women throughout their reproductive journeys. Heather is also a proud Bethel alumna, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2002 before completing her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nurse Midwifery at Frontier Nursing University in 20214. From 2000 to 2014, she worked as a registered nurse at Beacon Health System, gaining valuable clinical experience that continues to inform her teaching. She previously taught at Bethel as an adjunct professor from 2019 to 2021 and now returns to the classroom full-time. Her certifications include Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) through the American Midwifery Certification Board.