New Faculty: School of Science
Dr. Padma Garvey, Assistant Professor, Physicians Assistant Program
Padma earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She did her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York. After four years as an attending physician at New York Hospital, she moved to the Hudson Valley. Throughout her career she has been involved in teaching students either as clerkship director in obstetrics and gynecology for Weill-Cornell Medical School and New York Medical College or as preceptor for physicians’ assistant students, nurse practitioner students, and medical students. She has her own YouTube channel where she educates patients on how to cook healthy plant-based meals. In addition, she has written a nutrition blog for Hudson Valley Parent Magazine, conducted adult education classes at Arlington High School, and spoken at local health expos.
Why Marist?
“This is an exciting opportunity to provide Marist students with a strong foundation in medicine and hope to instill future physicians’ assistants with the confidence to promote a healthy lifestyle to their patients. I will look to use my experiences with plant-based nutrition to educate future physicians assistants on the evidence behind plant-based diets in healthcare.”
Dr. Michel Becuwe, Assistant Professor of Biology
A Cell Biologist by training specialized in lipid and membrane dynamics, Michel has been course instructor in the Molecular and Cellular Biology department at Harvard University for the past two years. Prior to that, he was a Jane Coffin Childs postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health studying lipid metabolism. Originally from France, Michel holds a B.S. in Biology from Bordeaux University, a M.S and PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Paris University.
Why Marist?
“Marist College is a very dynamic institution with strong and ambitious leadership. I look forward to bringing my experience as a teacher and as a researcher to enhance the experience of Marist students both at an educational and research levels to learn and do bold science together.”
“This new group of highly-qualified faculty brings a wide-range of experience and diverse perspectives that will uniquely enrich the School of Science. I am very pleased to welcome them to Marist and excited as they work to enhance the academic journeys of our students.”
- Dr. Alicia Slater
Dean, School of Science
Katherine Donivan, Lecturer of Medical Technology
Katherine Donivan is a Poughkeepsie native that stayed in the area after graduating from Marist with a BS in Biology and Medical Technology. After graduating from Marist, she worked at Westchester Medical Center and earned her MS in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from New York Medical College. Later, she turned to teaching, where she encouraged students to love science in both high school and at Dutchess Community College.
Why Marist?
“I am excited about the opportunity to show Marist students how exciting it is to help people through science and to share my many years of experience with them.”
Dr. Michael LaCroix-Fralish, Clinical Assistant Professor of PA Studies
Originally from Mankato, Minnesota, Michael has spent over 14 years working in translational biomedical research in industry, including leadership roles at Cellular Longevity, a geroscience focused biotech company, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. He is excited to blend his experience in healthcare research with Marist’s commitment to medical education.
Why Marist?
“I knew from the moment that I came to campus, first as an adjunct professor, that Marist was dedicated deeply to health sciences education and innovation.”
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