First-years are not the only ones adjusting to CSB/SJU college life. In fact, there are 22 new faculty members on campus without valedines around their necks.
Dr. Jessica O’Reilly and Dr. Dora Saha are two professors who are not only new to campus, but new to their job description as well. Although they both taught at their graduate schools, CSB/SJU provides their, “first, real professor job.”
All the way from the University of California, San Diego is anthropology professor Jessica O’Reilly. Although the Minnesota weather will require an adjustment after living in California for 10 years, her Michigan upbringing, has prepared her well.
“The weather is exciting here,” O’Reilly said. “In California, the weather is boring.”
Boredom is rarely in O’Reilly’s vocabulary. Her cultural anthropology research has led her to New Zealand, Scotland, Norway, India and even Antarctica for two weeks.
“I lived in Antarctica to see how researchers protect the environment,” she said.
O’Reilly is excited to continue her research and be able to share her love of anthropology with students. Her classes include introduction to anthropology, cultural anthropology and environmental anthropology.
“So far, I have a conscientious bunch that shows up on time,” O’Reilly said.
When O’Reilly is not at CSB/SJU, she is able to spend time with her son. While on campus she is able to spend spare time with her husband, the new educator for the SJU Arboretum.
While O’Reilly plans ways to involve Antarctic research into her lesson plans, professor Dora Saha develops teaching methods for her economic students.
Originally from India, Saha is no stranger to the United States as she has spent nine years at the University of New Hampshire obtaining her PhD.
“(The year) 2002 was the perfect time for me to come to the U.S,” she said. “I had just gotten my Master’s degree from a college in India.”
Since arriving in Minnesota in July, she has no complaints. Saha recently explored the Minnesota State Fair, the Twin Cities, Duluth and Split Rock.
“I like to travel,” she said. “I’ve been to many cities in the United States and look forward to going back to India in December.”
Although she is excited for her time here, Saha explains that her time spent in New Hampshire was among the best years of her life. In New Hampshire, going to the sea was one of her favorite pastimes.
“I’ve been to Lake Sag, but it’s not the same — it’s not an ocean,” she said.
Saha always knew she wanted to teach and used to play school as a child. After teaching at the University of New Hampshire for five years, she is excited to be teaching and Economics of the Public Sector.
She hopes to get tenure here and become a more permanent professor. In the meantime, she offers students some words of wisdom.
“These are the best years of your life,” she said. “Enjoy school as long as you can.”