Faculty Spotlights

Entering his sixth year at Kettering, Lance Conley remains energized by what drew him there in the first place—the students. He finds it especially rewarding to meet them early in COMM-101 and watch their growth through to graduation, calling the experience both meaningful and memorable.

Lance brings that same enthusiasm to LIT-391: Special Topics, where he designs courses around focused, evolving themes. From seminars on Michael Crichton and Neal Stephenson to "Engineering and the Contemporary Novel," his recent course on AI and science fiction stands out as a highlight, sparking some of the most engaging discussions of his career.

Outside the classroom, Lance is a devoted reader and a committed fan of professional wrestling. He recently finished Karen Russell's The Antidote, William T. Vollmann's Europe Central, and S.A. Cosby's King of Ashes. His daughter Sophia turned five last fall and has recently discovered Sonic the Hedgehog and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, giving Lance a chance to revisit some childhood favorites through fresh eyes. "Getting to re-experience those kinds of things with her has been a real treat."

Starting her career in the military with a focus on communications, Julie Jacob completed her associate degree in information systems management while serving. Yet, her passion lay elsewhere. After leaving the military and initially pursuing a healthcare-related degree in med lab sciences, her path shifted again. A challenging math course in undergrad led her to explore other healthcare options, eventually discovering occupational therapy (OT). Through research and coursework, Julie recognized OT as her calling, igniting a commitment to lifelong learning and service.

Occupational therapy is a field dedicated to enhancing individuals' lives—helping people overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges to engage in meaningful daily activities. Its blend of holistic care and creativity captured Julie's heart, paralleling her own multifaceted journey. "It's strength-based and the perfect blend of art and science," Dr. Jacob explained, illustrating why OT was the right fit for her and why it remains a fulfilling profession.

Julie Jacob, director of the Occupational Therapy Department at UM-Flint's College of Health Sciences, recently completed a two-week trip to Lviv, Ukraine, where she worked with local occupational therapy faculty and clinicians to support the country's growing need for rehabilitation services. "There is a long road ahead, but I am optimistic about the future of OT in Ukraine," she said.

Dr. Ondersma is a clinical psychologist and researcher whose work focuses on improving maternal and infant health, particularly in underserved communities. As Associate Chair for Research in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health and Director of the e-Health in Pregnancy (e-HELP) Lab at Michigan State University, he leads efforts to develop brief, scalable digital interventions that can reach people where they are and expand access to care.

His work centers on using technology to bridge gaps in traditional healthcare systems—designing and implementing innovative tools for screening, intervention, and connection to services. He is the founder of the Computerized Intervention Authoring System (CIAS 3.0), an NIH-funded, open-access platform used in more than 25 countries to create interactive digital health interventions without coding. This work has supported a wide range of applications, from prenatal care integration across Michigan to community-driven "Appathons" that empower local partners to co-create solutions.

Dr. Ondersma has led multiple NIH- and CDC-funded studies and has contributed to national efforts to address issues such as neonatal opioid withdrawal and injury prevention. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association and former editor of Child Maltreatment, his work reflects a commitment to advancing practical, evidence-based approaches that improve health outcomes at scale. He's also the May Scholars on Tap speaker – so join us at Queen's Provisions to find out more about his work!

Dr. Thompson began her nursing career in 2006 after earning her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Baker College. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University in 2009 and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Walden University in 2015. Most recently, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Educational Leadership in 2025.

In her clinical practice, Dr. Thompson specialized in critical care and rapid response nursing, experiences that continue to inform and strengthen her teaching. Since joining Mott Community College in 2010—and transitioning to a full-time role in 2016—she has been dedicated to fostering student success and creating an inclusive learning environment. She is especially passionate about building meaningful connections with students and serving as a mentor as they develop into skilled, compassionate nurses. Recently, she was named the League for Innovation Award Winner for Innovation in Community Colleges, recognizing her commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approaches in nursing education.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Thompson's life centers around her family. She has been married for 25 years, has two children, and shares her home with a lively group of pets. In her free time, she enjoys attending music concerts and festivals, as well as hiking and camping.