Each week, Cleveland State University will profile new faculty members with a “getting to know you” feature called ProfTALK. Learn about your prof’s background, bona fides and how they contribute to the momentum of Engaged Learning. Then get behind the desk and learn a little more about what makes them tick. This week, we dive into biology and beards to movies and media psychology! Meet John Van Stan II, Ph.D., and Yuchen Liu, Ph.D.!

Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences Associate Professor John T. Van Stan II, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Geography, University of Delaware (2012)

M.S., Geography, University of Delaware (2009)

M.S., Environmental Science and Policy, Johns Hopkins University (2007)

B.A., English Literature, University of Delaware (2006)

B.S., Environmental Science, University of Delaware (2005)

Dr. Van Stan’s research “seeks to enhance our understanding of the interface between hydrological processes and vegetated ecosystem functioning, as this is critical to the advancement of natural resource & watershed management.” As a Twitter user, he posts regular news and updates from his lab that run the gamut from wet plant photography to science communication. He also is a self-described “natural philosopher.” Dr. Van Stan regularly delves into water quality, sustainability, environmental impact assessments, climate change, microbiology and more. What’s more, his research is prolific field-based investigation of forest ecohydrological processes, focused in biogeochemical dynamics of plant canopies; storm-related hydrologic processes on plant/soil ecology, and instrumentation/methods development for researching canopy-fauna interactions. But that won’t keep you (or his students) from wondering if he could stunt-double for CSU’s mascot, Magnus the Viking, because of a certain prolific facial feature. Read on…

What three words come to mind when you think of Cleveland State University?

Lakeside, Snow, Viking.

What is a common question you get from Cleveland State University students?

“How long have you been growing your beard?”

What do you like most about teaching and why?

Discussion. When done well on both sides, it yields insight into what motivates students to learn.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Write metal songs about whatever comes to mind. Write silly poems with my kids.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

Tie: Masthead Brewing Company and Rising Star Coffee Roasters. I’m a beer and coffee fanatic.

What is a "fun fact" about you that many people may not know about you?

I record philosophy audiobooks.

Communication Visiting Assistant Professor Yuchen Liu, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Strategic Communication, University of Kansas (2021)

M.S., Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Kansas (2016)

B.A., Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Yantai University, China (2014)

My name is Yuchen Liu, and I joined CSU School of Communication this fall as a Visiting Assistant Professor. I got my Ph.D. in Strategic Communication from the University of Kansas in Summer 2021. Before my doctoral study, I worked as a web and social media producer at a TV station in Lawrence, Kansas. I have taught communication campaigns, principles of public relations, principles of social media, multimedia writing for strategic communication, research methods in strategic communication, and media psychology. My primary research interest is the use and effects of social media in the areas of strategic communication, public relations, and international communication. Specifically, I focus on examining how individuals and organizations in different countries use digital communication technologies in support of their goals and objectives.

What three words come to mind when you think of Cleveland State University?

Engaged, diverse, innovative.

What is a common question you get from Cleveland State University students?

“What brought you to CSU?”

What do you like most about teaching and why?

Teaching motivates me to keep on learning. The field I’m in and the courses I’m teaching require me to keep up with the latest industry trends and emerging communication technologies. Every time I teach a course, I see myself learning and growing with my students.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to travel, cook, and watch TV shows and old movies.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

West Side Market. I feel that things slow down there, and I can just chill and enjoy a lazy weekend afternoon sitting at the Market Square Park.

What is a “fun fact” about you that many people may not know about you?

I can cook fried rice in six different ways (and I’m exploring more!)

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.