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 learn about the power of two, hard work and looking for the good stuff! Meet Claire E. Hughes-Lynch, Ph.D. and Nicholas Klein, D.M.A.!

Claire E. Hughes-Lynch, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Educational Planning, Policy and Leadership, College of William and Mary (2000)

Ed.S., Educational Administration, College of William and Mary (1996)

M.A.Ed. Special Education, University of New Mexico (1992)

B.B.A., Marketing, University of New Mexico (1989)

Dr. Claire E. Hughes is the new professor of Special Education and Gifted Education at Cleveland State University. Previously, she was professor of Elementary and Special Education at the College of Coastal Georgia, Faculty Director of Special Education Programmes at Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK, and a Fulbright Scholar to Greece. She has been on boards with the National Association for Gifted Children, The Association for the Gifted (CEC-TAG) and the Teacher Education Divisions (CEC-TED) of the Council for Exceptional Children. Her research areas include twice-exceptional children, particularly gifted children with autism; Generational studies; and international education. She lives her life in twos: living in Cleveland, and St. Simons Island, Georgia with two family members (husband and mother); two twice-exceptional college-aged children, two cats, and two dogs. 

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

Engaged, urban, forward-thinking.

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

Where is the InnerLink?

What do you like most about teaching and why?

Engaging with students as they make new connections and see things in new ways.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Travel, play with my dogs.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

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

I used to be a backup singer in a local band! I wasn't a good singer, but I could get the crowd dancing...

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

"You'll find what you go looking for. Look for the good stuff."

Nicholas Klein, D.M.A.

D.M.A., Vocal Performance, University of Washington (2021)

M.M., Music Education, Capital University (2015)

B.M., Music Education, Capital University (2012)

A teacher, singer, conductor, and pianist/accompanist/coach based out of Cleveland, Dr. Nicholas Klein, tenor is often known for his warmth and clarity of tone in addition to his exceptional musicianship. Prior academic appointments include Eastern Washington University and Seattle Pacific University, where he taught numerous voice related courses and directed choral ensembles. Nicholas earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington where his dissertation focused on The Efficacy of Mental Practice for Motor Skill Enhancement in Singing. Prior to his studies at UW, Nicholas earned a Master of Music degree in Music Education, Kodály Certification and Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from the Capital University Conservatory of Music in partnership with the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary. Nicholas is an active performer in Opera, Musical Theater, and as a professional chorister preforming often throughout the country.

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

Diverse, engaging, excellence.

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

How do you think CSU compares to where you went to school?

What do you like most about teaching and why?

Interacting with students and impacting growth and change.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m an avid cyclist and I love wine tasting!

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

Playhouse Square! I am a singer and actor and I love watching all the musical National Tours that come through.

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

I spent time living in both Siena, Italy and Kecskemét, Hungary.

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard."