Each year an interdisciplinary team of Longwood faculty and staff make up the LU@YNP team. Drawing from biology, environmental science, sociology, rhetoric, mathematics, geography, fine arts and science education, our faculty team creates a dynamic immersive educational experience.
Faculty/Staff Team 2017
Dr. Alix Fink is Associate Professor of Biology and Dean of the Cormier Honors College. She holds a Ph.D. in wildlife biology with a research focus in avian ecology. Dr. Fink has a strong commitment to the mission of our University. As such, she has made linking science education and civic engagement one of her primary teaching goals. She was one of the founding members of the LU@YNP team.
Dr. Edw
ard Kinman is a Professor of Geography in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences. Some of the courses he teaches include Cultural Geography, Cartography, Thinking Geographically, and Global Environmental Issues. He assisted in the planning and development of Longwood’s new program in Integrated Environmental Sciences. In January 2014 he became Coordinator of the Virginia Geographic Alliance, which is a partnership among university faculty, K-12 educators, and the National Geographic Society with the goal of supporting geographic education.
Dr. Phillip Poplin is Associate Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Poplin began teaching at Longwood 
University in 2003. Phillip earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from North Carolina State University. Previously, Phillip has taught at North Carolina State University and Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has a strong interest in promoting quantitative literacy and helping students better understand the role of mathematics and statistics in social life.
Dr. JoEllen Ped
erson is Assistant Professor of Sociology. She completed her Ph.D. at The Florida State University exploring Attitudes Toward Government Responsibility and Spending on Public Pensions and Unemployment in a Cross-National Context. Dr. Pederson brings her commitment to experiential and service learning to the team.
Ms. Jennifer Cox is Director of Local & Community Relations. Jen is originally from Hampton, 
Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia. After graduation, she attended Villanova University where she earned her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. She started at Longwood University in June 2007 as the Residence Education Coordinator (REC) for Longwood Landings. Currently, Jen serves as the Director of Commuter Life for the office of Residential & Commuter Life. Jen has been working with YNP since 2012 and has traveled to Yellowstone three times (May 2012, 2013, and 2015). Jen’s favorite aspect of the YNP experience is getting to know students better while exploring the beautiful landscape that is Yellowstone!
Faculty Previous years:
Dr. Heather Lettner-Rust, English; Professor Kerri Cushman, Art; Professor Michael Mergen, Art; Dr. David Hardin, Geography; Dr. Joseph Garcia, Earth Science; Dr. Susan Lynch, Therapeutic Recreation; Dr. Carl Riden, Sociology; Mr. Joshua Blakely, Director of Brock Experiences; Dr. Mark Fink, Biology