ACADEMIC FORMATION

Doctorate of Philosophy
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, Italy, Summa cum laude, June 2005.
Dissertation: “Bonum est Causa Mali” An Analysis of how Good Causes Evil in the Metaphysics of St. Thomas Aquinas - Relatore: Stephen L. Brock

Ecclesiastical Licentiate in Philosophy
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, Italy, June 2001, Specialization Metaphysics-Epistemology.
Licentiate Thesis: “Approaches to the Nature of Evil” Relatore: Stephen L. Brock

Ecclesiastical Bachelors in Philosophy
Pontifical University of the Holy Cross- Rome, Italy, November 1999

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
St. John’s University- Queens, New York , May 1999, GPA: 3.98/4.0 Major 4.0/4.0, Dean’s List, Summa cum laude

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy entails creating a rich environment conducive to philosophical investigation and discovery; a setting where students can explore philosophical concepts and terminology and encounter the profound thoughts of the great minds of the past and present. Emphasis is placed on teaching the students how to think critically and not merely on the acquisition and retention of information alone, since the ultimate objective, at the university level, is not simply to instruct the students but to educate them on how to educate themselves. Success in this endeavor is measured both by the students achieving the required level of knowledge of the material at hand as well as by the students’ attainment of the skills through which they are able to make responsible decisions that give meaning and direction to their lives.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Florida Gulf Coast University (1/2008-Present)
Adjunct Professor of Philosophy
Courses: Introduction to Philosophy

Ave Maria University - Naples (10/2007-Present)
Head of Public Services

Ave Maria University - LAC (8/2007-Present)
Adjunct Professor
Courses: Philosophy of Human Nature

St. Peter’s College (8/2006-6/2007)
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy
Courses: Introduction to Philosophy I and II, Critical Moral Thinking, Ethics, Philosophy of the Human Person

Community College of Morris (2005- Present)
214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ 07869-2086
Adjunct Professor (Philosophy); Introduction to Philosophy

Oratory Preparatory School (2005-2006)
1 Beverly Rd, Summit, NJ 07901
Courses taught: Introduction to World Religions, Ethics, and Introduction to New Testament

Don Bosco Preparatory High School - Ramsey, NJ, (2002-2004)
Courses taught: Introduction to Theology, Introduction to Old Testament, and Ethics

West Morris Regional High School
Chester, NJ, 2004-2005, Substitute Teacher

Courses Taught:

Introduction to Philosophy I and II (Historical Approach), Ethics, Critical Morality Thinking, Philosophy of Human Nature, Philosophy and Film, Introduction to Catholic Theology, Introduction to Old Testament, Introduction to New Testament, World Religions

RESEARCH INTERESTS

My research interests fall under the two broad philosophical branches of Metaphysics and Ethics. In the first instance, in line with my doctoral research, is my ongoing interest concerning the relationship between axiology and agathology as they relate to ens. In the second instance, regarding my ethical curiosity, my interests include questions in the theory of human action and the specific question of the cause of moral evil with an emphasis on its first cause.
At present, I am working on two articles in the area of Medieval Philosophy for the IEP; one on Augustine the other on Bonaventure. Furthermore, I have been putting together a collection of my own notes that I hope will result, in the near future, in an introductory handbook that will serve as a textbook for my own classes.
In addition to the above mentioned interests, my teaching experience in the area of world religions has given impetus to a deepening interest in the philosophical principles grounding the Western Religious Traditions, such as, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, as well as certain Eastern Religious Traditions, particularly Hinduism.

SCHOLARSHIP

Dissertation: “Bonum est Causa Mali” An Analysis of how Good Causes Evil in the Metaphysics of Thomas Aquinas
“Augustine of Hippo” An Overview Article Prepared for the IEP (2010)
“Bonaventure of Bagnoregio” Article prepared for IEP (2010)

Membership:
American Philosophical Association
American Catholic Philosophical Association
Society of Ancient Greek Philosophy
Florida Library Association

Other Relevant Experience and Activities:
Appointed Member of the Catechetical Commission of the Diocese of Paterson
International Volunteer Work
Extensive travels: Europe, South and Central America, Asia, Middle East, Caribbean

Personal Interests:
International Foods, Wine Making, Ceramics, Latin Music
Bollywood Movies (I suggest Baghban for the first time viewer)