New Faculty Spotlight
Join us in welcoming Behshad Pournasr of the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics and Anthony Guillory of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Before joining The Citadel, Behshad Pournasr, Ph.D., spent several years in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina. His specialty is cell biology, with a focus on stem cell research, regenerative medicine, disease modeling and drug discovery using induced pluripotent stem cells.
It was The Citadel’s combination of discipline, leadership and academic excellence that drew him to the military college. “My goal is to build a dynamic research and teaching program in stem cell and developmental biology that excites cadets and shows them how they can play an active role in advancing science,” he said. “I want The Citadel to be known as a place where future leaders, scientists and physicians gain hands-on experience in how biology and discovery can change lives.”
Shaping the next generation of scientists and leaders—and watching students navigate from curiosity to discovery—is gratifying to Pournasr, “especially when they realize that science is not just about memorizing facts,” he said, “but about asking bold questions and finding creative solutions.”
Pournasr is originally from Iran. He enjoys cooking and experimenting with recipes, especially Persian dishes. He loves to travel with his wife, Samaneh, and explore new cultures. “For me, food, travel and science all come back to the same idea,” he said, “connecting people, communities and ideas in meaningful ways.”
Anthony Guillory, Ph.D., earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Texas Lutheran University and a master’s degree in African American studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He began teaching at a community college in Massachusetts before moving to the University of Texas at Arlington, where he spent six years and earned a second master’s degree in history as well as a Ph.D.
His specialty is African American history, with a focus on African American newspapers in the 20th century. He chose to become a professor to help increase diversity in higher education.
Guillory is fascinated by the history of The Citadel, impressed by the discipline of the Corps of Cadets and appreciative of his colleagues in the History Department. “I want to fully engage in my role as a teacher-scholar while I am here,” he said.
A Texas native, Guillory has lived in several cities across the United States. His hobbies include classic automobiles and motorcycles, sightseeing and weightlifting.
