Meet Our Staff
The CTE staff works closely with the Faculty Advisory Board to design and implement programs and services to support teaching at Xavier.
Supaporn Kradtap Hartwell, PhD
CTE Faculty Director and Chair of the CTE Faculty Advisory Board
Supaporn, a Professor in the Department of Chemistry, serves as Faculty Director of the CTE. She completed her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemistry at Chiang Mai University (Thailand), University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and University of Cincinnati, respectively. Supaporn taught chemistry in Thailand for 10 years and has been teaching at Xavier since 2011. Supaporn teaches courses in General Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Principles of Physical Chemistry. Her research interests have been in the area of green analytical chemistry, using natural reagents and low cost materials in chemical analyses. Among her teaching pedagogical interests are active-learning strategies, and international collaborative and team-based learning.
Eric Bucher, PhD
CTE Faculty Associate
Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Eric Bucher serves as Faculty Associate for the CTE during this Fall 2023.
Nykara Brown
CTE Assistant Director
Nykara Brown, a Cincinnati native, is one of four sisters, an experience that has instilled in her the value of individuality and diverse perspectives. Education and mentorship hold significant importance in her life, and she is committed to advancing inclusivity and diversity within STEM disciplines. Nykara's undergraduate studies focused on Breast Cancer and Population Genetics research, laying a strong groundwork for biological research. Throughout her journey as a research associate and science educator, both in graduate school and professional environments, Nykara has provided guidance and support to a wide range of students, aiming to make a meaningful impact in scientific and educational spheres. Beyond her dedication to STEM, teaching, and research, Nykara also manages a candle business. She has found enjoyment in activities such as shoe shopping and thrifting, which she considers her favorite sports.
Tara Koch
CTE/Library Operations Coordinator
Tara Tate Koch joined the Center for Teaching Excellence on August 1, 2023. Tara has an MBA from Xavier University (2000) and a B.A.-Interpersonal & Public Communications degree from Bowling Green State University (1992). Tara’s background is in brand marketing, event planning, budget management and communications. Fun facts: Tara met her husband (Dave) in the Xavier MBA Program. She also loves “all things Disney” and cheering for both of her daughters’ competitive dance teams.