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 get a Clue in a Golden Flash on everything from new product development and podcasts to board games! Meet Todd Alan Morgan, Ph.D. and Jenn Soros, Ph.D.!

Monte Ahuja College of Business Assistant Professor Todd Alan Morgan, Ph.D.

Ph.D., Marketing, Kent State University (2015)

M.B.A., Management, Cleveland State University (2006)

B.A., Marketing, Cleveland State University, 2005

Dr. Morgan an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and a two-time CSU alum. He completed his Ph.D. in business administration with a focus on strategy and entrepreneurship at Kent State University in 2015. His research focuses on new product development (NPD), innovation and strategic orientations of the firm and how they impact competitive advantage. Specifically, he examines how firms leverage resources and capabilities to integrate external knowledge into the firm and maximize its effectiveness for NPD. His primary focus is on small- and medium-sized enterprises, innovation, reputation and organizational learning. A Viking through and through, he also has a soft spot for another university about 45 minutes due southeast of here. Read on and you’ll absolutely understand why

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

Hard-working, opportunity, strong foundation.

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

I’m not sure if one question specifically comes to mind, but I get plenty of requests for recommendation letters from students! :)

What do you like most about teaching and why?

I love sharing my own experiences with students through classroom interaction. I think it helps build a bond and it creates better discussion when I am able to be open to them. I also love seeing the learning process take place regarding where they are on the last day of class vs. the first.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My family is the most important thing to me, so doing anything with them always brightens my day. I love watching football and have been a Browns fan since my first stint in Cleveland in 2002. I am also always attempting to eat healthy and work out.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

This will probably not be a popular answer since I’m a CSU professor, but the Kent State University campus where I met my partner. We are now engaged and getting married in the spring. My other favorite spots are restaurants in Tremont and Ohio City, West Side Market, Wild Papaya Thai restaurant (my first date with Mary), and the Cleveland Browns Stadium.

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

I brew my own beer.

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

“It is what it is.”

 

School of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Instructor Jenn Soros, Ph.D., MOT, OTR/L

Ph.D., Occupational Therapy, Nova Southeastern University (2021)

M.A., Occupational Therapy, Cleveland State University (2009)

B.A., Zoology, The Ohio State University (2006)

Dr. Soros has a demonstrated history of working in higher education. After completing her degree in zoology, she segued into occupational therapy with a specialty in pediatrics. “OT” is that branch of health care that helps people across all ages with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges. Dr. Soros helps transcend the inherent barriers affecting a person’s social and emotional wellbeing, as well as their physical needs. Everyday activities become therapeutic. Soros has seen her expertise unfold in some unexpected ways: among them, she now co-hosts an internationally recognized (and yes, it’s NSFW) “OT After Dark” podcast. “We are two occupational therapists talking about all things sex,” the show’s page announces, adding that breaking societal views on disability is critical to therapeutic success.

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

Knowledge, Growth, and Community.

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

“When is this assignment due?”

What do you like most about teaching and why?

I love to see the “ah-ha!” moments in students and to watch them develop their own unique styles when it comes occupational therapy. I also love that I learn from the students, and they make me a better educator as a result. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Ballroom dancing, I take lessons and perform.

Where is your favorite place in Cleveland and why?

The Cleveland Zoo.  I have a degree in zoology and love animals.  My favorite animal is the octopus.

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

My favorite board game is Clue. I collect anything and everything about the game, and I have a collection that includes over 65 pieces!

What is your personal motto/mantra/axiom?

It can't hurt to ask, the worst that will happen is someone will say no.  This motto has taken me to places in my life that I never thought I would be, for example an internationally known podcaster.