Faculty/staff

Dr. Marilyn Uvero

Dr. Maria Flerida S. Maloles

Joseph Abernethy

Dr. Jose Candelario

Kate Lyons Landry

Johnathan Ripetoe

Dr. Mohammad-Ali Masnadi-Shirazi

Fareed John Dibazar

Fareed John Dibazar, MPH

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Fareed John Dibazar, MPH, joined AUHS in Spring 2026, bringing more than 15 years of experience across public and private health sciences sectors and STEM education. Professor Dibazar earned his bachelor’s degrees in Evolutionary Biology and Political Science–International Relations from the University of California, San Diego, before matriculating to the Keck School of Medicine at USC where he completed his Master of Public Health in Health Services and Policy under Dr. Michael Cousineau.

Professor Dibazar previously served Los Angeles County as a Staff Analyst Lead with the Department of Public Health, developing pandemic mobile vaccine efforts and most recently developing policy and infrastructure for the Health Information Management Section within Substance Abuse Prevention and Control. He currently also serves as an Academic Project Coordinator with HonorHealth, coordinating clinical education initiatives supporting its partnership with Arizona State University’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering.

Additionally, Professor Dibazar remains actively engaged in STEM education through his service on Triangle Fraternity’s National Council, supporting undergraduate organizations in STEM and medical/clinical education while also directly advising on curriculum development. His interests and hobbies in his free time include agricultural health, comparative theology, being in the outdoors, reading, and cooking.

Jose Candelario, MS, MEd, DC, PhD (c), MBA (c), MDiv (c)

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Dr. Jose Candelario is a dedicated educator with more than two decades of experience in science and healthcare education. His areas of expertise include anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and microbiology, with a strong emphasis on connecting foundational scientific knowledge to real-world clinical applications and preparing students for careers in healthcare.

His academic and professional background includes advanced training in chiropractic studies, human biology, educational technology, and theology, reflecting a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to education and student development.

Dr. Candelario is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Health Sciences and Educational Leadership at Liberty University, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His continued academic pursuits reflect his commitment to lifelong learning, educational innovation, and excellence in higher education.

As an educator, Dr. Candelario is committed to creating an inclusive, academically rigorous, and faith-informed learning environment where students are supported and challenged to reach their full potential. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, resilience, and service—qualities essential for future healthcare professionals.

Through his dedication to science, faith, and education, Dr. Candelario strives to inspire students not only to achieve academic and professional success but also to become compassionate and responsible leaders who make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Johnathan Ripetoe

+1 (562) 363-6099

admission@auracademy.org

John Ripetoe is an English educator who earned his M.A. in English from California State University, Long Beach. His teaching is grounded in the belief that students become stronger writers when they are given meaningful things to think about, question, and discuss. In his classroom, writing is not treated simply as a set of rules to master, but as a way for students to enter conversations, test ideas, and communicate what they think with greater clarity and purpose.

Much of Professor Ripetoe’s teaching centers on helping students become more comfortable with the uncertainty that comes with reading, writing, and critical thinking. He encourages students to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and understand that strong academic work often begins with curiosity rather than certainty. His interests as both a teacher and scholar focus on the ways language, culture, identity, and power shape how people are understood and whose voices are taken seriously.

At American University Research Academy, he strives to create a classroom that is both supportive and demanding. He believes students should feel comfortable taking intellectual risks while also being challenged to explain their reasoning, support their claims, and take responsibility for the choices they make as writers. He views teaching as a collaborative process that helps students become more independent and confident in their own thinking.

Ultimately, Professor Ripetoe hopes students leave his classroom seeing themselves differently as writers and thinkers. More than producing a successful essay, he wants students to develop the confidence to ask difficult questions, engage seriously with perspectives beyond their own, and recognize that their ideas can contribute meaningfully to conversations both inside and outside the classroom.

Steve Ryan

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Steve Ryan is an experienced educator, journalist, editor, and academic leader with a professional background spanning higher education, journalism, publishing, and program development. He holds a Master’s degree in English from the City College of New York and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Staten Island.

Throughout his career, Steve has held a variety of professional roles, including journalist and editor at the New York Post, editor at LFP Publishing Inc., and Program Development Manager at Upper Deck. His experience across multiple industries brings a broad perspective to his teaching and academic leadership.

Since 2010, Steve has been dedicated to higher education, teaching at several institutions. He currently serves as a professor at the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS), American University Research Academy (AURA), Stanbridge University, University of Phoenix, and American Military University.

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Steve serves as Assistant Program Director for the General Education program at Stanbridge University. His extensive experience in communication, curriculum development, and higher education reflects his commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Alma Pineda, BS

Student Services

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Alma Pineda currently serves as the Assistant Director of Student Affairs and University Registrar at the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS). She has been a dedicated member of the AUHS community since 2012, bringing more than 14 years of institutional experience and extensive knowledge in student affairs, academic administration, student records, registration, and university operations.

As Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Ms. Pineda supports students throughout their academic journey and works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and university departments to strengthen student services and enhance the overall student experience. She also oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of institutional events, working across departments to ensure that university programs, student activities, ceremonies, and special events are successfully organized and aligned with the institution’s mission and objectives.

As University Registrar, Ms. Pineda manages student academic records, coordinates in-seat and online course registration, conducts degree audits, verifies completion of academic requirements, and certifies students for graduation. She also oversees the day-to-day operations of the Records/Registrar’s Office and helps ensure the accuracy, confidentiality, and integrity of student records.

Through more than 14 years of service at AUHS, Ms. Pineda has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, institutional engagement, and operational excellence. Her extensive institutional knowledge and leadership enable her to serve as an important resource for students, faculty, and administration while supporting students from enrollment through graduation and contributing to a vibrant and engaged university community.

Maria Flerida S. Maloles, DBA, MBA, BSBA

Director of Admissions, Marketing and Sales

+1 (562) 363-6097

mmaloles@auracademy.org

Dr. Maria Flerida S. Maloles is an accomplished educational administrator, marketing executive, researcher, and student advocate with extensive experience in admissions, enrollment management, institutional marketing, publications, event operations, and student services.

Throughout her career, Dr. Maloles has held several leadership positions within higher education. At the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS), she served in progressively responsible roles, including Director of Marketing and Publications; Director of Admissions, Events, and Marketing Operations; and Director of Sales, Marketing, and Admissions. In these positions, she helped strengthen the university’s visibility, develop student-recruitment initiatives, coordinate institutional events, oversee admissions activities, and guide prospective students and families through the enrollment process.

Dr. Maloles currently contributes her leadership and expertise to American University Research Academy (AURA), where she supports school development, marketing, student recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and community outreach. She plays an important role in communicating AURA’s educational mission and promoting its Christian-centered learning environment, International Baccalaureate education, dual-enrollment opportunities, and specialized Health Sciences Pathway for students interested in pre-medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare professions.

Among her most significant academic accomplishments is earning a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Relationship Between Servant Leadership and Administrative Authority in Educational Institutions: A Descriptive Case Study,” examined how educational leaders can balance administrative authority with servant-leadership principles. Her research found that this balance can encourage collaboration, strengthen organizational support, improve employee job satisfaction, and help educational institutions achieve their goals.

Dr. Maloles also earned a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in the Philippines. Her combination of advanced business education, organizational-leadership research, and practical experience allows her to connect institutional strategy with the individual needs of students and families.

Her accomplishments reflect a career devoted to educational advancement, institutional growth, community engagement, and service-oriented leadership. Dr. Maloles remains passionate about creating meaningful educational opportunities, strengthening relationships between schools and their communities, and helping students prepare for successful futures in healthcare, business, and other professional fields.

David Omut, MBA

Business and Economics Instructor

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

David Omut is currently serving as the Director of the Simulation Laboratory and Interprofessional Education at the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS). With more than 13 years of experience in healthcare simulation, he has played an integral role in developing and advancing simulation and interprofessional education programs at AUHS.

Prior to joining AUHS, Mr. Omut gained extensive experience working with Allied Health and Nursing schools and contributed to the development of simulation programs for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools. He also worked with Laerdal Medical, a global leader in healthcare simulation and training solutions.

Mr. Omut earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western Governors University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from California State University, Fullerton. His combined background in nursing, business, healthcare education, and simulation provides a strong foundation for his leadership in developing innovative and effective learning experiences.

Mr. Omut is passionate about applying evidence-based practices to enhance learning through simulation and interprofessional education. Through the development of realistic clinical scenarios and the use of advanced simulation manikins and technologies, he is committed to providing high-quality, hands-on training that strengthens clinical skills, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork while preparing students for collaborative practice in real-world healthcare environments.

Grygorii Koval

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Grygorii Koval is an accomplished classical guitarist and music educator with extensive international teaching and performance experience. Since 2014, he has taught classical guitar in Switzerland, working with students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

In 2017, Grygorii earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy from the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). He later continued his advanced musical studies at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, Switzerland, where he studied under renowned guitarist and Professor Lorenzo Micheli. In June 2021, he earned his second master’s degree in Music Performance.

In addition to his solo performances, Grygorii is an active chamber musician and has collaborated with a variety of instrumentalists. He has participated in prestigious international masterclasses, including the Summer Guitar School in Siena, Italy, with Professor Oscar Ghiglia, and has studied with internationally acclaimed guitarists including Pablo Márquez, Marcin Dylla, Aniello Desiderio, and Pepe Romero.

Grygorii is currently completing his doctoral studies in Classical Guitar Performance at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he also serves as a Teaching Assistant in the studio of Grammy-nominated guitarist Professor Bill Kanengiser. His combination of international performance experience, advanced academic training, and dedication to music education reflects his commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.

Kate Lyons Landry, MFA, MEd, BA

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Kate Landry is an accomplished educator and fine arts professional with a strong interdisciplinary background in visual arts, education, and the humanities. Her academic preparation combines advanced artistic training with graduate-level expertise in education, providing her with a well-rounded foundation for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful student engagement.

Ms. Landry earned her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Laguna College of Art and Design and her Master of Education (MEd) from Framingham State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the College of the Holy Cross. Originally from Maine, her educational journey has provided her with diverse academic and creative experiences that continue to influence her approach to teaching and learning.

Through her background in both fine arts and education, Ms. Landry brings together artistic practice and effective teaching methodologies to create engaging and supportive learning experiences. She recognizes the important role of the arts in developing students’ creativity, communication, observation, problem-solving, and ability to express ideas with confidence and purpose.

Ms. Landry is committed to encouraging students to explore their individual perspectives while developing strong artistic and academic foundations. Her approach emphasizes creativity, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth, helping students develop skills that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to their success in higher education and their future endeavors.

Mohammad-Ali Masnadi-Shirazi, PhD

949 449 5086

mamasnadi@auracademy.org

Dr. Mohammad-Ali Masnadi-Shirazi is an accomplished educator, researcher, and electrical engineer with extensive academic and research experience in electrical and computer engineering, statistical signal processing, and digital filtering. Throughout his career, he has held teaching and research positions at universities in both the United States and internationally.

Dr. Masnadi-Shirazi earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Shiraz University in Shiraz, Iran, and his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His advanced academic training has provided a strong foundation for his work in engineering education and research.

He has served as a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Shiraz University, where he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and the advancement of engineering education. His academic experience also includes serving as a Visiting Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington and as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

Earlier in his academic career, Dr. Masnadi-Shirazi served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of New Mexico and taught electronics as an instructor at the Shiraz College of Electronics at Shiraz University. These roles contributed to his extensive experience in teaching engineering concepts at multiple levels of higher education.

Dr. Masnadi-Shirazi’s research interests focus primarily on statistical signal processing, adaptive digital filtering, and optimal digital filtering. His combination of theoretical expertise, research experience, and longstanding commitment to teaching enables him to bring advanced engineering concepts into the classroom while encouraging analytical thinking, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving among students.

Razieh Mousavi

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Razieh Mousavi is an experienced language educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience in high school settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Translation and a Certificate IV in TESOL from the Australian Language Training Institute.

Throughout her career, Razieh has developed extensive expertise in language acquisition, classroom instruction, and curriculum design. Her proficiency in multiple languages enhances her ability to connect with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and support their individual learning needs.

With a strong commitment to effective language education, Razieh brings decades of classroom experience and a student-centered approach to her teaching, helping students strengthen their communication skills, language proficiency, and confidence as learners.

Brent Davis, PhD

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Dr. Brent M. Davis is currently serving as a faculty member at the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS), where he brings extensive experience in English language education, applied linguistics, psychology, ethics, and biblical studies. He also coordinates AUHS Campus Ministry, Salt & Light, supporting the university’s commitment to faith, service, and community.

Dr. Davis earned his PhD in Speech Science and Technology and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics from the University of Southern California. He also holds a Master of Arts from California State University, Fresno, and a Bachelor of Arts from Fresno Pacific University. His multidisciplinary academic background includes specialized training in psychology and biblical studies, providing a strong foundation for his work as both an educator and mentor.

His areas of subject matter expertise include English as a Second Language (ESL), Ethics, and Bible Studies. As an experienced ESL educator, Dr. Davis has focused on language acquisition, pronunciation, applied linguistics, cultural understanding, and effective communication. His scholarly work has explored topics such as acoustic phonetics, cultural perspectives in education, and English-language teaching.

Dr. Davis is also an accomplished author, researcher, presenter, and international keynote speaker. His publications include works on pronunciation instruction, cultural understanding, English-language education, and business English. He has presented his work internationally and has served as a keynote speaker at the London International Conference.

His current research interests include Christian community development and discipleship. Through his teaching, scholarship, and leadership in Campus Ministry, Dr. Davis is committed to fostering academic excellence, meaningful cross-cultural communication, ethical development, and a strong sense of faith and service among students.

Mina Hosseini, M.S. Biomedical Engineering

International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Mina Hosseini holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering and is an experienced educator and academic leader with extensive expertise in International Baccalaureate (IB) education, curriculum development, and program implementation. Since 2013, she has been actively involved in teaching and leading across the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP).

Ms. Hosseini currently serves as an IB Educator Network (IBEN) leader, contributing her knowledge and experience to the advancement of high-quality IB teaching and learning practices. Her work reflects a strong understanding of IB philosophy, curriculum frameworks, interdisciplinary learning, assessment practices, and the development of rigorous academic programs that encourage inquiry, critical thinking, and global awareness.

Her background in biomedical engineering provides a strong scientific and analytical foundation that complements her expertise in education. This multidisciplinary experience enables her to connect STEM-based learning with innovative curriculum design and real-world applications while supporting students in developing problem-solving, research, and critical-thinking skills.

Throughout her career, Ms. Hosseini has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and effective educational leadership. Her experience across multiple IB programs provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the student learning journey and the importance of creating continuity and academic progression from the primary years through the Diploma Programme.

Through her work as an educator and IB leader, Ms. Hosseini is committed to creating engaging and academically challenging learning environments that prepare students to become independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and globally minded individuals equipped for success in higher education and beyond.

Marilyn Uvero, PhD(c), EdD, MSN, RN

AURA Acting Head; AUHS Provost/CNA/Vice-President/Chief Operating Officer

+1 (562) 363-6099

admissions@auracademy.org

Dr. Marilyn Uvero is a distinguished education executive with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, academic leadership, and nursing education. Throughout her career, she has held key leadership positions, including Provost, Dean of Student Affairs, Academic Senate member, and Chair of Nursing Programs.

Dr. Uvero has demonstrated extensive expertise in strategic and operational planning, academic program development, institutional leadership, and strengthening organizations’ competitive positions within the education sector. Her leadership has contributed to the development and advancement of academic programs designed to support institutional growth and student success.

In recognition of her academic achievements and professional contributions, Dr. Uvero was inducted by Walden University as an Honoree Member of Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.

Dr. Uvero earned her PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and her Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is currently pursuing an additional PhD in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University’s School of Public Policy and is completing her dissertation.

Faculty/Staff