Mathematics/Science Division

The Mathematics/Computer Information Systems/Science Division manages the following degree concentrations: Biotechnology, Computer Information Systems, Environmental Studies (two options) and Life Science. Three full-time instructors and one laboratory manager comprise this division. Biographical sketches follow.

Dr. Bill Tarutis
Dr. William J. Tarutis, Jr., Associate Professor of Natural Science, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School. He completed his B.S. degree at Wilkes College, where he double-majored in earth & environmental sciences and biology. Dr. Tarutis then continued his education and served as a graduate research assistant at Pennsylvania State University, where he obtained an M.S. degree in environmental pollution control and a Ph.D. degree in ecology. He holds credentials from two scientific societies as a Certified Ecologist and a Professional Wetland Scientist. Before coming to Lackawanna College, Dr. Tarutis served on the faculty of Wilkes University, where he taught courses in environmental science and ecology and worked on projects involving the treatment of acid mine drainage using wetlands.

At Lackawanna College, Dr. Tarutis has developed and taught all of the natural science courses offered by the College, and he is currently serving as Chairperson of the Mathematics/Computer Information Systems/Natural Science Division. He was recently awarded a National Science Foundation grant for course and curricular innovations in environmental quality, and he also does research in the areas of environmental restoration and wetland delineation/ecology.

Dr. Tarutis is a PIAA official for high school football and basketball, and he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a community service organization. Dr. Tarutis lives in Wilkes-Barre with his wife, Mary Ann, and son, Billy.

Mr. Lee Janczak
Mr. Lee Janczak joined the faculty of Lackawanna College as a full-time instructor in 1983 and is now a tenured assistant professor in the Computer Information Systems/Math Division. Mr. Janczak earned a Master of Science degree in Management Science with a concentration in Information Systems from Marywood University in 1990. He also earned an Associate in Science degree in Information Systems from Lackawanna College in 1974. His Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (Earth and Space Science) from the Pennsylvania State University was awarded in 1983.

Mr. Janczak presently teaches courses in the Microsoft Office Suite of Applications, Management Information Systems, Computer Programming, Algebra, and Statistics. Primarily an instructor, Mr. Janczak also serves on faculty committees and is an academic advisor to students.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Janczak enjoys bowling, gardening, and reading.

Mr. Lawrence Pugliese
Lawrence S. Pugliese is an Instructor of Mathematics, among other things. In 1989 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology, Columbus, Ohio. After a term as Senior Technical Writer at Loral Control Systems he left to spend five months traveling through France and Italy working as a migrant fruit picker, painting, writing, and exploring the rich cultures of these two “old world” countries. His sense of family drew him back to his native Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Upon his return, Lawrence was accepted at Vermont Law School, and soon after earned a Master of Studies in Law degree - with an emphasis on Environmental Law & Policy. After graduating, he spent one year as an individual aide/teacher’s aide at a rural high school in Vermont. He worked primarily with students of significant abilities and disabilities: very high IQ’s, low IQ’s, emotional problems. However, once again, Lawrence was drawn back to his hometown.

He worked on local farms as a tomato inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and as a project inspector for Acker Associates Consulting Engineers. He began writing essays & special reports for two local periodicals. This inspired him to start his own monthly magazine while seeking work he had come to believe truly fulfilling and important, teaching. In 1995 he was hired as a faculty member at Lackawanna College.

Lawrence has taught all levels of mathematics offered at Lackawanna College, as well as Critical Thinking & Communication, Environmental Law & Policy and Social Problems. He believes it a privilege and pleasure to work with the diverse student body attracted to Lackawanna. He also teaches monthly seminars on Critical Thinking at the University of Scranton within the University of Success program.

Lawrence is very much a community activist. He is chairman of The Lackawanna County Diversity Coalition, and co-chair and founding member of the United Cultures Community Council (U.C.C.C.) of Scranton Tomorrow. Through U.C.C.C. he created, produces and co-hosts a social issues program called Let’s Talk People, which broadcasts monthly on public access television.

Lawrence also thoroughly enjoys painting, reading, conversing with most of the people he encounters, and, in varying proportions, sharing time with his family and friends.

Mr. Anthony M. DiMattia
Anthony M. DiMattia is an Instructor in Developmental Education/Mathematics at the College. As such, he teaches the whole range of mathematics courses, beginning with developmental levels and culminating in pre-calculus. Mr. DiMattia earned an Associate’s Degree in Education from Lackawanna College and BA in Elementary Education from King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.). Prior to his faculty appointment, Mr. DiMattia served as the Math Specialist/Math Lab Coordinator in the College’s tutoring lab. Mr. DiMattia has also been the College’s head baseball coach since 1999.

Mr. DiMattia began his service with the College as an admissions advisor and assistant baseball coach for two years. He also volunteered his time as a youth coach in the Old Forge Teener Leagues. During high school, Mr. DiMattia was a member of the 1992 Pennsylvania State Class AA Baseball Championship Team.

Mr. DiMattia is a member PADE (Pennsylvania Association for Developmental Educators), NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), and ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association).

Deborah Prazych

Debbie Prazych is an Assistant Professor in the Math/Science and Business Divisions at Lackawanna College. Prior to this position, she served as the Mathematics Specialist in the Academic Improvement Center. She currently teaches Introduction to Algebra, College Algebra, Math Reasoning, Introduction to Computer Applications, Advanced Computer Applications and Excel Spreadsheets. Mrs. Prazych received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Scranton. She has received certificates for training seminars in information technology and has attended, workshops and conferences relating to developmental education, college mathematics and computer technology.

Mrs. Prazych has taught in the Mathematics Department in the Scranton and Abington Heights school districts, in the Continuing Education Department at Marywood University and in the Mathematics/Science division at Keystone College.

Outside of the academic world, she previously worked as an Information Systems Consultant and Systems Analyst in the insurance business.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Prazych serves on the Academic Standards and Online Advisory Committees. She is a member of PADE (Pennsylvania Association for Developmental Educators), NADE(National Association for Developmental Educators), (NCTM) National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, (MAA) Mathematical Association of America, and the Northeastern PA Consortium of Mathematics Professors.

In her spare time, Mrs. Prazych enjoys golf, shopping and fitness classes. She resides in Clarks Summit with her husband Jerry.