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Professor Axton received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from SUNY Potsdam, NY, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care from Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. He then completed a Master of Science degree in Health Sciences Education and Evaluation from the University at Buffalo. Ken started his teaching career at Erie Community College, Buffalo, NY, and in 1981 he joined the Respiratory Care faculty at Stony Brook University. He served as Director of Clinical Education from 1981-1989, and Program Director from 1990-2001. In 1998 Professor Axton developed a graduate certificate program in environmental and occupational health and safety in collaboration with the School of Professional Studies at Stony Brook.

Professor Axton’s area of teaching expertise focuses around adult critical care, pulmonary pathophysiology, mechanical ventilation, and clinical teaching techniques. During his time at Stony Brook, he has been honored by the student body for excellence in teaching and outstanding dedication to both the program and to the School of Health Technology and Management (1985, 2004). Ken has also published a number of professional articles, and he has been an invited conference speaker in the areas of curriculum development, health promotion, and leadership development in the health sciences. Current areas of research include the efficacy of online ventilator management and an ethnographic study on the culture and practice of leadership.

Professor Axton has served the profession in the capacity of Board member, Secretary, and President of the Southeastern Chapter of the New York State Society for Respiratory Care (NYSSRC). He has also served as a Board Member of the NYSSRC and has served as a committee member/chair of several state and national committees. Ken is currently serving as a membership ambassador for the American Association for Respiratory Care. He has received several local, state and national meritorious awards and has continued to maintain his clinical skills at Southside Hospital and Southampton Hospital on Long Island. Ken is a charter member of the Stony Brook chapter of Lambda Beta, the national honor society for respiratory care. He is also a faculty inductee of Alpha Eta, the national honor society for the allied health professions. In 1999, Professor Axton was a Faculty of Distinction honoree of Stony Brook University.

Ken is currently a doctoral candidate in Higher Education Administration at New York University. In his “free” time, he enjoys boating, fishing, camping, and is remodeling his newly purchased home on Long Island. He also takes time out to enjoy the diverse cultures and events found in New York City.