July 2011

Around Campus

Delaney outlines University-wide goals for coming year
By Cathy Cole

When President John A. Delaney addressed administrative and professional employees at their annual meeting in early June, he talked about the two things he really wants the University to concentrate on in the coming year — fiscal responsibility and service to our students, their families and one another.

 

“Since the recession started, we have been operating under the premise that we do not want to engage in layoffs,” Delaney told employees gathered in the University Center ballroom. “We’ve made it a priority to protect the people who work here. And we are continuing to embrace that premise.”

 

While economists are still quibbling over whether the economy is taking another dip or is on the rise, the very real fact is that every dollar counts at the University of North Florida in a year when federal stimulus money has been expended and the state legislature has reduced higher-education budgets across the state. And while UNF’s financial outlook is sound for the coming year, Delaney and his executive staff are taking precautions now to ensure that it remains that way well into the next year.

 

For fiscal year 2011-12, a reduction in funding, coupled with the absence of federal stimulus money, was mostly offset by savings the University has realized in the past few years and an anticipated increase in tuition and fees.

 

Delaney assured the crowd that day-to-day operations of the University will remain the same in the coming year. Most employees and certainly the students will not see or feel any drastic changes. In order to do that, Delaney has asked that everyone at the University be mindful of how he or she spends.

 

“While we hope that recession has hit bottom and the economy will start to get better,” he said, “we still need to be careful. Anything we can save this year will help next year. We want to hang on to the people who work here and still preserve the quality of service to our students and their families.”

 

And quality service will be at the forefront of University efforts in the coming year, Delaney said. To make his point, the president talked about the start of his career when he worked for the late Ed Austin, State Attorney and former mayor of Jacksonville.

 

“Ed, who was a great mentor and friend, used to say that if someone comes to you in your office with an issue — even if it is about a barking dog and you are thinking 'Barking dog? We are dealing with murders and rapes, and this person wants to complain about a barking dog?',” Delaney said. “But no matter, if they take the time to make an appointment and come down to see you — it is the most important thing in the world to them at that moment and you owe it to them to listen.”        

 

While he understood the point his boss was trying to make, Delaney said it did not really hit home until a family with barking dogs moved in next door.

 

“After so many nights without sleep and not being able sit on our back deck, I got it,” he said to a big laugh in the ballroom. “I could see Ed’s point.”

 

And he encourages each member of the UNF staff to take a minute and see things from the students’ point of view.

 

“Take a minute and really listen to what they are saying and respond accordingly,” he said. “Find a way to be as nice and kind as you possibly can to everyone who comes into your office. If a student or a colleague comes to you with a problem, it is the biggest thing in the world to them at that particular moment. See how you can help them. I want UNF to be known as the University that really cares about the people [who are] enrolled or work here.”

Around Campus

State budget brings good news, not-so-good news
By Cathy Cole

Janet Owen, UNF vice president for Governmental Affairs, has spent much of the spring in Tallahassee, monitoring the legislature and working to minimize budget reductions to the University. And while the legislature cut a significant amount to all institutions of higher education in the state of Florida, the ramifications to the overall UNF budget were minimized greatly, due in part to prior planning and an expected increase in tuition and fees.

 

Though the UNF budget has withstood the overall reduction in state funding, there are still financial implications for UNF employees.

 

Senate Bill 2100 was recently signed into law, making substantive changes to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Effective Friday, July 1, all budgeted employees will be required to contribute 3 percent of their gross-eligible earnings to their respective retirement plans. This includes employees in the FRS pension plan and investment plan as well as the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). The deductions will be automatically made by UNF.

 

“Our paychecks are going to be less,” Owen said. “The state needed money, they needed it from us and they needed it now.”

 

“It is new and it is mandatory. No employee action needs to be taken,” said Rachelle Gottlieb, vice president for Human Resources.

 

Employees in the ORP will also contribute 3 percent of their pre-tax earnings. UNF will continue to contribute 7.42 percent to the ORP. Some action may need to be taken by the employee, but HR will contact those staff members individually to outline the steps that must be taken.

 

Members participating in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) and re-employed retirees who are not allowed to renew membership will not be required to make the 3 percent contribution. In addition, members with an effective DROP begin date before June 2011 will retain an annual interest rate of 6.5 percent. Those who have a DROP begin date July 1, 2011 or after will be reduced to 1.3 percent.

 

Members with an effective retirement date or DROP begin date before August 1, 2011 will not have a change in their 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Members with an effective retirement date or DROP begin date August 1, 2011 or after will have an individually calculated COLA that is a reduction from 3 percent using the following formula: The total years of service before July 1, 2011, divided by the total years of service at retirement. Multiply this number by 3 percent to get the COLA number. If a member who retires effective July 1, 2012 with 30 years of service of which 29 occurred before July 1, 2011, the formula looks like 29/30 = .9667 x .03 = 2.9 percent. This member will receive a 2.9 percent COLA each year. 

 

The changes for members first enrolled in FRS July 1, 2011 or later are significant. Vesting for the pension plan benefit eligibility will be after the completion of eight years of creditable service. The average final compensation (AFC) used in calculating benefits will be the highest eight fiscal years of salary.

 

The definition of a normal retirement will also change for new employees enrolled on or after July 1. Members of the regular class, senior management service class and elected officers’ class will reach their normal retirement date, which is the first day of the month after the member reaches age 65 and is vested; or the first day of the month following the date the member completes 33 years of creditable service, regardless of age, before age 65.

 

Members of the special risk class will reach their normal retirement date the first day of the month after the member reaches age 60 and is vested; or the first day of the month following the date the member completes 30 years of creditable service in the special risk class, regardless of age, before age 60; or the first day of the month following the date the member reaches age 57 and completes 30 years of service comprised of special risk class and up to four years wartime military service purchases under Section 121.111, Florida Statutes.

 

“We all need to practice patience and civility,” Owen said. “HR is doing the best they can and will get us the information as they get it.”

 

For further information, visit the HR website at www.unf.edu/hr, contact Jennifer Neidhardt or Deborah Bundy in the Office of Human Resources at (904) 620-2903 — or call the Bureau of Retirement Calculations at (888) 738-2252 or (850) 488-6491. 

Around Campus

MOCA Jacksonville launches Project Atrium series with 'Killer Art'
By Carl Holman

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a cultural resource of the University of North Florida, is honored to inaugurate its Project Atrium series with a dramatic, salon-style installation of Los Angeles photographer Melanie Pullen’s “High Fashion Crime Scenes.”

 

This exhibition will be on display from Saturday, July 16, to Sunday, Nov. 6. Pullen will conduct a lecture about her work and creative process at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at the museum, which is located at 333 North Laura Street, next to the main library.
 

 


For her series, Pullen focused on the violent past of her adopted city — Los Angeles. Particularly interested in the tumultuous years of the 1940s and 1950s, she began investigating the crimes that occurred during these decades. Her “High Fashion Crime Scenes” are based on vintage crime-scene images she mined from the files of the Los Angeles Police Department, the County Coroner’s Office and other primary sources. 
 

 

“The unique placement, dimensions and scale of MOCA’s atrium provide a singular opportunity for engaging contemporary artists such as Pullen in monumental site-specific or site-sensitive projects,” said Marcelle Polednik, director of MOCA Jacksonville. “Beginning with this exciting presentation, each of the Project Atrium exhibitions will present a challenge to the chosen artist — a call to reinvention, and an active collaboration with the architecture of the museum.”
 


 

Pullen was born in New York City in 1975. Her photography has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including solo shows at: Ace Gallery, Los Angeles (2008) and Ace Gallery, Beverly Hills (2005); MiCamera, Milan (2007); and White Wall Gallery, Seoul (2006). Her work has also been included in various museum exhibitions such as: Carnegie Art Museum (2008); The Museum of Photographic Arts (2007); The Contemporary Arts Center and The Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art (2006). Her photographic series have been featured in numerous publications and broadcasts including New York Times Magazine, L.A. Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Art Review, The London Independent on Sunday Review, Vogue, Elle, Fortune, W, GQ, Rolling Stone, Nylon, Photo, Art Forum, National Public Radio, CBS Radio and CBS News. 


 

“When working with the coroner and old police archives, I sought reference photos that often didn’t have any information left over from the crime, as it was a way for me to fill in the apparent blanks; thus, allowing my mind to explore the story,” Pullen said.
 
Drawn to the images preserved in the criminal records, she began reenacting the crime scenes in a series of monumental, highly crafted photographs that weave together the violent scenes from the past with references to the film and fashion industries of contemporary Los Angeles. 
 


 

Using the city as a stage set, and the police records as the stage directions, Pullen’s shoots mimic the elaborate trappings of high-budget film production. As the director, she crafts elaborate story boards for each image, including the original photographic sources, sketches of the final shoot and production notes. She also frequently enlists the help of up to 60 people per shoot, including set builders, makeup artists, stylists and stunt crews. 
 


 

Pullen casts popular actresses or models to play the anonymous victims of the real historical crimes. They appear in the photographs dressed in contemporary high fashion, a point emphasized by titles such as “Half Prada.” Glossy and cinematic, the life-sized prints blur the distinction between past and present, fact and fiction, crime and spectacle.
 

 


For more information about Project Atrium and its related activities, visit www.mocajacksonville.org or call MOCA at (904) 366-6911.

Around Campus

Davis makes the most of opportunities to give back
By Dan Dundon

Phil Davis has spent more than 30 years in the private sector —  much of it devoted to research and development — and has seen firsthand the difference chemistry makes in the lives of individuals. Perhaps that explains why, as a visiting professor of chemistry, he has devoted his UNF gifts to acquisition of lab equipment so today’s students can share in the transformation chemistry makes.

 

As The Power of Transformation campaign surpasses the $95 million mark, examples multiply of faculty and staff who are devoting their gifts to providing transformational experiences for students.

 

Since coming to UNF in 1999, Davis has continued a track record of philanthropy begun in the private sector. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics from Vanderbilt University and his doctorate in chemistry from Rice University, Davis spent two years as a research associate doing postdoctoral work at the University of Kansas. That’s where his devotion to research blossomed and eventually led him to become the vice president of research and development for Betz PaperChem, a subsidiary of Betz Laboratories, a Philadelphia-based chemical products manufacturer.

 

Davis worked several years at the company’s corporate laboratories in Philadelphia and Houston before accepting a transfer to establish a lab in Jacksonville primarily because of its regional proximity to a major segment of the paper industry. The company developed specialty chemicals in Jacksonville for the local pulp and paper industry and employed more than 200 workers.

 

“Most people don’t realize it, but chemicals are involved in the process from the time trees come into the mill to the time paper products are produced,” Davis said.

 

While in this position, Davis became familiar with UNF and eventually was asked to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Arts & Sciences by then-Dean Lew Radonovich and later by then-Dean Mark Workman, now the University’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

 

Though Betz subsequently sold its research unit to another chemical company and closed the Jacksonville operation, Davis decided to stay in Jacksonville and teach. Since entering the classroom, Davis said he has endeavored to illustrate to chemistry students the real-world applications of chemistry and results of laboratory research.

 

“I enjoy being around students and can supply real-life experiences of how chemistry lab work is used to solve important problems that affect us every day,” Davis said. “Walk into any drug store and the end-results of chemistry lab work are all around us. It can be toothpaste, hair products, household cleaners, paper goods or medicines; chemistry research has played a role.”

 

Davis has used a variety of opportunities to make contributions for lab equipment at UNF, which qualified for matching funds under Florida’s Cortellis Matching Grant program. Davis also challenged his faculty colleagues to raise funds in recognition of the service of Ed Healy, the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences from 1984 to 1987 and former chemistry professor of natural sciences.

 

UNF hasn’t been the only beneficiary of his gifts. Davis has made scholarship gifts to three other universities – Vanderbilt, Rice and Middle Tennessee State University, where his grandfather was chairman of the Biology Department.

 

But it’s at UNF where Davis has devoted most of his energy and emphasis on teaching and research. The ability for undergraduates to participate directly in research using such equipment as the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer is an example of a transformational experience not available at some universities.

 

“It’s one thing to do research as part of a course assignment but it’s another thing to be able to work with faculty as part of an independent, leading-edge research project,” Davis said. 

 

Davis is hoping more such opportunities will become available to students as The Power of Transformation campaign nears its $110 million goal.

Ask UNF

Lyme disease in Florida — what you need to know

Summer is almost here and it’s a time when Floridians enjoy spending time outdoors, a place where individuals can be exposed to ticks and possibly Lyme disease. Dr. Kerry Clark, professor of epidemiology and environmental health, discusses the causes and treatments of Lyme disease and how to lower your risk for it.

 

What is Lyme disease? 

Lyme disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria known as a spirochete, transmitted by several species of ticks. Approximately 20,000 cases are reported each year; however, surveys of doctors reveal that the actual number of cases may be 10 times that reported.

  

What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease? 

Most people experience flu-like symptoms of fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. Sometimes a skin rash is present at or near the tick bite site. This rash is often oval shaped and sometimes has a lighter area in the center, which can resemble a bullseye. If not treated early, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. People who develop a late-stage infection often experience neurological symptoms, including chronic headache, fatigue, stiff neck, memory lapses, tingling sensations in the arms or legs and vision problems.

  

How is Lyme disease diagnosed? 

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms (rash, flu-like symptoms, recurrent or relapsing arthritis), combined with the possibility of exposure to ticks. Current lab tests for Lyme disease are not very sensitive, so it’s very difficult to get a positive result with most lab tests available today. On the other hand, false positive lab test results for LD are rare.

  

How is Lyme disease treated? 

Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with several weeks of antibiotics, if recognized and treated early. The success rate for treatment of later stages of illness is less certain, and may require long-term, intravenous antibiotic therapy.

  

Does Lyme disease occur in Florida?  

Yes. The blacklegged or deertick transmits Lyme disease in the northeastern U.S. and is very common in Florida. Plus, there is evidence that another tick species (the lone star tick) may also be transmitting the infection in southern states. Published research has shown that the bacteria is established in wild animals and ticks and recent findings (as yet unpublished) document infection in humans in Florida.

  

Who is at risk for Lyme disease? 

Anyone who spends time outdoors in grassy, brushy or wooded areas or who has contact with pets who frequent such areas could come into contact with an infected tick. Lyme disease infection can be acquired in national forests, state parks and literally in our own backyards. People are at risk for Lyme disease in Florida year-round since the climate allows some human-biting species of ticks to be active throughout the year.

  

What should you do if you get bitten by a tick? 

You should remove the tick as soon as possible. Don’t burn it, cover it with fingernail polish, petroleum jelly or use other folk methods to remove it. Instead, use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out with firm, steady pressure. Clean the bite site with soap and water. Very importantly, save the tick! Put the tick in a plastic Ziplock-type bag. Include a note card that records the date and where you believe you picked up the tick.

  

What should you do if you think you might have Lyme disease? 

See your health care provider. If you saved the tick, take it your doctor. If your doctor thinks you might have Lyme disease and you are willing, he or she may agree to collect and send a blood sample to the UNF lab for research testing.

 

How can you reduce your risk for Lyme disease or other tick-transmitted infections? 

• Avoid areas infested by ticks
• Apply repellents such as those that contain DEET or permethrin (always follow label directions)
• Wear light-colored clothing that makes it easier to see ticks on you
• Check yourself and your children for ticks often during outdoor activities in tick-infested areas

Who can I contact for more information? 

• Contact NEFLA at northeastfloridalymeassociation.org
• Contact Dr. Clark at UNF. If you would like to send ticks for identification or possibly participate in the Lyme disease study, contact Clark kclark@unf.edu or at (904) 620-1427.

“Ask UNF” is a monthly column that runs in The Florida Times-Union, promoting the expertise of UNF faculty and staff. If you have questions about this topic, contact Clark at kclark@unf.edu. 

Dateline

Milestone anniversaries 

Congratulations to the following employees who will celebrate a milestone anniversary at UNF in July.

  

25 years 

Flora Coleman, Executive Secretary, EOP

  

20 years 

Katharine Brown, Senior Instructor, School of Computing

Magdeline Steinbrecher, Office Manager, Political Science and Public Administration

  

15 years 

Eugene Davis, Senior Recycle and Refuse Worker, Physical Facilities

  

10 years 

Sue Leone, Senior Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

 

Five years 

Nicole Atkinson, Coordinator of Events Planning, Fine Arts Center

Juliette Blaylock, Accounts Payable Receiving Associate, Controller’s Office

Teresa Campbell, Senior University Union Program Specialist, Student Government

Angela Davis, Office Manager, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Alice DeLeon, Coordinator of Marketing Publications, Florida Institute of Education

Jorge Febles, Chair, Languages, Literature and Cultures

Michelle Godoy, Senior Accountant, Treasury

Annie Gomez, Business Systems Analyst, Information Technology Services

John Hale, Director, Physical Facilities

Sharon Harris, Database Administrator, Florida Institute of Education

Nakya Henderson, Coordinator of Accounting, Training and Services Institute

Cara Lourcey, Executive Secretary, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

Luisa Martinez, Coordinator of International Student Affairs, Center for International Education

Deidre Meehan, Executive Secretary, College of Education and Human Services Dean’s Office

Robert Richardson, Specialist, Academic Research Technology Service, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

Erin Soles, Coordinator of Academic Support Services, Center for Instruction and Research Technology

James Sorce, Instructor/Adviser, Building Construction Management

Jennifer Spaulding-Givens, Instructor, Sociology and Anthropology

Claribel Torres-Lugo, Director of Assessment Research, College of Education and Human Services

 

Welcome 

The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions from mid-May to mid-June:

 

Jessica Barber, Program Assistant, Continuing Education

Kermella Broadnaz, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Maria Cartolano, Executive Secretary, Administration and Finance

Cathy Harris, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Kristopher Hatcher, Coordinator of Student Financial Aid, Enrollment Service Processing

Casey Knowles, Accounting Associate, Physical Facilities

Kristin Kristen, Coordinator of Education Training Programs, Continuing Education

William Moon, Assistant Basketball Coach, Intercollegiate Athletics

Courtney Morrot, Coordinator, Office of Admissions

Holly Morse, Assistant Director of Special Events, Public Relations

Patricia Pineda, Assistant Teacher, Child Development Research Center

Colleen Sharp, Production Specialist, Fine Arts Center

Virginia Smith, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Michele Snow, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department

April Somers, Office Manager, Building Construction Management

Kimberly Valdes, Police Communications Operator, University Police Department

Jarrett Zongker, Technical Support Specialist, Enrollment Services

  

Well done 

The following employees were promoted from mid-May to mid-June. Their new titles are listed after their names.

 

Jennifer Garrow, Senior Information Technology Support Technician, Information Technology Services

Charles Learch, Director of Academic Support Services, The Graduate School

Khiem Ma, Senior Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Valerie Murphy, Associate Director, Continuing Education

Anjum Naeem, Teacher, Child Development Research Center

Dwayne Peterson, Coordinator of Academic Support Services, Brooks College of Health

 

Best wishes 

The following employees left the University from mid-May to mid-June:

 

James Abdur-Rahman, Senior Custodial Supervisor, Physical Facilities

Joshua Bailey, Recycle and Refuse Worker, Physical Facilities

Julie Betz-Cabera, Senior Academic Adviser, Academic Center for Excellence

William Bryan, Coordinator of Audio Visual, University Center

Carla Doty, Academic Adviser, Academic Center for Excellence

Thomas Felton, Parking Services Technician, University Parking

Jonathan Greene, Maintenance Specialist, Physical Facilities

John Harrington, Groundskeeper, Physical Facilities

Mary Beth Janson, Program Assistant, Student Health Services

Epifanio Mallari, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Bruce McLean, Landscape Grounds Supervisor, Physical Facilities

Rosana Moreira, Coordinator, Student Affairs

Melissa Perry, Executive Secretary, Brooks College of Health

Jeffrey Steagall, Professor, Economics Department

Carolyn Tremoglie, Accounts Payable Receiving Associate, University Housing

Jennifer Zuniga, Teacher, Child Development Research Center

  

Congratulations 

Jessica Barber, a program assistant in Continuing Education, was named to the dean’s list at Florida State College at Jacksonville for the spring term. Barber works full time at UNF while attending classes full time at FSCJ where she will graduate this summer with an associate’s degree. Barber will begin work on her bachelor’s degree in communication at UNF this fall.

  

Nancy Boyle, assistant director for research program services at the Small Business Development Center; Janice Donaldson, the director of the Small Business Development Center; Cathy Hagan, the associate director of the Small Business Center; and Kevin Monahan, coordinator for research program services at the Small Business Development Center, were recently chosen among the Top 50 Business Influencers by Advantage Business Magazine. 

 

Melanie Speaks, a laboratory technician in the Chemistry Department, married Alijha Wright May 5. The newlyweds celebrated with friends and family at the Garden Club of Jacksonville.

 

Dr. Michael P. Toglia, chair of the Psychology Department, received aFulbright Specialist Grant to serve as a U.S. Senior Specialist at the Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Mexico, in March. In April he also received the Mentor of the Year award at the annual University-wide research conference, Scholars Transforming Academic Research Symposium (STARS), which is coordinated and sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, and in May he was awarded Fellow status in the Midwestern Psychological Association.

Faculty & Staff

Brooks College of Health 

 

No submissions this month

  

Coggin College of Business 

 

Economics and Geography: Dr. Chris Baynard presented a paper at ESRI’s Petroleum User Group Conference in April in Houston titled “The Landscape Infrastructure Footprint in Eastern Ecuador.” Additionally, Baynard moderated the session “Landscapes of Extraction” and presented a paper titled “The Landscape Infrastructure Footprint of Oil Development (Venezuela)” at the Association of American Geographer's Annual meeting in Seattle, also in April.

 

Management: Dr. Ron Adam’s article titled “A Brief Review and Assessment of the Leegin Decision: Who Wins and Who Loses When Manufacturers are Free to Set Retail Prices?” will be published in Business and Society Review, Vol. 116, No. 2. 

 

College of Arts and Sciences 

  

Chemistry: Dr. Robert Vergenz and his student, Kevin Moore, presented the poster, “Effects of Methyl-Donated Hydrogen Bonds on Tertiary Structure and Function of Hyaluronate Lyase,” at the Florida American Chemical Society Meeting and Exposition in May in Palm Bay.

  

History: Dr. Philip Kaplan delivered a paper, “Pirates, Warlords and Thalassocrats: The Rise of Sea Power in the Mediterranean” at the Association of Ancient Historians Annual Meeting in Erie, Penn., in May.

 

Physics: Dr. John Anderson presented a talk called “Are We Alone in the Universe?” at Jacksonville’s Museum of Science and History as part of the museum’s Astronomy Day festivities in May. Anderson is a member of the advisory board for the museum’s Bryan-Gooding Planetarium.

 

Dr. Lev Gasparov presented a talk titled “Raman Study of the Verwey Transition in Magnetite at High-Pressure and Low-Temperature: Effect of Al-Doping” at the International Magnetics Conference in April in Taipei, Taiwan.

 

Sociology and Anthropology: Dr. David Jaffee published the article “Labor and the Geographic Reorganization of Container Shipping in the United States” in the journal Growth and Change, Vol. 41.

  

College of Computing, Construction and Engineering 

  

Department of Construction Management: Dr. John Dryden presented a paper co-written by Dr. Maged Malek,“Defining a Research Program for Cement, Brick and Block Production from a Novel FGD Product,” at the 2011 World of Coal Ash Conference.

 

School of Engineering: In May,Dr. Chris Brown presented and published his paper titled “Operation of a Geologic Sequestration Site as an Underground Landfill – What Is a Reasonable Tipping Fee?” at the 10th Annual Carbon Capture and Sequestration Conference sponsored by the Department of Energy.

 

Dr. Adel El-Safty gave a continuing education lecture, “The Design and Applications of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) in Bridge Beam Repair," for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers at a meeting hosted by the American Society of Engineers and presented at the Florida Department of Transportation Jacksonville Urban Office Training Facility.

 

Dr. Pat Welsh co-authored a book chapter “Case Study: St. Johns River Basin, USA,” which was part of the Fourth United National World Water Development Report, World Water Assessment Programme. His co-authors were G.K. Bielmyer, S. Chalk, D. McCarthy, H. McCarthy, G. Pinto, R. Pyati and L. Sonnenberg.

 

School of Computing: Enrique Caliz, Drs. Sherif A. Elfayoumy, Arturo J. Sanchez-Rui and Karthikeyan Umapathy published their book chapter, “Analyzing Web Service Choreography Specifications Using Colored Petri Nets: Lecture Notes” in the book “Computer Science (LNCS): Service-Oriented Perspectives in Design Science Research.” Umapathy and Albert D. Ritzhaupt published and presented their paper, “Role of Professional Associations in Preparing, Recruiting, and Retaining Computing Professionals,” at the Proceedings of the ACM SIGMIS Computer Personnel Research Conference in May. Umapathy also presented “Analyzing Web Service Choreography Specifications Using Colored Petri Nets” at the Sixth International Conference on Design Science Research in Information Systems and Technology in May.

 

College of Education and Human Services 

 

Childhood Education: Drs. Wanda Hedrick, Lunetta Williams and Katrina Hall presented a paper titled “Measuring Students’ Engagement During Independent Reading” at the International Reading Association’s 56th Annual Convention in Orlando in May. They also presented the paper at the 13th Annual International Conference on Education in Athens, Greece in May. Their paper titled “Are They Really Reading? Development of a Reading Engagement Instrument” was presented at the American Educational Research Association’s (AERA) 2011 Annual Meeting in New Orleans in April. Hall, Drs. Elizabeth Fullerton, Gigi Morales David and Pamela Bell (Child Development Research Center) had their poster “Intentional Partnerships: Preparing the Early Childhood Teacher to Be a Community Leader” showcased at the International Institute on Partnerships 2011 conference in Portland in May.
 
Members of the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) presented at the Sunshine State TESOL Conference in Jacksonville in May.

 

Catherine McMurria, Lena Shaqareq, Shari Little, andDr. Jin-Suk Byun presented “Experiencing Comprehensible Input,” whereby workshop participants were able to understand messages in Russian, Arabic, French and Korean via ESOL methodologies.




Dr. Ronghua (John) Ouyang has recently published a book, “Educational Technology,” through Renmin University, Beijing. Renmin University is one of the most prestigious universities in China, with a distinct focus on humanities and social sciences.

 

Get to Know

Name: Wallace L. Harris

Department: Physical Facilities

Job title: Associate Director

What do you do? Maintenance and facilities operations

Years at UNF: 12

What person had the greatest impact on your life?  

Mrs. Luke my 10^th-grade science teacher. She refused to allow me to skate by in her class and convinced me that I was smart enough to not just do the work, but to excel. 

  

What was the best money you ever spent?  

Getting my bachelor’s degree from Albany State University
  

If you could choose any other career, what would it be and why?  

I would be a full time vocational educator. I have a belief that vocational education provides many of our children a chance to live the American dream if they elect not to attend college.  
 
If you won the lottery, what would do with the money?  

I would first tithe, then I would make donations to three institutions of higher learning.

• Albany State University because they gave a kid a chance to earn a college degree
• University of North Florida because the University has allowed my family and I to flourish, continue my educational pursuits and build a life in the Jacksonville community
• FSCJ because of my belief in the importance of vocational education.  

What do you hope to accomplish that you have not done yet? 

Earn a doctorate degree in educational leadership
 
Tell us about your family. 

Lovely wife of 19 years, Dedra, who is the apple of my eye; two daughters, Jessica, 22, and Ashley, 18

  

What is the proudest/happiest moment of your life?  

The birth of my two daughters
 
What is your favorite thing about working at UNF? 

No day is routine and the people
 
What would you like to do when you retire?  

Volunteer for a non-profit that works with at-risk youth or adults returning to the work place
  

What is the best thing you ever won?  

First place in the science fair in the 10th grade

  

If you were not working at UNF, what would you be doing? 

I would be working at another institution of higher learning
 
What is your favorite way to blow an hour?  

Fishing 

  

Tell us something that would surprise people to know about you. 

I love country music
 
Tell us something about you that even your friends don’t know. 

I am a huge Garth Brooks fan
 
What was the first concert you ever attended, and what was the most recent concert you attended? 

The first was Rick James and most recently, Steve Harvey
  

What are you most passionate about?  

Family, work and people
 
Who is the most famous person you ever met?  

Bill Cosby

  

Last book read: Numerous text books

Good Question

Q: From Charlotte Mabrey, professor, Department of Music — My question concerns advertising or marketing. How can events be more visible to the community? There does not seem to be a central clearing house where events are routinely made visible. Am I missing something? And with all the talent in our design department, why are the existing ads in the papers so drab?   

  

A: From Sharon Ashton, assistant vice president, Public Relations — The advertisements in the Florida Times-Union and Folio are just two of the ways units can get the word out about their events. We’ve designed the ad to make it easy to read at a glance, but we will look into improving the design. Here’s a quick list of other ways to spread the word, some of which target the community, some of which target internal audiences:
 

  

Online Calendar of Events 


If you have an event, submitting your event to the online calendar of events is always the first step. Simply go to www.unf.edu/calendar, click the “submit” button and complete the form. Events are approved within two days. The largest events are highlighted on UNF’s homepage, which typically gets about a half million hits every month.
 

 


Osprey Update for Faculty and Staff/Osprey Update for Students 


After submitting an event to the online calendar of events, it can also be submitted online to Osprey Update at http://www.unf.edu/ospreyupdate/.To view Osprey Update submission guidelines, visit http://www.unf.edu/ospreyupdate/guidelines. Submissions to both Osprey Update for Faculty and Staff and Osprey Update for Students can be made simultaneously on the same online submission form. Simply check which publication you wish the announcement/event to appear. Announcements/events for Osprey Update for Faculty and Staff must be submitted online by 5 p.m. the day before it runs. This e-mail is sent to all faculty and staff every morning. Announcements/events will run only once in the daily e-mail but can run up to two weeks on the Osprey Update web page. Announcements/events for Osprey Update for Students must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday in order to be included in the weekly Monday e-mail, which goes out to all students. Announcements/events can run up to two weeks on the Osprey Update web page. 
 
 

 

Hold Message 


Once you have submitted your event to the online calendar of events, your event could be selected to be featured on the UNF telephone system's hold message. Events are selected based upon their broad appeal to external and internal audiences. To request your event be included on the hold message, contact Assistant Director of Special Events Holly Morse at h.morse@unf.edu or (904) 620-2117 two weeks prior to the event.
 


 

Shuttle and Shelter Ads 


Units can purchase advertising on the Osprey Connector shuttle buses and the bus shelters. Watch Campus Update for information on cost and availability. These ads target students. The costs vary depending upon the semester.
 

 


Spinnaker Advertisements
 

Ad space in the Spinnaker is reasonably priced and can be used if your message is specifically targetted to students. Information on cost can be found at www.unfspinnaker.com/advertising/.  
 


 

Spinnaker Articles
 

If you have something you would like the Spinnaker to cover, send an e-mail to editor@unfspinnaker.com or you can call (904) 620-2727 and ask to speak to an editor. The target audience of this publication is students. The paper goes to print every Tuesday and arrives on campus every Wednesday, except summers and other breaks.

 

Hot Button on the myWings Landing Page
 

If the target audience is students, faculty and staff, units can request a hot button on the MyWings portal by sending an e-mail to the chair of the Internet Presence Committee (sashton@unf.edu).The request should include a start date and end date (not exceeding 90 days).  



 

UNF Update
 

This e-communication is sent to about 4,000 community members once a month. It highlights cultural, intellectual and athletic events. Putting your event in the online Calendar of Events is the first step to getting your event in this e-communication. The second step is to contact Director of Marketing and Publications Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.      
 


 

Monthly Calendar Ads in the Florida Times-Union and Folio
 

These newspaper ads feature lectures, performances and athletic events happening in the coming month.  UNF’s Public Relations pays for these ads.  Putting your event in the online Calendar of Events is the first step to getting your event listed in the ads. The second step is to contact Director of Marketing and Publications Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.

 


Inside
 

This e-communication is sent to nearly 2,000 UNF employees once a month.  It features news and information relevant to UNF employees. To submit a story idea, e-mail Director of Marketing and Publications Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.      
 




Journal Articles 


This magazine is mailed to more than 60,000 alumni and friends three times a year. It features unique stories on faculty, students and the University. It is also distributed to faculty and staff. To submit a story idea, e-mail Director of Marketing and Publications Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.  
 


 

Journal Advertisements
 

If you have something you would like to advertise to 60,000 alums and friends of the University, consider placing an ad in the Journal. Costs vary depending upon the size of the ad and whether advertisers are from within the University or from external companies. The ads can be either half-page or full-page, and are full-color. The design staff in Public Relations can provide ad design services at no extra cost. Contact Director of Marketing and Publications Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.     




News Releases/Pitches to Media
 

If you have a story that would be interesting or relevant to the Jacksonville community or beyond, contact Associate Director of Media Relations Joanna Norris at jnorris@unf.edu or (904) 620-2102. If it is an event, it must be entered into the online Calendar of Events first.

 


Division/Department Meetings 


If you have a program to explain to the campus community and you know there will be questions, nothing beats face-to-face meetings. Many divisions and departments will allow you to come to their regularly scheduled meetings to give a presentation. Just call the assistant to the vice president, dean or director and ask if you can speak at their next meeting.
 

 

Video Screens at the Student Union 


The Student Union has a number of digital signs placed throughout the buildings. Units may submit ready-made art electronically:  http://www.unf.edu/studentunion/signage/ 

 

Electronic Signs 

UNF has electronic signs at UNF’s three major entrances. The signs promote events on our campus. All of these events must be listed on the online calendar of events. Contact Assistant Director of Special Events Holly Morse at h.morse@unf.edu or (904) 620-2117, two weeks prior to the event.
 




Facebook 


If you have a Facebook account, you can become a fan of UNF’s official page and post information at http://www.facebook.com/UNFfan. UNF's Facebook page reaches students, alums, employees and anyone who is interested in UNF. Events promoted on UNF’s Facebook page are also promoted on UNF’s Twitter account.

 

Employees who have UNF-related questions they would like to have answered in the next issue of Inside are encouraged to send them to goodquestion@unf.edu. Submitted questions will be considered for publication in the "Good Question" column, which is designed to help inform the campus community about relevant issues. When submitting questions, please include your name, department and job title, which will be included if your question is selected. The submission deadline is the 15th of each month. For more information, contact Cathy Cole at cathy.cole@unf.edu.  


The Goods

How to find and choose good Italian cheese

Cheese-making has been going on in Italy for thousands of years. The earliest cheese was probably produced when animal stomachs were used to carry milk. An enzyme called rennet in the stomachs caused the milk to curdle and separate into cheese and the watery liquid, whey. Dr. Catherine Christie, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, discusses myths and facts about where to find Italian cheeses, their nutritional value, uses, similarities and differences.

 

Myth: You can’t get real Italian regional cheeses anywhere but Italy.

Fact: Thanks to more Americans traveling to Italy and increased demand for regional Italian cheese varieties at home, many kinds of Italian artisanal cheeses can be found in local grocery stores and markets. These cheeses develop their taste and texture from the type of milk used (cow, sheep, water buffalo or goat), the texture of the soil, what the animals eat and the seasons of the year. Each cheese has a unique flavor and texture, which can’t be replicated elsewhere in the world.

 

Myth: Hard cheeses have a lower protein content than soft cheeses.  

Fact: Cheeses typically become more firm as they age as moisture is lost. The harder the cheese, the higher the protein and often the fat content. One exception is the soft creamy mascarpone, which is the Italian version of cream cheese and is quite high in fat. Harder cheeses often develop stronger flavors with aging. They are typically low in carbohydrates and higher in protein, calcium and fat. Italian physicians have been known to prescribe Parmigiano Reggiano rinds for teething babies and the cheese for those who require extra protein or calcium in their diets.

 

Myth: Mozzarella cheese commonly used on pizza in the U.S. is similar to the mozzarella cheese used in Italy.  

Fact: The U.S. version comes in two basic varieties — low moisture and fresh. The low moisture mozzarellas are sold as pre-shredded “Italian” or “pizza” cheese or as sticks called string cheese. The fat content varies depending on whether the cheese is made from whole milk or part-skim milk. These varieties are quite unlike the fresh mozzarella that is a staple in Italy. Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content, is more perishable and can be made from cow’s milk, but the best is made from water buffalo milk and costs more.

 

Myth: Cheese should be served very cold. 

Fact: Always bring cheese to room temperature before serving it to get the best flavor. It should be stored in its original packaging, if possible, but if it has been cut, it should be wrapped in plastic wrap to retain moisture. If it hasn’t been cut, wrap it first in waxed paper and then plastic wrap to allow it to breathe. 

 

Myth: Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padana are made from cow’s milk in Southern Italy.

Fact: Both Grana Padana and Parmigiano Reggiano are made in Northern Italy; Grana in the Lombardy region near Milan; and Parmigiano Reggiano in the Emilia Romagnaregion. Other wonderful northern Italian hard cheeses include Piave from cow’s milk and Pecorino Toscano from sheep’s milk. For a healthy dessert, try a cheese plate with small wedges of these hard cheeses along with fresh pears, grapes or apple slices and dried fruit such as figs or dates. Some even like to drizzle a little honey on the cheese to add extra sweetness.

  

Italian Caprese Salad 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

 

Ingredients 

4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

2 large tomatoes, sliced

Fresh basil leaves shredded or whole

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

 

Directions 

Alternate and overlap tomato and mozzarella slices on a serving platter. Sprinkle with shredded basil leaves or whole leaves. Drizzle with a good quality Italian extra virgin olive oil. Season with freshly ground pepper and Balsamic vinegar, if desired.

 

Nutrition information per serving: calories: 252; protein: 14 g; carbohydrate: 8 g; fat: 19 g; fiber: 2 g; sodium: 320 mg

 

“The Goods” is a monthly column that runs in The Florida Times-Union’s Taste section about food myths and facts by faculty members in the UNF Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Have a question about Italian cheese? Contact Christie at c.christie@unf.edu