oneColumn handbook

November 2021

Breaking Into Major League Baseball
For the Love of Bees
Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Nov. 18
Honoring Service to Our Country
Faculty Forum: Meet Caroline Guardino
Get to Know: Meet Chadwick Lockley
More than a Dozen Free Things to Do at UNF this Month
African American Faculty and Staff Association hits 10 year milestone
Library 2-Sentence Horror Story Contest Winners
Basketball Fan Day Set for Nov. 4
Inside News Roundup
Dateline
Faculty and Staff
Recipes for Healthier Holiday Eating
Swoop Summary
Spread the Word

Breaking Into Major League Baseball

By Marsha Blasco

Former UNF pitcher Bryan Baker; photo courtesy of the Toronto Blue Jays Former UNF baseball pitcher Bryan Baker grew up with a ball in his hand. Sports defined his childhood, and he couldn’t imagine working a desk job as an adult. Instead, he set his sights on finding a way to continue playing sports for as long as possible.

Baker was drafted to the minors from UNF in 2016 and seemed to be well on the way to keeping his sports dreams alive. Then, on Aug. 31, it happened. He got "The Call." After a late-night double header on the road, the manager of the Blue Jay’s Triple-A team tapped his relief pitcher on the back and said he wanted to talk with him.

“He’s kind of a jokester, and I didn’t know what the heck he was talking to me about,” Baker said about his manager. “Then out of nowhere he said, ‘You’re going to the big leagues tomorrow.’ I was obviously surprised, a pleasant surprise, and just speechless, honestly. Super emotional. I came out of the office and all my teammates were waiting for me. That was super cool. And then I called my parents and all my buddies that I thought would be up at that hour.”

The Journey to Toronto
Things happen fast in the big leagues. In less than 24 hours, Baker was wearing the No. 43 on the uniform of the Toronto Blue Jays and sitting in the dugout at Rogers Center in Toronto watching his new team at play on the field. His journey to the stadium that day had started at 5 a.m. from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where the team had played the night before, and then across the U.S. – Canada border to Toronto. He made it to the field by about 3 p.m.

Four days later, Baker made his debut pitching the eighth inning. As he stood on the mound, a familiar place for him, he said it suddenly had a totally different feel. Though fans had been limited to 15,000 due to pandemic restrictions, he said the noise sounded like a crowd of about 50,000. “I just had to take a couple of breaths, throw a few warm-up pitches and tell myself that it was still baseball and throw some strikes and hopefully we’ll get out of the inning,” Baker said. And he did. He threw his first major league strikeout that day.

He is now the first Division I UNF baseball player to wear a major league uniform and the first UNF player since 2003. Yet he knows that even at this level of achievement, it’s just the beginning. “It kind of feels like it was a ridiculously long journey to the top of the mountain, and then you find out there’s another extremely tall mountain on top of that,” Baker said. “So, yeah, it was the best day of my life … and I’m super thankful that it happened and working hard to make sure it continues to happen.”

Choosing baseball over basketball
Baker tried almost every sport growing up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. “My grandfather was a retired football coach, a super athletic person himself,” Baker said. “I spent a lot of time with him, so I started playing all sorts of sports from a very young age, so that’s what started my love of sports.”

Basketball was his first choice during his youth, and in high school he played both basketball and baseball. When his baseball pitches picked up speed in his junior year, he talked with his parents about which sport might give him the best opportunity to reach the pros. Still torn, but leaning toward baseball, he talked with several universities including UNF. “I loved the campus, and I loved the feel for the coaching staff, and it’s not too far from home,” he said. “It just felt like the right place, so I made that call in the fall of my senior year in high school, and I’m glad I did.”

Baker pitched for the Ospreys from 2014-16 and was then drafted by the Colorado Rockies. In 2018, he was traded to the Blue Jays for their Double A team, then Triple-A in 2019. Baker attributes his move to the majors in part because the MLB increased the limit of players from 26 to 28. In addition, he said he was pitching well and showing that he could be trusted to “go out there and get the job done.”

His former coach at UNF, Smoke Laval, attributes Baker’s success to talent that he shaped with determination and hard work. “Bryan is a competitor and is No. 1 in work ethic,” Laval said. “It’s why he is there [in the MLB]. He hates to lose and is going to work at it. He’s a great athlete, and not only that, he’s a student of the game … I’m glad that he got there.”

Now that the Blue Jay’s season has ended, Baker has been able to spend some time in Florida with his family who have been his greatest supporters over the years. He said his parents traveled to attend their son’s pitching debut. “My parents are very proud and happy for me, and I think that making it to the majors probably made up for all those long car rides taking me to tournaments and made it all a little more worth it,” he said.

For the Love of Bees

By Marsha Blasco

George Sares has spent the past 10 years of his retirement caring for bees. During that time, he has enjoyed learning about beekeeping and believes that “the more you learn, the more you want to learn.”

Wanting to foster that same curiosity in students, Sares recently donated two wooden beehives to the University filled with thousands of honey bees. These new campus residents have been placed in a fenced area of the Ogier Gardens, where they can continue to do what bees do best — pollinating the flowers and vegetables around them.

What's the Buzz?

There’s no doubt that beekeeping has become trendy, though people often underestimate the commitment. “Contrary to what a lot of people think, beekeeping is not easy,” Sares said. With 15-20 hives of his own, he knows that these hardworking insects require a great deal of human assistance in their fight against the parasites, pests and diseases that typically plague beehives. Sares has offered to assist with the care of the bees and mentor students who recently joined the UNF Beekeeping Club. He has already had several club members in his kitchen extracting honey from the frames he took from his own hives.

“First of all, I’m going to let the students drive the train,” he said. “But I hope they can get out of it what I do and that is you learn a little bit about nature and how things work ... it’s an appreciation for nature and the patience required and the understanding that you’re not in charge, they’re in charge, and you’re working with them.”

Why bring more bees to the Gardens?

Kevin Anderson, Gardens coordinator and adjunct professor of Public Health, has wanted to bring beehives to Ogier Gardens for several years. With a background in agriculture, Anderson worked on several farms and with beekeepers before joining the University in fall 2013.

He said he always believed that having the hives at the Gardens would provide an educational opportunity for students, especially in highlighting the contribution bees make to our food system. “About one-third of the food eaten by Americans comes from crops pollinated by honey bees, including apples, melons, cranberries, pumpkins, squash, broccoli and almonds, just to name just a few,” Anderson said. Academically, there is also a tie-in with UNF’s Food Systems and Sustainability minor, which explores the entire food system as well as current and proposed strategies related to food sustainability.

To make the project a reality, Anderson wrote a proposal outlining the steps needed and continued to push for its acceptance. In addition, he recently began online training to become a master beekeeper. He also was the motivating force and organizer behind the beekeeping club, which he hoped would get more students involved and trained.

“In addition to the actual value of the George’s donation, the care that he’s offered to provide and the ongoing mentoring — in my opinion, that’s pretty priceless,” Anderson said. He hopes to gain experience working with Sares and will continue his goal of becoming a master beekeeper, which is a four-year process.

How will we care for our newest residents?

The priority for the club will be to buy protective gear and equipment. Sares said he will help in that effort by providing his own honey so club members can sell it to earn money for supplies. From there, the club will move the project in the direction they choose, he said.

For UNF student Faith Bean, beekeeping club president, the hives will present an ongoing learning experience. “Our hope for the club is that it can become a resource for students to learn about bees and beekeeping through workshops and have hands-on experience through our hive inspections and honey extraction events,” she said.

And, of course, there will be much for students to learn. Sares hopes they will take advantage of knowledgeable people at the Jax Bee Club as well as the UF Extension Service. And he’s sure that beekeepers will be willing to help. “I have a saying,” Sares said. “You get a beekeeper started talking, and you can’t shut them up.”

Here's some information that Sares shared about honey bees:

In a hive, 95% are female worker bees, maybe 12-15 drones or male bees, and typically one queen.
A worker bee only lives 40-45 days.
Queens may live a year and a half to two years.
When a bee stings you, it dies almost immediately.
A queen returns to the hive after a mating flight and lays about 800-1,200 eggs every day; over her short lifetime, she will lay about 250,000-280,000 eggs; drones die soon after mating.
For a variety of reasons, beekeepers across the nation will lose about 40% of their hives each year.
Ever heard the expression “make a beeline”? Bees go out from the hive looking for nectar. When they return to the hive and communicate their find, the other bees fly directly to the nectar, or you might say, they “make a beeline” for it.

Note: Though Webster’s Dictionary shows “honeybee” spelled as one word, we discovered that entomologists insist it is actually “honey bee” and that it is incorrect to put the words together.

Campus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Nov. 18

Campus COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna Vaccination Clinic

Thursday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Field House, Building 26

UNF has partnered with Walgreens to provide COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations and boosters. All faculty, staff and students who have not yet been vaccinated are eligible for the first dose of the vaccine; those who have received the first Pfizer vaccine dose at least 21 days prior or the first Moderna vaccine dose 28 days prior, can receive their second dose at the clinic. Find details on booster eligibility and schedule your vaccine or booster appointment via the Student Health Services vaccine website. Once you make your appointment, print out the paperwork and bring it with you. If you have any questions, contact Student Health Services at studenthealth@unf.edu.

Honoring Service to Our Country

Each year, the Military and Veterans Resource Center recognizes a Student Veteran of the Year. The MVRC team reviews nominees and selects an individual who has demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship. This year, the award presentation will be made at Military Appreciation Night during a UNF men’s basketball game against Webber International, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. Featured below is the award winner from 2020, who was not able to be recognized in person last year due to COVID-19, and this year’s student winner, as well as the first Staff Veteran of the Year to be selected.

2020 Student Veteran of the Year: Tyler Johns

A five-year U.S. Navy veteran, Tyler Johns will tell you that he has a soft spot for veterans, being one himself. That desire to help others who have served their country motivated Johns to step up in 2020 and guide the UNF Student Veterans of America as president during COVID-19.

That initiative and his effort to transition the club online during the pandemic was one of reasons he was selected for the MVRC award. He is also a Veterans Affairs work study student at the MVRC and is focused on academic excellence pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. According to Theresa Hammock, program services coordinator at the MVRC, Johns is dedicated to his studies as well as the campus community. “Tyler is well-known for his willingness to assist students and staff members,” she said.

Originally from Clermont, Florida, Johns joined the Navy and served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate on an aircraft carrier deployed from Naval Station Norfolk and later at Naval Station Mayport. “At Mayport, I worked at the fleet readiness center to repair components of the local squadrons,” Johns said. “On the carrier, I worked on many types of aircraft components, which was a lot of fun.”

Johns transitioned to college life in 2019 and now as a junior has completed one internship and applied for others. He hopes to eventually work as a hardware engineer, using his problem-solving background to design systems like those he repaired. He’s also open to returning to the Navy. “That’s kind of what I’m hoping for,” he said. “It would be a win-win. I’m familiar with the Navy, and I really enjoyed my service. And I’d be able to do what I want to do which is hardware design as a hardware engineer or a systems engineer.”

It seems the Navy may soon become a family affair. John’s younger brother recently graduated from UNF and is headed to the Navy as an officer. “He did college first, then he’s doing the Navy,” Johns said. “I did the Navy first, then I’m doing college. It’s so much fun. I’m proud of him.”

2021 Student Veteran of the Year: A’Jada Burke

A’Jada Burke has a clear vision for her future. Born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Burke hopes to return to her birthplace to work in healthcare, with an end goal of someday reaching the top rank of Commissioner of Health.

This level of determination as well as her academic excellence and volunteerism have earned Burke recognition as the 2021 Student Veteran of the Year. “I wasn’t expecting the award, and I’m really grateful and honored to have been selected … The resources at UNF are so helpful, and I don’t think I would have been as successful if it weren’t for the resources that were available to me at the MVRC,” she said.

Burke served in the U.S. Navy for six years as a hospital corpsman. Her service included work at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland, where she was selected to serve on the Presidential Medical and Dental Team. She also deployed with the USS Fort McHenry to support the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in Latvia, Romania, Germany, Dubai and Spain. Though her active duty ended in March 2020, she continues to work with the Navy as a reservist supporting the medical units to help fight the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Burke is majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Studies with a minor in Public Health and is now nearing the end of her junior year. Consistently on the Dean’s List, Burke also has found time to volunteer with the Alliance Youth Group and Jacksonville’s Habitat for Humanity program and has contributed 60+ hours in tutoring services for students in Duval County Public Schools. She has plans to continue at UNF to earn a master’s in Healthcare Administration.

“Where I’m from, because we’re so remote, healthcare can sometimes be difficult to access,” she said. “So, I want to take what I’ve learned back to the Virgin Islands and be a part of that culture that grows healthcare. I am looking for any role that I can work into to contribute towards that personal end goal of mine.”

2021 Staff Veteran of the Year: Elton Brown

Elton Brown has always done more than any job required of him. Whether it was during his 20 years of service in the Navy or at UNF working in various positions over the past 18 years, Brown says that it’s just part of his personality to do more than he is asked to do.

“I believe in putting my all into every project assigned to me,” said Brown, who started at UNF in 2003 and now works as a construction project manager in the Engineering Department of Physical Facilities. That commitment to hard work has earned Brown recognition as the Staff Veteran of the Year. This is the first year that the MVRC has honored a staff veteran. “I was so surprised to get the award because I just do my job,” Brown said. “So, it’s something that I was never expecting, and I’m so honored.”

MVRC staff member Theresa Hammock said that the Center can always count on Elton’s help. For example, he helped the MVRC create the space today known as Veteran’s Plaza. “He’s the kind of person who will help you find an answer to your problem, even if it’s not his area of responsibility, just because he’s a caring and genuine person,” she said.

He attributes his work ethic to growing up in a large family where everyone had a job to do and to the military for teaching him to be a team player. Raised in Leslie, Georgia, Brown joined the U.S. Navy in 1980, eventually working as a marine electrician. He served aboard two aircraft carriers, one destroyer and a submarine tender, retiring in 2000 at the rank of E-7 Chief Petty Officer. Brown said he enjoyed his time in the Navy and appreciated the opportunity it gave him to travel and see the world. “When I joined the military, it opened me up to a whole lot of cultures, people you had never dealt with before,” Brown said. “You find out that everybody’s got to work together.”

Don’t miss the special events planned around Veterans Day

Each November at UNF, the Military and Veterans Resource Center honors students, staff, alumni and community members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces by planning special events. Here is what’s ahead:

Veterans Day Flag Display: Nov. 8 – 12, 1,400 American flags will be on display on the Green to represent the military-affiliated student population at UNF.
Veterans Day Tribute: Nov. 9, 9:30 – 11:15 a.m.; Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony to honor those who have served or are still serving in the military. Register by Friday, Nov. 5.
Market Days: Dough-Not Forget to Recognize a Veteran: Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Visit the MVRC table; doughnuts for everyone who adds a name to the “UNF Salutes Veterans” banner.

Faculty Forum: Meet Caroline Guardino

Dr. Caroline Guardino is a professor of Exceptional and Deaf Education in the College of Education and Human Services. She researches learners who are deaf or hard of hearing with disabilities, such as learning, emotional behavioral disorders and ADHD and teaches Deaf Education courses.

What’s one thing in your field of study that people might not know? Sign Language is unique to a country. For example, if I were to go to Sweden, I would not understand their sign language, nor would they understand American Sign Language (ASL). However, ASL came from French Sign Language, so there may be some overlap between some sign languages.

What brought you to UNF? The location, beautiful campus and the faculty.

Do you have a favorite spot on campus? My favorite spot is the bamboo garden. Chuck Hubbuch is a good friend of mine and taught me a lot about NE Florida horticulture. He helped me have a Florida friendly yard and integrate several different varieties of bamboo into the landscape. I find bamboo peaceful and powerful, that’s why I think I like this place on campus best.

What’s the most rewarding academic experience you’ve had at UNF in or out of the classroom? When any of my former students become Teacher of the Year, I feel overwhelmingly rewarded. While I know their success is not all my doing, I do feel that I have contributed to getting them started down the right path.

If you weren’t teaching, what else would you be doing? If I had to pick another career path, I’d probably be an obstetrician and gynecologist. I absolutely love babies and would like to help women bring them into this world. But if I didn’t have to work, I would be volunteering and training for triathlons.

What is your personal philosophy? Treat others how you would like to be treated.

What do you like most about UNF? I love the campus. I think it is one of the most beautiful places of business in Jacksonville. I also like my colleagues around campus, from faculty to administrators.

What advice would you give a student who is about to graduate? Go forward and change the world for the better … one student, one class, one school at a time.

What is your favorite memory from your undergraduate days? The day I found out that my friend Jennifer Sykora, across the hall in the dormitories, was actually a distant cousin!

Where is the best place you’ve visited? Koh Lipe, Thailand. My daughter was conceived there, and we are still very close to her Thai family.

How do you recharge? I like to exercise and hang out with friends, preferably at the same time. I’m a social exerciser!

What do you like most about Jacksonville? Where else have you lived? My two favorite things about Jacksonville are being able to swim in the Atlantic and garden year-round. I’m originally from Paradise, California. I’ve also lived in Hawaii, Arizona, Connecticut, Spain and Thailand.

Get to Know: Meet Chadwick Lockley

Chadwick Lockley is the assistant director for academic programs. He is part of the team that works to keep UNF in compliance with our institutional accreditor, Board of Governor regulations, and other areas.

What do you enjoy about working here? I love the people I work with and the direction UNF is headed.

How long have you lived in Jacksonville? I’ve lived in Jacksonville over 20 years. I grew up in North Carolina and then lived in South Carolina. I also lived in Puerto Rico for three months after undergrad.

What one memory do you most treasure? Wedding day and birth of my two girls. (couldn’t pick just one)

If you could have a dinner party and invite any four people, from the past or present, who would be on your guest list? I would invite both of my granddads. They never got to meet my girls, and they would have absolutely adored them. That means the other two guests would have to be my daughters, so they could meet their great granddads.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? Not sure of the exact position, but it would have to be something in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. UNF is making great strides, but there is still work to be done.

What superpower would you like to have? A Green Lantern ring. I would use it to create constructs to help people in need.

If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1? I would never want that responsibility.

What would be the title for the movie version of your life? I’d borrow the title (but not the content) of “It’s a Wonderful Life” because I am truly blessed.

What’s at the top of your bucket list? Take my mom on an Alaskan cruise because it’s something she’s always wanted to do.

What one food do you wish had zero calories? All food is my favorite, but if I had to choose right now, I am always craving Filipino food.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you. I used to volunteer at the St. Augustine Wildlife Reserve and got to walk a mountain lion.

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation? Wakanda. Wakanda Forever!

Tell us a few of your favorite things.

Boardgame: Settlers of Catan

Color: Charcoal Gray

Ice cream flavor: Publix Chocolate Cookie Quarry

Season: Fall

Sport to watch: College Football

More than a Dozen Free Things to Do at UNF this Month

UNF Technology Ensemble

Thursday, Nov. 4, 8 p.m., Robinson Theater

With director Michael Taylor, the UNF Technology Ensemble presents “Music of he 1980s,” an evening dedicated to iconic artists, one-hit wonders and big hair.

Ogier Gardens Harvest Fest

Friday, Nov. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ogier Gardens

This is the Gardens’ annual celebration of the Fall season. The event features live music, free healthy lunch, crafts, plant giveaways, T-shirts and more! There will be therapeutic animal interaction opportunities with Campus Canines and Pet Partners as well!

Science Café: Measuring Cortical Activity with Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Friday, Nov. 5, noon, Online

Attend a presentation by Dr. Katherine Hooper, director of the UNF Behavioral Neuroscience Program, and the students of the fNIRS Lab. The goal of the Science Café is to encourage dialogue between scientists and the public. Register to receive Zoom link.

Faculty Recital: Dr. Andrea Venet

Friday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m. Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center

Dr. Andrea Venet, associate professor of percussion, will perform new compositions and contemporary works for percussion. Register online.

Lawson Ensemble

Sunday, Nov. 7, 3 p.m. Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center

Join the Lawson Ensemble — Aurica Duca, violin; Clinton Dewing, violin; and Dr. Nick Curry, cello — featuring Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden.” Register online.

The Justice Sessions: ‘An Evening with Deesha Philyaw’

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Lazarra Performance Hall

Fiction writer and essayist Deesha Philyaw will discuss race, gender, parenting and culture. Her debut short story collection, “The Secret lives of Church Ladies,” won the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the 2020/2021 Story Prize, and a 2020 LA Times Book Prize: The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction. The collection was also a finalist in the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. Learn more and register.

‘Yet We Are: Personal Narrative and Shared History’

Friday, Nov. 12, 5 to 7 p.m., Lufrano Intercultural Gallery

Attend the closing reception for this group art exhibition, which examines relationships between the singular and collective regarding identity-formation, histories, community building, resistance and cultural response.

MOCA: En Plein Air Painting with Keith Doles

Saturday, Nov. 13, noon to 3 p.m., James Weldon Johnson Park

Join local artist Keith Doles for an afternoon of abstract en plein air painting in James Weldon Johnson Park, right across from the museum. There he will teach guests to create a dynamic abstract landscape composition, giving his advice on perspective and technical practices during the process. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome! Free for members and UNF faculty and staff. Learn more and register.

Distinguished Voices Lecture Series

‘The Asia-Pacific Arena: Is the U.S. Bluffing?’

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center

Gen. Curtis “Mike” Scaparrotti, USA (Ret.) will share his knowledge of U.S. policy gained from a distinguished 41-year career in the U.S. Army as Commander, U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, NATO. Prior to these leadership positions, he served as the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea / United Nations Command / Combined Forces Command in Seoul, South Korea. Free, but e-tickets required.

The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series

This concert presents Generation Series Concert with Dr. Sunshine Simmons, clarinet, and Dr. Erin Bennett, piano, and Dr. James Hall, artistic director.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center. Register online.

The Music of Jelly Roll Morton

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center

The concert will feature Dr. Gary Smart, piano; Todd Delgiudice, clarinet; Dr. Bill Prince, cornet; Dave Steinmeyer, trombone; Ken Calhoun, banjo; Dr. Marc Dickman, tuba; and Danny Gottlieb, drums.

‘Eat for the Planet’

Friday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m., Ogier Gardens

Learn how to minimize your environmental footprint by examining food choices and focusing on the web of people and processes vital to sustain food production.

UNF Opera Presents

‘The Telephone and The Old Maid and the Thief – Gian Carlo Menotti’

Two performances: Friday, Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Robinson Theater. Directed by Dr. John Daugherty. Register online.

African American Faculty and Staff Association hits 10 year milestone

When Dr. Cheresa Boston reflects back to the year 2011 at UNF, she vividly remembers sitting in the president’s conference room with a large group of people who were focused on creating an organization to celebrate diversity on campus. They debated its name, mission, vision, bylaws and much more, a process that took more than six months to complete.

On Oct. 6, the African American Faculty and Staff Association was born, a project spearheaded by Boston and 17 members selected to serve as its steering committee. “We took the time we needed to make sure everything was in place, because we wanted to unveil the organization as something exciting, new and invigorating, so individuals would want to be a part of the group,” said Boston, UNF’s director of Sponsored Research. She and the other founders set a two-year goal of attracting 100 members, which they achieved.

Since then, the association has been guided by its mission: to develop a supportive network for UNF employees of African descent, provide services that meet their needs, and promote cultural, educational, fundraising and civic activities in alignment with the academic mission of the University. On this milestone anniversary, Boston feels the association has had many notable accomplishments.

“I was just tapped to lead the way, but it was teamwork,” Boston said. “And I was president for four or five years for the organization. I am so proud of where AAFSA was and what it has become today and to see the mark that has been left by AAFSA on UNF’s campus and the Jacksonville community. It makes me smile, and I’m happy to be a member.”

Since 2011, the association has awarded more than 30 scholarships of $500 to students. In addition, AAFSA was recognized with the 2015 Diversity and Inclusion Award. Some of the events it has held include sponsored themed family and friends days, such as Financial Fitness, with expert presenters on a variety of topics and the AAFSA Historical Bus Tour that visited the Clara White Mission, the Ritz Theatre and Museum and other historical sites in the area. The association has also held events for faculty and staff to meet with UNF students.

This year, during the week of Oct. 6, AAFSA commemorated the 10-year anniversary by sharing memories on social media. A larger 10-year celebration is being planned for spring 2022 as part of the University’s 50th celebration and will include retired members and affiliates of AAFSA.

The association’s current president is Dr. Wanda Lastrapes, director of the Jacksonville Teacher Residency. She believes that the organization continues to support the mission of its founders and the vision of the University in promoting diverse cultural perspectives and awareness for UNF employees of African descent. “AAFSA’s support was especially vital during 2020 as UNF transitioned to remote operations,” Lastrapes said. “The association provided virtual spaces to support its members and its leadership team hosted UNF’s first Juneteenth Recognition program, attended by nearly 100 participants virtually. AAFSA continues its work in collaboration with other UNF organizations and departments, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve my colleagues and the UNF community.”

For more information on AAFSA, visit the association’s website.

Library 2-Sentence Horror Story Contest Winners

Library's Horror Story Contest 2021 details to the left

The Thomas G. Carpenter Library has selected the winners for the 2nd annual 2-Sentence Horror Story from more than 200 submissions from students, faculty, and staff.

Here are the three winners:

First place:

A stranger walked up behind me, smelled my hair, and whispered in my ear, "You smell different when you're awake." Then he walked away.

Alexis Skidmore – Undergraduate Student, Spanish

Second place:

It was a dark and stormy night when the undead arose from the St. Johns River. They had been waiting patiently in the forms of rocks and stones.

Kerry Eldred – Staff Member, PACT Study/Psychology

Third place:

A Summer mountain cabin, rolling hills, birds, and a bubbling creek. Swinging on the porch a cool summer breeze creates the perfect scene then I hear the slow heartbeat and smell the cigar smoke behind me.

Hannah Holley – Undergraduate Student, Health Science

Basketball Fan Day Set for Nov. 4

UNF Basketball Fan Day is the chance to interact with the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Osprey fans can meet the players and coaches, get autographs and watch the men’s basketball team practice on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the UNF Arena.

Here are some details about the program of events:

Doors Open

Fans can enter the arena at 5 p.m. when doors open.
Those attending will have the chance to visit the raffle table and look at potential prizes.
Season ticket cards and credentials will be distributed.
Concessions will be open throughout the event.
The UNF pep band and cheerleading team will be in attendance.
On-court fan participation with participants receiving a swag bag.
Apparel and other gear will be available for purchase.

Meet the Women's Basketball Team

Fans have the chance to get autographs from the women's basketball players.
Head Coach Darrick Gibbs will address those in attendance and introduce this year's team.

Athletics Director Nick Morrow will speak about the upcoming season as well as other news and athletics department announcements.

Meet the Men's Basketball Team

Fans will be able to watch the end of the men's basketball practice.
Player and coach introductions will be conducted by Head Coach Matthew Driscoll.
Fans will have a chance to get autographs from the team.

Information provided by the Athletics Department

Inside News Roundup

School of Nursing continues annual drive to collect socks for the homeless

The Brooks College of Health School of Nursing is collecting new socks for donation to some of our community partners that serve the homeless population. The homeless often go without socks or wear socks that are old and damaged. Besides being uncomfortable, this lack of protection can lead to infections, blisters and frostbite. The simple use of a cotton sock can help prevent multiple problems and is inexpensive to provide. Socks of all sizes and colors are needed for men, women and children. Donations will be accepted at the following on-campus drop-off locations through Monday, Nov. 15:

Brooks College of Health Dean's Office, J. Brooks Brown Hall, Building 39, Room 3031
School of Nursing, J. Brooks Brown Hall, Building 39A, Room 3090
Mailed donations may be sent to University of North Florida, Brooks College of Health School of Nursing, 1 UNF Drive, Building 39A, Room 3090, Jacksonville, FL, 32224

Contact: Dr. Deirdre Shoemake by email or call (904) 620-5297

Executive Search Firm and Compensation Consultant selected for UNF Presidential Search

As the search process for the next president of the University of North Florida continues, the recommendations from the presidential search committee of an executive search firm and executive compensation consultant were approved at the UNF Board of Trustees meeting in October. The firm WittKieffer has been selected as the executive search firm. Learn more about the search firm.

UNF receives DOE grant to prepare ASL/English interpreters for K-12 schools

The University of North Florida’s ASL/English Interpreting Program in the College of Education and Human Services has been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to increase the number of highly qualified, academically prepared ASL/English interpreters ready to work in the K-12 educational setting. Learn more about the program.

Counseling Center director receives award for service to LGBTQ youth

Dr. Richmond Wynn, Counseling Center director and Clinical Mental Health Counseling associate professor, received the Diamond Award for exemplary service to the LGBTQ youth community at JASMYN’s 15th Annual Coming Out Day Breakfast in October. This is one of the highest honors bestowed by the organization. Learn more about Wynn and the award.

Students lead transformative social projects as part of global Millennium Fellowship

UNF has joined the United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network’s Millennium Fellowship program. The selective fellowship is a semester-long leadership development program that convenes, challenges and celebrates collegiate student leadership to advance the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals on campuses and in communities throughout globe. The Millennium Fellowship Class of 2021 includes students from 136 campuses across 30 nations. UNF’s program will be led by UNF Hicks Honors College students Savanna Courtney-Durrett and Tammy Cao. Learn more about the program at UNF.

Professor receives research fund from Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology

Dr. Jonghoon Kim, assistant professor in construction management, has received research funds from the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) to study the “preliminary research on advanced facility management (FM) scenario investigation and reverse engineering data collection.” Kim will conduct his research project along with Dr. Taewook Kang, visiting scholar from KICT, South Korea. Learn more about the research.

Director of BioMedInfo Lab awarded NSF grant to improve STEM student comprehension

Dr. Indika Kahanda, assistant professor of computing and director of the UNF BioMedInfo (bioinformatics, and biomedical informatics) Lab, was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund a research project to help undergraduate students enrolled in foundational Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses enhance their critical thinking skills to achieve conceptual understanding of topics they are struggling to comprehend. This project is in in partnership with Montana State University. Learn more about the project.

Dateline

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in October:

20 Years

John Pickett, AV Support Specialist, ITS-Academic Technology

10 Years

JR Chambers, IT Network Engineer, Telephone Services

Yentl Dunbar, Office Manager, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work

Linda Mobley, Executive Secretary, Marketing and Communications

5 Years

Darrell Edmonds, Coordinator, IPTM

Emily Peterson, Student Affairs Coordinator, Student Accessibility Services

Mariya Tkach, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services

Chelsea Whiteman, Academic Advisor, First Year Advising

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:

Matthew Adams, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Mark Addington, Instructor, Management

Annie Alomar, Senior Library Services Associate, Library

Lamonte Birden, IT Security Low Voltage Tech, IT Security

Joyce Ann Buscaglia, Groundskeeper, Grounds

Brittani Dalton, Academic Advisor, COAS Advising

Brooke Dowling, Administrative Secretary, Art and Design

Carrie Driscoll, Athletic Academic Advisor, Athletic Academic Support

Rebecca Durney, Coordinator, Access Services, Library

Gabe Grass, Director, Corporate Relations and Major Gifts, University Development and Alumni Engagement

Mirela Karastoyanova, Human Resources Associate, Human Resources

James Kuntzi, Pest Control Technician, Grounds

Sondra Lee, Program Assistant, University Housing

Alexandra Melvin, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Annette Morton, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Van Ross, Senior Engineer Technical Designer, Engineering

Haley Sanders, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center

Brianna Sharpe, Museum Registrar, MOCA Jacksonville

Morgan Simmons, Student Government Success Specialist, SG Business and Accounting Office

Shana Sopko, Mental Health Counselor, Counseling Center

Sydnie Steele, Academic Support Services Coordinator, Undergraduate Studies

Great Job

The following employees were promoted recently:

Payton Cantrell, Coordinator, International Student Affairs, Center for International Education

Maria Cartolano, Administration Specialist, Administration and Finance

Kellie Cosner, Assistant Director, Fine Arts Center

Deanna Crawford, Administrative Specialist, Undergraduate Studies

Misty deSmit-Pyle, Coordinator, Fine Arts Center

Amanda Ennis, Manager, Media Relations, Marketing and Communications

Miguel Gabertan, Associate Controller, Controller

Tiffany King, Coordinator, External Funding, Urban Internship

Paige Lilley, Assistant Director, Academic Support Services, Graduate School

Shelia Lopez, Associate Director, Physical Facilities Operations

Wilson Navarro, Associate Controller, Controller

Latonio Nichols, Admissions Coordinator, TL, Admissions

Ronnesha Rodgers, Coordinator, Social Media, Marketing and Communications

Taylor Sartin, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management

Sydney Stoltenberg, Admissions Coordinator, Transfer Student Services

Madison Turner, Admissions Coordinator, Transfer Student Services

Michele Verkerk, Budget Specialist, Education and Human Services

Brandi Winfrey, Director, Inclusive Excellence, Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Goodbye

The following employees have left UNF recently:

Emily Bailey, Digital Communications Associate, MOCA Jacksonville

Autumn Bell, Web Specialist, Florida Institute of Education

Meagan Bragdon, Specialist, Academic Support, Academic Affairs

Eric Bruder, VP, Marketing and Communications

Quang Bui, Senior Custodial Worker, Custodial Services

Lindley Carter, Coordinator, Residence Life, University Housing

Christina Chatman, Title IX Investigator, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Kimberly Coppedge, Executive Secretary, Telephone Services

Colin Corcoran, Assistant Athletic Coach, Strength and Conditioning

Tiffany Delp, Coordinator, Employment, Human Resources

Peter Durr, Graduate School Administration Specialist, Graduate School

Brock Ertel, Marketing Publications Specialist, Student Government

Carter Farris, IT Software Engineer, Enterprise Systems

Walter Fisher, Associate Director, Parking and Transportation Services

Megan Juergens, Assistant Athletic Trainer

Debbie LeGros, Administration Specialist, Administration and Finance

Rachel Levy, Assistant Athletic Coach, Women's CC/Track

Diane Medycki, Office Assistant, Registrar's Office

Whitney Meyer, VP, Chief Diversity Officer

Jordan Peery, Office Assistant, Training and Services Institute

Carlos Perez, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management

Rebecca Rapp, Administrative Secretary, Small Business Dev Center

Yuracy Salazar, Senior Registered Nurse, Student Health Services

Robert Shoals, Maintenance Mechanic, Student Union-Maintenance & Energy Management

Brittney Van Deventer, Coordinator, Web Services, Marketing and Communications

Pamela Wong, Clinical Research Associate, Psychology

Faculty and Staff

College of Arts and Sciences

Biology

Drs. Dale Casamatta, professor of biology, and Quincy Gibson, associate professor of Biology, published the article “A new species of cryptic cyanobacteria isolated from the epidermis of a bottlenose dolphin and as a bioaerosol” in the journal Phycologia. In addition, Casamatta and colleagues published “Global Change Biology: Pesticides Alter Ecosystem Respiration via Phytoplankton Abundance and Community Structure: Effects on the Carbon Cycle?”

Chemistry

Dr. Kenneth Laali, UNF Presidential Professor and organic chemist published the following five papers: (1) “Facile synthesis of libraries of functionalized cyclopropanes and oxiranes using ionic liquids – A new approach to the classical Corey-Chaykovsky reaction” in Tetrahedron Letters; (2) “Design, synthesis, and molecular docking study of novel quinoline‐based bis ‐chalcones as potential antitumor agents,” in Archiv der Pharmazie; (3) “Copper‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylethynes and Aryltriazenes to Access Libraries of 1,2‐Diketones and Their Efficacy in Synthesis of Triaryloxazoles, Imidazoles and Diaryl‐Diazepines” in ChemistrySelect; (4) “Recent Advances in the Development of “Curcumin Inspired” Compounds as New Therapeutic Agents In Mini-Reviews” in Medicinal Chemistry, and (5) “Curcumin Conjugates of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Synthesis, Structures, Anti-proliferative Assays, Computational Docking, and Inflammatory Response” in ChemistryOpen. In addition, Laali received a US Patent “CURCUMINOID-INSPIRED SYNTHETIC COMPOUNDS AS ANTI-TUMOR AGENTS” US PATENT 11,117,907 B2, issued Sep.14, 2021.

Dr. Brynna Jones, assistant professor of chemistry, published “Toward absolute viability measurements for bacteria” in the Journal of Biophotonics in collaboration with colleagues from the National Institute for Standards and Technology: Dr. Joy Dunkers (corresponding author), Dr. Hariharan Iyer, Dr. Charles H. Camp Jr., Dr. Stephan J. Stranick, and Dr. Nancy Lin.

English

Mark Ari, assistant professor of creative writing, unveiled the installation, “Not in My County, Not in Mine,” a work combing poetry, video, sculpture and scent, created collaboratively with artists Ginger Andro and Chuck Glicksman, in the exhibition “Walls and Borders.” The Sculptors Guild and Westbeth Gallery, New York City.

Dr. James Beasley, associate professor of English, published the article, "Glenn Gould," for the Rocktalog: Scholars Celebrating and Inhabiting Musicians, special Issue of Hyperrhiz: New Media Cultures (23, Summer 2021), edited by G.V. Carter and Victor Vitanza.

David Blanton, visiting instructor of English, published the short story "Room Below" in The Gettysburg Review, September 2021.

Dr. Marcus Pactor, associate instructor of English, published a fictional short story "Never End with Termination," in 3:AM Magazine. September 2021.

Will Pewitt, instructor of English, published four translations of Arabic poetry appearing in The Antonym, September 2021.

Physics

Dr. Grace Bossé, instructor of physics and the Physics Department’s Lab Manager, and Dr. William B. Lane, visiting lecturer of physics, received a grant from William F. and Edith R. Meggers Project Award of the American Institute of Physics, for an amount of $12,500, toward the proposal “Computation-Based Professional Development and Activities for High School Physics.”

Dr. Jason Haraldsen, associate professor of physics, and Dr. Thomas Pekarek, UNF Presidential Professor, published a paper in Physical Review B. Title: “Enhancement of the spin-glass transition temperature through pd-orbital hybridization in Zn1−xMnxTe.” Authors: A. R. Alcantara, S. Barrett, D. Matev, I. Miotkowski, A. K. Ramdas , T. M. Pekarek, and J. T. Haraldsen; Faculty authors at UNF:T. M. Pekarek, and J. T. Haraldsen; Undergraduate Physics Majors at UNF: A. R. Alcantara, S. Barrett, D. Matev; Journal: Physical Review B, volume 104, page 104423 (2021). A. R. Alcantara, S. Barrett, D. Matev, I. Miotkowski, A. K. Ramdas , T. M. Pekarek, and J. T. Haraldsen, Enhancement of the spin-glass transition temperature through pd-orbital hybridization in Zn1−xMnxTe, Phys. Rev. B 104, 104423 (2021).

Psychology

Dr. Lakshmi Narayanan and Dr. Shanker Menon, visiting assistant professors in psychology, developed a major proposal and made a presentation to a College in Texas for an RFP for over $1 million for a project on Compensation Consulting in the College environment collaborating with other I/O psychologists, Sept. 1, 2021.

Dr. Jody Nicholson-Bell, associate professor in psychology, published a guest column in the Florida Times-Union titled “Thoughts on healthy aging from an Alzheimer's researcher,” Oct. 12, 2021.

Sociology/Anthropology and Social Work

Dr. Jelena Brezjanović-Shogren, visiting instructor of anthropology, published an article "Seeds, soil and social connections: growing community in community gardens,” Springer Nature Social Sciences Journal, September.

Ronald Lukens-Bull, professor of anthropology, recently published his co-editor work “The Handbook of Contemporary Islam and Muslim Lives” with Springer Nature. It is a two-volume reference source.

Dr. Jacqueline Meier, assistant professor of anthropology, presented a public lecture for the Jacksonville Society of the Archaeological Institute of America titled, “Animals and Domestic Lifeways at Mycenae, Greece.”

Dr. Jenny Stuber, professor of sociology, published the second edition of her book, "Exploring Sociology: A Sociological Approach" with Sage (September 2021).

College of Education and Human Services

Dr. Kim Cheek presented "Professional learning for elementary teachers on project-based learning in NGSS-ESS," for the Geological Society of America Connects 2021, October 9-13, 2021, Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Nick Eastham, STEP Lab and Dual-Enrollment Coordinator, presented at the FSCJ’s Academy for Teaching & Learning’s Fourth Annual Science Symposium. His breakout session was titled “Large-Scale Breadboard for Demonstration and Accommodation.”

Dr. Terrie M. Galanti, assistant professor, Secondary Mathematics and Computational Thinking/STEM Integration in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum, with C.K. Baker, T. Kraft and K. Morrow-Leong, published “Building powerful mathematical thinking with digital interactive notebooks,” in Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, Special Issue: Digital Equity and the Digital Divide, 2021.

Dr. Caroline Guardino, professor of Exceptional and Deaf Education, and Dr. Claudia Sealey-Potts, associate professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, attended the Florida Educator’s Association (FEA) annual delegate meeting in Orlando, Florida as United Faculty of Florida representatives. The delegates discussed and voted upon initiatives that support making both K-12 and higher education stronger and safer. Six critical priorities for the upcoming year include: increased pay for highly qualified and certified teachers, long-term contracts to retain teachers, protecting academic freedom, protecting the retirement system so the burden does not fall on employees, prioritizing teacher-led rather than standardized assessments, and respecting the right for educators and administrators to make decisions locally.

Dr. Amanda Pascale, Amanda Kulp and Lisa Ellen Wolf-Wendel’s (KU) research on Promotion Clarity by Gender and BIPOC Status Among Associates was recently spotlighted and included in Harvard’s Graduate School of Education’s Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE). Read the article in Innovative Higher Education.

Dr. Nile Stanley, associate professor of literacy, and Sydney Williams, undergraduate special education major, have been awarded support from the Cummer Family Foundation to support teachers and

students at Englewood Elementary school with arts integration.

Holmes Scholars 2021-22 Announced

Congratulations to the 2021-22 Holmes Scholars Marlena Jenkins, Crissy Benton, Dominique Keys and Lindsay M. Gallon. The UNF Holmes Scholar Fellowship is awarded to students who are actively working to complete their doctoral degree in PK-12 education and demonstrate a commitment to equity and diversity. Learn more about the fellowship.

Hicks Honors College

Dr. Leslie Kaplan, Honors director and faculty member, with Dr. Corrine Labyak in Nutrition and Dietetics, T.M. Johnson and Honors student Meghan Moholland, published “Practical School Nutrition Program May Reduce Food Neophobia,” in Nutrients 2021, 13, 3541.

Recipes for Healthier Holiday Eating

pumpkin on a plate with leaves text of Give Thanks

Being mindful about what you eat and how it affects your health is certainly a good idea. Yet, eating healthy shouldn't mean missing Thanksgiving dinner. Here are a couple recipes that provide a twist on some holiday favorites and might make your meal a little bit lighter.

Looking for more inspiration or advice? Contact Yemilla Lowry, Registered Dietitian, UNF Dining Services.

Wild Rice and Pecan Stuffing

Ingredients:

Olive Canola Oil Blend, 1.5 tsp

Long grain Wild Rice, dry, 1/4 cup

Pecans, chopped, 1/3 cup

Onion, diced, 1/4 cup

Celery, diced. 1/2 cup

Thyme, minced, 3/4 tsp

Cranberries, dried, 1/4 cup

Balsamic Vinegar, 1/2 tsp

Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1.5 tsp

Directions:

Place wild rice in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil, then simmer and cook until 1/3 of the rice opens, about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. Place pecans on a pan and toast in a 300 degree oven until fragrant, about five minutes. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a hot pan and sauté onions, celery and garlic until tender. Remove from pan and place in a large bowl; add the remaining ingredients: fresh thyme, dried cranberries, salt, black pepper olive oil, balsamic vinegar, as well as the cooked wild rice and toasted pecans. Mix to incorporate. Stuff into cooked acorn squash. Return to oven to heat through prior to serving.

(Provided by UNF Dining Services)

Pumpkin Pie Mousse

Ingredients:

Silk Vanilla Dairy-Free Yogurt alternative, 1 cup

Pumpkin, canned, 15 ounces

Vanilla Extract, ½ tsp100% Maple Syrup, ¼ cup

Pumpkin Spice, 1 tsp.

Cinnamon, ½ tsp.

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together until completely combined.

Serve immediately or you can refrigerate and allow to thicken a bit.

Store in an air-tight container for 3-5 days.

(Recipe from the website of Lauren Kelly Nutrition)

Swoop Summary

UNF Arena Adding Hospitality Suite and Premium Balcony Seating Enhancements

North Florida Athletics announced some exciting enhancements coming to UNF Arena highlighted by the creation of a hospitality suite, bar and lounge and premium balcony seating on the west end of the facility. The Bank of England Hospitality Suite will provide UNF Athletic donors a semi-private area within the arena with a focus on creating a premier game-day experience. The suite would also be available for other University events along with providing rental revenue opportunities for additional external and corporate gatherings. Additionally, the suite will be available to all 19 Osprey programs for use during recruiting. Learn more about the hospitality suite.

Back-to-Back! Men's Cross Country Wins ASUN Championship

Led by three top 10 finishes, UNF men's cross country made it back-to-back ASUN Championship titles as the Ospreys led the 12-team field at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Saturday, Oct. 30. The Ospreys reeled in a series of honors, with head coach Jeff Pigg being named ASUN Coach of the Year for the second season in a row. Noah Perkins and Nathan Jubran were named to the ASUN First Team with their top-five finishes respectively, and the trio of Jake Turner, Timothy Doyle and Aidan O'Gorman took home Second Team All-ASUN honors. Learn more about the cross country team honors.

Barton Makes UNF Men’s Tennis History in ITA Regionals Run

Dominik Barton made UNF men's tennis history after advancing to the ITA Southeast Regional Singles Semifinals Sunday, Oct. 24. The run marks the furthest an Osprey has gone in at least the UNF DI-era. Learn more about the record.

Ospreys Upend Lipscomb to Reach 20-Win Milestone

In a highly anticipated rematch of the Spring 2021 ASUN Championship Semifinals, UNF volleyball (20-3, 9-2 ASUN) rose to the occasion with a 3-1 victory against defending conference champs Lipscomb (10-11, 7-4 ASUN) Sunday, Oct. 24. The win lifts UNF to the 20-win milestone for the first time since 2015 while giving the Ospreys their first victory against Lipscomb since 2012. Read more about the volleyball win.

Best of the Region — Gulihur and Melilo Win ITA Regional Doubles Title

North Florida women's tennis' Kit Gulihur and Ana Paula Melilo rose to the occasion Oct. 18, defeating the Florida Gators' Carly Briggs and Marlee Zein in the ITA Southeast Regionals Doubles Championship match to claim the doubles main draw crown. Learn more about the win.

Spread the Word

Since 2015, research and development spending at UNF has increased 335%, and patented inventions, spinoff companies and licenses on UNF intellectual property have quadrupled. Spread the word!

To read more about research at the University of North Florida, visit the UNF Newsroom.