Inside UNF — October 20, 2022

By Amanda Ennis
Media Relations Manager

The UNF Preschool recently teamed up with the Dolphin Research Program and the Campus Canines Program to teach the preschoolers lessons about animals.

Attention all UNF staff! You are invited to attend an informal conversation with President Limayem on Tuesday, Nov. 1, from 2 - 3 p.m. in the Talon Room, Building 16, 4th floor. The President will speak and answer questions. Refreshments will be provided.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP before Oct. 28.

In recognition of the recent increase of phishing attacks UNF employees have been experiencing, we reached out to ITS Vice President and Chief Information Officer Brian Verkamp to answer some questions about the best practices to avoid becoming a victim of these attacks.

• Claim they have noticed some suspicious activity or login attempts on your account.
• Claim there is a problem with your account or your payment information.
• Claim you need to confirm some personal or financial information.
• Include an invoice you do not recognize.
• Want you to click on a link to make a payment.
• Claim you are eligible to register for a government refund.
• Offer a coupon for free stuff.
• Offer a job with high pay, minimal number of hours per week, and little to no experience required.

• Creates a sense of urgency.
• Uses generic greetings, salutations, and email body content.
• Is from unknown senders.
• Has a puzzling context, like emails with photos of another employee’s vacation, or documents of a meeting that never took place.

• Does the message create a heightened sense of urgency? Are you being pressured to bypass your organization’s security policies? Are you being rushed into making a mistake? The greater the pressure or sense of urgency, the more likely this is an attack.
• Does the email or message make sense? Would the CEO of your company urgently text you asking for help? Does your supervisor really need you to rush out and buy gift cards? Why would your bank or credit card company be asking for personal information they should already have about you? If the message seems odd or out of place, it may be an attack.
• Are you receiving a work-related email from a trusted coworker or perhaps your supervisor, but the email is using a personal email address such as @gmail.com?
• Did you receive an email or message from someone you know, but the wording, tone of voice or signature in the message is wrong and unusual?

• Ensure the cybercriminals do not maintain access to your accounts. Change your passwords or start the account recovery process.  
• If you think a cybercriminal has your information, like your Social Security, credit card or bank account number, go to IdentityTheft.gov. There you’ll see the specific steps to take based on the information that you lost.
• If you think you clicked on a link or opened an attachment that downloaded harmful software, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and remove anything it identifies as a problem.

• UNF staff will NEVER ask you for your password.
• UNF staff will NEVER ask you to accept a Duo multifactor authentication request.
• Beware of unexpected phone calls, text messages or emails asking you to provide more personal information or to verify your account. UNF will NEVER ask you to do this.
• If you receive a multifactor authentication request through your phone or Duo app and are not logging in, deny the request. UNF will NEVER contact you asking you to approve this.
• If you are concerned about messages that you have received, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 904-620-HELP (4357), email them at helpdesk@unf.edu, or visit help.unf.edu.

In the previous edition of Inside, we introduced a new look and refreshed layout. We also asked for your feedback. We're still looking to hear from you with any suggestions you feel will make the e-newsletter more interesting.

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Open Enrollment has begun
For employees eligible for benefits through the State Group Insurance Program, the time is here to review your coverage and make any needed changes before Open Enrollment closes Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Any changes you make now will take effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Learn more at the Employee Benefits Fair on campus
To learn more about the benefit plans, changes taking place for the following year, wellness options, employee perks and more, UNF is holding an in-person Employee Benefits Fair, Friday, Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Adam W. Herbert University Center.

Discover what’s new for 2023

• Diabetes Management Pilot Program
  
• Weight Management
  
• Health Savings Account (HAS) Contributions and Coverage Limits
  
• Ameritas and MetLife Dental rates decrease
  
• New Humana Dental Plans
  
• Employee Assisted Program (EAP) expands
  
• Eligible Former Employee Benefits
  
  Read more about these changes online.

Get screened at the mobile mammography unit at the Benefits Fair
Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Buddy Bus and First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock will make a stop at UNF's Benefits Fair Oct. 21, which is also Mammogram Awareness Day. The Buddy Bus is a mobile mammography unit that provides convenient screening mammograms to individuals in Northeast Florida. Women must be at least 40 years old to receive a screening. To see if you are eligible and to schedule an appointment, fill out a registration form. Once the registration form has been submitted, you can expect a phone call from the Baptist scheduling team within two business days. For questions, please contact BuddyBus@bmcjax.com. 

More to do at the Benefits Fair:
Visit with Ozzie
Blood Pressure Checks
Flu Shot
Vendor Candy Bingo
Raffle, prizes, snacks and more

The Open Enrollment Process:
To access Open Enrollment, log in to the People’s First portal. A short video and written instructions are available if needed. If you have questions, call the People First Service Center at 866-663-4735. UNF’s Human Resources has also provided information online.

Relief agencies expect to need volunteers for the next 18 months to help the people in southwest Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian. Here are some ways Ospreys can help:

How to Volunteer
Prospective volunteers must coordinate with a specific relief agency (links listed below) and have a plan for check in, lodging, hygiene and food.

• Florida Gulf Coast University Eagle Link
• Riverside Church Disaster Relief
• Jesse.stewart@summitlife.com
• Next Level Church
• United Way of Lee County

Please direct students or student organizations to ospreyimpact@unf.edu so information of those interested in ongoing and future opportunities for relief efforts can be collected and centralized. 

What volunteers need to know

• Currently, the commuting time to showers and sleeping locations is three hours each way, as Tampa and Sarasota hotels are full. The nearest place to stay is in St. Petersburg, and travel time is extended due to traffic and infrastructure issues.
• Work crews will be primarily mucking out properties and clearing debris, eventually moving to rebuilding. Skill sets such as construction, electrical knowledge and similar expertise are especially needed, but so are able bodies who can lift 50 pounds or more.
• Bring in and carry out what you need, including proper clothing and portable personal cleaning items such as wipes, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottles and phone battery packs.
• Crews traveling together can request to be assigned to projects in groups of 15 or more, and some projects can be single day to accommodate one-day or weekend travel.
• Agencies have an agreed-upon workday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Safety equipment, waivers and lunch are usually provided to volunteers, though no training is provided. Volunteer coordinators should brief their students in advance on what to expect, how to deal with survivors, how to make referrals, etc.

How to make donations

• Cash can be donated to a specific clearinghouse such as Collaboratory or a specific agency listed above.
• Donations of goods not requested by a specific agency are not welcome at this time. Collection drives should be connected to an agency such as the Humane Society or a specific school or facility and all goods must be delivered. To be connected to an organization in need of a drive, contact the United Way of Lee County or Susan Trudeau in the Center for Community-Based Learning at s.trudeau@unf.edu
• Please do not send donations that compete with the goods that big box stores are donating and selling, like pallets of water, diapers, etc., because it interferes with maintaining the retail infrastructure.
• Clothes, home goods and furniture are not needed at this time, but these items will be needed later.

This information was provided to UNF’s Center for Community-Based Learning by relief agencies in southwest Florida. Information is constantly changing. For the latest news, contact Susan Trudeau, Co-Curricular Coordinator at s.trudeau@unf.edu or 904-620-3547.

Brooks College of Health
Dr. Catherine Christie, associate dean and professor at UNF's Brooks College of Health, has been honored by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with a 2022 Medallion Award in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership in the Academy and the nutrition and dietetics profession. Christie is one of eight registered dietitian nutritionists to be honored with this prestigious award. Read more about the award and Christie.

Dr. Kristen Hicks-Roof, associate professor Nutrition and Dietetics, published “Nutrition Check: World Alzheimer’s Day and the Food/Brain Connection” Florida Newsline, September 2022. Also, with Caroline Jury, Hicks-Roof also published “Nutrition Check: Children’s Eye Health/Safety Month” Florida Newsline, August 2022.  

Dr. Sericea Stallings-Smith, associate professor Public Health, presented “Association between Food Insecurity and Cardiometabolic Outcomes in the U.S. Adult Population,” a collaborative project with Dr. Zhigang Xie, assistant professor Public Health; Dr. Andrea Arikawa, associate professor and Interim Chair, Nutrition and Dietetics; and Dr. Lauri Wright, associate professor Nutrition and Dietetics; at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology conference in Athens, Greece, September 2022.

Dr. Tes Tuason, professor and clinical director in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, is one of the top 20 individuals around the country who was chosen to participate in the Spiritual Competency Training in Mental Health (SCT-MH) for Graduate Students project. This is a re-grant of the University of South Alabama from the John Templeton Foundation.

Coggin College of Business
Diane Denslow completed the requirements to receive the Rural Entrepreneurship Education Certificate. The Program, conducted by the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduces educators to the expanding research and efforts to bolster rural ecosystems.  

College of Arts and Sciences
Art, Art History, and Design
Trevor Dunn exhibited 15 works in the exhibition “Playing it Cool,” at the Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Montana, August.

Stephen Heywood exhibited in the 12^th Annual Clay International – National Juried Exhibition, at the Workhouse Arts Center, Lorton, Virginia, August.

Dr. Elizabeth B. Heuer published “American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection,” D. Giles Limited, London.

Jenny K. Hager participated in the Juried International Exhibition, “Calculations: Units and Measurements” Alte Rathaus and Heidecksburg, Rudolstadt, Thüringennd, Germany, July – August.   

Communication
Dr. Rachel E. Riggs, with her colleagues S. Melhem, C. Perez, C. Smith, and N. Punyanunt-Carter, published “Understanding American college students’ perceptions of Asians on television” in the journal Media Asia.

English
Mark Ari published “Santa’s House on Sunrise Highway” in the anthology Music Gigs Gone Wrong, August.
Marcus Pactor published "Risking Chaos: An Interview with David Leo Rice" in Heavy Feather Review, August.

Music
Joshua Tomlinson performed his electroacoustic theater piece “A Short Story,” at De Montfort University in Leicester, England as part of the Convergence Conference, September. “In ‘A Short Story’ a typewriter is first heard alone, but progressively its sound becomes further and further removed from reality. Additional sounds that help construct the narrative are triggered by a lamp, the only source of light. The audience is invited to observe an author's creative process — to hear his imagination and listen to his memories.”

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Dr. Bert Koegler published “Social Ontology, Dialogic Recognition, and Contemporary Challenges: A Reply,” in the anthology: Hans-Herbert Kögler’s Critical Hermeneutics, L. Dunaj/K. Mertel (eds.), London/New York, Bloomesbury.

Physics
Dr. Samana Shrestha received a 2022-23 American Short-Term Research Publication Grant Fellowship in the amount of $6,000. This amount was awarded to write a paper on “Improving radiation therapy and immunotherapy using magnetic nanoparticles-a review.” 

Department of Psychology
Dr. Charles Fitzsimmons in collaboration with his coauthors C. J., Schiller, L. K., Scheibe, D., Taber, J. M., Sidney, P. G., Matthews, P. G., Coifman, K. G., Waters, E. A., & Thompson, C. A published an article, “Number lines can be more effective at facilitating adults' performance on health-related ratio problems than risk ladders and icon arrays” in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied. 

Dr. Taylor Vigoureux, published an article as second author of an undergraduate mentee from University of South Florida titled “Daily association of stressors with perceived cognitive abilities: Moderating role of age,” in Stress and Health.

College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich, associate professor, was recently elected to serve on WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) Steering Committee representing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Digital Learning. The Steering Committee is representative of the WCET membership, makes recommendations on programmatic issues of interest to the membership-at-large, and leads and/or contributes to activities in support of WCET’s programs and membership. This is an elected position with a two-year term.

Drs. Wanda Lastrapes, faculty administrator, and Brian Zoellner, associate professor, both Project PIs, facilitated a workshop, “A STEM Induction Collaborative: Teacher Inquiry to Critically Examine Instructional Practices,” which was attended by Noyce project directors and teaching fellows.

Jacksonville Teacher Residency/National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Teaching Fellows Program was represented at the 2022 Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Annual Summit in Washington, D.C., July 18 – 20. The Summit celebrated Noyce scholars, fellows, and researchers working to advance equity in high-need school districts over the past 20 years of NSF Noyce. UNF Master of Art in Teaching alumna Isabella Kitzis highlighted her Teacher Inquiry/Impact Project with a poster presentation titled, “Nothing You Taught Was on That Test: Analysis of the Biology Pacing Guide to Achieve Learning Outcomes at a Title 1 School.” Ms. Kitzis is a second-year biology teacher at Englewood High School, Duval County Public Schools.

Rakesh Maurya, assistant professor, published “Counsellors' lived experiences of empathy & compassion: An interpretive phenomenological inquiry,” in Wiley Online Library, UNF. This study explored counselors’ lived experiences of empathy and compassion. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, findings highlighted how counselors experience compassion and empathy, how boundaries shape wellness and practice with clients, and the impact of empathy and compassion over a career. The findings suggest that self-other differentiation is key while using empathy to develop a strong therapeutic alliance and counselor self-care.  

Dr. Matthew Ohlson, director of Taylor Leadership Institute, said the Taylor Leadership Institute is certifying more than 1000 students, staff and community stakeholders in the highly regarded leadership program — the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, thanks to an award from Franklin Covey. The partnership pilot will include representatives from UNF Athletics, CCB (Graduate and Executive Program), BCH (Health Administration Leadership Institute), ROTC & the Jax Icemen. The Covey 7 Habits training has been implemented by 90 percent of the Fortune 100 and more than 75 percent of the Fortune 500. Those interested in participating should email Dr. Ohlson. 

In addition, student-athlete leaders from the UNF baseball and women’s tennis teams participated in a leadership mentoring initiative with the Ronald McDonald House. The UNF student-athletes took time out of their busy schedules to bake cookies, cook meals, play games and enjoy some heartfelt laughter with children and families undergoing significant medical treatment and care at area hospitals. Their efforts helped to further strengthen the powerful partnership between the Taylor Leadership Institute and the Ronald McDonald house.

Dr. Elizabeth Hale Rozas, assistant professor of Literacy, has a book coming out Oct. 28 titled “High Attention Reading: Preparing Student for Independent Reading of Informational Text,” published by Teachers College Press.

By Marsha Blasco

Elise Ballash was the child who endlessly asked the question “Why?” Now a master’s student at UNF, she has channeled her boundless curiosity into research.

Today, her inquiries relate to the work she is doing with Dr. Amy Lane, Presidential professor of chemistry, who is focusing on using bacteria as a possible source for the next drug breakthrough. Ballash has discovered that a bacteria she has been studying is producing a new compound that may have the potential to be used for medicinal purposes. “Right now, we’re in the phase that I’m trying to get enough of this compound to determine its structure,” she said. “It’s really cool because this compound has never been studied before.” This past summer, Ballash also participated in the University’s inaugural Chemistry Department Summer Undergraduate Research Program that was sponsored through a UNF partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision.

To find research opportunities, Ballash talked with several professors during her junior year as a biology undergrad at UNF, in preparation for her start in the new accelerated BS/MS program in Biomedical Sciences. When she met with Lane, the research just clicked with her interests in researching pharmaceuticals from natural sources. “I’m so pleased to have found Dr. Lane,” Ballash said. “She has been a very influential and important part of my time at UNF. I do not think I would have this research opportunity elsewhere as a student just because I think UNF is a more personable university, and everybody wants to get to know you and has your best interests in mind.”

The research project has also helped Ballash in planning her career. She had been weighing opportunities — medical school, a Doctor of Pharmacy, a Ph.D. program or a job in the pharmaceutical industry. “This has definitely helped me figure out what I want to do,” she said. “I would like to ideally get my Ph.D. and pursue more research, which is something I’ve discovered that I love.”

Ballash began her journey at UNF as a student-athlete on the swim team, yet said she also chose the University for the academic programs she wanted to pursue. When an injury at the end of her freshman year ended her ability to swim, she was glad she had looked so closely at the quality of UNF’s degree offerings. “I loved swimming and the team, but in the end it has all worked out for me,” she said. “I am also very passionate about what I’m studying here and happy to be able to devote all my time to my academics.”

Meet Michele Johnson Moore

Dr. Michele Moore serves as chair and professor in the Department of Public Health. Her areas of expertise include Adolescent Health, Reproductive Health and Sexuality, and Social Behavioral Public Health, and she teaches the courses PHC 6940 Public Health Capstone and PHC 6945 Public Health Internship. Moore has won several teaching awards during her tenure at UNF. Most recently she is the recipient of The Distinguished Professor Award for 2022. The honor is presented annually to a UNF faculty member who has a balanced record of distinction at UNF in all three areas of teaching, scholarship and service.

What research are you doing?
Currently, I collaborate with the Duval County Public Schools and Department of Health-Duval on a CDC-funded grant, which includes multiple aspects: to monitor adolescent health behaviors through implementation of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS); to train teachers to implement evidence-based sexuality education curriculum; to provide sexual health services through school-based clinics; to assess community support for sexuality education and health services; and to disseminate project outcomes.

How long have you worked at UNF?
This is my 24^th year.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I love to travel and have a bucket list of places a mile long! But on a daily basis, I just love to be outside —hiking, boating, walking the beach — with my family, our dog or friends.

Where did you grow up?
Stuart, Florida

Where did you go to school?
University of Florida

Who inspires you and why?
Our office manager Delores. She has such a passion for our students, our faculty, UNF and the work she does each day. She always has a smile on her face and makes everyone who walks through the door feel like they are the best thing since sliced bread. She truly has a heart of gold and inspires me to do good every day.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I spent a semester studying abroad in Salzburg, Austria, during college and our classes were held in the Schloss Leopoldskron, better known as the "Sound of Music" palace.

UNF Art, Art History and Design Annual Faculty Exhibition
Now through Nov. 11, UNF Gallery of Art, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Mon. through Thurs.)
UNF's annual Department of Art, Art History and Design faculty exhibit features work in ceramics, drawing, installation, painting and more.

Intro to Organic Gardening
Friday, Oct. 21, 10 - 11 a.m. at Ogier Gardens
Learn the basics to starting your own garden with Ogier Gardens Coordinator, Kevin Anderson.

Distinguished Voices Lectures
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. at the Adam W. Herbert University Center
‘The U.S. and the Holocaust: Lessons for Today’s Challenges’ with Lynn Novick and Ken Burns
Join distinguished documentarians Lynn Novick and Ken Burns for an insightful dialogue on their September film, The U.S. and The Holocaust, and the lessons learned from the international response to the Holocaust and how they can be implemented today. Novick and Burns have a combined 17 Emmys and two Grammys for their work in film. Lynn Novick will be with us in person, while Ken Burns will join virtually.
Free, but e-tickets required.

Faculty Recital: Hello Mr. Clarke! The Music of Herbert L. Clarke
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring Drs. Marc Dickman, trombone, euphonium; Randy Tinnin, cornet, trumpet; and Gary Smart, piano. 

35th Annual Great American Jazz Series
Thursday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater
Saxophonist Joel Frahm and Douglas Anderson SOTA JE1
Features Dr. James Hall, artistic director. 
Free admission; suggested donation: $10

Fall Choral Showcase
Sunday, Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Features Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor.
Free admission; suggested donation: $10

North Florida teams are gearing up to play on the new CSI Companies Court! Starting in November, both the volleyball and men and women's basketball teams will break in the new court as fans will get to experience the various upgrades in the UNF Arena for the first time including a new sound system, enhanced lighting and the Bank of England Hospitality Suite.

Here's What's Coming Up Next: