Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Marketing and Communications
oneColumn handbook

Inside UNF — September 5, 2023

Fall semester is in full swing

The 2023 fall semester is here! View some memorable moments from the first couple of weeks of the semester and learn more about new and upcoming happenings on campus.
 
Two UNF students hanging out in Osprey Plaza with T-shirts in their hands Group of UNF students posing for a photo in front of the dorms Crowd of UNF students cheering in the UNF Arena

UNF welcomes new faculty

Welcome to our newest Ospreys!
 
President Limayem welcomed UNF’s new faculty to UNF last month at an orientation hosted by the Office of Faculty Excellence and Academic and Student Affairs. The new faculty members are experts in the fields of biology, chemistry, civil engineering, communication, construction management, nursing, public health and more. Welcome to the Nest, Ospreys!
 
UNF faculty socializing at fall faculty orientation UNF fall faculty orientation group photo UNF new faculty members talking during faculty orientation

Join the party at First Thursday Faculty & Staff Mixers

First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers are back this Thursday!
 
UNF Ozzie mascot table decorationUnwind after your workday, and join your colleagues each month for camaraderie and fellowship! The mixers are a great place to reconnect with UNF friends and meet new faculty and staff. Enjoy food and beverages provided each month by sponsors including the President’s Office, Administration and Finance, Academic and Student Affairs, and University Development and Alumni Engagement. First Thursday Mixers are held each first Thursday of the month from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Talon Room, Osprey Commons (Building 16). Mark your calendars! 
 
First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers for 2023-24
  • 2023: Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7
  • 2024: Feb. 1, March 7, April 4

Change is coming to UNF's two-factor authentication system

UNF students in the library working on computersAn important change is coming soon to UNF's two-factor authentication system. On Monday, Sept. 25, all students, faculty and staff will transition from Duo to Microsoft Authenticator.
 
What does this mean for me?
Everyone at UNF will need to enroll in Microsoft Authenticator in order to access software and services that require your UNF ID and password. Authenticator will be available Monday, Sept. 25 for the UNF community to use. Duo will remain active for two-factor authentication for 14 days. Microsoft Authenticator will be required for two-factor authentication after Monday, Oct. 9.
 
Why is this change happening?
Microsoft Authenticator was chosen for its robust security features and user-friendly interface.
Implementing Microsoft Authenticator for the UNF campus is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the security of our systems and provide a seamless authentication experience.
 

Dr. Paul Eason named Vice President of Strategy and Innovation

Dr. Paul Eason, UNF VP of Strategy and InnovationThe University of North Florida named Paul Eason, Ph.D., P.E. as its first vice president of strategy and innovation. The position, previously the VP of data analytics, was refocused to reflect President Limayem’s commitment to achieving a new strategic vision for the University.
 
Eason will oversee the execution of the UNF Strategic Plan, which was updated this summer with an emphasis on key performance-based funding metrics, elevating UNF’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report, and strategic growth to meet the talent demands of the region and beyond. Eason will work in concert with the other vice presidents on initiatives that bridge across different units of the University to ensure alignment with the new Strategic Plan and state goals.
 

President Limayem named an Ultimate CEO

President Limayem speaking in a room full of peopleUniversity of North Florida President Moez Limayem has been named an Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Limayem earned the recognition just as he concluded his first year as president of UNF.
 
“It is an honor to lead this outstanding University. This recognition reflects the great work of our entire team at UNF, including our dedicated Board of Trustees and our talented faculty and staff," said Limayem.  
 
Learn more about the honor.
Additionally, MOCA Jacksonville Executive Director Caitlín Doherty was also named an Ultimate CEO by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Doherty joined MOCA in 2017 and has worked to position it as a world-class art institution that serves the Jacksonville community and beyond. She has engaged with artists, students and communities around the world throughout her career.
 

Doctoral student inspires youth with innovative game-based learning

By Byron E. Jones
 
The process of shaping young minds is both challenging and rewarding. For UNF doctoral student and accomplished educator Nadine Ebri, it’s a process she enjoys to the fullest. “There’s a lot I like about being an educator,” says Ebri. “Seeing how kids’ lives can transform based on the efforts that I put in is one of the things I really love most about teaching.”
 
Nadine EbriThe Palm Bay native was recently recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) as one of their "20 to Watch" award winners for 2023. She was recognized for her dedication to expanding computer science access to historically marginalized students and managing the world's first Minecraft Lab located at Springfield Middle School in Downtown Jacksonville. In addition, she initiated a Minecraft Student Ambassador program at the school, where student ambassadors assisted teachers in employing Minecraft Education as a teaching tool. Students in this program actively engaged with the community, leading activities such as professional development sessions for district specialists, parent coding nights to instruct parents in coding skills and community event appearances to promote coding within the community.
 
Minecraft Education takes the popular block building adventure video game and has features built specifically for learning environments to support STEM, coding, SEL, history, language arts, 21st century skills and more. This game allows for students from all backgrounds and abilities to engage in a fun and inclusive learning environment.
 
Set to become a three-time Osprey, she obtained a bachelor's degree in elementary education from UNF in 2013 and returned back to the nest to achieve a master's in educational leadership in 2018. Two years later, she embarked on the ambitious path of pursuing a doctorate through UNF's Educational Leadership Program. She's scheduled to grace the UNF stage once more at the fall commencement in December. This fall she is working on the finalization of her dissertation, focusing on the professional development of teachers through the utilization of digital game-based learning in the classroom.
 
While she loves to learn new things, Ebri credits her instructors for helping her succeed in her academic journey. “The biggest factor that contributed to me having success at UNF was the supportive staff and my professors,” said Ebri. “I’ve had professors who really encouraged me.”
 
That encouragement led to success in her teaching career also. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she began teaching in Duval County, where she taught grade levels from kindergarten to eighth grade. As a teacher, Ebri says she always asks her students how they want to learn and proceeds to adjust her instructional practices based on their feedback. One particular year, her students wanted to include rapping, dancing and singing in their lessons. The class had so much fun during the lessons, she began uploading videos online. One of the videos she uploaded during a lesson about long division garnered millions of views on social media and is still being used by teachers globally to teach children the method.
 
“Just allowing students to be themselves really transformed how a lot of students around the world are going to learn long division,” Ebri says.
 
Nadine's innovative efforts eventually led to her being named a finalist for the 2021 Duval County Teacher of the Year Award. That same year, she accepted a position with Duval County Public Schools as a district specialist to manage the Minecraft Lab. There, she enlightened teachers, specialists, students, and the community about the game's multifaceted benefits. Through this position, she also began traveling for conferences around the United States presenting for Microsoft on how to utilize digital game-based learning effectively in the classroom. Struck by the profound impact that gaming had on student engagement, student achievement and inclusivity, she shifted her dissertation to concentrate on digital game-based learning. Her research unearthed a startling disparity: while over 74% of kids under 18 identify as gamers, fewer than 20% of teachers tap into digital game-based learning. This finding galvanized her to intensify her efforts in diminishing the obstacles hindering teachers from incorporating games, including through professional development workshops.
 
After witnessing firsthand the positive impact that digital game-based learning has on children from various backgrounds, Ebri believes it is essential that such practices are embedded in school curriculums moving forward. She has noticed that all students, even those with accessibility or behavioral issues, were deeply engaged in immersive gaming lessons.
 
“There has never been a student who came into my lab that I wasn’t able to accommodate,” she says. “The game is meant for everyone.”
 
Ebri is fully committed to making sure students and teachers have access to digital game-based learning technology. She recently accepted a new position working for Microsoft as the Global Education Community Manager for Minecraft Education. In this role, she serves as the liaison between the product and its global community, laboring to cultivate and strengthen the network of educators who are harnessing the power of Minecraft in classrooms around the world.
 
Ebri also recently started her own business called Ebri Education where she offers professional development and consulting for teachers looking to learn more about digital game-based learning. She also created a soon-to-be-released virtual reality multiplication and division game for kids. Additionally, her leadership talents have been recognized with her recent appointment as the Northeast Regional Education Chair for Leadership Florida, a nonprofit that unites and engages leaders across the state.

UNF receives two new rankings

UNF campus buildingMoney Magazine ranks UNF among Best Colleges in America
After analyzing dozens of data points, including graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid and alumni salaries, the University of North Florida was awarded one of America’s Best Colleges 2023 with four stars by Money magazine.
 
 
UNF ranks among ‘Best in the South’ for 2024
The University of North Florida is ranked as a 2024 “Best in the South” college/university by The Princeton Review for the 15th consecutive year. Only 109 colleges and universities in 10 Southern states made the list. The ratings show how each school measures up on a fixed scale, primarily based on institutional data from schools and data from student surveys.
 
 
Information provided by UNF Media Relations

Students enjoy unique summer study abroad opportunities

Groups of UNF students on study abroad tripsStudents throughout the University were afforded opportunities over the summer to study abroad and engage in transformational learning experiences. Below are two of the exciting study abroad trips students enjoyed this summer.

THRIVE Study Abroad Trip in Italy
Thanks to the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction and the College of Education and Human Services, students in UNF's Thrive Progam lived in Italy for two weeks at the beginning of June to study accessibility in a different country. The students gained many experiences and were educated on the Architecture of Roman structures, the Montessori Method, construction and other areas of discipline.

This trip was made possible thanks to various generous donations and funds raised during the 2023 Giving Day campaign.

Bali Study Abroad Trip
UNF public health and anthropology students took part in a three-week study abroad trip to Bali in late May to learn about social determinants of health (SDOH) in the region. Students assisted in making 600 meals for families who live in the “landfill” communities. They also experienced Balinese culture up close and personal through activities such as learning to dance the Legong, visiting the Peliatan Royal Palace, cooking Balinese dishes and more.

This trip was organized with help from the Bali Institute and led by professors Ronald Lukens-Bull, professor of anthropology and religious studies, and Katryne Lukens Bull, instructor of public health and BSH program director.

Learn more about the study abroad trip to Bali.

Osprey Profile: Alexandra Arroyo

Alexandra ArrayoMeet Alexandra Arroyo

Alexandra Arroyo is a public health major beginning her senior year this fall. The Orange Park native plans to make a difference in the lives of others as a physician assistant. She is an advocate for promoting community health, equitable healthcare and preventing diseases. This summer, she participated in a three-week study abroad trip to Bali with other UNF students to learn Balinese culture and gain real-world experiences in another country. In addition to her studies, she works at two outpatient clinics as a medical office specialist and medical assistant respectively.

What brought you to UNF?
UNF's proximity to family drew me in. Their support adds meaning to my college journey. Family holds a special place in my life, and the opportunity to be near them while pursuing my education is a blessing. UNF's reputation for academic excellence and its recognition as a nationally-ranked university added to its appeal. I also really love that UNF is close to the beach and has allowed me to make connections.

Why did you choose to study public health?
As I learned more about public health, I realized its importance in disease prevention, health promotion and creating sustainable interventions that can positively impact the lives of many. I wanted to be part of the solution by actively contributing to initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities and advocating for equitable access to healthcare services. The interdisciplinary nature of public health has opened my heart to various perspectives and instilled a passion for patient-centered care. Real-world experiences have only fueled my dedication, inspiring me to touch lives with compassion and understanding. I eagerly embrace getting my B.S. in public health, knowing it will bring healing and hope to others.

What have you enjoyed most about the University?
I've enjoyed the challenge of being a college student at UNF. Balancing commitments and pushing myself to excel in coursework has been tough but rewarding. Overcoming academic hurdles made me grow and discover my capabilities, making my time at UNF fulfilling and transformative. It feels great to accomplish goals and fuel my passion for learning.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
Starbucks. It is the haven that fuels my caffeine cravings and sustains me during long study sessions.

What campus clubs/organizations/activities are you involved in?
I am a member of UNF's Pre-Physician Assistant Club.

What's the greatest bit of advice you've ever been given?
Perseverance yields rewards.

Who inspires you?
My parents are my ultimate inspiration and support system. Their commitment to hard work has left an indelible mark on my life, showing me the value of persistence and dedication.

You recently returned from studying abroad in Bali. What was that experience like?
Studying abroad has been a dream come true for me and it's driven by a profound belief that venturing into another country pushes you beyond your comfort zone, allowing you to discover your true self. Yet, it's not just about the adrenaline rush of exploring; it's the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures that captivates me. The decision to study in Bali was not solely based on academic pursuits, but also on embracing life lessons that I was able to learn. Bali's adventurous spirit has encouraged me more in life to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. The best moments for me were visiting the Islamic boarding school, being able to sing with my friends while our friend Lisa played the guitar and releasing baby turtles in the ocean. The Balinese individuals were some of the happiest, most kind and most polite individuals that I’ve ever met. The lessons that I learned in Bali that I remember almost every day and share with others are to breathe and slow down, enjoy being present, embrace simplicity and that mind-body connection is healing. My time in Bali was a profound and transformative experience filled with valuable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my life. The island's beauty, culture and spiritual essence have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I am a thrill seeker, and I am usually the first one to try new things that may seem scary to others. I have always been interested in skydiving, swimming with sharks and bungee jumping. I have always had a "B adventurous spirit" when it comes to wanting to try things that make my heart beat faster.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey FountainBrooks College of Health
Dr. Tes Tuason, professor of public health and program director in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, along with co-authors Lynne Carroll, Marina Schutz and Sara Buchanan, published an article titled "From Oppression to Opportunity: A Pilot Study of an Intervention Program for Vulnerable First Generation College Students" in Frontiers in Psychology, June. Tuason and CMHC program graduate Kel Perniciaro, along with Richel Lamadrid, Jego Mallillin and C. Dominik Güss, co-authored the article titled "The viral picture of well-being: Biggest concerns, losses, and unintended gifts of COVID-19 in the Philippines" in PLOS One Open Access, July.
 
Katryne Lukens Bull, instructor of public health and program director of BSH-PH, and Dr. Ronald Lukens-Bull, professor of anthropology and religious studies, led a three-week study abroad trip to Bali, Indonesia for  students from the Brooks College of Health and the College of Arts and Sciences to learn about Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Bali.
 
Dr. Michelle Boling, professor in the department of clinical and applied movement sciences and director of the athletic training program, presented research on articular cartilage compositional changes at the patellofemoral joint following ACL reconstruction at the 7th International Patellofemoral Research Retreat in June, held at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli in Bologna, Italy. The abstract presented was titled “Is Patellofemoral Joint Loading during Gait Associated with Articular Cartilage Compositional Changes at the Patellofemoral Joint Following ACL Reconstruction?”. The Retreat aims to bring together leaders and experts in patellofemoral pain research from around the world to share the latest patellofemoral pain research developments, discuss the literature to formulate consensus statements to disseminate knowledge and develop a future research agenda for patellofemoral pain.
 
UNF Brooks College of Health faculty were invited to participate in the International SHAPE Symposium held in Brisbane, Australia on July 4-7, 2023. Attending were Dean Curt Lox, Health Administration Chair Mei Zhao, MHA Program Director D. Rob Haley, Ph.D., MBA, MHS, Aging Center Director Hanadi (Hana) Hamadi, Jasper Xu, and Aurora Tafili. Presenting research studies conducted at UNF were Hanadi (Hana) Hamadi , Jasper Xu, Aurora Talifi, and EMHA Program Director Shyam Paryani.
 
College of Arts and Sciences
Art, Art History and Design 
Sheila Goloborotko, associate professor of art history, artist and curator, presents her work on “Emergence,” currently on view at Gallery Dot, a virtual art gallery established to serve the powerful yet underserved community of emerging, mid-career and established female artists from around the globe. Following the growing trend of galleries opting out of the traditional brick-and-mortar model, this is the first time her work is presented in a solo exhibition on this virtual platform, increasing accessibility and enabling the work to reach a global audience and engage with collectors and art enthusiasts who may not have access to physical gallery spaces. View the exhibition online.
 
Stephen Heywood, professor of art and design, participated in the following exhibitions:
Westmoreland Art National - National Juried Exhibition in Youngwood, PA, 65th National Multi-Media Juried Art Exhibition at the Maria V. Howard Arts Center in Rocky Mount, NC, and a Southern Census - National Juried Exhibition at the Clay Center of New Orleans, in New Orleans, LA. Heywood was also invited for a short-term residency at the Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center in Skaelskor, Denmark. Two of his pieces were accepted into the permanent collection of the international ceramics research center.
 
Chemistry 
Dr. Arthur Omran, professor of chemistry, along with colleagues W. Bains, M.A. Pasek, S. Ranjan and J.J. Petkowski, published “Large Uncertainties in the Thermodynamics of Phosphorus (III) Oxide (P4O6) Have Significant Implications for Phosphorus Species in Planetary Atmospheres” in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry, May. Omran also published “Serpentinization-Associated Mineral Catalysis of the Protometabolic Formose System” with co-authors A. Gonzalez, C. Menor-Salvan, M. Gaylor, J. Wang, J. Leszczynski and T. Feng in Life, May.
 
Dr. Amy Lane, presidential professor of chemistry and biochemistry, published the article “Unveiling an indole alkaloid diketopiperazine biosynthetic pathway that features a unique stereoisomerase and multifunctional methyltransferase” in Nature Communications, May.
 
Communications  
Dr. Siho Nam, associate professor in the School of Communication, presented a paper titled “Billed by Bill Gates: The Public Cost of Private Philanthropic Interventions into Global Problems” at the annual meeting of International Communication Association in Toronto, Canada in May.
 
English 
Dr. Nicholas de Villiers, professor of English and film, participated in a roundtable discussion “Queering Space & Time in Taiwan New Cinema” with Dr. Howard Chiang (UC Davis) and Dr. Beth Tsai (UCSB) at The Center for Taiwan Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara in May. He also presented a paper, "Cosmopolitan Sex Workers and Taiwan (Diaspora) Network Films: Days by Tsai Ming-liang, The Receptionist by Jenny Lu, and Come and Go by Lim Kah Wai," at the European Association of Taiwan Studies conference, SOAS University of London in June.
 
Dr. Ash Faulkner, associate instructor of English, presented a paper titled "Lawless Liberty: Home Rule and the Historical Imagination of Emily Lawless" at the British Women Writers Association annual meeting in Charlottesville, Virginia in May.
 
History
Dr. Charles Closmann, associate professor of history, published the chapter "The Environmental Impact," in the "The Oxford Handbook of World War II," edited by G. Kurt Piehler and Jonathan A. Grant, Oxford University Press, May. Closmann also presented a paper titled "One Step Forward and Two Steps Back: Grassroots Efforts to Protect Florida's St. Johns River" at the Annual Conference of the American Society for Environmental History in March.
 
Physics
Dr. W. Brian Lane, instructor of physics, along with co-authors Dr. Terrie M. Galanti, assistant professor of secondary mathematics and STEM integration/computational thinking, and Xavier L. Rozas published, “Teacher Re-novicing on the Path to Integrating Computational Thinking in High School Physics Instruction” in the Journal for STEM Education Research, June.
 
Dr. John Caleb Speirs, assistant professor of physics, published “Leveraging dual-process theories of reasoning to understand and support student reasoning,” in the SPIE Digital Library as part of the proceedings of the 12723 conferences, June.
 
Political Science and Public Administration
Dr. George Candler, professor of political science and public administration, wrote a preface for the book by Sérgio Boeira,“Atualidade da obra de Guerreiro Ramos: As Novas Gerações de Guerreiristas.”, June.
 
Dr. Joshua C. Gellers, associate professor of political science, published an article, “AI Ethics Discourse: A Call to Embrace Complexity, Interdisciplinarity, and Epistemic Humility,” in AI & Society, June. He also co-authored a chapter with Dr. David Gunkel, “Artificial Intelligence and International Human Rights Law: Implications for Humans and Technology in the 21st Century and Beyond,” which was published in the edited volume, Handbook on the Politics and Governance of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, June.
 
Psychology
Dr. Dominik Güss, presidential professor of psychology, along with co-author Ulrike Starker, published the article titled “The influence of emotion and emotion regulation on complex problem-solving performance” in Systems, May.
 
Dr. Lori Lange, associate professor and psychology department chair, published a manuscript with graduate student Ashley Smith titled "Do labels matter? Implications of ongoing symptomatic chronic illnesses labeled as conventional diagnoses vs. functional somatic syndromes" in Chronic Illness, May.
 
Taylor Vigoureux, assistant professor of psychology, along with co-authors R. S. Fox, G. E. Armstrong, J. S. Gaumond, C. H. Miller, S. D. Sanford, J. M. Salsman, E. Katsanis, T. A. Badger, D. Reed, B. D. Gonzalez, H. S. L. Jim, D. Victorson and L. B. Oswald, published “Social isolation and social connectedness among young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review” in Cancer, July.
 
Dr. Charlie Fitzsimmons, assistant professor of psychology, along with co-authors Pooja G. Sidney, Marta K. Mielicki, Lauren K. Schiller, Daniel A. Scheibe, Jennifer M. Taber, Percival G. Matthews, Erika A. Waters, Karin G. Coifman, and Clarissa A. Thompson, published “Worked Examples and Number Lines Improve U.S. Adults’ Understanding of Health Risks as Ratios” in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, June.
 
Dr. Lindsay Mahovetz-Myers, adjunct professor of psychology, presented a poster titled “The impact of the presence and absence of an elder female on solitary and social behaviors of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)” at the 45th Meeting of the American Society of Primatologists.
 
Center for Community-Based Learning
Dr. Justin Sipes, director of the Center for Community-Based Learning, served as a panelist for a national webinar titled "Transforming Community Engagement Assessment in Higher Education" hosted by GivePulse on July 11. The webinar was the first in a three-part series for campuses pursuing the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. Sipes shared how UNF uses the GivePulse platform (OspreyImpact) for reporting, tracking, assessment and evaluation purposes, and how the system will aid UNF’s upcoming reaffirmation process for the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement. Dr. Sipes was an invited presenter and panelist for two webinars hosted by NASPA on the new Student Affairs Educator Certification conferred by the Higher Education Consortium on Student Affairs Certification. The webinars (Certification Overview and Domain Overviews) on August 24 and August 31 are two of a six-part series to orient interested professionals to the Student Affairs Educator Certification process and eight domains. Dr. Sipes is an inaugural recipient of the Certified Student Affairs Educator distinction and holds the core and fraternity/sorority life specialty certifications.
 
Furthermore, Sipes was recently selected to be on the conference planning committee for the 2024 NASPA Mid-Level Administrators Conference taking place June 13-15, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN. In this role, Justin is part of a team to design, consult and contribute to the success of the conference, along with presenting a session and leading a small group reflection team during the conference.
 
Susan Trudeau, co-curricular community engagement coordinator, was appointed as a NASPA-FL executive board member, where she will serve as Membership Engagement Chair. In this role, Susan will work to grow the membership of NASPA-FL and consult with other executive board members to provide high-quality activities, events and opportunities to engage members in learning, professional development and networking across the state. Trudeau is the newest member of the Vote Early Day Committee consisting of six current Vote Early Day partners who provide valuable insight to staff and national partners about how to best support partners on the local level, including supervisor of elections offices. This year, Vote Early Day is October 26. Furthermore, Trudeau is also a member of the Students Learn Students Vote (SLSV) Coalition Action Plan Workshop Working Group. In this role, she reviews and provides feedback for the training materials for onboarding of new members to the SLSV coalition. This year, she will work on the areas of “How to Build a Campus Voting Coalition” and “Strategies to Increase Year-Round Nonpartisan Democratic Engagement.”
 
College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Laura Boilini, clinical assistant professor and program director in the College of Education and Human Services, presented the topic "Engaging Graduate Students-Panel Presentations" via Zoom at the ICPEL Conference in July.
 
Dr. Terence Cavanaugh, professor of instructional technology and Fulbright Specialist, concluded a two-month Fulbright Specialist project for the island nation of Tuvalu (least visited country in the world) at the request of the Ministry of Education. This project involved an evaluation of assessment data, curriculum and teaching skills of the science teachers, to provide suggestions for improving the situation for faculty and students.
 
Emily Crosset, M.Ed., academic advisor in the Office of Academic Support and Information Services, was awarded this year’s Outstanding New Academic Advisor Award. The Outstanding New Academic Advisor Award is given annually to a new member of the Academic Advising Council (AAC) at UNF. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding contributions to the field of academic advising, genuine concern for students, excellent communication and collaboration skills, professionalism and philosophical beliefs that are consistent with UNF’s mission. It is a prestigious honor that shines a light on a deserving member of the advising community.
 
Dr. Raven Robinson-Wilson, assistant professor of teacher education, has been accepted to the 2023-24 cohort of the National Science Foundation Quantitative Research Methods for STEM Education Scholars Program. Robinson-Wilson’s application has been selected as one of the 20 scholars who are invited to join this year.
 
Michael Vitti, senior vice president of data and decision science for the PGA Tour and UNF’s sport management 2020 executive residence, has been chosen as the winner for the 2023 SMA Mullin Award based on his work with University of North Florida. The Mullin Award is an annual recognition of a sport industry partner who has made unique and exceptional contributions to sport marketing education in collaboration with a university in good standing with SMA. 
 
Sydnie Steele, assistant director of the Taylor Leadership Institute, and Mindy Herrick, office manager for Taylor Leadership Institute, presented research findings on the power of leadership in women’s sports at the 2023 Association of Leadership Educators National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in July. The research presented was based on the article titled "How Leadership Development Transformed Women’s Sport Teams" published in The International Journal of Sport and Society, 13(1), 85-94, February 2022.
 
Dr. Luke Cornelius, associate professor in the department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management and Dr. Terence Cavanaugh, professor of instructional technology and Fulbright Specialist, co-authored "PK12 Education Budget Workbook", July.
 
Elizabeth Hale, assistant professor of literacy, co-authored the published article "Shared Picturebook Reading in a Preschool Class: Promoting Narrative Comprehension Through Inferential Talk and Text Difficulty" in Early Childhood Education Journal (1-17), May.
 
Digital Learning
Rob Rose, instructional designer, published "ChatGPT in higher education: Artificial Intelligence and its pedagogical value" in the University of North Florida Digital Pressbooks, April 2023.
 
Dan Feinberg, online learning librarian, Rob Rose, instructional designer, and Jann Sutton, senior instructional designer, presented "Beginning of an OER initiative and its evolution to a new age" at the online Florida OER Summit 2023, May 2023.
 
Hicks Honors College
Dr. Denise Monti, instructor and assistant director of the Hicks Honors College, received a $11,000 High Impact Practice Grant from the Office of Faculty Excellence to support a new Honors biology class. The 'Swooping into SEA-PHAGES: Viral Discovery at UNF' project supports the development of a two-semester, course-based research laboratory for first-year students enrolled in the Hicks Honors College. In the fall, students enrolled in Honors Biology I (BSC1010C) will work in the wet laboratory to identify and characterize new phages (viruses) from environmental samples using a variety of microbiology, molecular biology and microscopy techniques. In the spring, students will enroll in IDS1932: First-Year Interdisciplinary Writing Seminary to analyze and annotate the full genome of one or more phages discovered in the fall term using modern bioinformatics tools. Students will also learn to read and present scientific literature, write mini-grant proposals and research articles, and prepare poster presentations. The year-long CRE will culminate in poster or oral presentations at the SOARS Conference, the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, the PHLORIDA PHAGE PHEST meeting or the annual HHMI SEA-PHAGES symposium. Students will also share authorship on a Genome Announcement manuscript.
 
Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Maria Atilano, student engagement librarian, was elected president of the Library Marketing and Communications Group Board in August. The LMCG Board is a 501(3)c nonprofit that manages and oversees the annual Library Marketing and Communications Conference which attracts approximately 500 attendees each year.

Get to Know: Nikki Mejido

Nikki Mejido standing with a volleyball under one arm and a basketball in the other handNikki Mejido, intramurals and sport programs coordinator, is a sports enthusiast who enjoys watching students get involved and make new friends on campus. The Osprey alum is currently pursuing a master's degree in higher education administration with a concentration in collegiate athletics.

What does your job involve?
As the intramural coordinator, I am responsible for creating leagues and tournaments for UNF students, faculty and staff. During the summer, I also oversee the youth sports and fitness camp.
 
How long have you worked at UNF?
It was one year in August!
 
What do you enjoy most about working here?
I really enjoy the culture of the RecWell department and getting to work with all my coworkers. RecWell and UNF are very accepting and make me feel like I can be myself at work. I was a transfer student to UNF, so it’s rewarding to see students feel connected on campus through sports.
 
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?
I like to go for walks at parks and on the beach and read on the couch with my wife. I also enjoy watching the National Women’s Soccer League when they’re in season.
 
Where did you grow up?
Miami, Florida
 
Where did you go to school?
I attended Miami Dade College where I received an A.A. in recreation, then I transferred to UNF in January 2020 to receive my B.S. in sport management.
 
What’s the greatest bit of advice you’ve ever been given?
I have celiac disease, which has been a hard transition for me, but someone I follow on social media (Phil Hates Gluten) calls out brands to make gluten-free options. He says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be something!” which I think is great advice all around.
 
Who inspires you and why?
The National Women’s Soccer team inspires me because of the changes they advocate for and make for women’s sports and for diversity, equity and inclusion.
 
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
If binge watching TV shows was an Olympic sport, I would be a gold medalist!

Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

Sliced watermelonWatermelon-Infused Water
As the summer comes to a close, there are still some hot days ahead of us. Enjoy a refreshing drink recipe that is sure to help keep you cool.
 
In a pitcher, combine 4 cups of water and 2 cups of diced watermelon. Add 8-10 fresh mint leaves for an extra cooling effect. Stir and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Pour in a glass over ice cubes and serve.
 
To mix it up, try other fruit-infused waters using sliced citrus, strawberries or pineapple!
 
Submitted by Melissa Baron, DCN, RDN/LDN, instructor of Nutrition and Dietetics

Free Things to Do

Classical Faculty Showcase Concert
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Head over to the UNF Fine Arts Center to listen to the captivating sounds of UNF faculty members playing enjoyable classical pieces. Learn more about this concert event.

36th Annual Great American Jazz Series
Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
UNF Jazz Faculty Scholarship Concert with special guests, UNF Combo 1. J.B. Scott serves as artistic director. Learn more about this scholarship concert.

UNF student standing on a roof next to a microscope

Chris Miller Distinguished Lecture
Tuesday, September 19, 7 p.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
Chris Miller, an expert on international politics, economics and technology, presents "Chip Wars: How Control Over Semiconductors Will Determine the Future of Computing." Learn more about this lecture.

UNF Astronomy Night
Friday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m., Science and Engineering Building (Room 1102)
New UNF physics graduate David Bosni presents the topic "This Year's Two Great American Eclipses" discussing two upcoming solar eclipses scheduled to cross the U.S. Learn more about this month's Astronomy Night event.

Virtual Learning Center (VLC) XR Speaker Series
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2 - 3 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Room 3403)
Dr. Kevin Pfeil, assistant professor of computing, presents the topic, “Investigation of Human Perception in Virtual and Augmented Reality”. Learn more about what the VLC has to offer.

Science Cafe: The Physiology of Psychology
Friday, Oct. 6, noon - 1 p.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library (Room 2102B)
Science Cafe presents: "The Physiology of Psychology: ALIEN (Acquisition Laboratory for Innovative Experiments in Neurophysiology) Lab at UNF" by Dr. Lori Lange, associate professor of psychology at UNF. Learn more about this upcoming event.

Swoop Summary

UNF women's basketball team members in a huddleWomen's Basketball Fourth in the Country in WBCA Academic Team Honor Roll Rankings
North Florida women's basketball's academic excellence was honored by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) with WBCA 2022-23 Academic Top 25 Team honor roll honors. The Osprey squad was selected to be the fourth-ranked team among NCAA Division I institutions on the WBCA honor roll with a cumulative team GPA of 3.769. Learn more about this academic achievement.
 
Beach Volleyball Tabbed to USMC/AVCA Team Academic Honor Roll
Thanks to a 3.737 spring team grade point average, North Florida beach volleyball was selected to earn the 2023 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award, while also earning Honor Roll distinction for finishing in the top 20 percent of schools in DI for team GPA. Learn more about beach volleyball's latest achievement.

Here are a few upcoming events:

Women's Soccer vs. FSU
Thursday, Sept. 7, 6 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission
 
Volleyball vs. Texas Southern (10 a.m.) and Louisiana (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Free Admission
 
Men's Soccer vs. Florida Atlantic
Monday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Free Admission