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Inside UNF — January 18, 2024

UNF professor receives two new U.S. patents for ride-on mobility device

Brooks employee assisting a patient in their new adaptive toyDr. Juan Aceros, University of North Florida engineering associate professor, has been granted two new U.S. patents that have the potential to help thousands of children with disabilities attain a higher degree of freedom and comfort over traditional mobility devices, such as wheelchairs.

The patents are for a unique modular ride-on mobility device equipped with proportional control switches. The research was funded in part by the National Institute of Health and a UNF Foundation Board grant. 

These inventions are over a decade in the making. Aceros, with the UNF engineering program, and Dr. Mary Lundy, associate professor emerita of physical therapy, began the Adaptive Toy Project in 2013. The project became a popular interdisciplinary class, where UNF physical therapy students would assess the needs of individual children and engineering students would create customized ride-on toy cars tailored to meet the specific therapy needs of each pediatric patient who participated in the program.  

Each year, the program would culminate in a heart-warming giveaway event where the families of the pediatric patients would come together as the personalized mobility devices were unveiled. The tears of joy on the parents’ faces and the smiles, laughter and excitement of the children as they rode their vehicles for the first time were always unforgettable. The project made national news, including a Christmas Day feature on CNN in 2016.  

Aceros is now collaborating with Dr. Guilherme Cesar, UNF physical therapy assistant professor, to further expand this successful initiative by looking at the biomechanical effects underpinning the use of ride-on mobility devices. They recently received a prestigious award from the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research to study the impact on balance control after intervention with novel stand-on ride-on power mobility devices for children with cerebral palsy.  

Three students working on building an adaptive toyConventional ride-on devices are not designed for long-term use and are often perceived as toys rather than essential tools. As a result, these devices are typically small, cramped, non-adjustable and equipped with traditional control mechanisms that may be inoperable or extremely challenging to use and enjoy. Also, children and young adults typically outgrow conventional mobility devices every few years, or even months. This forces families to regularly upgrade to larger models when children no longer fit in their previous devices. The economic burden of constantly having to purchase new devices often causes children to go without the essential mobility devices they need.  

Aceros’ hope is that one day parents can adjust the devices themselves at home to accommodate their children’s needs as they grow. 

Next, Aceros will host a special seminar course for engineering students to begin creating prototype models for the modular ride-on devices. Once prototypes are finalized and tested, UNF will look to partner with a leading medical equipment provider to mass-produce the devices and help young people with disabilities all around the globe to move a little easier. 

Story provided by UNF Media Relations

UNF ranked among Best Health Administration Master’s Programs

Male and female UNF students walking on a sidewalk together on campusUNF’s Health Administration master’s program has been recognized as one of America’s 2024 Best Graduate School Programs earning 4.5 stars by Money magazine.
 
The data was based on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, college websites and College Factual/Money calculations. The quality score was based on the data from seven categories including accreditation, focus, demand, peer, debt, employment and earnings.
 

Faculty Feature: Dr. Sarah Mattice

Dr. Sarah Mattice leaning on a columnDr. Sarah Mattice, chair-professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, discovered her love of teaching as an undergraduate. Specializing in comparative philosophy, Mattice has taught various courses on East Asian philosophy. Additionally, she is a published author and experienced musician. In her free time, the Wisconsin native enjoys reading and cooking among other activities.
 
Why did you decide to major in philosophy and further pursue a career in teaching?
My first college professor suggested that I take a philosophy course — he said that I liked to argue and ask questions, so he thought I'd like philosophy. He was right. I found philosophy challenging in ways that were, and continue to be, exciting to me. As an undergraduate, I was a double major in philosophy and Spanish literature. I decided to go to graduate school because I liked being a student and didn't really want to get a job just yet. As a graduate student, I worked with a program called Philosophy for Children (p4c) and in doing that, fell in love with teaching.
 
How has your experience studying philosophy influenced the way you view the world?
My experience studying philosophy has profoundly shaped the way I view the world. Philosophers are lovers of wisdom, always asking questions, examining arguments and trying to figure out how to live well. As someone who studies comparative philosophy, especially East Asian traditions, my education leads me to be interested in perspective, power dynamics and questions of interpretation. I tend to view the world as more complicated than it appears on the surface. My first book, for instance, looks at the role of metaphor in how we understand argumentation across different cultural contexts, suggesting that ways of understanding that might seem "natural" may in fact be artifacts of habit, such that real change is possible.
 
What were your career aspirations growing up?
I wanted to be an astronaut.
 
Describe your teaching style and how you engage with your students?
I take great joy from being in the classroom. I'm passionate about teaching and learning, and I understand teaching and learning to be co-transformative experiences based in community inquiry. My roots are in critical, contemplative and postcolonial pedagogies. I see these pedagogical theories and practices as crucial for our students and the contemporary world. Most of my course classes involve a significant amount of inquiry that arises from the students themselves and I think this is one of the most important things I can do as a teacher — set up the conditions for students to fully embrace their own educational agency.
 
I think building relationships is key to engaging students. I try to get to know each of my students and show them that I care about them — as students and as people. I also think students engage when they see me engaged, when they know how passionate I am about a subject, how neat it can be to be fascinated by an idea and that we can do so together. I try hard to help students learn to be comfortable pushing the boundaries of the familiar, which is a key skill as they engage texts, ideas and practices from other cultures.
 
What courses do you currently teach?
This spring I am teaching PHI 3940 Mindfulness and Meditation Practicum, a course focused on experiential learning with respect to secular, evidence-based mindfulness and meditation practices. My expertise is in Asian and comparative philosophy, so I regularly teach courses like Chinese philosophy, Japanese philosophy, Introduction to Buddhism, Zen Buddhism and Introduction to Philosophy. Occasionally I teach Philosophy through Science Fiction. This summer, I will teach a course in Public Philosophy, centering on skills of facilitating conversations among disparate groups in the public sphere, and I will be a co-lead for the second annual UNF Ethics Academy, a high school day camp.
 
What are your current research interests/previous interests?
My research is in East Asian and comparative philosophy and religion. My 2021 book, "Exploring the Heart Sutra," focuses on the Mahayana Buddhist text the Heart Sutra, providing a new translation and commentary. Much of my research focuses on early China, including both Ruism/Confucianism and Daoism and aesthetics and hermeneutics. I also work at the intersection of Asian philosophy and feminism, especially focusing on the ways in which women philosophers have historically been left out of the canon.
 
What are your duties as chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies?
One of the things that I enjoy about being chair is that there is a lot of variation day to day – no two days look exactly the same. That said, on any given day I might be: grading or teaching, meeting with students, meeting with colleagues in my department, meeting with faculty or chairs from other programs, attending an event, planning an event, troubleshooting for students or faculty, attending a committee meeting, working on the course schedule, responding to email or working on my own research.
 
What do you like best about teaching at UNF?
Teaching is a great job. Every semester I get to meet new and interesting people, share something that I love with them and see how their worlds can open, change and transform as a result of our time together.
 
What jobs have you had before teaching at UNF?
Before joining UNF, in terms of academic posts, I was a visiting professor at Renmin University in China and an instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Outside of academia, I've been a musician, an RA, a glassblower, a meditation instructor, a yoga teacher and a recycling coordinator.
 
What brought you to UNF?
This job — the opportunity to take a position that was explicitly focused on my area of expertise in comparative philosophy. The prospect of not shoveling snow was also a big draw.
 
What book(s) are you currently reading or recently read?
I'm currently reading Yuriko Saito's "Aesthetics of Care: Practice in Everyday Life," for an upcoming research project and conference presentation. In terms of nonwork reading, I just finished Daniel Abraham's "Long Price Quartet" and I definitely recommend it. 
 
What do you like to do in your free time (hobbies)?
I like to walk, hike, read, cook (vegetarian food), do yoga, play music, travel and embroider (my pandemic hobby).
 
What is one thing people may not know about you?
I play the harp and I am learning how to play the ukulele and banjo.

MOCA 100th Anniversary Opening Exhibition

MOCA Jax 100 Years: A Walk on the Wild SideA Walk on the Wild Side Opening Celebration
You are invited to join MOCA Jacksonville as it kicks off its 100th anniversary with the opening celebration "A Walk on the Wild Side: ‘70s New York from the Norman E. Fisher Collection," Thursday, Jan. 18, from 8-9 p.m. 
 
Comprised of nearly 700 objects in all media, The Norman Fisher Collection is one of MOCA's most significant holdings, donated to the museum in 1979 by the family of Jacksonville native Norman E. Fisher. The exhibition runs through July 2024.  
 
Tonight's opening kick off celebration at MOCA Jacksonville is free. 

Homecoming 2024 at The Nest

University of North Florida Homecoming 2024You heard it right Ospreys — Homecoming 2024 is coming to The Nest, Feb. 3 — Feb. 10. There are many fun events and activities planned that are sure to make this year's Homecoming one to remember. So, come out and treat yourself to a good time and mingle with fellow Ospreys during one of the many on-campus events including the Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner, Homecoming Village and more.
 
Mark your calendars and prepare to enjoy the fun festivities coming your way.
 
For a list of this year's events, visit the Homecoming website.

UNF's Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiatives

Information: Open Education Resources Initiatives at UNF and CIRTProposals are being accepted for the spring cohort of UNF’s Open Educational Resources (OER) Initiative — a joint project of the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT) and the Thomas G. Carpenter Library, that seeks to lower college costs for UNF students, by supporting faculty adoption of quality open resources in their courses in place of traditional textbooks.

This spring, the initiative provides faculty the opportunity to connect with the OER experience in one of four levels with associated stipends:

  1. Review an OER Text (Media Kit)
  2. Retain and Reuse ($500-$1,000)
  3. Revise and Remix ($1,000)
  4. Author ($2,000)

To date, 120 faculty members have participated in the initiative, saving UNF students more than $1.5 million and impacting more than 13,000 students. The application period for the Spring 2024 cohort is open until Jan. 24, and the kick-off meeting will be held virtually on Friday, Feb. 9, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

For more details, visit the OER Initiative website.

Soccer standout sets sights on career in biomedicine

By Joy Batteh-Freiha
 
University of North Florida student Zara Siassi is a goal setting star on and off the soccer field.
 
Zara Siassi, UNF student and soccer playerThe 21-year-old, West Palm Beach native, who is a stand-out soccer player on the UNF women’s team, graduated from UNF last summer with her bachelor’s in exercise science and a minor in leadership. Currently, she’s pursuing a post baccalaureate in biomedical sciences and has her eyes set on a career in the medical field.
 
She says her love of soccer and her desire to help others is a blending of both passions — soccer and science.
 
“I feel like I have the best of both worlds,” Siassi said. “I chose a major that keeps me active in athletics and offers me the opportunity to help others, while opening doors for me in various fields, professionally.”
 
A longtime scholar athlete, Siassi had several options to choose from when scouting for universities and colleges but said UNF stood out among the rest. 
 
“I wanted to continue playing soccer for a team where the coaches believed in the players, but I also wanted a university where I could count on the academics,” explained Siassi. “I had a good vibe when I first visited UNF and knew I could excel here both academically and athletically.”
 
UNF soccer player Zara SiassiA recipient of UNF’s Presidential Scholarship as well as student-athlete endowed scholarship, Siassi was enrolled in the Hicks Honors College as an undergrad. As captain of the UNF Women’s Soccer team for the past three years, she admits the rigors of managing an honors schedule along with athletics was challenging, but on-campus resources like Supplemental Instruction proved to be helpful.
 
“Playing a sport and managing classes has its challenges,” explained Siassi. “While all of my professors were available to me and attentive, there were times when I needed extra strengthening and study guidance and sought out resources like Supplemental Instruction.”
 
In addition to taking advantage of on-campus study reinforcement, Siassi participated in an internship with a physical therapy clinic last summer and said the hands-on learning experience outside the classroom, proved to be very beneficial.
 
“When you’re taking classes — studying, taking notes and tests, you don’t realize that what you’re learning in the classroom pays off until you’re doing it in the real world like with an internship,” Siassi said. “Yes, I’m taking tests and maintaining good grades in the academic setting, but then it’s translating that knowledge in a work environment. I felt confident in my abilities.”
 
When she’s not playing soccer for UNF or studying for classes, Siassi likes to say she’s fulfilling another passion and paying it forward.
 
“I’ve been coaching and training a coed soccer team of 4- and 5-year-olds through the Jacksonville Football Club for the past four years and I love it,” Siassi said. “I started playing soccer at age 5 and remember the coaches who influenced and shaped me along the way, from pushing me out of my comfort zone to helping me turn a corner in my journey as an overall athlete. That’s why I love coaching these kids — it’s a very rewarding experience.”
 
Name: Zara Siassi
Class and major: Post baccalaureate pursuing a biomedical sciences degree
Favorite class: Exercise physiology labs
Dream job: Sports orthopedics
Favorite place on campus: Soccer field
Favorite hobby: Playing soccer
Proud moment: “Scoring my first collegiate goal during the 2022 season. We were down 1-0 and the goal I scored was a header off a set piece that helped us tie the game which we won 3-1. It was a cool moment for me to go back and watch on video because it captured taking a physical risk to get us a goal followed by a joyous celebration with my teammates.”

2023 W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

Tax form graphic with man sitting in a chair typing on a laptopThe electronic 2023 W-2 wage and tax statements will be posted through the myWings Employee Self-Service portal tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 19, to employees who elected to receive the statement in electronic format. An email reminder will be sent to employees regarding the electronic W-2 availability and important disclosure information.
 
Paper 2023 W-2 wage and tax statements will be mailed on or before Wednesday, Jan. 31.

New Study Abroad Technology

UNF student looking at museum sculptures during study abroad tripThe UNF International Center is now using a new Study Abroad platform called Terra Dotta. The new global engagement platform is used for managing, locating, communicating with and accounting for students, faculty and staff while abroad. The system hosts all faculty-led study abroad proposals, outbound study abroad students and the Study Abroad International Learning Scholarship (SAILS) application form. 
 
UNF can now capture all institutional study abroad travel in a centralized system, maintain compliance through streamlined workflows and contact and account for travelers during critical events.
 

Staff Spotlight: Igor Tavuzhnyanskiy

Igor Tavuzhnyanskiy, UNF assistant director of enrollment services communicationsIgor Tavuzhnyanskiy, assistant director of enrollment services communications, enjoys sharing UNF's distinct attributes with prospective students and assisting them through the enrollment process. Since joining UNF last year, the Ukrainian-born, Brooklyn, New York native, says he's proud of the work Enrollment Services has acommplished during the past year. Outside of work, Tavuzhnyanskiy says he enjoys nice days at the beach and traveling.
 
Describe your role as assistant director of enrollment services communications?
I assist with managing enrollment-related communications for prospective and new incoming students with emails, text messages, webpages, social media, etc. The communications include sharing information about UNF with potential students and helping students move through the application process and enroll. The day-to-day focus varies depending on where we are in the recruitment and enrollment cycle in Enrollment Services, but it’s certainly not dull! 
 
What led you to this opportunity at UNF?
I was working at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) and completed my UNF Communication Management graduate degree. As I was exploring new opportunities, I was excited to find out about this role and decided to pursue it.
 
What do you like most about your job?
Playing a role in sharing the great aspects of UNF with prospective students, and providing new incoming students with essential information to help them transition from applicant to an enrolled Osprey.
 
What do you like most about working at UNF?
The Enrollment Services Communications team and the work we’re able to get done together. I am also enthusiastic about the direction President Limayem and Dr. Glen Besterfield, dean of enrollment management, are taking in terms of both growth and the student profile.
 
Explain how you handle a challenge?
I try to view a challenge as a learning opportunity and think it through before deciding the best way forward.
 
What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re proud of?
I’ve learned a good amount about using the Slate CRM. Slate was new to me when I started at UNF and it is a critical program for Enrollment Services.
 
What are your top 3 work goals?
  1. Help support and develop my team.
  2. Continuously enhance our outgoing communications.
  3. Contribute to meeting UNF’s admission and enrollment objectives.
 
Your spouse is employed by UNF as well. Do your schedules and work culture fit into your family dynamics?   
My wife, Katherine, is the associate director of CARE Services in the Dean of Students Office. We can collaborate if beneficial for our roles, but otherwise we limit personal interactions during the work day to try to maintain a separation between work and personal life. A pro of both of us working at UNF, is we have a good understanding of each other’s roles and support each other. A con is that we probably talk about work more often than we should at home.
 
If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
A third computer monitor… just kidding!
 
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to travel, whether it’s a weekend road trip or an international adventure.
 
What was your first job?
I was in the U.S. Air Force.
 
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Be willing to get out of your comfort zone to try new things. Keeping this in mind has pushed me to do things that caused some initial hesitation, but were worthwhile.
 
Who inspires you and why?
Melissa Blankenship, director of enrollment services communications. Her dedication to UNF and willingness to help the team and others, inspires and motivates me in my daily work.
 
What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?
I enjoy running and going to the beach.
 
What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
It is difficult to narrow down, but Japan is on the list.
 
What is one thing about you that others may not know?
I was born in Ukraine and moved to the U.S. when I was four.

Art exhibition at UNF remembers local artist Mary Ann Bryan

A Retrospective: Mary Ann Bryan 1928 - 2023The Department of Art, Art History and Design and the College of Arts and Sciences invites the Osprey community to visit the UNF Gallery of Art to enjoy "A Retrospective: Mary Ann Bryan," an exhibition offering a retrospective of the impressive career of renowed artist and fifth generation Floridian Mary Ann Bryan, who passed away in 2023. The department and college remain grateful for the 2019 gift of many works from the Bryan family's private collection of art.
 
Many of the works seen here have never been exhibited out of the family home. The collection includes a Who's Who of Florida artists including Roy Craven, Hiram Williams and more. Many will recognize the distinctive paintings by Bryan, especially the magnificent renderings of flowers and the penetrating portraits of family members and friends. There have been numerous exhibitions of her work, but this is the first attempt at a public retrospective that shows the development of her work from experiments with cubism, expressionism and abstract expressionism to the photo-based realism she found to be most conducive to her expressive and artistic goals.
 
Born in Jacksonville in 1928, Bryan and her husband, Shep, raised a family of five children and were prominent members of the Jacksonville community. After graduating from Wellesley College in 1950 with a degree in art history, Bryan eventually took art classes through extension programs of UF and FSU offered through the Jacksonville Art Museum, now MOCA Jacksonville. She enjoyed great success in a career that spanned 50 years.
 
Submitted by Dr. Debra Murphy, professor in the Department of Art, Art History and Design.

Healthy recipe for the new year

Hands dropping flour into a whisking bowlIf you're looking for a healthy treat to kick off the new year but don't want to pack on the pounds, try the tasty recipe below.

Vegan Green Muffins
Ingredients: 
  • ¾ c Non dairy milk
  • ¼ c oil (avocado oil or any mild flavored oil)
  • 1 medium ripe banana
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 oz fresh spinach (about 1 small bag)
  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour or oat flour 
  • ¾ c maple syrup
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon 
  • ½ tsp salt
 
Optional add-ins: dark chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit
 
Note: If gluten free oat flour is used, this recipe is also gluten free and appropriate for those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease. Oat flour can be purchased or easily made by blending oats in a food processor or blender. 
 
Instructions: 
  • Preheat oven to 375 and line muffin pan with 12 cupcake liners.
  • In blender, combine milk, oil, banana, syrup, vanilla extract and spinach.
  • In a large bowl add flour (whole wheat or oat), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Whisk together and then add liquid ingredients. Stir until combined, but don’t overmix.
  • Divide evenly in muffin pan and bake for 15-20 mins.
 
Submitted by Sierra James, RDN, LN and UNF campus dietitian

Faculty and Staff Mixers are back

UNF Ozzie mascot table decorationFirst Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers are back in 2024!
 
Unwind 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.
 
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!
 
Upcoming First Thursday Faculty and Staff Mixers for 2024
— Feb. 1, March 7, April 4

President Limayem to serve as a panelist at AI community town hall panelist

Human finger and robotic finger touching a digital screenUNF President Moez Limayem joins other distinguished panelists at the "AI in Higher Education: Possibilities and Perils" community town hall Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the FSCJ Downtown Campus from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Event attendees will learn how UNF and other institutions in Northeast Florida are navigating the pros and cons posed by artificial intelligence.
 
This free event is open to all and attendees will enjoy light refreshments and networking opportunities. For those planning to attend, please RSVP by Monday, Jan. 29.
 
Event Location:
FSCJ Advanced Technology Center, T-140/141
401 W. State St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Inside News Roundup

UNF students walking through campusAcross the Nest
A new interdisciplinary research seminar series, Across the Nest, is hosted by the Offices of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), Faculty Excellence (OFE) and Undergraduate Research (OUR). Join Drs. Denise Bossy and Keith Ashley as they take us on a journey to learn about Northeast Florida's Indigenous Past on Friday, Jan. 19 at noon. Join via Zoom.
 
UNF expands collaboration with Johnson and Johnson MedTech
The University of North Florida (UNF) is proud to announce a newly expanded collaboration with Johnson & Johnson MedTech to support the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering program at the University. Through the collaboration, Johnson & Johnson MedTech will support faculty and research in advanced manufacturing while providing graduate student stipends and undergraduate scholarships. As part of this collaboration, UNF will hire a new full-time, tenure track professor in engineering to perform manufacturing research and development in a lab outfitted with Johnson & Johnson MedTech-sponsored research activities and equipment.
 
The company will continue its internship program for UNF students and the Johnson & Johnson 3-D Printing Center of Excellence at UNF, an integral component of the University’s Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Innovation Initiative (AAMI) which also supports the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering degree program. The lab provides educational and research opportunities for students who are preparing for careers in various engineering disciplines as well as faculty researchers in engineering, chemistry, biology and physics. The partnership is integral to the University’s program and efforts to advance the field of advanced manufacturing, an area of focus in the University Strategic Plan, and a key industry for the region as defined by JAX Chamber and JAXUSA.
 
Free Flu Vaccines
It's not too late to protect yourself from the flu. Free flu vaccines are available to faculty and staff. Call Student Health at (904) 620-2900 to set up a time. Contact: Karen McSheffrey at k.mcsheffrey@unf.edu or (904) 620-2900.
 
2024 Homecoming Office Decoration Contest
Get excited for Homecoming 2024 and participate in this year’s office decorating competition! The theme is Adventures in Ozzieland – a blue and gray play on Candy Lane. All campus offices and departments are encouraged to participate. Deadline to register to participate is Jan. 29. Judging will take place Feb. 5-6. The most creative office/department will win a free lunch sponsored by the Office of Student Life. For more information, contact Phaedra Dejarnette at p.dejarnette@unf.edu or 904-620-5539.
 
UNF students posing with her parents2024 Family Weekend
The 2024 Family Weekend is slated for Feb. 9 – 11. In addition to family check-in, there will be a campus showcase in Osprey Plaza at the Student Union on Friday, Feb. 9 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to welcome and greet families. If interested in tabling, volunteering or hosting an event during the weekend, please contact Courtney King at courtney.king@unf.edu or 904-620-1077.
 
Ready for Wellness  
The newly renovated Student Wellness Complex is now open. Visit the RecWell webpage for hours of operation for spring 2024.
 
Spring 2024 Faculty Writing Group
Build relationships with colleagues across campus while working on writing and research goals in a supportive and encouraging environment by joining the Spring 2024 Faculty Writing Group on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Faculty can join via a hybrid or in-person modality. Learn more and sign up to join the writing group. For more information, contact Rachel E. Riggs at rachel.riggs@unf.edu.
 
Spring Semester Visitor Validation Code
Visitor validation codes for spring term guest parking are now available. Departments must request these codes for guests parking on campus. Guests may enter the codes at a Pay-by-Plate kiosk or through the Flowbird app. Visit the Parking and Transportation Services website for code request instructions and additional information.

New UNF Competitive Sports App

UNF Spring A Intramural Sports Registration flyerThe UNF Intramurals and Sports Programs team has a new app, UNF Competitive Sports, which can be downloaded today with no ads, easy registration and quick check-in to games. Log in to the app by verifying with Microsoft. Spring A registration is open until Wednesday, Jan. 31. The season will be held from Sunday, Feb. 4, to Friday, March 1, and includes the following sports:
  • 4v4 Flag Football 
  • Volleyball
    • Sitting Volleyball - Adaptive Sports
    • Unified - Special Olympics
    • Faculty & Staff Only League
  • Billiards 
  • Sunday Funday Pickleball

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey FountainBrooks College of Health
Dr. Amber Barnes, assistant professor in the Department of Public Health, was selected to serve as an expert member of the Guidance Development Group (GDG) for traditional food markets. Dr. Barnes will serve for two years. 
 
College of Arts and Sciences
Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Dr. Jessica Chandras, linguistic anthropologist and assistant professor of anthropology at UNF, is set to publish her book “Mother Tongue Prestige.”
 
College of Computing, Engineering and Construction
Dr. Juan Aceros, associate professor, has been granted two new U.S. patents. The patents are for a unique modular ride-on mobility device equipped with proportional control switches. The research was funded in part by the National Institute of Health and a UNF Foundation Board grant. (See story in this edition of Inside UNF)
 
College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Rakesh K. Maurya, assistant professor, published an article “Using AI Based Chatbot ChatGPT for Practicing Counseling Skills Through Role-Play” in the Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, Dec. 2023.
 
Dr. Rachelle Curcio, assistant professor, along with Diane Yendol-Hoppey, professor, Dr. Megan Lynch, post doc associate, Dr. Megan McMillan, post doc associate, Jamey Burns, post doc associate, Dr. Jeanie Jones, instructor, Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich, associate professor, Dr. Laura Boilini, clinical assistant professor, Jade Yuen, manager, outreach recruiter, Dr. Meghan Parkinson, assistant professor, Dr. David Hoppey, professor, Jennifer Shepard, Robin Bossinger, Tiffany Bazemore, Tabbatha Johns and Shaundricka Medlock, collaborated on a publication, “Bridging gaps in the system: Project PREP’s transformative approach to educator development, Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (SRATE) Journal.
 
Dr. Elizabeth Hale Rozas, assistant professor, was the featured speaker at the Annual Conference of the Literacy Association of Tennessee, Dec. 2023. In addition, Dr. Rozas received a Recency grant to work with second grade teacher, Melissa Menjivar at Tiger Academy.
 
Dr. Lunetta Williams, professor, will present “Boosting Reading Achievement: Motivation Matters” with UNF alum Sharon Bradley, at the TEACH Conference in February.
 
Dr. Amanda Pascale, associate professor and Dr. Suzanne Ehrlich, associate professor, have been accepted as candidates in the Faculty Innovation Fellows program that builds on their role as Faculty Champion of UNF’s Student University Innovation Fellows, a program of Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design.
 
Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Tricia Buchholz is the new director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Inclusion and Title IX coordinator. Tricia earned her law degree at Indiana State University and previously served as the director of the Office of Title IX at Florida State University.

Dateline

UNF Dateline balloonsMilestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in December 2023:
 
35 Years
Cammy Pucci, Director, IPTM 
 
30 Years
Daniel Endicott, Director, Environmental Health and Safety
 
25 Years
Chellie Jones-Harris, Administrative Assistant, College of Arts and Sciences
 
10 Years
Rhonda Gracie, Horticulturist, Landscape and Grounds Department
Tammy Druash, Associate University Librarian, Library
Denise Durden, Procurement Card Coordinator, Procurement Services
 
5 Years
Christopher Abetz, Coordinator Research Programming Services, Small Business Development Center
Todd Behnke, Director Research Programming Services, Florida Institute of Education
Sara Brochu, Assistant Director, UGS Academic Advising
James Connolly, Senior Groundskeeper, Landscape and Grounds Department
Dana Deal, Office Manager, Department of Economics and Georgraphy
Heather Duncan, Vice President, Government Relations
Michael Dybala, Coordinator Facilities Management, Physical Facilities
Abdel Gonzalez, Senior Applications Systems Analyst, Florida Institute of Education
Brad Jolley, Senior Recycle Refuse Worker, Recycling
Lashonda Powell-Cannon, Security Guard, MOCA Jacksonville
Tommy Prince, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
 
Welcome
The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Ashlyn Ange, Care Coordinator, Office of the Dean of Students
Alex Buchholz, Coordinator, Administrative Services COAS, Dean's Office
Tricia Buchholz, Director, Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
Marie Cerne, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Jennifer Cortorreal, Coordinator, Research Programming Services, Florida Institute of Education
Jamie Davies, Head Coach, Men's Soccer
Amiel Diaz, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Stephanie Everidge, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Brian Foster, Maintenance Mechanic, University Housing
Terence Goodman, Fire Alarm Technician, Maintenance and Energy Management
Lucy Alice Klausner, Director of Development, College of Education and Human Services
Gabriela Luk, Program Assistant, University Housing
Allen Mcwilliams, Recycle Refuse Worker, Recycling
Sarah Perkins, Lead Child Development Teacher, UNF Preschool
Santhiya Pillai, ERP Analyst II, Enterprise Systems
Lisa Rendon, Custodial Worker, Custodial Services
Angel Rickard, Coordinator Events Planning, SG Student Union
Kadeem Robinson, Recycle Refuse Worker, Recycling
 
Great Job
The following employees were recently promoted:
Brandon Barfield, IT Service Management Engineer, Distance Learning - ITS
Diana Cappadoro, Student Engagement Coordinator, Student Union
Michael Innacelli, Assistant Director Digital Marketing and Analytics, Marketing and Communications
Ariel Lewis, Assistant Director, Student Life 
Dirk Small, Director, Student Information Systems, ITS 

Free Things to Do

Project Atrium: Rowland Ricketts
Exhibit on view now through Jan. 28, MOCA Jacksonville
Rowland Ricketts is a contemporary fiber artist who creates immersive site-specific installations using handwoven and hand-dyed cloth. His approach follows the long history of art’s engagement with the natural world through an unconventional and highly personal perspective, emphasizing the relationship between nature, culture, the passage of time and everyday life. Learn more about this Project Atrium exhibit.

RICHARD “DICKIE” LANDRY, Einstein on the beach, Knee II, 1976. Gelatin silver print. © Richard “Dickie” Landry. Used by permission.A Walk on the Wild Side
Exhibit on view now through July 7, MOCA Jacksonville
Comprised of nearly 700 objects in all media, The Norman Fisher Collection is one of MOCA's most significant holdings. It was donated to the museum in 1979 by the family of Jacksonville native Norman E. Fisher. Learn more about this expansive exhibition. Also, attend the  opening celebration of this exhibit TONIGHT, Thursday, Jan. 18  at 8 p.m. to celebrate MOCA's 100th anniversary. UNF Employees receive free admission to MOCA for themselves and one guest with their Osprey 1Card. RSVP today to attend the opening celebration of this exhibition. (RICHARD “DICKIE” LANDRY, Einstein on the beach, Knee II, 1976. Gelatin silver print. © Richard “Dickie” Landry. Used by permission.)

Coffee and Contracting: Virtual Roundtable for Government Contracting
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 9 - 10 a.m., Virtual
The Florida APEX Accelerator at the University of North Florida is hosting monthly roundtable discussions on topics related to government contracting. These no-cost, virtual and informal sessions are for business owners or those thinking about entering into the government contracting sector. Learn more and register for this virtual event.

The Human in the Loop: Harnessing Your Creativity in an AI World
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Skinner-Jones Hall (Bldg. 4/2501)
Join Dr. Rebecca Bilbro, data scientist, author, Python programmer and founder and CTO of Rotational Labs, for a free discussion in the UNF Writing Center as she speals about AI ethics and the role we play in cultivating AI. Come with any questions you have about AI, the humanities, technology or business ownership. The event is sponsored by the UNF Digital Humanities Initiative and the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs.

African Roots: UNF, FSCJ and DASOTA Choral Programs
Friday, Jan. 26, 6 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring Dr. Michael Barrett, guest conductor (University of Pretoria, South Africa), Sachiko Frampton, collaborative pianist and  Dr. Cara Tasher, conductor, director of choral studies (UNF). Learn more about this exciting musical performance.

Carlos Enrique Santelli, tenorCummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series
Thursday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Featuring Carlos Enrique Santelli, tenor and Denise Wright, piano.  A winner of the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, tenor Carlos Enrique Santelli is a recent graduate of Los Angeles Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Dr. James Hall, artistic director. Learn more about this upcoming performance.

Blind Date with a Book
Thursday, Feb. 1 - Wednesday, Feb. 14, Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Beginning on the first day of February, the Carpenter Library invites students, faculty and staff to go on a "Blind Date with a Book" for Valentine’s Day. Popular reading titles have been selected from the Library's collection and decoratively wrapped and labeled with keywords to provide the best blind date experience. Learn more about this fun event.

UNF Opera performers performing on stage2024 UNF Opera Aria Competition
Saturday, Feb. 3, 5 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Following a closed initial round, the public finale will be a gala-style concert presenting the competition's finalists and will feature a panel of visiting judges. Scholarship prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishes. Learn more about this opera competition.

Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6 - 8:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Join the UNF Alumni Association for a night of honoring the best of the best at UNF's Alumni Recognition Awards Dinner. RSVP today to attend this event.

36th Annual Great American Jazz Series
Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., Lazzara Performance Hall
Featuring UNF JE1 performing with Trumpeter and Composer Tim Hagans and Saxophonist Jon Irabagon, with a tribute to the Stan Kenton Orchestra. J.B. Scott, artistic director, UNF JE1 director. Learn more about the Great American Jazz Series.

Homecoming Village
Saturday, Feb. 10, 11:30 a.m., Osprey Plaza (Outside UNF Arena)
Attend this family-friendly event that features this year's Homecoming shirts, along with yard games, food trucks and much more. Learn more about this fun event hosted by the UNF Alumni Association.

Swoop Summary

UNF Ospreys Basketball shirt with Osprey logo
Athlete's Thread Brings UNF Student-Athlete Apparel to Fans
North Florida Athletics is proud to announce an opportunity for Osprey student-athletes to financially benefit from their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) through an official licensing partnership with Athlete's Thread. Fans can now purchase merchandise, including personalized jerseys, sherseys and unique tees with UNF's official logos and trademarks. Learn more and shop merchandise today!

Here are a few upcoming events:

Men's Basketball vs. Kennesaw State
TONIGHT, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. | UNF Arena | Purchase tickets
 
Swimming vs. SCAD
Friday, Jan. 19, noon  |  UNF Competition Pool Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Basketball vs. JU
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Free Admission  |  Hawaiian Out
 
Men's Basketball vs. Queens (Charlotte)
Saturday, Jan. 20, 5 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Purchase Tickets
 
Women's Basketball vs. Bellarmine
Thursday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Free Admission  |  White Out
 
Women's Tennis vs. Georgia Southern
Friday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m.  |  UNF Tennis Complex  |  Free Admission
 
Women's Basketball vs. Eastern Kentucky
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m.  |  UNF Arena  |  Free Admission  |  Alumni Game & NGWSD Clinic
 
Men's Golf @ Sea Best Invitational
Monday, Jan. 29 & Tuesday, Jan. 30 |  TPC at Sawgrass - Dye's Valley GC