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Inside UNF — March 15, 2024

UNF nursing students partner with BEAM to offer wellness checks for seniors

Nursing practitioner student speaking to a womanBeaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) has teamed up with the University of North Florida School of Nursing to expand its services to offer home wellness checks through BEAM’s Senior Service Program.  
 
The program serves more than 50 senior citizens in the Beaches area with home grocery delivery from BEAM’s food pantry, telephone reassurance, in-person visits, fall prevention and minor home repairs. With the addition of wellness checks, eight nursing student volunteers from UNF are being offered hands-on experiences as they coordinate regular home visits to assess seniors’ mental and physical well-being and safety and help connect them to resources. 
 
Living in the Beaches area, UNF nursing student Wale Adegoke was excited to volunteer for a community-based organization that would allow him to give back to his neighborhood.   
 
“The seniors we meet are often lonely and feel isolated,” said Adegoke. “I want to help change that.”  
 
The nursing students are challenged to tackle one issue their seniors are experiencing and produce a solution. Adegoke’s team is planning ways to combat depression and loneliness, including the creation of a pamphlet to share easy access to community events, resources and transportation to increase senior clients’ awareness of social events.  
 
“Having the students connect with the seniors is such an important service,” said Melissa Kicklighter, BEAM’s coordinator of senior program services. “It means so much to the seniors in our community and gives them a sense of purpose to have someone interact with and care about their needs.”  
 
Other community partners UNF nursing students are volunteering with this semester include UNF’s Meals on Wings, the Arc Jacksonville Village, Brooks Home Health, WeCareJax, Community Health Outreach and Safe Kids.
 
Story provided by UNF Media Relations

MOCA holds opening event for latest Project Atrium exhibition

Jacksonville Stacked Stars a sculpture by Frank StellaIn honor of MOCA Jacksonville’s centennial anniversary this year, a new sculpture by renowned artist Frank Stella was commissioned for the museum’s Project Atrium. The opening celebration for the sculpture, Jacksonville Stacked Stars, took place last month. The installation features two of the artist’s iconic stars stacked in a single sculpture that fills the museum’s massive Atrium. If you were unable to attend, make plans to visit UNF's MOCA Jacksonville today.

Stella has often used the star as a motif throughout his career. He has explored its form in multiple variations of two-dimensional, free-standing and wall-relief sculptural shapes, both abstract and figurative. His latest works, including Jacksonville Stacked Stars, defy the forces of gravity and the norms of sculpture.

Learn more about MOCA Jacksonville's latest exhibition.

Faculty Feature: Dr. Florentino De la Cruz

Dr. Florentino De la Cruz, assistant professor of civil engineeringDr. Florentino De la Cruz, assistant professor of civil engineering, is an experienced researcher in the fields of environmental chemistry and waste management. He joined UNF in fall 2023 after appointments at Purdue University and North Carolina State University. For more than five years, he has devoted his research efforts to Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS). In this space, he collaborates with other experts developing methodologies for terrestrial and ocean storage of biomass.
 
During a faculty orientation event last August, he connected with another new faculty member, Dr. Benjamin Williams, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and discussed their shared research interests. In the following months, the two discussed plans for a joint research project.
 
In February, the pair were awarded a Seed Grant from the UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) for their research project titled “Carbon Capture and Storage from Landfill Gas using Metal Organic Framework Coupled with Enhanced Weathering with Combustion Residuals.”
 
The project aims to utilize landfill gas, with a 50% methane and 50% CO2 composition, for carbon sequestration by employing metal organic frameworks (MOF) to separate CO2, followed by converting it into stable precipitates within metal-containing waste. The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also explores economic opportunities, considering the projected $50 billion carbon market by 2030.
 
De la Cruz is excited to continue his research exploring carbon dioxide removal pathways such as enhanced mineralization thanks to additional support from the IERE.
 
“I am grateful for the support of the IERE,” he said. “This will help kickstart our research and get graduate and undergraduate students involved.”

UNF premieres episode of The College Tour

UNF President Moez Limayem, College Tour host Alex Boylan and eight of the ten students featured in the UNF College Tour EpisodeThe University of North Florida is featured in the 11th season of The College Tour, a video series streaming on Amazon Prime beginning in May. The UNF episode takes viewers behind the scenes to hear from 10 current students about all aspects of college and campus life, from housing to research and study abroad opportunities.
 
The 30-minute episode was produced on campus in the fall and is now live on the UNF website and UNF YouTube channel. It can also be viewed on The College Tour website.
 
Learn more about UNF's The College Tour episode.

Scenes from Swoop the Loop

Last weekend at The Nest, the UNF Alumni Association held its annual Swoop the Loop 5K and Fun Run. Over 300 attendees came out to participate and enjoy the festivities, which included a health fair following the main event. View the top place winners in each category.
UNF Swoop the Loop 5K Run participants gathering before the event UNF Swoop the Loop 5K Run participants pose for a picture with Ozzie the mascot
UNF Swoop the Loop 5K Run participants jogging the course

Staff Spotlight: Jann Sutton

two images of Jann Sutton teaching studentsJann Sutton, Ph.D. is a senior instructional designer for the Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT). Prior to arriving at UNF nearly six years ago, the Ohio native held several positions at the University of Delaware in the areas of instructional design and research development. A strong advocate for online course development, Sutton is committed to assisting UNF faculty explore technological innovations to enhance the learning experience for students.

What were your career aspirations growing up?
I wanted to be a teacher.

What do you enjoy most about working at UNF?
I really enjoy the care and connection that instructors and staff make to help students be successful. 
 
In your role at UNF, what are your specific duties?
I work with instructors to support their journey to create amazing online courses.
 
Do you have a favorite spot on campus? If so, why is it your favorite?
The Bamboo Garden is my Zen den.
 
What is one memory you treasure?
All memories related to family time spent together is priceless to me. We are all over the country so, spending time together means a great deal.
 
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
I really want to see the aurora borealis!
 
Who/what inspires you to be your best?
The amazing team around me is incredibly inspiring.
 
What do you like to do for fun (hobbies)?
My partner and I are working on bringing life back into a 40-year-old sailboat!
 
What is a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I was a percussionist in my high school marching band (total band geek) and absolutely loved it!

UNF announced as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus

florida collegiate purple star campus American flags on the ground in front of the Fine Arts CenterUNF is proud to be recognized as a Collegiate Purple Star Campus for the 2024-25 academic year by the Florida Department of Education.
 
The Collegiate Purple Star Campus Program, established by the Florida legislature in 2023, recognizes public postsecondary sites that make a significant commitment to supporting military families. To be considered for the designation, colleges must prove a commitment to supporting military personnel and their families demonstrated through activities, outreach and additional criteria. For 14 consecutive years, UNF has been recognized as a top military-friendly campus by Military Friendly. Currently, over 2,000 military-connected students attend UNF.
 
Learn more about this honor.

Osprey Profile: Teleauba Revels

UNF student Teleauba RevelsTeleauba Revels is a senior social work major graduating in May. The Illinois native is a recent recipient of the Albert D. Ernest Jr. Caring Award. The Caring Award recognizes a UNF student who embodies the spirit of caring, volunteerism and humanitarianism. She focuses her professional interests in medical social work practice with older adults. The proud Osprey credits the faculty and administration on campus for providing her with invaluable guidance, assistance and mentorship in and outside the classroom.

Why did you choose UNF?
As a nontraditional student with a meaningful career and family, attending college locally was important to me. I ultimately chose UNF over an online program because of its reputable social work program, flexible class schedule and the many resources available to all students.

What has been your most enjoyable experience at UNF?
I attended Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD) at the State Capitol in Tallahassee with my professors, peers and other social work students from around the state. We met with legislators to advocate for policies that reflect the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics and had the opportunity to sit in on House and Senate Committee meetings. It was a valuable and unique learning experience!

How were you selected to win the Albert Ernest Jr. Caring Award and who nominated you?
I was nominated by Dr. Jasmine Haynes, assistant professor of social work. I was selected largely because of my volunteer involvement with the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition. In addition to actively serving on their Board of Directors, I have volunteered hundreds of hours to events and various programs under the Healthy Start umbrella since 2015. Having been on the receiving end of volunteerism and community service throughout my life, I know how meaningful their impact can be which is why I give back in all the ways that I do.

What’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I appreciate the dining hall so much. As a wife and mother, I cook quite a bit. It’s a treat to go there and enjoy a wide selection of delicious foods prepared by someone else and not have to wash the dishes. The staff is welcoming and efficient. It’s also a great place to connect with my friends between classes.

What clubs or extracurricular activities are you involved in?
Since my junior year, I’ve served as the BSW representative on the Student Advisory Council. As such, I communicate and exchange ideas, information and the concerns of my peers with faculty and vice versa. It’s a pleasure to serve the social work student body and ensure they have a voice in the development of policies and processes that better our university community.

Have you taken advantage of any student services?
Definitely! I utilize fitness classes and other services at the Student Wellness Complex, private study rooms at the library and have enlisted the help of the Writing Center many times.

Have you had any internships secured through UNF?
Yes, currently at ElderSource, an aging and disability resource center. As an intern with their caregiver support program, I work with individuals caring for their loved ones. Through a thorough assessment, I identify their stressors and create personalized care plans to address the root causes of their burnout.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The advice my mother gave me when I was a teenager, “You are not a product of your environment. You are a product of your decisions.” It reminds me that regardless of circumstances or challenges I may face, through the decisions I make, I have the power to choose my path and shape my destiny.

What is fun fact about you many people may not know?
I self-identify as a person in long-term recovery from substance abuse. On April 16, 2024, I will celebrate 11 years clean.

UNF hosts Bob Hayes Invite 2024

Onlookers enjoying the Bob Hayes Invitational Track Meet at UNFFor the second year in a row, UNF is hosting the Bob Hayes Invite Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 at the Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the meet honoring the legacy of local sports icon Robert "Bullet Bob" Hayes. The Ospreys will open the outdoor track season as parcipants in the two-day meet. Last year's event included over 2,000 participants.

Purchase Tickets

Inside News Roundup

Women’s Health Series
Student Health Services (SHS) is hosting a new health series for students, faculty and staff via Zoom on Wednesday, March 27 at 6 p.m. Join SHS providers Amy Howell and Julie Baker-Townsend as they discuss recommendations to promote health and well-being for women of all ages. Contact Nadine Greene at n.greene@unf.edu or (904) 620-2900 for more details.
 
4.2.2024 UNF Giving Day join the race to 4200 donors early earn a pair of unf shoelaces with a gift of 5 dollars or moreUNF Giving Day 
Don’t miss out on all the fun as UNF Giving Day kicks off at Noon, Apr. 2 through Noon, April 3. As valued faculty and staff, we need your help as we gear up for the record-breaking race toward achieving 4,200 donors. Come celebrate everything we love about our Osprey community – scholarships, academic initiatives, clubs, athletics and more.
 
There are three ways to #SwoopAndSupport:
1. Be counted: Make your early gift of $5 or more to receive an exclusive pair of UNF shoelaces or through payroll deduction to count toward our Giving Day totals.
2. Spread the word: Become a UNF Ozzie social media ambassador and help us spread the word. You’ll earn UNF swag and a chance to win cool prizes.  
3. Get Social: Like and follow the UNF Alumni Association on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
 
Longtime Jacksonville leader and former state Senator Betty Holzendorf In Memoriam: Betty Holzendorf
The UNF community was saddened to hear of the passing of longtime Jacksonville leader and former state Senator Betty Holzendorf on Thursday, Feb. 29.
 
Holzendorf was a strong advocate for the people of Jacksonville and our UNF community, and played a key role in securing funding for numerous campus projects including the University Center. She was committed to higher education throughout her career and also worked hard to raise funds for student scholarships. Holzendorf, who held a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology from other institutions, received a master’s in education administration at UNF and was part of the charter graduating class in 1973. Several of her children and grandchildren also attended and graduated from UNF.
 
Upon her passing, President Moez Limayem shared, “The University of North Florida is saddened by the loss of the Honorable Betty Holzendorf, who cared so deeply for UNF and the Jacksonville community. She was a proud UNF alum, as are several of her children. Her civic leadership clearly reflected her commitment to public education, and she was a tremendous advocate and friend to UNF throughout her career, including working to secure funding for our University Center. The road leading to the center — Betty Holzendorf Drive — keeps her legacy alive on our campus. Her impact on the region has been profound, and our hearts go out to her loved ones.”
 
 
MedNexus Research Innovation Fund: Call for Proposals
The MedNexus Research Innovation Fund aims to support faculty conducting research that integrates emerging technology to improve health outcomes, care delivery or direct clinical impact. Five proposals will be funded up to $20,000 each. Proposal applications are open from Friday, March 1 to Monday, April 1. For more information or to apply, visit the MedNexus Research Innovation Fund webpage.

Last Call for Spring B Intramural Sports
Registration for Spring B will close at noon on Wednesday, March 20. The season will be held from March 24 through April 19 and playoffs will take place from April 21 to April 25. To register for sports including 5v5 basketball, softball, pickleball, cornhole and billiards, go to the Intramural Sports link under the Student Life tab in myWings. Once a profile is created, you can download the new UNF Competitive Sports app and link via profile. Learn more by visiting the Intramurals website. For more information, contact Nikki Mejido at nikki.mejido@unf.edu or (904) 620-5342.

UNF Bookstore North Florida OspreysClearance at the UNF Bookstore
New markdowns are available at the UNF Bookstore, including men's, women's, and children's clothing and UNF emblematic gifts.

Cascade CMS editors: UNF website publishing on March 21
The main UNF Website will be set to publish on Thursday, March 21 for maintenance purposes. All drafts of incomplete pages must be completed and ready to publish or be placed in department archive folders by Wednesday, March 20. For more information, contact web and digital services at webmaster@unf.edu.

New Access Policy for Osprey Server
Upon request, ITS provides faculty and their students with a general-purpose Linux shell account service to support coursework, including but not limited to computer programming and other STEM-related activities. Starting Friday, May 3, access to the Osprey Server for courses will be granted on a semester-by-semester basis. Additionally, you'll need to use UNF's VPN to access these resources and keep networked resources secure. Please submit your request early to ensure access to your course. For additional help, please visit the technology help webpage. Contact: ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@unf.edu or (904) 620-4357.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey FountainCollege of Education and Human Services
Dr. Terrie M. Galanti, assistant professor, secondary mathematics and STEM integration/computational thinking along with Dr. Mai Dahshan, assistant professor, school of computing, published an article “Teachers in the loop: Integrating computational thinking and mathematics to build early place value understanding” in a special issue of Education Sciences (CITE).
 
Dr. Adrien Malek-Lasater, assistant professor early childhood education and (faculty advisor of the Education Club) The UNF Education Club represented UNF COEHS at Children's Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee in Feb. Students watched the House in session, engaged with children, teachers, community partners and spoke with the CEO and President of the Children's Forum, Erin Smeltzer.
 
Dr. Adrien Malek-Lasater, Dr. Brian Zoellner, Dr. Dan Dinsmore, Xavier Rozas, Dr. Georgina Morales David, Dr. Christian Winterbottom, Dr. Katrina Hall, Dr. Meghan Parkinson, members of the STEP Into Learning Network Team,  is launching their inaugural symposium Saturday, Apr. 20. The theme of the symposium is “Bridging the Gap: Building Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships in Early Childhood Education STEAM.”
 
Dr. Caroline Guardino, professor, presented “An International Perspective: Understanding Teachers Use of Culturally Linguistically Responsive Teaching Strategies with d/Deaf Multilingual Learners” at the 39th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity in Honolulu, Hawaii.
 
Dr. John Miller, professor, presented two research papers at the national Sport and Recreation Law Association conference: “An Analysis of Hazing Case Law between 2013-2023: How Can the Risk of Hazing be Managed?” and “Friday Night Deadly: A Review of Shootings at High School Football Games from 2018-2023.” Also, Dr. Miller was selected to be the Sport and Recreation Law Association historian.
 
Dr. Nile Stanley, associate professor, is serving as an Editorial Board member for the Journal of Poetry Therapy. He has published in English and French, an international article, Nile Stanley. (2024). Inspiring Language with Proverbs. In the Babylonia Multilingual Journal of Language Education.
 
Center for Instructional Research and Technology
Sarah Moukhliss, STEM online learning librarian, published “Designed with love: A quality assurance process for developing learner-centered pathfinders” in Feb. 2024 and presented at the Conference of Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital Age, Savannah, GA, 2024.
 
Office of Student Life
Ariel Lewis, assistant director of Student Life, along with Destiny Basden, graduate assistant, presented at NACA Live 2024 on the “Market and Event Planning Burn Book” on Feb. 24, in Pittsburgh. 
 
Phaedra Dejarnette, coordinator of Student Life, along with Maria Steadman, director of Student Life, presented at NACA Live 2024 on “Igniting School Spirit and Revamping a Student Organization” in February in Pittsburgh.

Free Things to Do

Photo of a painting and guest Juror Isaac Duncan IIJuried Student Exhibition
Exhibit on view now through April 5, UNF Gallery of Art
The UNF Juried Student Exhibition highlights the exceptional work of UNF's fine arts students. This exhibition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their work and receive critical feedback from guest juror Isaac Duncan II. Learn more about this student exhibition showing at the UNF Gallery of Art.

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.

Frank Stella "Jacksonville Stacked Stars" installationProject Atrium: Frank Stella "Jacksonville Stacked Stars"
Exhibit on view now through Aug. 18, MOCA Jacksonville
Frank Stella (b. 1936; Malden, MA) returns to MOCA Jacksonville following his successful print exhibition in 2018, Frank Stella Unbound, this time for an installation in the Atrium to celebrate the museum’s 100th anniversary. Learn more about MOCA's latest exciting exhibition.

Here Comes Tomorrow: Cinema of the Last Century "Krakatit (1948)"
Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
This year long series explores decade-by-decade, the hopes, anxieties and dreams of filmmakers and audiences from the 1920s to the present day. This event takes place during Museum Nights at MOCA and is free with admission. Based on the 1922 novel of the same name, this Czechoslovak film stars Karel Höger as a chemist who suffers from delirium and regret after inventing a powerful explosive. Learn more about this upcoming movie screening.
 
STARTUP Your Business - Webinar
Want to know how to start your own business? Join online on Tuesday, March 26 from 10-11 a.m. for this incredible workshop that will give an overview of the seven basic requirements for business STARTUP. Learn more and register today.
 
Jazz Combo Night
Wednesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m., Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater
Lynne Arriale, director. Learn more about this free performance.
 
Herbal Tea Tour
Friday, March 29, 10 - 11 a.m., Ogier Gardens
Join Ogier Gardens staff for a tour of the Garden followed by a tea party. Learn how to recognize herbs and dry/prepare your own fresh herbal teas. Learn more about the tea tour.
 
Percussionist Oliver Xu during a performanceUNF Percussion presents: Guest artist, Oliver Xu
Friday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Julliard alumnus Oliver Xu is internationally recognized as a solo performer who advocates for contemporary music. Dr. Andrea Venet, director. Learn more about this upcoming performance.
 
Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series
Tuesday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Recital Hall of the Fine Arts Center
Amanda Lynn Bottoms, mezzo-soprano, and Denise Wright, piano. Dr. James Hall, artistic director. Learn more about this concert series.
 
Philosophy Slam with Dr. Heather Pease
Wednesday, April 3, 6:30. p.m., Sahara Cafe & Bar
Join UNF faculty member Dr. Heather Pease for an insightful discussion titled "Altruism: Mission Impossible?" Each slam has a short 10-15 minute presentation followed by an informal open discussion. Learn more about North Florida Philosphy Slams.
 
Science Cafe: "Factors that Impact the Physiological and Psychological Functioning of College Students"
Friday, April 5, Noon - 1 p.m., UNF Library (Room 2102A-B)
Presented by Dr. Lourdes Dale and Audrey Dana from UF Health Department of Psychiatry, this discussion will highlight the impact that multiple risk factors may have on a college student’s ability to effectively manage their day-to-day interactions. Everyone is welcome to attend. Learn more about this upcoming discussion.
 
UNF Eclipse Watch Party
Monday, April 8, 2 - 4 p.m., J.B. Coxwell Ampitheater
The UNF Physics Department and Astronomy Club will host a solar eclipse watch party. This event is open to the public and parking is available for $2 in Lot 18. Learn more about what's in store for the eclipse watch party.

Swoop Summary

Asun co-golfer of the week Christin Eisenbeiss - 7x
Eisenbeiss Goes Back-to-Back For Seventh ASUN Co-Golfer of the Week
Christin Eisenbeiss put forth a record-setting effort last week at the Momentum Transportation UNF Collegiate to achieve her seventh ASUN Co-Golfer of the Week honor. Eisenbeiss reset various program records in her final home tournament performance with a 8-under 64 opening round and a 12-under 204 final score to win her third career medalist crown. Learn more about Eisenbeiss's great performance.
 
UNF Student Athlete to Compete in a PGA Tour 
Student athlete Nick Gabrelick, will be competing in a PGA Tour (Valspar Championship) the week of March 18 in Palm Harbor, Florida. The Valspar Championship, March 18 - 24, will broadcast on NBC, Golf Channel and ESPN+.

Here are a few upcoming events:

Bob Hayes Invitational
Saturday, March 16, Begins at 8 a.m.  |  Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets
 
Softball vs. Austin Peay (DH)
Saturday, March 16, 2 and 4:30 p.m.  |  UNF Softball Complex  |  Purchase Tickets
 
Men's Tennis vs. Jacksonville State
Wednesday, March 20, 2 p.m.  |  UNF Tennis Complex  |  Free admission
 
Baseball vs. Central Arkansas
Friday, March 22, 6 p.m.  |  Harmon Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets
 
Women's Tennis vs. North Alabama
Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m.  |  UNF Tennis Complex  |  Free admission
 
Beach Volleyball vs. UAB (noon) and New Orleans (4 p.m.)
Friday, March 29  |  Cooper Beach Volleyball Complex  |  Free admission