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Inside UNF — May 22, 2025

UNF softball has record-breaking season

UNF softball teamThe 2025 season was a landmark season for North Florida Softball, filled with several program milestones and national recognition. Their stellar play propelled them to their first appearance in an NCAA Tournament, where they secured back-to-back victories over the University of Virginia on their way to the NCAA Columbia Regional title game. In a show of school spirit, the campus community turned out to give the softball team a spirited send-off, wishing them success on their journey.
 
Here's an overview of their successful season:

Record-Breaking Season

  • Set a program record with 47 total wins.
  • Finished with a 22–2 conference record and a 45–13 overall record before postseason play.

Conference Dominance

  • First ASUN Regular Season Championship in program history.
  • First ASUN Tournament Championship, clinched with a thrilling 5–4 win over Eastern Kentucky in the final.
  • Allison Benning was named ASUN Tournament MVP, while Kirsten Caravaca, Lauren Brock, and Kylah Berry earned spots on the ASUN All-Tournament Team 1.

NCAA Tournament Breakthroughs

  • First NCAA Regional Appearance.
  • First NCAA Tournament Win.
  • First NCAA Regional Final Appearance, advancing to the final 32 teams in the nation.
  • One of only five non-Power Four teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Softball players boarding bus Softball players waving to a crowd Softball players at a send off event for the NCAA Tournament

Introducing the new UNF Campus Internet Service

Students in a classroom with their laptops openUNF students, faculty and staff should now begin connecting their wireless devices to Eduroam instead of UNF-wireless. Eduroam is a secure, worldwide roaming access service developed for the international research and education community.
 
By using Eduroam, the Osprey community can securely access wireless internet at participating locations globally using their UNF login credentials. To login, simply use your UNF email and password.
 
 
For assistance, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@unf.edu or (904) 620-4357.

UNF alums honored at Celebrating Public Service event

Jimmy Orth (left) and Robert Peek (right) holding their awardsThe University of North Florida honored local changemakers at the second annual Celebrating Public Service event last Wednesday. In honor of National Public Service Recognition Week, the event brings together students, alumni, faculty and community leaders to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Northeast Florida region. 
 
Hosted by the UNF’s Mater of Public Administration (MPA) program and the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the evening spotlighted two distinguished MPA graduates for their exceptional contributions to Northeast Florida.  
 
This year’s Excellence in Public Service awards were presented to Robert Peek (‘05) in the public sector category and Jimmy Orth (‘03) in the nonprofit sector category. 
 
Learn more about Peek and Orth.
 
Information provided by UNF Media Relations

Osprey Staff Association officer nominations

Nominations for officers of the newly formed Osprey Staff Association (OSA) are open through tomorrow, May 23, at 11:59 p.m. You are encouraged to visit the OSA webpage to access detailed information on the election process including descriptions of all positions. This is a wonderful opportunity to either nominate yourself or a colleague who you believe would be a great fit for these roles. The All positions will be announced by Sunday, June 15.
 
Both officers and Staff Governance Council Represenatives are elected for two-year terms.
 
Nominate someone for an OSA position
 
Information provided by the Osprey Staff Association

Professional Portraits Booth opens in Student Union

UNF student standing next to the campus Professional Portraits BoothAt the University of North Florida, there are plenty of reasons for everyone to smile. Now there’s one more reason, and this one could help students land their next internship or job. 
 
Recently, UNF introduced the much-anticipated Professional Portraits Booth in the John A. Delaney Student Union, located in the main lobby of Building 58E adjacent to the Osprey Involvement Center. 
 
The first-come, first-serve self-service Iris® Booth provides high-quality headshots for students, faculty and staff. By entering their N number, users can have their photos emailed to them within minutes at no cost.
 

Campus parking and traffic advisory

UNF Fine Arts Center parking garageBe advised that traffic around the UNF Arena (Building 34), the Arena Garage (Building 38), Lot 18 near Hodges Stadium (Building 27) and Lot 5, adjacent to the Student Wellness Complex (Building 61), will be increased up to two hours before each high school graduation listed below.
 
The most congested parking location during these dates and times will be the Arena Garage, therefore it is strongly recommended that you plan and arrive early. Once parked, it is advised you leave your vehicle in that space for the duration of the day to avoid congestion and the possibility of the garage reaching capacity. If possible, consider alternative valid permit parking locations such as the Fine Arts Center Garage (Building 44) or Lot 14. Learn more by visiting the RecWell webpage.
  • Thursday, May 22: Ridgeview at 6 p.m.
  • Friday, May 23: West Nassau at 11 a.m.; Yulee at 7 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 24: Fernandina at 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 27: Andrew Jackson at 1 p.m.; Wolfson at 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 28: Paxon at 1 p.m.; Duval Virtual at 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 29: Terry Parker at 1 p.m., Stanton at 6 p.m. 
  • Friday, May 30: Ribault at 1 p.m.; Peterson at 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 31: Bishop Kenny at 9 a.m.
Information provided by UNF RecWell

Faculty Feature: Dr. Chady Ghnatios

By Amanda Ennis
 
A University of North Florida professor with an innovative artificial intelligence solution in healthcare was part of a team that won first place at the Mayo Clinic Datathon and Data Summit 2025.
 
Dr. Chady Ghnatios headshotAs part of the team, Dr. Chady Ghnatios, advanced manufacturing and materials innovation assistant professor, built a digital AI twin to help healthcare providers make optimal decisions in electrolyte replacement therapy in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting.
 
The digital twin is created by feeding data on electrolyte replacement from thousands of patient cases and using various factors – such as age, sex, weight, etc - to determine potential outcomes of treatments. Another tool operates on reinforcement learning to suggest the best possible courses of treatment.
 
Electrolyte replacement therapy focuses on correcting imbalances in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and phosphate. Electrolytes are crucial for the function of the heart, muscles, nerves and blood clotting. ICU patients are frequently at risk of electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications.
 
Creating a reinforcement learning tool to make optimal decisions can help standardize electrolyte replacement, ensure timely and uniform care and reduce the risk of adverse events.
 
Ghnatios’ team included one undergraduate student from UNF and one from MIT, one doctoral student from Duke, one attending (medical doctor) from Mayo Clinic Rochester and two fellows (medical doctors in training) from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.
 
The Ghnatios Mayo Team presentationThe Mayo Clinic Datathon is a two and a half-day immersive event held at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville that brings together multidisciplinary teams of physicians, scientists, fellows, residents, healthcare executives, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists and students from around the country to develop innovative solutions using healthcare data.
 
The event ran from April 4 to April 6 and started with a one-day data summit, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions and workshops on AI, data sharing and ethical issues in healthcare. The following two days were dedicated to the datathon competition, where teams comprised of healthcare professionals and experts from computer science, engineering and mathematics collaborate to solve critical clinical problems using real-world datasets.
 
Ghnatios also had the opportunity to connect with guest speakers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he accepted their invitation to join a team that is building a virtual lab testing tool at MIT. Ghnatios hopes this is the beginning of a great new collaboration between UNF, MIT and Mayo Clinic.

MOCA Jax partnership offers free access to military families

Man and woman looking at a museum painting
MOCA Jacksonville has proudly partnered with CSX and Blue Star Museums to offer free admission to the families of active duty and former military and first responders through Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2025. The Blue Star Museum initiative is a collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums nationwide that wish to show appreciation for military families who face multiple deployments and reintegration challenges.
 
To support this program, CSX partnered with MOCA to expand this free admission opportunity to include not only active-duty military, but also former military and first responders.
 
Applicable patrons must bring valid military or first responder identification. Those who qualify are welcome to bring up to five family members.
 
 
Information provided by MOCA Jacksonville

Osprey Profile: Jessica Jin

By Mattison Hansen
 
Jessica Jin, a University of North Florida health administration graduate student, recently earned second place in the Transformative Intelligence Track at the 2025 MIT Hacking Medicine GrandHack, one of the world’s leading healthcare innovation events held annually in Boston, Massachusetts.
 
UNF graduate student Jessica JinJin was among 500 global participants from institutions including Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital who worked in interdisciplinary teams to develop a tech-driven solution supporting caregivers.
 
Jin’s team project aimed to reduce emergency department visits and give peace of mind to adult children caring for aging parents with dementia. Their concept for a tailored app integrates with FDA-cleared, contactless radar-based remote sensing technology to detect early signs of preventable issues, such as UTIs, without the need for cameras or wearables.
 
“I went into GrandHack not knowing what to expect,” said Jin. “But I knew God would guide me, and I wanted to work on something meaningful. As an only child caring for my aging parents, who recently immigrated to the U.S. and are learning English, I strive to honor them while balancing their needs with my own. I know how isolating and complex this journey can be, and I wanted to build something that could truly make a difference.”
 
Jin credits the Leadership Institute at the UNF Brooks College of Health (BCH), as well as the Blackstone LaunchPad at the Coggin College of Business for encouraging and supporting her participation.
 
A first-generation college student and daughter of Chinese immigrants, Jin came to the U.S. at the age of 16 by herself and earned her bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University in New York. Her academic journey has taken her from exploring information systems and applied math to working in IT and management consulting, with each experience fueling her passion for human-centered, tech-forward healthcare solutions.  
 
“I think healthcare is one of the few fields where people still genuinely want to help each other,” Jin said. “My goal is to create something, whether it’s a product or service, that centers people first. Technology is powerful, but nothing can replace the human touch.”
 
At UNF, she served as a graduate assistant, a distant learning coach and a Telescope Health intern, where she applied what she’s learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare challenges. Jin has thrived through hands-on learning experiences and meaningful mentorship from UNF BCH faculty members like Drs. Kay Thiemann, Rob Haley, Jasper Xu, Mei Zhao and Zhigang (Shay) Xie. Martin Luytjes, associate director of Blackstone LaunchPad, also played a key role in encouraging Jin to embrace new opportunities with confidence and believe in her potential.
 
Beyond academics, Jin is actively engaged in campus life, participating in UNF’s tennis and wetland clubs and representing the University at national conferences such as Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Congress.
 
“In five years, I want to be designing solutions that truly put people first,” Jin said. “Innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about empathy. That’s what drives me.”

Fun salsa recipe for the summer

mango salsa in a bowl with a spoonMango Salsa

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe mangos, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 1 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice)
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro and jalapeño. Drizzle with the juice of one lime.
  2. Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt and stir again. For best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.
  3. Enjoy with tortilla chips, on tacos or salads.
Information provided by Sierra James, RDN, LDN, Campus Dietitian, UNF Dining Services

Inside News Roundup

Dear Readers

During the slow pace of the summer months on campus, Inside UNF will be published once in July and August.

College Mailbox Change

The Silverfield College of Education and Human Services general mailbox, COEHS@unf.edu has changed to silverfield@unf.edu. Please email silverfield@unf.edu for your Silverfield College of Education and Human Services needs.

Summer Dining

For those staying on campus this summer, be advised that some locations may have modified schedules, closures or limited menus. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the UNF Dining Instagram or the UNF Dining website for regular updates, summer hours and any last minute changes throughout the term.

Senior Service Award and Graduate Student Service Award Applications

Applications for the Senior Service Award are now live. The Senior Service Award is a prestigious award presented to a graduating senior that made significant contributions through volunteerism while maintaining an outstanding academic record. The winner receives a physical award, a paver in the Student Union and recognition during graduation. This summer, UNF is also introducing the new Graduate Student Service Award open to any summer graduate from The Graduate School. The application deadline is Friday, June 6. Learn more by visiting the Student Awards, Scholarships and Grants webpage.

Prepare for Authentication Changes web bannerPrepare for Authentication Changes

SMS/Text authentication will no longer be supported effective Tuesday, Sept. 30. All UNF students, faculty and staff are encouraged to switch to Microsoft Authenticator now to avoid interrupted access to services. View instructions on how to set up authenticator. Contact helpdesk@unf.edu or (904) 620-4357 for assistance.

Remote Desktop Going Away

Microsoft is retiring the Remote Desktop app for Windows. It will be removed from the Microsoft Store after Tuesday, May 27. This change is not being made by UNF. If you use Remote Desktop to access a workstation or research device, switch to the new Windows App by downloading it from the Microsoft app store for continued access and improved features. If you need assistance, please contact your C-tech.

Skybound EST. 2025Summer Camp Discounts for UNF Faculty/Staff

UNF Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) is excited to host a series of weeklong summer camps for young artists and writers ages 9 to 16 through its Skybound youth summer camp program. There is an exclusive discount offer available to ALL UNF faculty and staff. UNF employees who register will receive a $50 discount on registration. This offer applies to each available camp. To receive the discount, call PLL at (904) 620-4200 and use your UNF email address to register.

Presidential Excellence Awards

The Presidential Excellence Awards Committee is accepting nominations for the spring awards. Nominate a colleague or department for one of the following: Presidential Excellence Award, Presidential Quality Customer Service Award or Presidential Spot Award. Recipients will be recognized at the annual Presidential Recognition Awards Ceremony during the 2026 Professional Development Forum. The nomination deadline is Sunday, June 15; view instructions and the application via the webpage.

UNF student taking a photo with Ozzie the MascotMove-In Volunteers Needed

The Department of Housing and Residence life invites the campus community to help students and their families on move-in day. Volunteers will greet new Ospreys and support them as they move into the residence halls. Sign up to volunteer for Summer B Move-In on Friday, June 20; LLC Move-In on Wednesday, Aug. 13; or FTIC Move-In on Friday, Aug. 15. Volunteers will receive T-shirts and refreshments. For more information, contact Amy Lorenz at amy.lorenz@unf.edu or (904) 620-4663.

Summer Visitor Validation Code Request Reminder

Visitor validation codes for summer term guest parking are available. Departments must request these codes for guests parking on campus. Guests may enter the codes at a Pay-by-Plate kiosk or Flowbird app. To get a validation code, select the Employee tab in myWings, click on the Forms tab and then select Visitor Parking Validation form in the Parking section. Visit the Visitor Parking website for additional information.

Updated Travel Webpage

There are several new updates on the Travel webpage. Please take a minute to review all the new changes, including an updated travel procedures manual, a new Travel Quick Guide and an updated allowable airline class. For more information, contact Leanne Thomas at leanne.thomas@unf.edu or (904) 620-1093.

Faculty and Staff News

Osprey Fountain on UNF campus

Brooks College of Health

Congratulations to Dr. Mei Zhao who was recently appointed Dean of the Brooks College of Health. Dr. Zhao previously served as interim dean before her appointment.

College of Computing, Engineering and Construction

Dr. Chady Ghnatios, assistant professor of advanced manufacturing and materials innovation (AMMI), co-authored the book "A Gentle Introduction to Data, Learning, and Model Order Reduction," published by Springer in April 2025. The book includes contributions from co-authors in France and Spain.

Free Things to Do

Honoring Joan Mitchell

Exhibition on view now through June 15, MOCA Jacksonville
MOCA Jacksonville is celebrating the centenary of the birth of Joan Mitchell with a small exhibition of her works in the MOCA permanent collection. Joan Mitchell (1925, Chicago – Vétheuil, 1992) had a career that spanned more than four decades, from her first professional solo exhibition in New York in 1952, until her death in her adopted home France in 1992. Learn more about this exhibition celebrating Mitchell's work.

All Hands on Deck: 15 Years of Collection at Small Craft Advisory Press

Exhibition on view now through Aug. 29, MOCA Jacksonville
Experience an exhibition of artist books created in the past fifteen years by Small Craft Advisory Press (SCAP) at Florida State University. Founded by Professor of Art Denise Bookwalter, SCAP brings together artists, writers, designers and scholars to work collaboratively on projects that challenge the conventions of what books are and do. Each book has an entirely unique form reflecting methods ranging from historical hand-sewn bindings to laser-cut wood blocks and 3D printing. Learn more about this exhibition curated by UNF's Sheila Goloborotko, professor of printmaking.

© Henry Fitch Taylor, Still Life, 1917. Oil on canvasThe Armory South: The 1924 Jacksonville Woman’s Club Exhibition Rediscovered

Exhibition on view now through Nov. 23, MOCA Jacksonville
This exhibition reassembles core works from a forgotten but seminal Modernist exhibition mounted in March 1924 by the Woman’s Club of Jacksonville and the newly founded Jacksonville Fine Arts Society (now MOCA). Planned to mark the beginning of the museum’s second century in 2025, The Armory South tells several related stories of essential importance to the history of women in Modern art, the introduction of Modernism to the American South, and the ideas and relationships shaping American art in the mid-1920s. Learn more about this fascinating exhibition. © Henry Fitch Taylor, Still Life, 1917. Oil on canvas, 36 x 54 1/4 in. (91.4 x 137.8 cm). Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2244.

Project Atrium: Rafael Lozano-Hemmer

Exhibit on view now through Sept. 14, MOCA Jacksonville
Spectral Subjects is an interactive, thermal observatory showing a constantly updating map of the room's temperature on three colossal wall-projections. Learn more about this interactive exhibition.

Compost 101 Workshop

Wednesday, May 28, 9 - 10 a.m., Ogier Gardens
Learn how to set up and maintain a composting system to recycle your kitchen scraps and yard waste with the Ogier Gardens staff.. Learn more about this educational workshop.

Unlocking AI in Manufacturing: A Hands-On Workshop for Leaders

Wednesday, May 28, 9 - 11:30 a.m., Adam W. Herbert University Center
This workshop will deliver next steps to drive real transformation in your manufacturing business by utilizing artificial intelligence to transform production lines, supply chains and customer expectations. Learn more about this upcoming AI workshop for manufacturing professionals.

Free Museum Nights @ MOCA

Wednesday, June 4, 5 - 9 p.m, MOCA Jacksonville
First and third Wednesdays enjoy extended hours featuring special programming, a bar, and happy hour specials. Learn more about what to expect during free museum night events.

ideas of our time Jax Contemporary Artists Talks"Jax Contemporary" Artist Talks

Wednesday, June 4, 7 - 8:30 p.m., MOCA Jacksonville
Taking place in the MOCA Theater, these recurring artist talks will showcase those selected for the triennial exhibition on view on the third floor of MOCA Jacksonville. Learn more and register to attend this free event.

Botanical Life, Art and Culture Garden Tour

Saturday, June 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Thomas G. Carpenter Library, Eastside of Building (Outside)
Explore the lush gardens and admire the stunning flora and fauna that surrounds the UNF campus. Learn more about this free garden tour.

Dateline

UNF balloons for dateline

Milestones

Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary in May 2025:

20 Years

Mary Stumph, Legal Secretary, General Counsel

15 Years

Sunshine Isbell, Program Assistant, Physical Facilities
Jason Jones, Assistant Vice President Shared Technology Infrastructure and Services, Office of the CIO
Paul Newton, Maintenance Mechanic, Housing and Residence Life

10 Years

Justin Crandall, Assistant Director, English Language Program
Erin Davis, Foundation Controller, Advancement Operations
Doris James, Senior Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities
Angela Johnson, Coordinator of Budgets, Facilities Planning
Pamela Wingard, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities
Damien Wise, Custodial Supervisor, Physical Facilities

Welcome

The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:
Johanna Asencio-Morvillo, Administrative Assistant, Brooks College of Health, Advising
Jacey Darrah, Director of Alumni Engagement, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Pablo Dopico, Accelerated Pavement Testing Research Engineer, School of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Kendra Folker, Executive Assistant, College of Arts and Sciences (COAS)
Michaela Gaughan, Director of Development for College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction, UDAE Development Officers
Victoria Giuffrida, Coordinator of Outreach, Recruitment and Community Engagement, College of Computing Engineering and Construction (CCEC), Dean
Jake Griggs, Student Financial Aid Coordinator, Office of Student Financial Aid
Aaron Guillory, Research Administrator/Engineer, Mechanical Engineering
Lucy Hollins, Coordinator of Graduate Admissions, Graduate School
Amber Johnson, Benefits Retirement Specialist I, Human Resources
William Knight, Assistant Horticulturist, Physical Facilities
Chesnee Layne, VPK Regional Facilitator, Florida Institute of Education (FIE), Business and Program Management
Jin Lyu, Integrated Solutions Engineer I, Shared Technology Applications
Kathryn Millspaw, Administrative Specialist, Corporate Relations and Major Gifts
Krysta Noe, Coordinator Budgets, Campus Planning
Rebecca Rios, Multimedia Specialist, UDAE Communications
Elisbeth Rodriguez, Executive Secretary for Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, Engagement and Stewardship Management
Stephanie Roman, Events Planning Coordinator, University Center
Timothy Sanchez, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Maranda Shelton, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, University Development and Alumni Engagement
Benjamin Smith, Operations Coordinator, Student Union
Nicholus Stapleton, Assistant Director of Development, Brooks College of Health
Kaley Vontz, Assistant Director, Annual Giving
Devon Williams, Custodial Worker, Physical Facilities

Great Job

The following employees were recently promoted:
Sarah Boudreaux, Academic Advisor, College of Arts and Sciences
Aaron Guillory, Mobile Retro-Reflectivity Unit Project Administrator, School of Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Kelly Torres, Senior Accounts Payable Receivable Representative, Institute of Police Technology and Management, Administration
Todd Vatter, Assistant Director of Strategic Communications and Initiatives, Division of Information Technology Services

Swoop Summary

UNF student-athlete Smilla Kolbe running a track race championship record 800m 2:00:33

Kolbe's Meet Record Closes Out 2025 ASUN Outdoor Track And Field Championships

Senior track and field student-athlete Smilla Kolbe surpassed the conference meet record in the women's 800m with a gold-medal time of 2:00.33 on day three of the 2025 ASUN Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Visit Jax Track in Hodges Stadium. Learn more about Kolbe's performance.

Women's Tennis Announces '25 Summer Camps

North Florida women's tennis announces a pair of youth summer camp with Universal Tennis College and Wilson Tennis camp options for this upcoming June and July at the UNF Tennis Complex. Learn more about the upcoming camps.

Here are a few upcoming events:

2025 NCAA East Region First Round Track and Field
Wednesday-Saturday, May 28-31, 10 a.m.  |  Hodges Stadium  |  Purchase Tickets