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UNF In the Media - 2021

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December

December 20, 2021

UNF students receive Osprey Community Engagement Medallions for community impact

Source: NE Florida News
The Center for Community-Based Learning recognized six outstanding UNF students by presenting them with Osprey Community Engagement Medallions.


December 16, 2021

UNF Division of Continuing Ed partners with Applied Technology Academy to launch lucrative IT, network and cloud security careers

Source: Yahoo Finance
UNF has partnered with Applied Technology Academy for professionals seeking to upskill in their current job or reskill into a new career .


December 15, 2021

UNF scientists at work on project to toughen up coastal sand dunes

Source: Florida Times-Union
A group of UNF researchers trying to figure a way to protect dunes in a world of rising seas and bigger, more frequent storms..


December 13, 2021

190 acres worth $21.5 million donated to UNF in ‘largest gift’ in University’s history

Source: Florida Times-Union
UNF has received 190 acres in land donation from the Duval County Research and Development Authority and Jacksonville’s Skinner family.


December 9, 2021

'Documenting Black Jacksonville': UNF professors publish interviews 85 years later

Source: First Coast News
For the first time, University of North Florida professors are digitally publishing hand-written documents that show what it was like to live in 1930's Jacksonville.


December 9, 2021

First UNF MedNexus students complete their first semester

Source: Palm Coast Observer
MedNexus Executive Director David Szymanski presented the students with new lab coats during a ceremony.


December 8, 2021

UNF alumnus chosen as one of 10 new NASA candidates

Source: WOKV
University of North Florida alumnus and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. (retired.), Luke Delaney has been chosen by NASA to join the first new astronaut class in four years.


December 7, 2021

Inside UNF’s new advanced manufacturing programs

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
Stephen Stagon, an associate professor within the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction, was pivotal in the university launching an undergraduate program in advanced manufacturing.


December 3, 2021

Hyperinsulinemia rates in US adults significantly increased over 20 year period

Source: HCP Live
Dr. James R. Churilla’s study of hyperinsulinemia among adults was presented at the 19th Annual World Congress Insulin Resistance Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease meeting.


December 2, 2021

Nutrition check: Health benefits of cocoa powder

Source: Florida Newsline
Kristen Hicks-Roof of UNF’s Department of Nutrition and Dietetics describes how 100 percent cocoa powder can provide many nutritional benefits.


December 1, 2021

UNF team growing bacteria solution to treat sand and prevent beach erosion

Source: Action News Jax
A team of scientists at UNF is working with a bacterial solution that could treat sand to prevent beach, intracoastal erosion.


November

November 29, 2021

Exploding some turkey myths

Source: MedicineNet
Judith Rodriquez, chair of UNF’s department of nutrition and dietetics, shares insight to dispel some common myths about turkey.


November 24, 2021

Meals on Wings: Local college students helping senior citizens

Source: News4Jax
UNF students package and deliver food to more than 200 homebound seniors in need as part of the meals on Wings program.


November 24, 2021

Jacksonville Interfaith Thanksgiving service: Compassion in action can change the world

Source: Florida Times-Union
Compassion was the theme of the 104th Gratitude Service, sponsored by OneJax, a nonprofit interfaith organization and entity at the University.


November 23, 2021

How to survive disagreements at the holiday dinner table

Source: Florida Times-Union
UNF counseling center director Richmond Wynn provided tips on navigating holiday dinners at a recent panel discussion for 904WARD.


November 22, 2021

Guest column: Misinformation about Critical Race Theory bears resemblance to the past

Source: Florida Times-Union
Parvez Ahmed, UNF Director of Diversity and Inclusion and finance professor, shares insight regarding Critical Race Theory being taught in schools.


November 22, 2021

Jacksonville unemployment unchanged at 3.7% amid job growth

Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
UNF economist Albert Loh described how hourly worker earnings surged in November with a worker shortage.


November 19, 2021

CPSC received over 700 complaints of oven doors shattering or ‘exploding’

Source: News4Jax
UNF physicist Jason Haraldsen describes how these incidents likely occur when heat is combined with microfractures in the oven’s glass


November 18, 2021

Spotlight On: Pamela Chally, Interim President, University of North Florida

Source: Invest Jacksonville
Interim President Pamela Chally detailed in the interview how UNF actively engages local community and adjusts its educational offerings to meet demands and needs of students..


November 18, 2021

Judge hearing Washington’s case against 3 opioid distributors gets a medical history lesson

Source: The Seattle Times
David Courtwright, a medical historian and retired UNF professor, provides medical insight in the civil trial case against three of the country’s largest drug distributors.


November 17, 2021

DCPS working to fill teacher vacancies with new initiative

Source: WOKV
The Duval Country School District is working with UNF to recruit more diverse teachers into the classroom.


November 15, 2021

UNF joins Smart Innovation Manufacturing Center in search of AI, data solutions

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
The University of North Florida is part of a collection of universities working to transform the manufacturing industry by incorporating artificial intelligence and data into processes.


November 12, 2021

Indigenous Heritage Month: UNF hosting exhibition with artifacts from 4,000 years ago

Source: News4Jax
UNF assistant professor of anthropology Keith Ashley and his students are showcasing pottery and other artifacts found in Northeast Florida.


November 10, 2021

Local Navy veteran, wife and mother surprised with family Thanksgiving vacation

Source: Action News Jax
UNF graduate student Emily DaBruzzi works at UNF’s Veterans Resource Center and pays it forward by helping veterans transition back to college.


November 9, 2021

Jacksonville author of ‘Secret Lives of Church Ladies’ comes home to UNF

Source: Florida Times-Union
Deeshaw Philyaw, a Jacksonville native, will be at UNF to speak and read from her collection of short stories.


November 8, 2021

Crocodiles vs Alligators Difference: Which species is stronger and will likely win a fight?

Source: The Science Times
UNF professor Adam Rosenblatt details how the shape of the head is the “biggest morphological difference” between alligators and crocodiles.


November 5, 2021

2021’s Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live

Source: WalletHub
UNF professor Dr. Rob Haley outlines the biggest issues facing veterans today and the factors a veteran should consider when choosing a city to live.


November 4, 2021

Reasons to not sleep on sleep

Source: First Coast News
Ashley Ballard, senior director of UNF’s Recreation and Wellness, shares ways to take sleep to the next level and make it a priority.


November 3, 2021

Nutrition check: Lifestyle approaches to managing diabetes

Source: Florida Newsline
UNF assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Kristen Hicks-Roof discusses strategies to prevent and manage diabetes.


November 2, 2021

3D printing and injection molding: Charting the best of both worlds

Source: Plastics Today
UNF professor Steve Stagon’s patent for a 3D-printed mold is helping to raise the bar in the quest to reduce or eliminate costly tooling while producing optimally performing parts in greater volumes.


November 2, 2021

Heart-healthy eating starts with your habits

Source: CNN
Lauri Wright, chair of UNF’s department of nutrition and dietetics, emphasized the focus on building lifestyle habits, regardless of people’s ages and backgrounds.


November 1, 2021

UNF Arena’s new hospitality suite

Source: Athletic Business
A new state-of-the-art hospitality suite to be developed in the UNF Arena.


October

October 29, 2021

Director of UNF THRIVE program honored with NASPA’s outstanding service award

Source: NE Florida News
Dr. Rowe, associate director of Student Accessibility Services and director of the UNF THRIVE program, was honored with the “Outstanding Service to Students Award” by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.


October 29, 2021

2021 Meggers Project Award Winners Announced

Source: American Institute of Physics
UNF professors Brian Lane, Grace Bosse and Terrie Galanti have their program, “Computation-Based Professional Development and Activities for High School Physics” chosen as an award winner.


October 27, 2021

Are salt substitutes really good for your health?

Source: Next Avenue
Lauri Wright, director of UNF’s Center for Nutrition and Food Security, discusses the benefits of fresh food and where to find high- and low-sodium foods.


October 25, 2021

UNF MedNexus connects Flagler County students with nursing, healthcare opportunities

Source: The Daytona Beach News-Journal
UNF opened its MedNexus campus in Palm Coast in August in an effort to educate, train and produce more nurses to fill the shortages in Northeast Florida.


October 25, 2021

University of North Florida names new Holmes Scholars

Source: Ed Prep Matters
UNF is a partner of the AACTE Holmes Program and has expanded its Holmes cohort to include five new doctoral students pursuing degrees in education.


October 22, 2021

Florida-Georgia seating capacity cut by nearly 6,000

Source: WOKV
UNF associate professor of sport management speak on the impact reduced seating will have on the team’s ticket revenue.


October 21, 2021

March at UNF brings awareness to victims of domestic violence

Source: News4Jax
UNF students came together to “Take Back the Night” to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.


October 21, 2021

MedNexus in Palm Coast: ‘It’s really about 6 hands,’ Szymanski says of the medical-education hub in Town Center

Source: Flagler Live
MedNexus CEO David Szymanski speaks on the many components that are working together to help graduate more nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals.


October 20, 2021

How do philosophers talk about sex, love and desire? With guest Sarah LaChance Adams

Source: Philosophy in Public Life
UNF professor Sarah LaChance Adams discusses the meaning behind sex, the questions worth asking and the issues teachers face when discussing sexuality in their classes.


October 15, 2021

Should physicians dispense drugs to their patients?

Source: Yahoo Finance
UNF professor David Cartwright provides insight and discusses the potential rivalries between physicians and pharmacists.


October 14, 2021

UNF’s ConnectFest connects University students to startups

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
UNF’s ConnectFest was designed to introduce students to tech companies, with Google Cloud, VyStar Credit Union, FIS and Inc. holding breakout sessions.


October 13, 2021

Afghan refugees come to the U.S. with a suitcase and a dream. Then what?

Source: NBC Universal
UNF graduate student Fawzia Ahsan shares her personal perspective on the situation in her home country of Afghanistan and how local groups are assisting in resettling refugees.


October 12, 2021

The search for Sarabay – American Archaeology

Source: American Archaeology Magazine
UNF archaeologist Keith Ashley and his team of students help uncover a site believed to be Sarabay, a lost Mocama village, as part of UNF’s ongoing Mocama Archaeological Project.


October 11, 2021

Thoughts on healthy aging from an Alzheimer’s researcher

Source: Florida Times Union
Psychology associate professor Dr. Jody Nicholson-Bell shares insight as the site-Principal Investigator for a large study she is conducting, Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training or PACT.


October 11, 2021

Legal event at UNF helps Afghan families bring loved ones to America

Source: First Coast News
UNF students volunteer at the event where the Northeast Florida Afghan Response Task Force is helping Afghan families navigate paperwork to bring families to U.S.


October 8, 2021

University of North Florida project highlights work of Viola Muse and Black life in 1930s

Source: Florida Times Union
UNF professors to digitize and annotate work of Viola Muse who in the 1930s interviewed Black residents of Jacksonville.


October 7, 2021

Student experiments float over New Mexico

Source: Space Daily
UNF students flew their payload for the eighth time with the High-Altitude Student Platform, continuing to improve upon their design for measuring the ozone within Earth's different atmospheric layers.


October 5, 2021

UNF accepting submissions for Physics Photo Contest

Source: News4JAX
UNF physics professor Dr. Jason Haraldsen demonstrates examples of physics in nature and shares details on how Jacksonville students can enter the contest.


October 4, 2021

UNF professors study threat of sea-level rise to First Coast

Source: News4JAX
Two UNF coastal engineering professors speak on evidence of a shifting climate.


October 1, 2021

Get to know UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) is Jacksonville’s first equity-free, comprehensive business incubator located in downtown Jacksonville.

September

September 28, 2021

Florida researchers tackle ‘sinkhole’ formation

Source: Ground Engineering
UNF civil engineering assistant professor Ryan Shamet discusses his project to better understand the potential for voids to form in the ground.


September 27, 2021

Ferroelectricity goes asymmetric

Source: Physics World
A team of researchers from UNF's Atomic-LEGO laboratory are the first to have observed asymmetric ferroelectricity in engineered crystals made from oxide heterostructures.


September 17, 2021

UNF MedNexus: Education combined with technology

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
The University’s partnerships will put Florida’s future health care professionals into the workforce.


September 16, 2021

Jacksonville man named a top Latin leader

Source: News4Jax.com
Manny Velasquez-Paredes, director of the LGBTQ Center, is honored for his outstanding leadership efforts and record of professional accomplishments.


September 10, 2021

2021 Women of Influence: Lakshmi Goel of University of North Florida

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
The Jacksonville Business Journal award recognizes women whose leadership has helped their companies grow and provided a model for the community.


September 8, 2021

Inside wildfire prevention: Why western states are looking to Florida

Source: First Coast News
UNF Assistant Director of Physical Facilities Landscaping and Grounds Will Smith shares insight into how other states are looking to Florida for solutions in wildfire prevention.


September 7, 2021

UNF physics research featured on the Office of Science website

Source: Energy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy office highlighted the recent electronic phenomenon discovered in the UNF Atomic LEGO Lab.


September 2, 2021

Baker breaks into the big leagues

Source: UNF Ospreys
Former Osprey pitcher Bryan Baker was promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays as announced by Major League Baseball today.


Sept. 1, 2021

What is Department of State’s plan to bring out remaining Americans, Afghan allies?

Source: Action News Jax
Nancy Soderberg, director of political science and public administration at UNF and a former deputy national security advisor, speaks on the plan.

August

August 9, 2021

2020 UNF grads finally get their moment

Source: The Florida Times-Union
UNF offered an opportunity for the past graduates to walk across a commencement stage in front of their family and friends.

July

July 7, 2021

UNF's Entrepreneurial Center launching Swisher Growth Cohort for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs

Source: Jacksonville Business Journal
UNF's Entrepreneurial Center is looking to expand the diversity of the businesses it works with, launching the Swisher Growth Cohort for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs.

June

June 30, 2021

Lee Moon leaves UNF athletic department with pride, no regrets, concerns over the future

Source: The Florida Times-Union
UNF won 46 ASUN titles, more than doubled athletic department budget during Moon's 12 years as athletic director.


June 29, 2021

HTRD Episode 29: Dr. Kelly Smith - A Life in Waders

Source: How to Ruin Dinner podcast
Dr. Mary Treyz, religious studies adjunct, interviews Dr. Kelly Smith, biology associate professor, about human impacts on the environment, environmental activism, and pedagogy.


June 24, 2021

UNF biology student awarded prestigious fellowship for revolutionary research idea

Source: News4Jax.com
Raul Chavarria will start his master’s in biology at UNF with a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.


June 23, 2021

UNF professor discusses Supreme Court’s NCAA ruling with Zenger

Source: Zenger
Dr. Luke Cornelius, associate professor, shared his opinion on the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling NCAA v College Athletes over compensation


June 17, 2021

Professor talks steps toward equality as Juneteenth heads for holiday status

Source: First Coast News
UNF history professor Dr. Felicia Bevel speaks on the importance of Juneteenth.


June 4, 2021

UNF's high school social justice camp returns following year of protests for racial justice

Source: The Florida Times-Union
UNF's Bridges Summer Camp is a free online summer camp for young people who want to explore racial equity, social justice and activist perspectives.


June 3, 2021

Good health goes back to gut health

Source: First Coast News
UNF's Department of Nutrition and Dietetics is researching the effects of fermented vegetables on the microbiome and heart health.


June 1, 2021

“On A Mission” with Caleb Garrett from UNF’s Coggin College of Business

Source: BUZZ
“On a Mission" speaks with community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area and talks to Caleb Garrett from UNF’s Coggin College of Business.

May

May 21, 2021

What the name changes of six public schools say about race relations in Duval County

Source: First Coast News
UNF assistant professor of history Dr. Felicia Bevel speaks on the impact of the name changes and believes it could be a turning point in inclusivity.


May 17, 2021

Let's fight to keep our beaches clean

Source: The Florida Times-Union
Elyse Brockman, a Master of Public Health student, shares an op-ed with the Florida Times Union on ways people can help keep beaches clean.


May 12, 2021

UNF Athletics celebrates another banner semester in the classroom

Source: UNF Athletics
The North Florida Athletic Department reached impressive levels of success in the classroom posting a cumulative department GPA of 3.48.


May 12, 2021

St Marys Riverkeeper and UNF work to create a “Living Shoreline” on Old Town Fernandina

Source: Fernandina Observer
Volunteers from the St. Marys Riverkeeper joined students from UNF’s Coastal and Marine Biology Program to work on a living shoreline coastal restoration project.


May 10, 2021

New Engineering Programs at UNF

Source: News4Jax.com
Dr. Steve Stagon, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at UNF, discusses two new engineering programs the school is adding this fall.


May 7, 2021

MOCA Jacksonville's Project Atrium marks 10 years of oversized art projects

Source: The Florida Times-Union
Take a look back at the last decade.


May 5, 2021

Get vaccinated, Ospreys!

Source: UNF Facebook
UNF kicked off the COVID-19 vaccination campaign on social media. Let’s keep our Osprey community healthy, better and stronger!


May 3, 2021

UNF Students Work With St. Mary’s Riverkeeper On Living Shoreline Project

Source: WJCT
UNF students are working on a living shoreline restoration project with the St. Mary’s Riverkeeper to help rebuild oyster reefs on the Amelia River’s shoreline.

April

April 29, 2021

Five UNF students receive ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year title

Source: The Florida Times-Union
Mindy Herrick, senior on the women's golf team, was named the ASUN's Scholar-Athlete of the year, making her the fifth UNF student-athlete to receive the 2021 title in their respective sport.


April 22, 2021

Ah, wilderness! Is nature the tonic we’ve needed for pandemic malaise?

Source: Knowable Magazine
Dr. Erin Largo-Wight, professor in UNF's Department of Public Health, contributes insight to the idea that nature can fortify one’s mental and physical health.


April 16, 2021

UNF students install new sculptures at local parks

Source: News4Jax.com
Students at the University of North Florida are beautifying local parks with new sculptures.


April 13, 2021

UNF to offer $1 million in scholarships at MedNexus in Palm Coast

Source: Palm Coast Observer
UNF MedNexus in Palm Coast will have an inaugural cohort beginning in fall 2021 and will appoint a program director from the local area.


April 8, 2021

Gas tax hike would generate 7,600 jobs, $1.6B in economic impact, UNF study shows

Source: News4Jax.com
UNF economics professor Dr. Albert Loh worked on the study and determined, based on the type of work involved, how that translates to direct, indirect and induced jobs.


April 6, 2021

Introducing Girls to Engineering

Source: WJCT
Dr. Alexandra Schonning, UNF Mechanical Engineering Professor and CAWE, shared information on how UNF is promoting more girls getting into STEM.

March

March 25, 2021

UNF Athletics, City of Jacksonville and Visit Jacksonville extend track & field partnership

Source: UNF Athletics
A joint press conference was held in celebration of the completed resurfacing of the Visit Jacksonville Track at Hodges Stadium.


March 24, 2021

UNF's Osprey Racing swoops in on an international competition

Source: The Florida Times-Union
The team's "Swoopde9" racing car will compete in compete in May's Formula SAE event at Michigan International Speedway.


March 15, 2021

Lee Moon Named NACDA Athletic Director of the Year

Source: UNF Athletics
The award highlights the efforts of athletics directors for their commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, campuses and their communities.


March 15, 2021

UNF students focus on Central American challenges

Source: The Florida Times-Union
UNF Political Science’s Real World Policy Class, taught by Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, shared their viewpoints in an article in the Florida Times-Union.


March 8, 2021

UNF chemistry professor secures patent for cancer-fighting compounds inspired by common spice

Source: The Florida Times-Union
A UNF chemistry professor was awarded a U.S. patent for his work on cancer-fighting synthetic compounds, structural modifications of a spice commonly used in Indian and Chinese food.


March 3, 2021

2021’s Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S.

Source: WalletHub
UNF Professor Dr. Lauri Wright shared nutrition tips for eating healthy in WalletHub's recent piece about Most Overweight and Obese Cities in the U.S.


March 1, 2021

Ideas, technology and a “fire in the gut” fuel young entrepreneurs

Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
Karen Bowling, director of the UNF Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said startup founders under the age of 30 can offset their lack of life experience with a solid business plan and “fire in the gut.”

February

February 26, 2021

UNF professor talks product placement in supermarkets with The Counter

Source: The Counter
Dr. Gregory Gundlach, distinguished professor of marketing, discusses how popular brands get the best real estate in grocery stores.


February 23, 2021

UNF, FSCJ sign agreement to expand health care education

Source: Jacksonville Daily Record
Florida State College at Jacksonville nursing students can earn credits in the University of North Florida’s master’s program.


February 15, 2021

The Antiracist College

Source:  The Chronicle of Higher Education
Whitney Meyer, vice president and chief diversity officer, shares insight for the Chronicle of Higher Education article focusing on diversity efforts at universities.


February 8, 2021

Veterans Florida and UNF Military Veterans Resource Center Facilitated Growth Program Starts Feb. 13

Source: Amelia Islander
The Facilitated Growth Program will be conducted in a seminar-style of learning, in a small group setting to address key business challenges and determine new strategies for business growth.

January

January 28, 2021

UNF sets up COVID-19 vaccination clinic for employees 65 and older

Source: First Coast News
The University of North Florida is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic next week for university employees who are 65 or older.


January 25, 2021

MOCA Jacksonville opens new show

Source: The Florida Times-Union
"Ally Brody: Public Domain" features the works of the latest MOCA University of North Florida Student Artist-in-Residence.


January 4, 2021

University Of North Florida To Offer New Africana Studies Major

Source: WJCT
UNF is planning to offer an Africana Studies program as part of its effort to meet the rising demand for courses and majors that focus on race.