InsideSeptember 2019

 

UNF starts the new semester with its highest enrollment in history — more than 17,200 students! Over 2,600 new freshmen have flocked to UNF’s campus and were treated to a Week of Welcome packed with activities — from Breakfast at Tommy G’s to a silent disco to an interfaith dinner and more. A new Flight School for freshmen featured competitive games with interactive performer Travelin’ Max, singing and visits from President and Mrs. Szymanski, our new provost, Dr. Simon Rhodes, SG President John Aloszka and Vice President Nat Costello and others, as well as fun icebreakers with existing UNF students. Flight School activities ended with the Welcome to College Luau. To see more of the activities, watch the UNF welcome video.

In addition to having more students at UNF, the number of credit hours that students are taking is also up. Best wishes to all for a phenomenal semester and a great academic year!

 

 

 

 

Twenty percent of children living in Northeast Florida — that’s one in every five — don’t know if they will have a meal today. They live in different communities scattered around the area, so locating them in order to distribute food is a challenge — one that has required a manual comparison of data from multiple sources.

Three student interns involved in the University’s program Florida Data Science for Social Good spent 12 weeks this summer tackling the problem, which was brought to them by Feeding Northeast Florida, a local nonprofit with a large-scale operation. In 2018, the organization provided more than 14.1 million meals to a network of social service agencies in eight counties, so it must analyze many factors when determining food distribution to adults and children.

Jess Goodkind, the organization’s grants and research manager, said the students’ hard work has provided the nonprofit with a high-tech tool they never had before. “They are actually providing us with a visualization of data, a color-coded system where we can see areas of greatest need based on indicators, such as age, socio-economic status and gender,” Goodkind said. “Then we can overlay that information with maps of where we are currently serving individuals to make sure we are reaching those with the most need, so that’s super exciting to us.”

UNF’s Florida Data Science for Social Good, often referred to as DSSG, just completed its third summer internship program. Spearheaded by Dr. Karthikeyan Umapathy, associate professor of computing, and Dr. Dan Richard, associate professor of psychology, the program matches students across disciplines to learn about the emerging field of data science as well as to make a difference in the community. This year, 11 interns worked with five nonprofits, often collaborating on several problems.

For the interns working with Feeding Northeast Florida, what attracted them to the DSSG program was being able to work on a scientific project that would actually have an impact. UNF anthropology student Abigail Conwell, UNF computing student Joseph Allen and team leader Abhishek Singh, an applied data science graduate student from Syracuse University, all agreed that being able to make a difference was the personal draw for them.

To solve their assigned problem, the team faced several challenges:

• The organization had a large amount of data from multiple sources that had to be compiled into one system. It also had to designed so it could be easily updated in the future.
• Different data sources made comparison problematic. With data from the census collected on a track level, and other report data, such as the number of poverty households, measured by zip codes, the team spent a great deal of time refining the data to levels that were comparable.
• Three additional data sets — information on donors, distribution and agencies — were being tracked by different people in the organization and had to be compiled to one system.

The team, mentors who assisted them and UNF professors all collaborated to a successful finish and provided the nonprofit with an interactive dashboard where they can easily access information to help make strategic decisions and support grant applications. Singh, Conwell and Allen presented their findings along with the other eight interns at the program reveal, Aug. 20 before an audience at WJCT. In total, the students represented a variety of majors, which Umapathy said is an important part of the program.

“Data Science is not just about writing codes,” Umapathy said. “The model is collaborative problem solving. It works best when you have people from various disciplines who can see things from different angles, rather than all thinking alike.”

Here are the five DSSG projects completed this summer:

• Client: Cathedral Arts Project; Project Title: Analyzing Impacts of the Arts Education Program
• Client: Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County; Project: Determining Services that Contribute to Healthy Child Outcomes
• Client: Feeding Northeast Florida; Project: Finding Data-Driven Insights in the Fight Against Hunger
• Client: GTM Research Reserve; Project: Assessing the Precision and Accuracy of Data Collected by Students
• Client: Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare; Project: Understanding the Patterns of Recidivism in Mental Health

Find more project information online.

 

Fourteen startups have been selected to receive space and assistance in UNF’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation downtown. The first cohort of entrepreneurs moved into the Center in late August and will have the opportunity to work with staff, advisors and student interns as they develop their businesses.

More than 100 applicants submitted proposals, and the Center’s Advisory Board, which includes several local business leaders, made the selections. The venture ideas are broad and include everything from a web-based solution that compares healthcare costs to a home safety assessment service for seniors to a company that would provide pre-packed birth bags for expectant mothers.

Karen Bowling, director of the Center, said she is impressed with the variety of the projects and excited about watching them come to fruition. “The ‘why’ behind the initiatives is inspirational,” said Bowling, who was particularly pleased to see so many applications relating to healthcare. “These are innovative solutions by  focused individuals. The Center allows us to connect these creative minds with business leaders here in Northeast Florida, where we hope they will stay and continue to make a difference.”

UNF finance graduate, Jeremy Vaughan, ’04, was one of three UNF alumni selected. Working on a risk management system to provide companies with security and compliance guidance, Vaughan said access to professional services and business development advice is a huge benefit for the entrepreneurs working to get their businesses started.

“The advisors brought to the incubator have been amazing,” said Vaughan who also feels fortunate to be working with Bowling, the Center’s director and a former successful business owner. “That made applying more enticing for me. She wants us to succeed and is a great resource for us,” he said. “She’s always telling us, ‘Your success is our success.’” Vaughan hopes to successfully start his business and “launch out” of the Center early, perhaps in 6 – 8 months, though the entrepreneurs are provided services and space for up to a year.

UNF welcomes Dr. Terry Curran to campus today as he begins his position as associate vice president of Enrollment Services. He spoke with us by phone before his move to share a few things about himself.

What was his previous position?
Curran moved to Florida from the Midwest, having served for the past three years as the associate provost for Enrollment Management at Western Michigan University. In addition to this and other roles in enrollment management, Curran also has career experience in student affairs at several universities.

When did he become interested in a career in higher education?
Curran said he first felt he belonged on a college campus when he worked as a resident advisor during his college days. “I realized there was something that really resonated with me,” he said. “To be able to work with students in a university setting was invigorating, and it became more of a way of life for me than a job. I feel privileged to be in this field.”

What will his new role involve?
In addition to overseeing the functions and responsibilities of Enrollment Services, Curran believes it will be important for him to talk with the administration and the campus community to identify the greatest priorities for Enrollment Services and the University. “I think UNF is a phenomenal institution, and I look forward to joining this community and contributing to make a difference,” Curran said.

Where did he grow up?
Everyone knew one another in the small town in Rhode Island where Curran was raised. The oldest of five children, he went on to become a first-generation college student, graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in human development and counseling, and from Lehigh University with a doctorate in foundations of education.

What’s the best advice he’s ever received? Before entering high school, Curran said his father took him aside and told him to always remember one thing: never disgrace your last name; always protect it and realize that it means something important. “I don’t know why at that moment it was such an important lesson to learn, but it’s something that’s always had an influence on me,” Curran said.

What does he see as his greatest accomplishment?
Having an employee succeed and go on to do great things is a source of pride for Curran. “I’ve got at least three or four people out there who are vice presidents of student affairs throughout the country and two who are currently presidents of universities,” Curran said. “I recognize it wasn’t just my mentoring; they had a special spirit that they brought to professional life every day, but I’m happy to have had some influence on them.”

And there’s more …
With their beloved 18-month-old Golden Doodle in tow, Curran and his wife recently returned from a 10-day camping trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The couple shares a love of camping, kayaking and exploring nature.

With the University of North Florida Athletic Department celebrating a pair of milestones this year — its 15th year at the NCAA Division I level and the completion of 10 years competing for NCAA DI Championships — the 2020 Class of the Athletic Hall of Fame also reflects those accomplishments, with all inductees coming from the Division I era.

The inaugural Division I Hall of Fame class includes: Aline Berkenbrock (Women's Tennis), Sean Dale (Men's Golf), Preston Hale (Baseball), Brittany Kirkland (Women's Basketball), Paige Pridgeon (Volleyball) and a four-year span of Men's Golf teams from 2009-13.

"The Hall of Fame has become one of the most cherished athletic department events each year," said UNF Athletic Director Lee Moon. "This year's ceremony has the added excitement of being the induction for the first group of Division I student-athletes. The selection committee did an outstanding job of identifying a group of honorees who represent and reflect the successes that North Florida Athletics had during the foundational seasons as a Division I program.”

The University and its Athletic Department will welcome the distinguished group to campus Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Adam W. Herbert University Center for the 2020 UNF Athletic Hall of Fame Class induction ceremony and reception. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 and the program at 7. Alumni, staff and fans are invited to join the celebration of UNF’s Division I history.

Find a full list of each honoree’s accomplishments online.

The fall semester showcases a full list of planned activities, many free for faculty and staff. Here are five we thought you might enjoy.

The Mary Ann and J. Shepard Bryan Collection
Open House/Reception, Thursday, Sept. 12, 3 – 6 p.m.
UNF Gallery of Art, Founders Hall/Building 2
This exhibit features works collected by professional artist Mary Ann Bryan and her husband, J. Shepard Bryan, who have gifted the works to UNF for its permanent collection. Beginning in the 1950s and continuing to the present day, the Bryans have built a collection that reflects the connections between Florida and Jacksonville-based artists, whether as friends, teachers, mentors, students, collaborators, or even subject matters for each other’s work. After the Open House/Reception, the exhibit will be on display until Sept. 27.

Zumba dance exercise
Friday, Sept. 13, 5:30 – 6:25 p.m.
Student Wellness Complex, Group Fitness Studio 1800
Zumba is a dance fitness class featuring Latin and international rhythms, with no dance experience needed. Faculty and staff, as members of the Student Wellness Complex, have free access to group fitness classes and much more. Find more free classes and the fall schedule online.

Lawson Ensemble performance
Friday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.
The Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center
The Lawson Ensemble will be joined by professors Xiaodi Liu, oboe, and Conrad Cornelison, bassoon, to perform the works by Mozart, Devienne and Beethoven. Dr. Nick Curry, coordinator. Please register to attend.

The Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.
The Recital Hall in the Fine Arts Center
Enjoy the music of trumpeter Tommy Hooten and pianist Rebecca Wilt, with Dr. Jimmy Hall as artistic director. Please register to attend.

Global Issues Lecture with Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, ret.
The Latin Americans: Their Love-Hate Relationship with the U.S.
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Adam W. Herbert University Center
Barbara Stephenson is a Minister Counselor in the career Senior Foreign Service and joined the State Department in 1985. She began her career in Foreign Service in Latin America as U.S. Ambassador to Panama and later serving in El Salvador, as well as many other countries. Her appointments also have included Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in London and later acting Charge d’Affaires. Before joining the Foreign Service, Stephenson earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. in English at the University of Florida. Please register to attend.

Find more activities on UNF’s master calendar.

Karen  Livingston is a police officer in traffic enforcement with the UNF Police Department. In performing her duties, whether on patrol around the University, enforcing traffic laws or educating motorists, Livingston works to ensure the health and safety of faculty, staff and students on campus. To keep campus women safe, Livingston teaches the UPD self-defense program RAD — Rape Aggression Defense — to empower women to protect themselves using awareness, avoidance and prevention. She also incorporates hands-on techniques to defend and prevent abduction. For students, Livingston teaches an Alcohol Awareness course to help them identify the repercussions of alcohol use, the factors of impairment levels and methods to avoid excessive use of alcohol. She also works closely with housing students and staff on a variety of issues in her role as Residence Life Officer. 

Because students also need to take care of their vehicles, Livingston recently piloted a vehicle maintenance workshop called “Let’s Get Greasy, Ospreys.” The new workshop focused on teaching attendees the “basics” about vehicle maintenance, such as navigating your user’s manual, identifying engine sounds, monitoring engine fluids, changing a tire and jump starting your vehicle.

What do you enjoy about working here? I enjoy promoting safety and instructing women on campus how to protect and defend themselves through UPD’s RAD course. I also enjoy giving students the basic life necessity tools to survive beyond college. Helping people is my calling, and I enjoy every bit of my little role here at UNF.

How long have you lived in Jacksonville? Where else have you lived? I have lived here in the Jacksonville area for about 6 or 7 years. I was born in Newport, Rhode Island and moved to Florida from there. I have lived in Orlando, St Petersburg, Ocala, Ft. Lauderdale, Groton Connecticut, Kings Bay Georgia, Moscow Idaho and St. Augustine. The military moved us around a lot.

What one memory do you most treasure? My most treasured memory is the day my son was born. He is the best thing to ever happened to me.

If you could have a dinner party and invite any four people, from the past or present, who would be on your guest list? Abraham Lincoln — President Lincoln was an amazing man during an amazing time in our history. He was a man of humility, compassion and integrity and those qualities I pride myself in having. Robin Williams — Mr. Williams was so creative and had a way of turning anything negative into a positive. I don’t think anyone has a negative thing to say about him. Harrison Ford — I have had a crush on Harrison Ford for as long as I can remember. No other reason. Dave Matthews — Dave Matthews would liven up the dinner with fantastic music and good conversation.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be? I would love to be a Supreme Court Justice for just one day … okay, maybe more than just one day. They have a lot of responsibility and require a great amount of tact, compassion, humility and open-mindedness.

What superpower would you like to have? The superpower I would like to possess would be the ability to fly. The freedom of getting above all of the hustle and bustle of life. A chance to distance myself and reflect.

If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1? I would probably try to change equality. Everyone would be treated fairly and equally, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or religion. I think that alone, would drastically improve this planet from what it is right now.

What would be the title for the movie version of your life? “The Do-er.” I think of myself as someone who juggles a lot of things at once. From single-parenthood to a full-time (+) job, to teaching, mentoring, to attending college courses, to volunteering. I sometimes end up taking on too much but always seem to make my deadline.

What is at the top of your bucket list? Getting in to Law School is at the top of my bucket list. It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time and something I continue to work towards every day.

What one food do you wish had zero calories? Spaghetti, of course!

Tell us something that might surprise us about you? Something surprising about me would probably be my passion for snowboarding and skiing. I learned how to ski in Innsbruck, Austria, and later learned to snowboard. Since then, I try to hit the mountains out west every year. I ride the black diamond runs, but cannot get myself, at 50, to conquer the terrain park yet. Still working on that one.

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation? My dream vacation would be a helicopter flight, piloted by Harrison Ford, to a big mountain with a lot of fresh powder.

Tell us a few of your favorite things:
Board Game: Monopoly with my son
Book: John Grisham, “The King of Torts”
Childhood Memory: Sunday church and then a restaurant called Sambos afterwards
Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Movie Line: “Get off my plane.”
Movie: Anything Harrison Ford, except Hollywood Homicide (that was the worst)
Physical Activity: Snowboarding, definitely snowboarding, then skiing, motorcycling, gym workout
Quote: “Excuses are the tools of incompetence that build monuments to nothingness …”
TV Show as a Kid: Flipper … dolphins and belugas are my favorite cetaceans.

Al-Wajid Aminu is a senior at UNF and a student-athlete in the University's basketball program. In 2018-19, he was honored as the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year and ranked 33rd in nation for blocked shots. He also scored double digits in 23 games, topped the team with 34 dunks and surpassed the 500 career rebound mark and 100 career blocked shots. Aminu expects to graduate in spring 2020 and wants to play professional basketball as well as start a consulting firm that deals with international business.

Why did you decide to attend the University of North Florida? I was recruited to UNF by the coaches of the basketball program. I have enjoyed the small school atmosphere along with the great coaching staff that I have. I also really enjoy being close to the beach.

What is your major and why did you choose it? I am an international business major. I chose this major because I would like to do business in Nigeria in the future. I have found the major and its classes to be very fascinating. Learning about how different cultures do business has been interesting. 

 

What do you like most about UNF? I love my experience as a student-athlete the most. It has brought so many amazing opportunities for me. I have been able to find a lifelong connection with the teammates that I have had.

What has been your coolest UNF experience so far? I think it is a tie between going to a jazz concert on campus and getting to hear our amazing jazz program, and when I spoke in front of the Coggin College of Business advisory council.

Who is your favorite professor? Do you have a favorite class? My favorite professor is Koren Borges. She taught my favorite class, International Management.

What does being an Osprey mean to you? Being an Osprey means that I am a part of a tight knit community that is a hidden gem. Appreciating all the wonderful people that make this University a great place to go to college.

What’s your favorite UNF tradition? My favorite tradition at UNF is Market Day on Wednesdays.

When you’re looking to de-stress and relax a bit, where do you go on campus? I go to the island in the middle of the nature trails. It is my favorite spot to meditate and interact with nature. It has beautiful views in every direction.

Where are you from? I was born on the east side of Atlanta in Stone Mountain, Georgia. I have lived in Georgia for about 10 years, Miami for about 6 years and Los Angeles for about a year.

If you could meet one historical figure for coffee, who would it be? I think that I would like to meet Kasturba Gandhi. I think she was an incredible woman that was able to overcome a lot of adversity and affect change. I hear that she was very influential to Mahatma Gandhi and his peaceful protest.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? I think I would want to witness Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

What three traits define you? Happiness, Peace and Adventurous

Do you have any advice for high school students? I would recommend to high school students that they find what truly makes them happy and continue to pursue it. Be true to yourself and try to be the best version of yourself.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville welcomes its latest student-in-residence, UNF sculpture student Jenn Peek. Using multimedia materials and methods such a cast iron, fiberglass and steel fabrication, the senior Osprey will be spending the next four months at MOCA and in the UNF Sculpture Lab creating her show titled (I)dentity as Phoenix. Peek incorporates the characteristics of the mythological phoenix and her own personal experiences to create pieces that will explore the concepts of rebirth, construction of identity and movement of life. 

 

The grand public reveal will be Jan. 9 from 6 – 9 p.m. at MOCA.

Brooks College of Health
Dr. Deirdre Shoemake, assistant professor, delivered a podium presentation to an international audience at the Sigma Theta Tau International 30th International Nursing Research Congress in the city of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, in July. Her topic was “Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies to Reduce the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries.”

Coggin College of Business
Dr. Gregory Gundlach, professor of marketing, and Riley Krotz, presented “Business Insights for Merger Review and Enforcement,” at the 2019 American Antitrust Institute 20th Annual Policy Conference, Washington D.C.

Dr. Courtney Azzari, assistant professor of marketing, with Joshua D. Dorsey, Paul Hill, Nora Moran, Farnoush Reshadi, Ilana Shanks and Jerome D. Williams, recently had this publication accepted: “Leveraging The Existing U.S. Healthcare Structure for Consumer financial Well‐Being: Barriers, Opportunities, and A Framework Towards Future Research,” in the Journal of Consumer Affairs. Find the article abstract online. 

Dr. Ronald Adams, emeritus professor of marketing, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Office of the Attorney General in July in recognition of 30 years of public service as a member of the Florida New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. He also was recently reappointed to the Board and will continue to serve as an arbitrator in the Jacksonville district.

Dr. Nathan Kunz, assistant professor of management, with N. & Van Wassenhove, L.N., published: "Fleet sizing for UNHCR country offices," Journal of Operations Management, 2019, Vol. 65, No. 3, pp. 282-307.

Dr. Madeline Zavodny, professor of economics, was interviewed on NPR’s All Things Considered to explain how the E-Verify Program works and its loopholes. Zavodny gave the national audience insight into the background of the recent ICE raids. The program transcript and recording can be found online. 

 

College of Arts and Sciences
Art and Design
Stephen Heywood, professor of ceramics, exhibited in and won the Craft Award at the Westmoreland Art Nationals, National Juried Exhibition in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Dr. Heywood also exhibited in the 24th Nellie Allen Smith Juried Pottery Competition and Exhibition, Cape Fear Studios, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and in the Serve it Up – National Juried Exhibition, Victor Keen Gallery, Las Vegas.

Biology
Dr. Doria Bowers, professor at the Department of Biology, in collaboration with Yani Ahearn, Jane Benoit, Jason J. Saredy and David S. Waddell, presented the poster "Sindbis Virus Infects Specific Cells in the Mosquito Posterior Midgut” at the July meeting of the American Society for Virology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Dr. Quincy Gibson, associate professor of Coastal Biology, with her students Kristy Brightwell, Alexandra MacVicar and Andrea Mason, presented “Sociality and reproductive success of female bottlenose dolphins in the St. Johns River, Florida” at the annual meeting of the Animal Behavior Society in Chicago, July.

Dr. Amy Keagy presented the poster “The Impact of Undergraduate Research Experiences on the Development of Biology Students' Domain Knowledge, Domain Interest, and Career Aspirations,” at the Gordon Research Conference on Undergraduate Biology Education Research held at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, June 23-28. 

English
Dr. A. Samuel Kimball published “A We Not Modeled on the I, the Law of Law, and Futurity,” Chapter 5 in Law’s Sacrifice: Approaching the Problem of Sacrifice in Law, Literature, and Philosophy, which was edited by his former student Brian W. Nail along with Jeffrey A. Ellsworth (Routledge).

Physics
Dr. Jason T. Haraldsen, assistant professor in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics presented his research on Dynamic Quantum Matter at the Paul Scherre Institute in Brugg, Switzerland in July.

Dr. Chris Kelso, associate professor of physics, presented the invited research talk: "The dark matter implications of two scenarios with light scalars within the MSSM" at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Theoretical Physics.

Dr. Devki N. Talwar, published a collaborative research paper with Hao-Hsiung Lin and Zhe Chuan Feng, titled “Phonon characteristics of Si-doped InAs grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy” in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, July 31. 

Political Science and Public Administration

Dr. Josh Gellers, associate professor, conducted research in Japan for his book project, “Rights for Robots: Artificial Intelligence, Animal and Environmental Law.” To understand more about the extent to which robots might be worthy of certain rights, Geller interviewed robotic experts and conducted participant observation of human-robotic interactions in public places such as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Along the way, he encountered numerous robots including the one he’s pictured with, ASIMO.

Dr. Pamela Zeiser, associate professor of political science, published her book "Global Studies Research" with SAGE Publishing in July.

Psychology
Dr. Gregory Kohn, assistant professor of psychology with a specialty in animal behavior, published an article in Animal Behaviour this month titled "How social systems persist: learning to build a social network in an uncertain world," August.

School of Music
Dr. Erin Bodnar, assistant professor of music and director of bands, gave an international conducting performance at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference, a peer-reviewed conference, with the UNF Wind Symphony in Buñol, Spain, July 11. Bodnar also served as conductor of the UNF Wind Symphony for the Robert Austin Boudreau Stories & History of the AWSO Repertoire session at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference in Buñol, Spain, July 12.

Dr. Nick Curry, associate professor of cello, taught lessons and presented research as a faculty member at the ARIA International Summer Academy in July. Other faculty at the festival came from universities and conservatories around the country including Julliard, Eastman, Oberlin Conservatory, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt University and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Dr. Sunshine Simmons, assistant professor of clarinet, released her debut CD titled “Discovery: Recital Music for Bass Clarinet and Piano,” July 25. 

Dr. Gary Smart, presidential professor of music, released a recording of his “Three Fantasies on African American Songs,” performed by the Altius String Quartet on their new album, “Quadrants,” with Navona Records on July 26.

Dr. Cara Tasher, director of choral studies, served on an international jury panel of 14 world-renowned conductors, adjudicating 80 international choral ensembles in July. Tasher presented numerous master classes with selected ensembles throughout the festival, appeared on Chinese national television, and presented the opening statements for the livestream of the Festival Grand Prix Concert. Tasher also founded the 1st Annual UNF Conductor's Studio with the help of a Foundation Initiatives Grant, with six conducting fellows working alongside the UNF Summer Choral Artists Ensemble of 30 students and community members in July. 

Dr. Andrea Venet, assistant professor of percussion, performed at two international music festivals with her duo, Escape Ten. The duo presented a lecture and performance of “Illuminations,” a three-movement work for marimba duo by Dr. Eric Guinivan of James Madison University. “Illuminations” was commissioned by Harvard’s Fromm Foundation for Escape Ten. In addition, the duo were featured soloists at the World Association of Bands and Ensembles conference (WASBE), performing Emmanual Sejourne’s “Double Concerto for marimba and vibraphone” with the UNF Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Erin Bodnar. This recording has since been released on the Naxos label and was featured by WASBE as the composition of the week in July.

Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Dr. Shinwoo Choi, with her colleague, published "Examining Refugee Integration: Perspective of Community Members" in the Journal of Refugee Studies. 

Dr. Mike Manocchia, adjunct professor of sociology, with his colleagues from Cigna Health Care, published “Peer Benchmarking and Norm-Based Scoring to Improve Telephonic Health Coaching Quality” in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety in August. 

 
Ross McDonough presented “Social Work Practice with the Faithless: Competency Implications for Atheism” at the National Association of Social Workers Florida state conference in June. 

 
Dr. Jennifer Spaulding-Givens, associate professor of social work, published "Participants’ goals, resources, and barriers: Person-centered assessment and planning in self-directed care" in the American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Nick Eastham will be teaching our first virtual teaching academy students from River City Science Academy, who are admitted and registered for EME 2040, Introduction to Technology for Educators.

Dr. Matt Ohlson is the new director of the Taylor Leadership Institute.

Thomas G. Carpenter Library
Director of Public Services Tom Caswell participated in the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians (LIAL) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, July 28 to Aug. 2.

Head of Instruction Lauren Newton and Online Learning Librarian Daniel Feinberg published the article “Assisting, Instructing, Assessing: 21st Century Student Centered Librarianship” in The Reference Librarian.

Milestones
Congratulations to the following employees with a milestone anniversary:

30 Years
Rachel Broderick, Director, Academic Support Services, Undergraduate Studies

20 Years
Beth Harrell, Assistant Dir., Intramural Sports, Recreation
Timothy Cheney, Associate Director, Research Program Services, Center For Community Initiatives

15 Years
Michael Neglia, Treasurer, Treasury

10 Years
Donni Welch-Rawls, Clinical Assistant Professor, Clinical and Applied Movement Science
Sherry Hays, Assistant Director, Online Programs

5 Years
Mikhail Bogomaz, Assistant Director, Training Program, Counseling Center
Juan Cardona, Law Enforcement Liaison, IPTM
Dylan Charles, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Studies
Jackie Cook, Office Manager, Counseling Center
Julie Dann, Accounting Associate, Student Affairs
Michael Hines, Coordinator, Health Education, Health Promotions
Charles Kane, Law Enforcement Liaison, IPTM
Janice Martinez, Law Enforcement Liaison, IPTM
Jennifer Miranda, Associate Director, Student Affairs, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Jennifer Nutt, Director, Student Union
Timothy Roberts, Coordinator, LEL Program, IPTM
Jeanette Schofield, Financial Aid Specialist, Financial Aid Office
Emily Schroder, Academic Advisor, Nursing
Shaun VanBeber, Senior Law Enforcement Liaison, IPTM
Jessica Wingate, Marketing Coordinator, Public Relations

Welcome
The following employees were either hired by UNF or were promoted from OPS positions recently:

Carol Akai, Visiting Assistant Professor, Psychology
Ammar Al Geboury, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Sean Alexander, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Mary Grace Amendola, Assistant Professor, Nursing
Steven Andrepont, Instructor, Mechanical Engineering
Dillon Arthur, Instructor, Mathematics and Statistics
Ameera Ayubi, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Joy Bailey, Assistant Professor, Nursing
Jennifer Barr, Instructor, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Felicia Bevel, Assistant Professor, History
Adam Boyd, Assistant Professor, Nursing
Audrieanna Burgin, Assistant Professor, Economics
Erik Burton, Visiting Lab Lecturer, Chemistry
Erica Cardenas, Assistant Child Development Teacher, UNF Preschool
Junine Castin, Admissions Coordinator, Admissions
Jeff Chieppa, Postdoctoral Associate, ORSP
Steven Clapp, Instructor, Accounting and Finance
Evann Coad, Director, Annual Giving
Christopher Collinsworth, Instructor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Monica Crawford, Academic Support Services Coord, One-Stop Center
Paul Crittenden, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Amber Cull, Instructor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Roosevelt Davis, Floor Care Worker, Custodial Services
Yanj Duan, Assistant Professor, Marketing and Logistics
Michael Fehlauer, Instructor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Charles Fletcher, Instructor, Mathematics and Statistics
Courtney Gillett, Office Manager, Music
Laura Guillaume, Assistant Director, Coggin College of Business
Maria Laura Habegger, Assistant Professor, Biology
Mark Halley, Assistant Professor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Kristy Hamilton, Visiting Instructor, Psychology
Jenna Harwick, Instructor, Mathematics and Statistics
Fei Heng, Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Statistics
Christine Holechek, Instructor, Art and Design
David House, Instructor, Mathematics and Statistics
Michael Johnson, Lecturer, Physics
Ronal Johnson, Instructor, Health Administration
Taylor Josserand, Instructor, Childhood Ed Literacy and TESOL
Authauda Arachchige Sasith Karunarathna, Lecturer, Chemistry
Chelsea Kismet, Admissions Processing Specialist, Enrollment Services
Gregory Kohn, Assistant Professor, Psychology
John Kulpa, Visiting Assistant Professor, Psychology
Elizabeth Laake, Parking Services Associate, Parking and Transportation Services
Georges LaBranche, Groundskeeper, Grounds
Sarah LaChance Adams, Associate Professor, Philosophy and Religious Studies
Joseph Langat, Laboratory Lecturer, Chemistry
Jamisha Leftwich, Instructor, Nutrition and Dietetics
Cynthia Livingston, Clinical Assistant Professor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Yolanda Machado-Escudero, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Lindsay Mahovetz, Visiting Professor, Psychology
Emily Maiden, Assistant Professor, Political Science and Public Admin
Hannah Martin, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Daniel Melomet, Parking Services Technician, Parking and Transportation Services
Patricia Miller, Visiting Instructor, Mathematics and Statistics
Chantil Mnkandla, Police Communications Operator, University Police Department
Yunjeong Mo, Assistant Professor, Construction Management
Lakshmi Narayanan, Visiting Professor, Psychology
Phillip Neuenkirch, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Mohammad Osama, Visiting Lab Lecturer, Chemistry
Shyam Paryani, Instructor, Health Administration
Heather Pease, Visiting Professor, Psychology
Carlos Perez, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Carlos Pineda, Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance and Energy Management
Ambrus Price, Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science and Public Administration

Cortney Radke, Assistant Softball Coach, Softball
Leah Richier, Assistant Professor, History
Jenifer Ross, Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics
Elizabeth Rozas, Assistant Professor, Childhood Education Literacy and TESOL
Juan Salinas, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Erica Samples, Administrative Secretary, Psychology
Enrijeta Shino, Assistant Professor, Political Science and Public Administration
Joshua Smith, Visiting Professor, Psychology
Mark Smith, Assistant Professor, Accounting and Finance
Brittani Smith, Web Specialist, Florida Institute of Education
Jessic Stapleton, Assistant Professor, Clinical and Applied Movement Science
Elizabeth Strogoff, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Lindsay Toth, Assistant Professor, Clinical and Applied Movement Science
Iman Vakilinia, Assistant Professor, School of Computing
Whitney Washington, Victim Advocate, DDI/Women's Center
Violet Watters, Parking Services Associate, Parking and Transportation Services
Amy Williams, Office Manager, ADA

Great Job
The following employees were promoted recently:

Jonathan Antal, Associate Instructor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Maria Atilano, Associate University Librarian, Library
Mary Beal, Associate Instructor, Economics
Elizabeth Brown, Associate Professor, Psychology
Alison Bruey, Professor, History
David Bryan, Associate Professor, Accounting and Finance
Dee Colvin, Associate Instructor, Communication
Raphael Crowley, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering
Nicholas de Villiers, Professor, English
Diane Denslow, Associate Instructor, Management
Paul Eason, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Director, MSERF
Paul Fuglestad, Associate Professor, Psychology
Quincy Gibson, Associate Professor, Biology
Sheila Goloborotko, Associate Professor, Art and Design
Jason Haraldsen, Associate Professor, Physics
Christopher Kelso, Associate Professor, Physics
Erin Largo-Wight, Professor, Public Health
Kally Malcom-Bjorklund, Associate Professor, Art and Design
Holly Miller, Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Michael Morris, Coordinator Budgets, Digital Learning and Innovation
Matthew Ohlson, Associate Professor, Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management, Director, Taylor Leadership Institute
Curtis Phills, Associate Professor, Psychology
Sarah Provost, Associate Professor, Music
Stephanie Race, University Librarian, Library
Swapnoneel Roy, Associate Professor, School of Computing
Stephen Stagon, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Margaret Stewart, Associate Professor, Communication
Cynthia White-Williams, Associate Professor, Health Administration
Christian Winterbottom, Associate Professor, Childhood Ed Literacy and TESOL
Jennifer Wolff, Associate Professor, Psychology
Pingying Zhang, Professor, Management

Goodbye
Heartfelt wishes in their new endeavors for the following employees who left UNF recently:

Andrew Barth, Assistant Athletic Coach, Men's Soccer
Kristin Brightwell, Lecturer, Biology
Lynn Brown, Associate Director, Academic Support Services, Transportation and Logistics
Gabriel Bugarin, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Mariana Cobra, Head Athletic Coach, Women's Tennis
Michael Cook, Auto Equipment Mechanic, Vehicle Maintenance
Matthew Davies, Laboratory Lecturer, Chemistry
Michael Dickson, Coordinator Research Program Services, Biology
Brian Easley, Pest Control Technician, Grounds
Elbony Fleming, Applications Systems Analyst, Enterprise Systems
Griphin Fletcher, Maintenance Mechanic Trainee, Maintenance and Energy Management
Derrick Fulton, Groundskeeper, Grounds
William Godwin, Student Financial Services Coordinator, Controller
William Hicks, Manager Applications Systems, Training and Services Institute
Peggy Hoff, Instructor, Nursing
Nick Hudyma, Professor, Civil Engineering
Iver Iversen, Assistant Professor, Psychology
Kayla Jackson, Financial Aid Specialist, Financial Aid Office
Brittany Kauffman, Academic Advisor, Advising
Ashley Kemker, Administrative Secretary, Counseling Center
Kaitlin Legg, Director, LGBT Resource Center
America Luna-Ortiz, Academic Support Services Coordinator, One-Stop Center
Joseph Lynch, Coordinator IT Support, User Services
Vladimir Mashanov, Assistant Professor, Biology
Darren McNeely, Law Enforcement Officer, University Police Department
Philip Mihalik, Maintenance Mechanic, Physical Facilities
Mark Milton, Law Enforcement Sergeant, University Police Department
Jennifer Murray, Coordinator, Marketing Publications, Library
JoAnn Nolin, Instructor, Health Administration
Kaitlynn Orlandi, Coordinator, Residence Life, Crossings
Krista Paulsen, Professor, Sociology Anthropology and Social Work
Daniel Price, Accountant, Controller
Katherine Robinson, Instructor, Nursing
Judith Rodriguez, Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Dietetics
Lois Scott, Administrative Secretary, Philosophy and Religious Studies
Janice Seabrooks-Blackmore, Chair/Professor, Exceptional Deaf and Interpreter Education
Kaylyn Smith, Coordinator, Athletic Video Production, Athletics
Jennifer Sugg, Assistant Director, Financial Aid Office
Catherine Swindell, Curatorial Assistant, MOCA Jacksonville
Robert Thunen, Associate Professor, Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work
Alexa Velez, Teaching Laboratory Specialist, Art and Design
Nadine Wlasiuk, Instructor, Nursing

Here are a few highlights from last month’s Athletics accomplishments. For a full breakdown, head to UNF Athletics for all the latest Osprey news, stats and information.

Norkus Inks Indy Ball Contract with Evansville Otters
Former Osprey hurler Trace Norkus will be continuing his baseball career with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League after inking an independent ball contract August 14. Learn more about the next chapter of Norkus’s career.

 

Late Goal Secures Draw for Women's Soccer against LaSalle
The North Florida women's soccer squad remained undefeated to open the 2019 season following a 1-1 draw against LaSalle on Sunday afternoon in the Carolina Nike Classic at UNC Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium. Read more about the Osprey's intense game!

Roskic Earns Silver at Ontario Championships
Incoming sophomore Dana Roskic and playing partner Jasmine Safar took home silver at the adult female Beach Ontario Championships Sunday, August 4, at Ashbridge Bay Beach in Toronto. Learn more about the winning sports duo.

Basketball Claims Overtime Thriller in Exhibition Tour Finale 
North Florida finished their exhibition tour with an undefeated 3-0 mark. The Ospreys will next return to competition in their 2019-20 season opener at Florida on Nov. 5. Learn more about the final exhibition game.

When it comes to summer squash, bigger isn’t better. Jackie Shank, undergraduate program director in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of North Florida, debunks myths and offers useful tips for adding delicious and healthful summer squash to your diet.

Myth: There is just one type of summer squash.
Fact: There are many different types of summer squash, including zucchini, crookneck, pattypan (also called scalloped), cousa, zephyr, round zucchini and tatuma. Zucchini, crookneck and pattypan are the most common summer squashes grown in Florida.

Myth: Large summer squash are preferred over smaller varieties.
Fact: Small to medium squash are usually preferable. That’s because large ones tend to be seedy, watery and altogether less flavorful. Summer squash is best when picked somewhat immature, but because of this the skin is very thin and susceptible to damage. Look for firm squash with a somewhat glossy outer layer, and handle squash with care.

Myth: Summer squash need high humidity during storage.
Fact: Humidity is the enemy of summer squash. To prevent it, try storing the whole summer squash in a plastic container. Cover the squash with a dry towel and then place the lid on the container. If you use this storage method, they should keep for four to five days. 

 
Myth: Squash is full of starch and high in calories.
Fact: Summer squash is low in calories, providing just 20 calories per 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of squash; this amount also provides 4.1 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, 18.4 milligrams of vitamin C, 20 milligrams of calcium, 90 micrograms of vitamin A equivalent and 0 milligrams of sodium. Squash with deep, dark colored skins may provide additional nutritional benefits via the healthy pigments called phytochemicals that are naturally present.

Myth: Summer squash is difficult to prepare.
Fact: There are many easy recipes available for consumers, and after you’re familiar with cooking squash you may not even need a recipe. Summer squash can be grilled, steamed, sautéed or fried. They are a delightful addition to stir-fry recipes that include other vegetables and protein sources such as chicken, seafood, beef, pork, tofu or tempeh. Zucchini is a well-known ingredient (usually grated) in bread and muffin recipes.

Below is a simple and tasty recipe that uses zucchini, a popular summer squash.

 

Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1½ pounds zucchini, thinly sliced or diced into small cubes
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons chopped herbs, such as dill, marjoram and basil

Heat the oil in a wide skillet, add the garlic, and cook over medium heat until it begins to color. Raise the heat, add the zucchini and sauté until it’s heated through. Lower the heat and continue to cook, turning occasionally, until tender and golden around the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, toss with the lemon and herbs, and serve. 

 

New program accelerates getting a master's degree

The University of North Florida has a new program that makes it faster — and less costly — to obtain a master’s degree. The UNF+ Pathways to Success Program allows qualified students to enroll in graduate studies toward a master’s degree during their junior and senior undergraduate years. The University also has lowered the per-credit-hour rate for recent UNF graduates — in most cases a 33% reduction.

The accelerated bachelor's to master's program is available for graduate degrees in English, mechanical engineering, music education, public administration or education with a concentration in athletic administration. Learn more about the accelerated bachelor's to master's program. 

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