UNF Journal: Fall 2021

For Doug Eng ’80, home is a special place. And his work clearly reflects that. The Jacksonville native worked for decades as a successful engineer and computer programmer, and in the late 2000s had a bit of an epiphany.

In the tranquil setting of the salt marsh at Kingsley Plantation, with a breeze off the water and only birds to interrupt the quiet, 15 university students gathered among the wetland grasses to learn more about the environment. It was day two of a unique five-week outdoor class — the Florida Institute of Oceanography Marine Field Course — which immerses undergraduate students in Florida’s ecosystems.

When it comes to Florida’s water, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Despite the beauty of the state’s resources, these watery playgrounds are home to a number of infectious pathogens and toxins that can be harmful to humans, animals and the environment.

During his ten years at UNF, Dr. Don Resio worked on numerous projects with students, including projects aimed at efficiently harvesting green, renewable energy from the ocean.

Dr. Kelly Smith and more than a dozen students arrived at Amelia River in Fernandina Beach early on a Saturday morning. Working in boots in the water at low tide, they were hauling crab traps filled with oyster shells and placing them in just the right location to create a new and inviting home for area oysters. In essence, these volunteers were helping Mother Nature.

Biologist Rhodes Robinson has spent decades exploring and analyzing Florida’s wetlands. This spring UNF students benefited from his knowledge in an engaging course designed to provide a core understanding of Florida’s wetlands as well as the policies and regulations governing use and protection.

Dr. David Szymanski transitioned from his role as University president to CEO and Executive Director of UNF MedNexus in September.

After elevating Osprey athletics to record levels of success, Lee Moon retired as UNF’s athletic director in June, ending his 12-year tenure, and passed the baton to senior staff member Nick Morrow.

UNF’s preeminent transportation and logistics program in the Coggin College of Business got a boost this summer with the announcement of a $2.5 million endowment gift from Crowley Maritime Corporation and the creation of the new Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics.

The University of North Florida is one of six research-focused universities across the U.S. chosen to participate in the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study.