Author: iharrell

NSU Men’s, Women’s Swim Teams Make All-America Splash

The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced the selection of 781 teams from 459 institutions for the Scholar All-America Team for the Fall 2024 semester. Both the Nova Southeastern Men’s and Women’s Swimming teams were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.

To earn the prestigious recognition, teams are required to achieve a grade point average (GPA) above 3.0 during the Fall 2024 semester. Of all the selected teams, 654 – including both NSU programs – recorded a GPA of 3.30 or higher, qualifying them for the Intercollegiate Coach Association Coalition All-Sport Academic Standings.

The Nova Southeastern University Women’s Swimming team was recognized for their academic excellence with a 3.59 GPA, while the NSU Men’s Swimming team earned their honor with a 3.47 GPA.

Head Coach Ben Hewitt, who has guided the Sharks swim programs since 2016 and led the NSU women’s swim team to back-to-back NCAA Division II national championships, continues to uphold a tradition of excellence both in the classroom and in the pool.

“I’m proud of the team’s continual growth in the classroom, and I am excited to report we’ve once again been named a CSCAA Scholar All-American program,” stated Hewitt. “This is a true team effort, and I’m so pleased to see our student-athletes are maintaining a high level of achievement.”

President Moon Outlines Plan to Propel NSU to New Heights

President Harry K. Moon

President Harry K. Moon addresses the audience at his investiture.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) officially welcomed its seventh president, Dr. Harry K. Moon during an investiture ceremony at the Rick Case Arena on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, on NSU’s Davie Campus.

Dr. Moon – who also serves as chief executive officer of the university – was greeted by members of the Board of Trustees, deans, university officers, faculty, staff, students, and additional guests at the event. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and NASA Administrator and former Sen. Bill Nelson were among the guests who spoke at the event.

Dr. Moon, an internationally renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon, has had a distinguished medical career and has been instrumental in the development of medical, research, and educational programs in South Florida for the past quarter century.

During the event, Dr. Moon accepted the honor as president and CEO through the passing of the mace from former President and CEO George L. Hanbury II, who stepped down after serving 15 years in the post.

“At NSU, we exist for one very simple and powerful purpose: To ignite the light of discovery and human potential to enrich lives, enhance wellbeing and create a better future for all mankind,” Dr. Moon told the crowd. “This purpose speaks to the collective power of NSU academics, health care, research, and innovation. How they collectively transform lives, careers, personal wellbeing, and communities. They create the future.”

Dr. Moon’s acceptance speech focused on preparing students for purposeful careers and providing a value-driven education model that accelerates the path to undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees. He expressed the need to lower the cost and reduce the debt of education.

“Education is the fundamental equalizer and greatest liberator of humankind,” he said.

Also emphasized was NSU’s role as the potential “center of world-changing breakthroughs in life science, technology, engineering, social science, health care delivery, and human services.”

“Our world-class oceanographic research, coastal-resiliency, and professional workforce- development programs are foundational to the development of the blue economy,” President Moon said. “In Florida today, the blue economy accounts for more than $800 billion in economic impact, and … includes everything from our fisheries and boating industries to tourism, transportation, environmental safety, research, and so many other pursuits.”

Among the opportunities Dr. Moon cited was NSU’s future as a premier academic health care system through NSU Health, Moon’s brainchild during his tenure as COO and executive vice president. NSU Health is the university’s extensive health care arm providing a variety of services from medical, dental, and eye care, to pharmacy, physical therapy, and hearing, speech and language services.

Fischler Alumnus Inducted Into National Teacher Hall of Fame

Hueck

Hueck

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alumnus Erick Hueck, Ed.D., has been inducted into the National Teacher’s Hall of Fame.

Hueck, who has served as an educator for more than 36 years, is the 152nd inductee to the Hall of Fame. There are currently 160 inductees.

The National Teachers Hall of Fame was founded in Emporia, Kansas, in 1989 to honor teachers and the teaching profession through a recognition program and museum. Nominees must be certified public or non-public schoolteachers, active or retired, with at least 20 years of experience in teaching grades pre-K through 12th grade.

Hueck was part of the class of 2023, along with four other inductees. He currently teaches chemistry and advanced placement chemistry at Miami Senior High School, where he has worked since 1988.

Hueck was previously named Miami Dade Teacher of the Year in 2003. He also received the 2011 Florida Governor’s Excellence in Education Award, was named as an Outstanding Science Educator in 2013 by the Florida Association of Science Teachers, and in 2022, he received the Yale Educator Award and the NEA California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence.

Faculty Member Gives Presentations on Stress at Conferences

Sharon C. Siegel

Sharon C. Siegel

Sharon C. Siegel, DDS, MS, MBA, gave two presentations this fall, both of which focused on coping with stress.

She gave a presentation on Sept. 26 at the Emerald Coast Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) meeting in Destin, Fla. The title of her presentation was “Reducing Your Stress, Restoring Your Sleep and Managing Your Burnout: One Breath at a Time.”  The presentation was well-attended, and participant feedback was positive.

Siegel also presented at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Annual Session in Orlando on Oct. 26 with two ACLM colleagues. The title of her presentation was “Combatting Provider Stress: The Solution May be Right Under your Nose.”

The session was sold out. The ACLM is a specialty in the American Medical Association that uses the six pillars of healthy lifestyle to focus on addressing chronic illness in their practices. The six pillars are nutrition, exercise, sleep stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connection.

NSU Announces Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards

It has been 14 years since we first launched the Provost’s Research and Scholarship Award. This program offers awards across two career stages and two disciplinary categories. This year, we are grateful for an added recognition provided by NSU Business Services, where each winner will receive a year’s membership to the NSU Faculty Club, valued at $300.

Arts, Business, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences

weissman

Weissman

Assistant Professor Award goes to Jeremy Weissman, assistant professor in the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences.

Jeremy was honored for his significant contributions to research and scholarship, particularly in the ethics of technology and biomedical ethics. His work addresses timely and relevant issues, positioning him as a future leader in these fields. Notably, his book, “The Crowdsourced Panopticon: Conformity and Control on Social Media,” published in 2021, has garnered many positive reviews and has been featured on platforms like the Academy of Ideas.

Beyond his research, Jeremy has actively engaged with the NSU community, addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in higher education. He has delivered talks, participated in podcasts, and contributed to initiatives aimed at inspiring students in their research endeavors. Through his efforts, he is not only advancing academic discourse but also fostering the development of responsible professionals for the future.

Neymotin

Neymotin

Professor Award goes to Florence Neymotin, professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Florence was recognized for her outstanding contributions to research and scholarship, having been trained by a Nobel Prize winner who instilled in her a commitment to excellence. Throughout her academic career, she has published over fifty journal articles in top-tier journals, including Health Economics, Journal of Economic Psychology, and Obesity. Notably, her work on the economics of education was selected as an editor’s pick in Science and has received significant media attention.

In addition to her research, Florence is dedicated to mentoring junior colleagues and fostering collaboration across disciplines. She has developed courses in economics and related fields and has received excellent evaluations for her teaching. By linking research with education, she is shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders.

Banks

Banks

Professor Award goes to Jonathan Banks, associate professor in the College of Psychology.

Jonathan was recognized for his impactful research on attention control, exploring how factors like stress, mindfulness, and exercise influence cognitive functions. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of mind wandering as both a consequence of poor attention control and a contributor to cognitive impairments related to stress.

He has published 34 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to high-impact journals such as Emotion and Journal of Experimental Psychology. Jonathan has also presented his findings at 42 national and international conferences, often including student co-authors.

His research has received external funding, including a recent NSF award with Dr. Jamie Tartar, aimed at examining the interplay between stress, mind wandering, and cognitive function. Through his innovative work, Jonathan is making vital contributions to cognitive psychology and enhancing our understanding of how mindfulness can mitigate stress-related cognitive challenges.

STEM and Health/Medicine

Cheema

Cheema

Assistant Professor Award goes to Aman Cheema, assistant professor in the Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Aman was recognized for her impactful research in complex multi symptom illnesses. She has secured significant funding, including three Department of Defense awards, and published in top-tier journals.

Notably, she led the first Phase II trial funded by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, focusing on veterans. Her work has garnered 161 citations, highlighting her influence in the field. She is a Co-Chair of the NSU IRB and Director of the INIM office of Clinical Research.

Aman is also a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous students in research and contributing to the establishment of an interdisciplinary PhD program at KPCOM. Her collaborative efforts and leadership in the SHIELD TOXIC EXPOSURES conference further underscore her commitment to advancing research and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Kawai

Kawai

Professor Award goes to Toshihisa Kawai, professor in the College of Dental Medicine.

Toshi was recognized for his outstanding contributions to research, having published 143 original papers and secured over $20 million in extramural funding. He is internationally acclaimed for his innovative monoclonal antibody platform and has five issued patents.

Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2016, Toshi has expanded his research to include microbiology and osteoimmunology, focusing on mucosal infectious diseases. His NIH R21 and R01 grants led to groundbreaking discoveries in autoimmune responses related to bone diseases, including periodontitis, TMJ disorder, and osteoarthritis, and he is currently developing a novel humanized mouse model to enhance preclinical drug testing.

Toshi’s expertise is recognized globally, with numerous invited lectures at prestigious institutions and conferences, and service on numerous NIH study sections. He actively mentors junior researchers and students, fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment. His commitment to advancing dental and biomedical research and training the next generation of scholars makes him a highly respected figure in his field.

Figueiredo

Figueiredo

Professor Award goes to Joana Figueiredo, associate professor in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Joana was recognized for her pioneering research in coral reef restoration, a critical area of study with significant scientific, social, and economic implications. Since joining Nova Southeastern University in 2014, she has secured millions in external funding and currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the National Coral Reef Institute.

With over 2,000 citations and an h-index of 24, Joana has published extensively in prestigious journals such as Nature Climate Change, Ecology, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for multiple journals and topic editor for Coral Reefs.

Her expertise has led to invited presentations at renowned institutions, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany. Joana also plays a vital role in mentoring students, having advised over 40 master’s students on their thesis projects and including them in numerous publications. Her leadership and commitment to coral reef research make her a valuable asset to the field and the university.

USchool Speech & Debate Team Wins Awards at Invitational

Debate Team

This past weekend, NSU University School’s Speech & Debate team competed at the Tradition Invitational, which featured more than 400 participants from 37 schools across five states.

The team placed second overall in the Speech & Debate sweepstakes. They also brought home two individual championships, two Tournament of Champions qualifiers, and several additional bids. The team also secured three fifth-place awards, three sixth-place awards, and several students reached the semifinals, quarterfinals, and octafinals.

FY2026 PRG and QOL Grant Cycles Now Open

NSUThe FY 2026 President’s Research Grant (PRG), formerly the Presidents Faculty Research Development Grant, and the Quality of Life (QOL) grant cycles are now open.

These internal grant programs provide up to $15,000 in support of a variety of research and scholarly activities. PRG and QOL are tremendous opportunities for faculty to build their research capacity that can be leveraged toward external funding pursuits.

This year the application process will be submitted through the new InfoReady platform (InfoReady). Applications are due no later than March 4, 2025, at 5 p.m.

For more information about how to apply and program guidelines, visit the InfoReady website here, log in with your NSU credentials, and scroll to the bottom of the homepage to select the FY26 PRG or QOL open funding opportunity. You can also visit the PRG program website here and the QOL website here.

Applicants are encouraged to attend one of the Zoom trainings that will be held on Jan. 7 and Jan. 9  from noon to 1 p.m. To register, please go to the following link InfoReady Training Registration.

For questions, please contact PRG@nova.edu or QOL@nova.edu.

NSU Faculty Honored for Receiving External Funding

At this year’s External Funding and Provost Awards recognition event, 177 NSU principal investigators and co-principal investigators from 14 colleges and seven units were recognized for their external funding achievements during FY 2024. Additionally, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Ronald Chenail announced six recipients of this year’s Provost’s Research and Scholarship Awards.

The event was held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation in the Alvin Sherman Library. It was hosted by Chenail; Kenneth Dawson-Scully, NSU senior vice president for research and economic development; and Gary S. Margules, NSU’s vice president for research.

The External Funding and Provost Awards recognition is an annual event that honors the achievements of NSU faculty and staff who secured external grant funding in the previous fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2024 saw remarkable success in external funding, with total active awards reaching about $167 million, of which $71 million supported research initiatives and about 53 percent of the total being funded directly through federal government funds.

For three fiscal years in a row, the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine have had the two highest percentages of the total active external funding. These impressive achievements are celebrated, thanks to the outstanding contributions of our faculty members who helped achieve this milestone and served to inspire continued efforts in pursuing external funding opportunities.

President Hanbury Leaves Lasting, Powerful Legacy at NSU

President George L. Hanbury II and his wife Jana.

President George L. Hanbury II and his wife Jana.

President George L. Hanbury II has greatly enhanced the faculty, staff, and student experience at Nova Southeastern University during his 15 years as president of what is now Florida’s largest private research university.

The feathers in his cap are numerous, from overseeing the design, construction, and opening of the new state-of-the-art 311,000 square-foot Tampa Bay Regional Campus in 2019, to partnering with Broward County to establish the Alan B. Levan-NSU Broward Center of Innovation at the Alvin Sherman Library on the Fort Lauderdale Campus, to working with HCA to establish the HCA University Hospital as a teaching and research facility adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale Campus.

Hanbury is also credited with initiating the concept and leading NSU’s efforts to provide the matching funds for the Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Ecosystem Science Research, and successfully acquiring a $15 million grant from the National Institute of Science and Technology within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The center now serves as a national resource for coral reef research with more than $40 million dollars of external funded research being performed within its new laboratories.

In 2014, Hanbury spearheaded the opening of a regional campus in San Juan, Puerto – a four-story, state-of-the-art facility equipped with technology and computer labs, videoconferencing, a multi-purpose room, drug information center, a wet lab, offices and a fitness center, to name a few of its features.

And the list goes on.

His shared successes with NSU also have made headlines. Below are just a few examples:

One of President Hanbury’s most memorable quotes is “Keep your aim above your reach, be bold and persistent in achieving your aim, but most of all, maintain your integrity—it is your most precious asset.”

It has been a goal he has truly embraced … and one he will leave behind.

College of Business and Entrepreneurship Climbs Rankings

NSU

Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship is climbing the ranks of top entrepreneurship programs in the country, according to the latest release from The Princeton Review and its publishing partner, Entrepreneur magazine.

Now in its 19th year, The Princeton Review annually names the top 50 undergraduate and the top 50 graduate schools for entrepreneurship studies. NSU’s college climbed two spots to No. 42 on the “Top 50 Graduate Entrepreneurship Programs of 2025” national list, and 1 spot to No. 8 in the South Region.

Based on a summer 2024 survey of nearly 300 schools with entrepreneurial offerings, The Review’s rankings weighed more than 40 data points about school programs, faculties, students, and alumni. The rankings are posted at www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/top-entrepreneurand www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges. Entrepreneur also published the rankings in its December issue available on newsstands now.

“For students considering a career as an entrepreneur, we strongly recommend NSU’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship as well as the other exceptional schools that made our lists for 2025,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s editor in chief. “Their faculties are outstanding. Their programs have robust experiential components. Their students receive mentoring and networking support that will serve them well into their careers.”

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