Author: iharrell

NSU Coral Researchers’ Efforts Featured Worldwide in Media

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Shane Wever

NSU researcher Shane Wever works with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi researcher Keisha Bahr to transfer corals from NSU’s onshore coral nursery in Dania Beach.

In September, NSU drew worldwide media attention for its leadership in coral research. Scientists from NSU transferred about 300 corals to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. (TAMU-CC) from its coral nursery in Dania Beach, Fla. This transfer, which will support coral research and restoration, was one of the largest out-of-state coral transfers by NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences.

Coral

One of the corals transferred

The National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) – housed at the NSU Oceanographic Center – is a vital national resource and collaborative research hub for coral reef science, education, management and conservation.  Coral reefs are a mainstay of the “blue economy” including such sectors as tourism, fisheries, biotechnology, and coastal protection.  Almost half a billion people live within 100 miles of a coral reef and many countries are highly dependent on coral reefs for their livelihoods
Research Associate Shane Wever was NSU’s point person on the coral transfer, coordinating with TAMU-CC researcher Keisha Bahr, the chair for Coral Reef and Ocean Health at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at TAMU-CC, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
The successful transfer attracted media from across the globe, with the story garnering millions of views. Here are just a few of the stories that made the headlines:

NSU Alum Takes His Education to Health Care Heights

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Remart clinic

Jean Louis gives patient Daniel Fils-Aime a checkup.

Step into the office of Renaud Jean Louis, and you’ll find a wall dominated by NSU degrees – a bachelor’s in nursing, a master’s in public administration, a second master’s in nursing, and a graduate certificate in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.

With the education and knowledge accumulated over the years, Jean Louis has built a successful health care business dedicated to helping underserved populations learn about and benefit from preventive health care.

“One of my instructors told me ‘Don’t just come to NSU and take the diploma and hang it at your house. Go out there and make a difference in your community,’” he said. “It’s a statement that I never forgot.”

Since 2020, the Remart Medical Clinic in Hollywood, Fla., has provided a full spectrum of services, from immunizations and annual physicals to treatments for addiction and mental health diagnoses.

Jean Louis operates the clinic with business partner Martine Phillips, also an NSU graduate. With their combined dual certification in nursing and psychiatry, the clinic focuses on medical and mental health issues.

“We both saw the struggle of working families when it comes to seeing health care providers, because many don’t have insurance or fail to get annual checkups,” said Jean Louis. To help with accessibility, the Remart Clinic is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week.

Despite his academic achievements, education did not come easy to Jean Louis. Raised in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, he was one of seven children raised by a single mother.

“She was my role model, my inspiration and my hero.,” said Jean Louis. “One thing she believed was that a proper education could open any door for us.”

Jean Louis studied economics in Haiti before coming to the United States, where he earned degrees from Miami Dade Community College and Florida International University, and then NSU.

“I can sincerely say that NSU is my backbone and made me who I am today,” he said. “Do not be afraid to use your knowledge in any community that you will find yourself in in the future.”

Shark Dining Provides Delicious Options Across Campus

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When it comes to campus dining at NSU, faculty, staff, and students will notice a major upgrade this year.

Grubhub is now the official mobile ordering platform at NSU. Students, faculty, and staff can use their declining balance, credit, or debit cards to place orders in advance and skip the lines.

Here’s a breakdown of dining options by location:

  • Rosenthal Building
    • The Shark Club launched a new fall menu on Sept. 23.
  • The Reef, in the University Center
    • Sushi Maki has added hibachi and spicy lava rolls to its menu.
    • Qdoba is featuring habanero lime steak and Mexican street corn for a limited time.
    • Starbucks’ pumpkin spice promotion has returned for the fall.
    • Chick-fil-A is now open six days a week.
  • Carl DeSantis Building
    • Einstein Bros Bagels is now available for mobile ordering via Grubhub.
  • Alvin Sherman Library
    • West End Deli has added empanadas and other bakery items to its offerings.
  • Parker Building
    • The Parker Kiosk has also added empanadas and other bakery items.
  • College of Law
    • Supreme Court Café expanded its menu to include empanadas and additional bakery items.
  • Health Professions Division (HPD), Terry Building
    • The Intensive Culinary Unit (ICU) is now operational, providing various dining options during the HPD renovation:
      • New Sambazon Kiosk,
      • HPD Express offering the Chef’s Table menu,
      • Expanded menu at the HPD Kiosk, including baked goods and build-your-own salads,
      • A pop-up Market Cart with quick snacks and bottled beverages, and
      • Daily rotating menus from local food truck vendors.
    • For detailed information about the ICU and post-renovation dining spaces, visit HPD Construction Details.

Shark Dining also has announced the return of Joyful, its Farmers Market series. Located at the Library Quad, these events bring local farmers, crafters, and vendors to NSU every other Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shark Dining hosts engaging activities, such as a free ice cream bar at its market tent, as well. Upcoming Joyful dates are Oct. 23, Nov. 6, and Nov. 20.

And stay tuned for Spring 2025, when Shark Dining will introduce delivery via Starship Robots!

Plan Ahead, Get a Jump on the 2024 Election

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vote

The 2020 presidential elections saw the highest voter turnout since 1900. Will this year’s candidates achieve the same level of support when voters go to the polls on November 5?  According to Charles Zelden, a professor of history and politics with NSU’s Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, people will do more than just pick a new president – they will shape the future of a nation.

“Harris and Trump offer more than mere policy differences. They each represent distinct and contrasting conceptions of our nation — of its structure, functions, and place in the  world. Our choices in this election will determine the future that we get — not just for the next four years, but potentially for a generation,” said Zelden, who specializes in voting rights, election law, civil rights, and judicial politics.

So, what can you do to participate in this year’s once-in-a-lifetime election? Professor Zelden offers these suggestions.

1. Participate. The choices made in this election are important, let your voice be included in the nationwide dialogue over our future.
2. Pick your issues. Think about what’s important to you, maybe it’s the economy or health care.
3. Talk to others. This is a collective choice we’re making in the presidential election.

4. Have faith in the democratic process of elections. Accept the outcome with as much good grace as you can.

As the election approaches, it is also important to plan ahead of time. Check your voter registration status. Consider options for early voting. Doublecheck your polling location as recent weather may have changed where you vote.  Understand what forms of voter ID and other documents you may need.  Above all, take advantage of the right to vote.

EMSAA Launches CommunityNet Intranet Site

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EMSAA

NSU’s Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Athletics (EMSAA) division has launched its intranet site, EMSAA CommunityNet. This digital resource center, designed for our faculty and staff community, introduces the division’s six pillars, providing insight into each of their departmental operations and the resources they offer. The key purpose of this site is to serve as a go-to hub for faculty and staff to learn more about the division, have “at your fingertips” access to its resources and contacts as well as keep the community abreast of scheduled events and programs that provide for student engagement and university-wide collaboration opportunities.

We are excited to introduce EMSAA CommunityNet and are committed to making sure this site provides NSU’s faculty and staff with informative and relevant EMSAA-related content, while ongoingly managing site improvements and content renewing efforts. To help us know what the community’s interests and needs are, we want to hear from you.  If there is content you consider to be a beneficial community resource, please email the details to: emsaacommunitynet@nova.edu.

To learn more about EMSAA CommunityNet, visit https://www.nova.edu/emsaacommunitynet and log in using your NSU login credentials.

Former Grad Student’s Study Published in Biology Journal

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mangrove tree crab

Mangrove tree crab

Tamara Frank, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, and her former graduate student, Ruchao Qian who is working on his Ph.D. at Florida International University, published Ruchao’s master’s thesis work in the Journal of Experimental Biology.

The work is titled, “Comparative study of spectral sensitivity, irradiance sensitivity, spatial resolution and temporal resolution in the visual systems of Ocypode quadrata and Aratus pisonii” (JEB 227: doi:10.1242/jeb.246813). Journal editors were so impressed with Ruchao’s picture of A. pisonii  (our local mangrove tree crab) that they are planning to use it in their 2025 calendar.

Professor Picked as Fellow for Hispanic Universities Association

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Kevin Dvorak

Kevin Dvorak

DvorakNSU Professor Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., has been selected by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities as one of its 45 fellows who will make up the sixth cohort of its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. Dvorak is the director of NSU’s Writing & Communication Center.

The program is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education. Fellows participate in an array of leadership development activities preparing them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions of higher learning, with an emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs.

The one-year fellowship program includes webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar in October in conjunction with HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colo. The second seminar will be held in Washington, D.C., in April 2025, at HACU’s National Capitol Forum. The third seminar will take place at a still to be determined international location.

The Leadership Academy faculty consists of current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators and brings over 100 years of combined experience in serving various sectors of higher education, including private/public universities, community colleges and faith-based institutions.

Student Dental Association Honors Assistant Professor

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Amini

Dr. Aryia Amini

Dr. Aryia Amini, assistant professor at NSU’s College of Dental Medicine, received the 2024 American Student Dental Association’s (ASDA) Advocate Award.

The ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students.

The Advocate Award recognizes faculty or school administrators who have shown a commitment to dental students and provide leadership and direction in addition to commitment to organized dentistry.

This is the second consecutive year that Dr. Amini has received the award.

Staff Member’s Article Focuses on Facilities Management

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Reynolds

Mallica Reynolds

NSU employee Mallica D. Reynolds published an article in the APPA Facilities Management MagazineSeptember/October 2024 edition. The focus was on “Trust but Verify: Elevating Integrity in Facilities Management.” Reynolds is the assistant director of regional facilities with the Office of Facilities Management. He is a two-time NSU alum.

Office of Facilities Management champions the need to live out the NSU Core Values in everyday endeavors. Integrity is no exception to this mode of operation. It lays the foundation for internal and external relationships growing strong and operating effectively. Trusting the team to complete their assigned task is one half of the process needed to maintain balance in a productive organization.

Daniel Alfonso, NSU’s vice president of facilities management, promotes a participatory environment between all facilities management teams. Each team collaborates to bring the finished product to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Reynold’s article indicates that facilities management involves managing both people and equipment. People need to be mentored, trained, held accountable, and rewarded for good work. Equipment and mechanical systems must be maintained, upgraded, and replaced. In each area, failure to hold accountable and maintain high levels of integrity can lead to devastating end results such as loss of life.

NSU is an active member of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) and the Southeastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators (SRAPPA) and is a driving force setting new national facility management trends. APPA is an international facilities management organization representing more than 17,000 educational facilities professionals from more than 1,200 learning institutions. APPA is the diamond standard for higher educational facilities management.

READ REYNOLD’S ARTICLE.

NSU Cares Reaches Out to Those Dealing with Disasters

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NSU Cares

Last week’s Hurricane Helene brought heavy rain and strong winds to all of Florida and caused temporary closures for NSU’s Fort Myers, Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville campuses. Fortunately, our communities were spared the brunt of this storm, but we know there are some who made need assistance, as well as others in Florida and across the south.

In light of these recent devastations, NSU has rallied together to support areas impacted by Hurricane Helene through NSU Cares, a program providing crucial aid to students, employees, and alumni affected by disasters. Through the generosity of our donors, we can provide relief during unforeseen catastrophes.

The American Red Cross is also mobilizing a national relief effort in response to the hurricane. To request assistance or donate, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can read more about its Hurricane Helene relief effort here.

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