Author: iharrell

Be Extra Cautious to Avoid Leaving Children in Hot Vehicles

It’s that dreaded time of the year, when excessive heat and adult distractions prove fatal ingredients when young children are left in the backseat of a vehicle. When it comes to the safety of children, you can never be TOO careful.

In a recent incident in north Florida, a 10-month-old baby was found dead after being left in a SUV parked inside a garage for five hours by a babysitter. Even though the vehicle was in a garage, law enforcement officials said the temperature inside the SUV was 133 degrees when the child was found.

With the current spikes in our temperatures in the 90s each day, the time it takes to die in an unattended vehicle gets shorter and shorter. Consider this: If the temperature is 88 degrees, in a little more than 20 minutes the temperature inside a vehicle can reach a deadly 120 degrees Fahrenheit. And studies have shown that leaving windows cracked does not significantly slow the heating process or decrease the maximum temperature inside the vehicle.

The sad thing about these deaths is that they are 100 percent preventable. But it all depends on adults to stem this tide of tragedies.

According to Kids and Car Safety, more than 1,000 children have died in hot cars nationwide since 1990. The organization is dedicated to outreach and education concerning this crisis. Among Kids and Car Safety tips:

  • Make a habit of opening the back door every time you park to ensure no one is left behind.
  • To enforce this habit, put an item in your back seat that you can’t start your day without. (phone, purse, briefcase, laptop, employee badge)
  • Clearly announce and confirm who is getting each child out of the vehicle. Miscommunication can lead to everyone thinking someone else removed the child.
  • Ask your childcare worker to call you right away if your child hasn’t arrived as scheduled.

Remember: In this increasingly busy world, you can never be too busy to ensure the safety of those you love.

Posted 07/30/23

Halmos Student Presents Workshop on Developing Business Strategies

James Oyetunji, M.P.A.

James Oyetunji, M.P.A., doctoral student in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), presented a workshop titled “Developing Business Strategies with the Approach of Interpersonal and Organizational Conflict.” The workshop was hosted by Community Resolution Services (CRS) housed in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in HCAS.

CRS is a practicum and volunteer site providing workshops, training, and other events to the NSU and local community. For more information about CRS, please contact Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., faculty in DCRS at mckayj@nova.edu.

Posted 07/30/23

Honors Student Fast Tracks Into Ph.D. Program

Rose Leeger

For most students, getting into a Ph.D. program requires a master’s degree, but for Farquhar Honors College student Rose Leeger, all it took was an extraordinary dedication to research as an undergraduate student. Entering a Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) this fall, Leeger will begin her graduate research journey with financial support from the National Science Foundation.

Leeger was able to jumpstart her Ph.D. career thanks to two years of research experience working on an honors thesis and being a scholar of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI).

‘[The] honors thesis [gave] me the opportunity to conduct my own novel research,” said Leeger, who received bachelor’s degrees in biology, marine biology, and environmental science this spring. “This opportunity. . . distinguished me from other applicants when I applied to graduate school as my thesis work was used as my justification. . . to bypass a master’s degree and go straight to a Ph.D. program.”

Her thesis studies the range expansion and hybridization of Mangrove Mosquitofish in South Florida due to climate change and human interference and includes a land acknowledgment recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land she conducted research on. She completed her research under the guidance of her thesis advisor J. Matthew Hoch, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, who introduced her to the topic.

While at CU Boulder, Leeger’s research will focus on interdisciplinary methods to better understand how to protect species in Antarctica. She was inspired to pursue this research path after working with NOAA’s Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division to study penguin colonies last summer.

“I have always been passionate about polar ecosystems,” said Leeger. “I’m excited to combine my research interests in conservation and ecology [and apply them] to an ecosystem that is constantly threatened due to human impacts [and] meet new people in my field.”

After completing her education, she hopes to become a professor to engage the next generation of scientists in polar exploration and conservation.

Learn more about the honors thesis.

Posted 07/30/23

Summer Camp Delivers Cutting-Edge Health Care Experience

Students work with Lucina, NSU’s Birth Simulator.

Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine opened its doors to high-schoolers through its AIM-High program – a five-day medical school immersive summer camp held from July 17 to July 21 on NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus.

Achieve in Medicine (AIM) – High is designed for academically strong freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the health professions. AIM-High will provide students with hands-on medical experiences, which include the role of technology in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Camp participants were able to get seven-plus hours of instruction each day and will learn alongside NSU medical students and faculty.

Among the student experiences this summer were the:

  • SIMTIC Simulator, where students practiced intubation skills, obtained vital signs from the medical student volunteers, and listened to heart and lung sounds on our high-fidelity manikins.
  • Sports Medicine-Splinting Skills Lab, where students learned about using a splint for fractures and other injuries.
  • Labor, delivery, and newborn infant care, where students were exposed to the Lucina Birth Simulator.
  • Immersive Learning Technology in Medical Education, where students received interactive immersive hands-on experience with Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) 3D Anatomy and Mixed Reality (MR).

Posted 07/30/23

Fischler Alum Named to VP Role at Westfield State University

Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice alum Kevin Hearn, Ed.D. was recently named the vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts.

The position is a new one and combines the enrollment and student affairs functions into single role that helps build a positive student experience from the beginning of the application process all the way through graduation.

Kevin Hearn, Ed.D.

Hearn is the perfect candidate for the role, having previously served as both a vice president for enrollment management and a vice president of student affairs.

“Throughout my career, I have worked to create systems and practices to improve the lives of students, focusing on making their experience as seamless as possible. And now we get the opportunity to really do it at a high level at Westfield State. I’m looking forward to the opportunity,” Hearn said.

In the role, Hearn said he hopes to build a flagship student program that other institutions can model their programs after.

“I’m looking at this as a tremendous opportunity to be innovative in our approach to serving students and their families.  Students and families need more assistance, and higher education must focus on how to serve their interests best while preparing them for the academic rigor and psycho-social development that takes place during this time.  Higher education leaders are making great strides in this area of student support and I believe Westfield State can be a leader in these efforts.”

Hearn earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from NSU. He said that the design of Nova’s program and being exposed to so many different classmates from different fields and backgrounds really helped prepare him for his leadership role.

In his cohort alone, he had fellow educators, teachers, and administrators, but also  veterans, an administrator for LaGuardia Airport, th CFO for a large accounting firm in NYC and more.

“That diversity among the students lent itself to stimulating and exciting conversations, it lent itself to different perspectives, led to a sense that higher education needed to evolve, to be creative.  Simply, as students change, the industry is compelled to change as well.”

As for his next steps, Hearn said he is focused on the challenges and opportunities at Westfield State,, and that maybe one day, he may pursue a presidential position at a college or university..

Congratulations Dr. Hearn!

Posted 07/30/23

Weekly Seminar Focuses on Newborn/Neonatal ICU

Daphna Barbeau, M.D., neonatologist at University of Florida Hospital, and Raquel Garcia, SLP.D., CCC-SLP, CLC, CNT, BCS-S, NSU speech-language pathologist, hosts an education seminar every week to parents and caregivers in the newborn/neonatal intensive care unit.

Tiny Tots Transition to Home is supported by the NSU Quality of Life Grant. Tiny Tot’s is geared toward supporting health disparities for families of diverse backgrounds who proportionally receive less support and guidance during the discharge to home process from the critical care unit.

The aim for Tiny Tots program is to promote safe transition to home, health literacy, and support mental health/anxiety. This is an interprofessional education opportunity, where providers share digestible information with parents.

We are currently recruiting faculty and would like to extend an invitation to you, your colleagues, and students.

Posted 07/30/23

NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission Heals Hearts, Smiles

From July 17 to July 22, 2023, a remarkable event took place in St. Mary, Jamaica, as Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a transformative medical/dental mission. This interdisciplinary mission brought together professionals and students from various healthcare fields, including Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Optometry, Occupational Therapy, and a host of volunteers. Their collective efforts not only provided much-needed health-care services but also left a lasting impact on the lives of the local community.

The mission was organized by NSU in collaboration with Women of H.O.P.E., a local non-profit organization that provides healthcare and education to women and children. Its primary objective was to extend a helping hand to the underserved population in St. Mary, who faced limited access to medical and dental services. The mission’s diverse team of dedicated healthcare practitioners aimed to address a range of health issues, including dental problems that often went untreated.

The dental component of the mission was particularly remarkable. Three experienced dentists, along with 12 talented dental students, came together to deliver vital dental care to those in need. Over the course of the mission, these compassionate professionals provided dental services to an impressive 275 patients, ranging from cleanings to more complex procedures like fillings and extractions.

What made the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission even more exceptional was the generosity of the team and their supporters. With more $175,000 in donated services, this mission truly exemplified the power of altruism and the positive impact it can have on underserved communities. The donated services not only alleviated immediate health concerns but also contributed to the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life.

Apart from providing hands-on care, the medical and dental teams also conducted informative presentations on various health-related topics. These presentations covered crucial aspects of oral and general health, including preventive measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early detection and treatment. The mission aimed to create a sustainable impact by educating the community, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission was about more than just medical and dental treatments; it was a mission of healing hearts and smiles. The warmth and compassion exhibited by the team left a lasting impression on the patients they served. Beyond the physical healing, the mission also fostered emotional and psychological healing, reminding the community that they were not forgotten and that they mattered.

The impact of this interdisciplinary mission extended far beyond the week it took place. The team not only treated patients but also formed valuable connections with the local healthcare providers and organizations. Collaborative efforts like these can create a lasting change in healthcare infrastructure and access in underserved areas.

The success of the NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication, and the spirit of giving back. By coming together, these professionals and students were able to make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving a legacy of care and compassion that will be cherished by the community for years to come.

The NSU Jamaica Medical/Dental Mission 2023 was a remarkable endeavor that showcased the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Through the efforts of Medical, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, students, and volunteers, the mission delivered critical services, educational support, and compassion to the people of St. Mary, Jamaica. It was a shining example of how healthcare can be a force for good, transcending borders and bringing healing to the hearts and smiles of those in need.”

Posted 07/30/23

Dental Students Volunteer at RAM Event in Tennessee

Under the supervision of Dr. Mark Schweizer, assistant dean of Community Programs and Public Health and College of Dental Medicine faculty, Dr. Mauro Mesko and Dr. Norberto Coerezza, Dr. Sam Caruso (PG OMFS), more than 50 D4 ,D3, and D2 dental students traveled to Columbia, Tenn., to volunteer at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) event to deliver free dental care to uninsured patients. During this event, about 250 patients were seen and more than $120,000.00 donated dental services were provided.

Special thanks to Dean Steven Kaltman for his leadership and ongoing support and guidance.

Remote Area Medical is a major nonprofit provider of free pop-up clinics. Their mission is to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free, quality healthcare to those in need. They do this by delivering free dental, vision, and medical services to

underserved and uninsured individuals. They have provided care across the world at more than 1,500 events.

These Outreach experiences provide an opportunity for dental students and reaffirm NSU core value of “Community” and help to:

  • Develop a broad understanding of the community and social responsibilities they will have as Dental Professionals.
  • Treat a diversity of patients with a variety of oral health care needs.
  • Enhance their clinical skills.
  • Participate in inter-professional learning experiences.

Dr. Mark Schweizer, Assistant Dean of Community Program has built a long- standing relationship with RAM and NSU-CDM is planning many more events in the future.

Posted 07/30/23

CRDM Alum Hosts Workshop for WCC Consultants

Emalee Bishop

Emalee Bishop (née Shrewsbury), an alum from the M.A. in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media (CRDM) program, hosted a workshop for NSU Writing and Communication Center (WCC) consultants and current CRDM students about her experiences as Marketing Manager for OZ Digital Consulting on January 31, 2023. Bishop was also a WCC Graduate Assistant Coordinator while at NSU.

Bishop’s workshop highlighted transferable skills she learned at the WCC and as an NSU student. She discussed how to leverage creativity, communication, and critical thinking in a corporate environment. She guided participants in reflecting on how to use skills they possess in their future careers.

When asked about this experience, Bishop said, “Considering life after higher education is a scary and stressful step. It certainly was for me. The time spent in this workshop was important to me because I wanted to give students who follow in my academic footsteps some tools, resources, and advice on how to think about that next step. [It] does help to have guidance from those who have come before us to help clear the debris from the path they are about to begin. I hope I could be that guide for the attendees of this workshop.”

To learn more about the M.A. in CRDM, visit: https://hcas.nova.edu/degrees/masters/composition-rhetoric-digital-media.html

Posted 07/30/23

Students Present Science at International Society of Sports Nutrition Conference

Faculty and students from the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, recently presented their latest research at the 20th Annual ISSN Conference and Expo, June 15-17, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale.

Two of our Master of Science in Sport Science (M.S.S.S.) graduates, Jose Rojas and Angie Dusak gave oral presentations. Jose Rojas gave a ‘brief communication’ talk covering his latest work under the tutelage of Jose Antonio, Ph.D., professor, on the effects of a commercially available energy drink on indices of mood and mental performance. Angie Dusak took part in ISSN’s Data Blitz. In 60 seconds, she presented data on football players that was part of her master’s work with Corey Peacock, Ph.D., chair, program director, and professor. Also, Antonio and Peacock gave tutorial and poster presentations, respectively.

One of our more accomplished alums and current HHP adjunct faculty member, Cassandra Evans, M.S., gave a presentation on the effects of a dietary supplement on e-gamer performance. Evans has already notched over 20 peer-reviewed publications since starting as an undergraduate student at NSU Florida. In addition, we had 8 HHP students as authors and co-authors of NSU research at the conference. All in all, NSU was well represented at the international meeting that had individuals from Australia, Brazil, the UK, and Mexico among the attendees.

Posted 07/30/23

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