Author: Christie Williams

A Message from the President: Updates on NSU Vaccination Policies

As always, my main goal and concern is the health, safety, and welfare of NSU students, faculty, and staff. NSU was hoping for the ability to require vaccinations where possible to further protect the NSU community. However, due to a new Florida law, NSU is unable to maintain such a policy. NSU always follows the letter and spirit of the law and we must do that as the law goes into effect on July 1, 2021.

Therefore, we are NOT requiring vaccinations for NSU students, faculty, and staff, as was announced back on April 1, before the legislation was passed. Nonetheless, with additional safeguards in place, NSU has its best opportunity to return to normalcy this fall.

The Florida law permits purely voluntary vaccine programs. In fact, it is the policy of the state to encourage voluntary vaccinations as the governor and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) made millions of doses of all three vaccines available throughout the state so far this year. The governor and DOH made voluntary vaccine dispensing locations very convenient for anyone over 16 years of age to receive the inoculations. More than nine million Floridians (and more than 147 million Americans) have already received at least one dose.

NSU applauds the governor and the state for this mammoth effort to protect so many of our fellow citizens. Additionally, NSU has sites not only on our Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus but also at select regional campuses where you can receive the vaccine easily and conveniently. If you would like to make an appointment to get vaccinated, click here.

Like the state of Florida, we are striving for a high voluntary vaccination rate for the NSU community to enable NSU’s campuses to return to normalcy this fall, which is everyone’s wish. According to recent reports, the higher the vaccination rate, the lower the mitigation measures that are required.

We have developed a voluntary program called NSU Vax Max to encourage the whole NSU community to voluntarily receive the vaccine on or before August 1. The NSU Vax Max program is designed to help us reach a voluntary, aspirational goal of 100% of those who can receive the vaccine. We will set a minimum threshold—based on our best assessments of public health guidelines—of 80% of our on-campus students who have reported that they were voluntarily vaccinated in order to return to normalcy this fall on each of NSU’s campuses. The vaccination rate will be measured for each campus separately.

The NSU Vax Max program will call for purely voluntary disclosure with supporting documentation that the student has been fully vaccinated, so NSU may calculate the percentage of the on-campus NSU student community reaching this goal. Upon achieving this threshold for voluntary vaccination status on or before August 1, we can then return to campus this fall with that feeling of normalcy that everyone wants so desperately.

If we achieve this 80% threshold, a “return to normalcy” means:

  • Safety screening protocols to protect public health require everyone in the NSU community to either wear a mask in class, social gatherings, and at any University event, or provide voluntary admission that they have been vaccinated.
  • In-person classes will return in greater numbers with less need for masks and distancing;
  • Social gatherings and university events can occur much more freely;
  • We can eat together on campus as it was pre-COVID-19;
  • The Taft University Center, our regional campuses, and other NSU facilities and programs will be able to host in-person cultural and educational events and other activities;
  • Your favorite NSU clubs, organizations, and social events will be vibrant and active again; and
  • Intercollegiate, intramural, and club sports will be able to operate more fully.

I believe our NSU Vax Max voluntary program goal is achievable. We can meet this threshold if NSU on-campus students and others in the NSU community—who are able and willing to receive the vaccine—will do so and voluntarily let us know so we can reach the vaccination goal.

Click here to voluntarily report your vaccination status. It is quick and easy.

  • This link will be open to all NSU students, faculty, and staff, but it is the on-campus student community whose voluntary vaccination rate will help us meet the threshold for returning to normalcy this fall. The threshold will be measured at each of our campus locations individually.
  • You can choose to report your voluntary vaccination status. It is your choice if you wish to keep that private, for NSU information only, or to share it more publicly.
  • Once you voluntarily report your vaccination status, it will allow NSU to authorize your N-number for a designation on your SharkCard this fall. It will be that designation (among on-campus students) that will count towards the threshold target of 80% and, once met, allow normalcy to return to greet a new academic year.
  • The NSU Vax Max program does not require you to participate in any way—it is strictly your choice—and no adverse action of any kind will be taken against you if you choose not to participate in this voluntary program to achieve on-campus normalcy through voluntary vaccination.
  • Any NSU student, faculty or staff member choosing on a voluntary basis not to disclose their vaccination status will be assumed by NSU to be unvaccinated.

If NSU does not reach the voluntary threshold goal of 80% through the NSU Vax Max program by August 1, the campus will maintain its current mitigation measures to best protect the health, safety, and welfare of our students, faculty, and staff.

I believe we can do it. We can get to, and even exceed, that 80% threshold of voluntarily vaccinated on-campus students by August 1 and return to the in-person learning environment and on-campus lifestyle we all treasure and miss so much. I will keep you posted should circumstances or regulations change.

 

NSU Student and University School Teacher Named 2021 STUEY Alumnus of the Year

 

On April 13, 2021, the Student Life Association at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) hosted its 23rd annual Student Life Achievement Awards, otherwise known as the STUEY’s. This event intertwines the accolades of students, staff and alumni at NSU who are best known for their academic excellence, research, diversity, innovation, service and opportunities.

This year, the 2021 STUEY Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Wilford Miranda, a 2019 alumnus of NSU. Wilford is currently an NSU University School teacher and Master of Science Education student at NSU. He is extremely dedicated to education and making a difference in the lives of his students – a feature he believes set him apart from other nominees.

Miranda has notably started several new initiatives at University School with guidance from his mentor, Luke Williams, and continues to launch new ways to engage students, such as kickstarting NSU’s first-ever HOSA – Future Health Professionals (HOSA) chapter and creating a new curriculum called “Tiny Earth,” alongside NSU professor Dr. Aarti Raja.

Miranda led the creation of the HOSA at University School to support the career development of students interested in health studies.

“I have been participating non-stop in HOSA conferences since middle school and used this experience to bring HOSA to University School. As a first year HOSA chapter at NSU University School, we aimed to uphold our reputation to dominate in competitions. Along with my outstanding student officers, we mentored and coached our members to have a competitive edge at the regional, state, and international levels. After taking up the scoreboards in regionals, we went to compete at States where we went against 150 other high school HOSA chapters and we got the most international qualifiers (top three winners).”

To further the collaboration of education amongst students and educators, Miranda launched the “Tiny Earth” curriculum.

“Tiny Earth is a network of instructors and students who focus on identifying antibiotics from soil bacteria. This year, we successfully carried out the Tiny Earth curriculum with three class periods and currently, we are working to expand to five class periods. Our research together has earned us a few awards such as winning first place at the regional science fair competition and winning first place at the state HOSA research poster competition,” said Miranda.

Miranda utilized his experience as a student and teacher to showcase his skills as a nominee for alumnus of the year. Through his notable work as a teacher and researcher, Miranda made his mark by emphasizing a “One NSU” motto and combining his strengths from NSU and the NSU University School.

“The professors at NSU have undoubtedly amplified my teaching expertise through their wisdom and advice,” added Miranda, “By working collaboratively with Dr. Raja, NSU Undergraduates, and NSU University School students, we were able to advance our mission statements while providing top-of-the-line experiential learning experiences for our students.”

Miranda will be entering his second year as a master’s student this fall and is planning on graduating with his degree in Science Education by May 2022. Following his master’s degree, he also looks forward to enrolling in one of NSU’s Ed.D. programs.

Miranda intends to follow his “One NSU” mission in the future by collaborating with NSU and the NSU University School through his work, research and studies.

Visit Twitter for updates on HOSA/Tiny Earth at U-School at https://twitter.com/WilfordMiranda4. For more information about NSU’s University school go to https://www.facebook.com/UniversitySchoolofNSU.

NSU Changing Lives Scholarship Helps Students Continue Education During Pandemic

The Changing Lives Scholarship at Nova Southeastern University continues be a meaningful resource to help students pursue their academic careers, especially during a pandemic that has brought economic hardship.

The most recent 2021 Honors College Changing Lives Scholarship was recently awarded to an undergraduate student in the NSU Farquhar Honors College – Kristin Rodriguez. Kristin is a third-year student at NSU who is studying to receive her bachelor’s in psychology with a global engagement minor and honors trans-disciplinary minor.

Before even applying to the scholarship in 2020, Rodriguez was notified that due to the pandemic she was not going to receive aid from her other scholarships. Luckily, after receiving the 2021 Honors College Changing Lives scholarship, she was able to continue her education at NSU.

“NSU has been so gracious with their scholarships. Every single year, I worry about financials, but they normally pull through. They allow me to pursue my academics and without them I wouldn’t be in college,” said Rodriguez. “This scholarship allows me the ability to pursue my education and enjoy it, without being concerned over money. There are so many amazing people giving to these scholarships and it’s been a great process. I’m involved in so many extracurriculars as well and anything I can get to lessen the stress is just amazing,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez’s life-changing scholarship is made possible by Farquhar Honors College’s very own Dean Don Rosenblum, Ph.D. Dr. Rosenblum is the current dean of the Farquhar Honors College and an ardent supporter of education. Because of his position, he plays no role in the scholarship selection of the student.

 “I’m actually a donor for the Honor College Changing Lives Scholarship, but I am very unattached form the process, said Dean Rosenblum. “We have a selective faculty as well because they understand the honors college and they know the students beyond the packet of materials. I’ve always had great confidence in the selection and recommendations of the faculty. They do an extraordinary job in their decision-making and all the students are wonderful and appreciative.”

At the moment, Rodriguez plans to graduate from NSU in the Fall of 2021 with her bachelor’s degree, then will continue her education at NSU in the Fall of 2022 to pursue her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. While working a job, leading extracurricular activities, and remaining on the Dean’s List, Rodriguez remains diligent to succeed at NSU. With the help of the 2021 Honors College Changing Lives scholarship, she continues to balance her school and work life, all while being a top student.

“I’m so grateful that the Honors College chose me for this scholarship. The Changing Lives scholarship, first-hand, touches students’ lives, and I’m just forever grateful for NSU’s generosity.  I would point out the fact that NSU goes so far beyond what a normal college is expected to do,” added Rodriguez. “I can personally see those experiences happen, and they help students benefit from it beyond words. NSU’s continued support enriches the university experience and academics.”

If you’re interested in donating or would like to read more about the NSU Changing Lives scholarship, check out https://www.nova.edu/alumni/support.html

Memorial Tree Honors Biochemistry Professor

Class of 2023 board officers Aneil Tawakalzada, Harsh Patel, Heather Silverstein, Aakangsha Jain, Ruth Antony, Alexandra Gabro, and Ted Frederic pose in front of the memorial oak tree.

In April, students from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM) honored the memory of longtime NSU biochemistry professor Ronald E. Block, Ph.D., M.S., who passed away on March 26, by purchasing and planting an oak tree in front of the Terry Building. The tree planting was livestreamed on social media so KPCOM students could view the event in a COVID-safe manner.

“Dr. Block was a compassionate, brilliant individual who dedicated his life to the KPCOM students,” said second-year student and class of 2023 president Aneil Tawakalzada. “We are grateful for the opportunity to honor his legacy in this meaningful way.”

In addition to the tree-planting ceremony, the students hosted a separate Zoom event all KPCOM students and faculty members could participate in. The event included one minute of silence to honor Block and also provided opportunities for the students and faculty members to share their personal experiences about the popular professor.

“It was an incredible feeling to have our KPCOM community come together to give back to someone who influenced and inspired us all,” said second-year student Harsh Patel, who was instrumental in leading the tree-planting initiative.

 

HCAS Faculty Presents for the ACON Research Council Sofa Talk on Nursing Research with Faculty from the Kathy Assaf College of Nursing

 

On March 25, 2021, Santanu De, M.Sc., Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), was invited to deliver a Zoom presentation organized in collaboration between the Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, and American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACON).  The talk was titled, “Protein 14-3-3 Eta (YWHAH): A Potential Regulator of Mammalian Female Fertility,” and was attended by about 20 faculty and students from both the colleges, among other institutions.  The other presenter was Ellen Mullarkey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, faculty in the Kathy Assaf College of Nursing.

De’s research interests include STEM education, pedagogy, reproductive physiology, developmental biology, cell biology, and protein biology.

NSU University School Announces the Class of 2021 Co-Valedictorians

NSU University School is proud to announce the Class of 2021 co-valedictorians, Duncan Jurman and Peyton Ronkin. Over the past 14 years, both Duncan and Peyton have truly lived out the USchool mission. They have exemplified academic excellence and served as leaders in our school and local community, positively influencing those around them. We wish them both continued success and cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.

To read their student spotlights and learn more about our exceptional co-valedictorians, click the links below:

Duncan Jurman: https://www.uschool.nova.edu/studentprofile3

Peyton Ronkin: https://www.uschool.nova.edu/studentprofile1

The Carter Project on Display Now at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

 

In 2016, Miami-based artist Christopher Carter developed an elaborate plan for a highly personal home, studio and exhibition space. The ecologically-sensitive environment would serve as a living laboratory for all his design and artistic projects. During the design and construction, Carter followed the same deliberate process that he would use when creating one of his sculptures. Completed in 2020, this innovative architectural assemblage located in Miami’s North Wynwood neighborhood, is the subject of a new exhibition opening May 15 at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. The Carter Project, on view through January 9, 2022, examines what Carter describes as “the largest, most comprehensive functional structure I ever dreamed to make.” The exhibition is curated by NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater.

Carter rarely uses anything new. Rather, he chooses to use recycled woods, metals, glass, resins and other discarded objects, that when united, challenge traditional concepts in innovative ways, pushing materials and objects out of their intended purpose into new and surprising vernaculars. The result is a consistent and direct design that displays a balance between form and function. The live/work/exhibition space reflects Carter’s connections to Afrofuturism and the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which embraces imperfections. Its design evokes a Northern California loft ideal whose carbon footprint-reducing structures were constructed with industrial and reclaimed materials, including six used shipping containers that house some living areas and art production studios. “I think of it as an adult treehouse or fort for the different facets of my art practice,” Carter notes.

The multi-use structures and property, which are represented in the exhibition (through videos, photography, drawings and a 3-D printed model), reflect Carter’s ideal use of space. Its multiple locations for introspection, privacy and a sense of solitude, buffer its inhabitants from environmental pollution and serve as a filter to the outside noise and activity. Yet, they do not completely isolate them from the neighborhood surrounding the property, which in the last five years has seen gentrification, mutation and stagnation as well as boundless optimism, positive opportunity and growth.

Bonnie Clearwater noted, “Having worked with other artists who ventured into architecture, such as Frank Stella, Jorge Pardo and Julian Schnabel, I was intrigued by the idea of documenting and exhibiting Christopher Carter’s process in an exhibition since he first shared his vision with me in 2016.  He approached the concepts of structure, environment and sustainability with the creativity and freedom of an artist. We hope that The Carter Project will inspire others to question conventions and imagine new solutions to living in today’s environment.”

Augmented reality features in the exhibition will create enhanced opportunities for visitors to explore The Carter Project’s interior and exterior spaces.

Christopher Carter was born in Albuquerque, NM and was raised in Boston, MA. He currently lives and works in Miami, FL. Infused by a blend of ethnic and urban influences, Carter’s bold and organic sculptures strongly reflect his African American, Native American and European heritage. His assemblages embody power and energy accentuated by the source materials he selects for his creations. Carter has an MFA in Sculpture from the University of California, Berkeley and a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). His work has been featured in numerous museum exhibitions, galleries and art fairs, and is included in private and public collections including the National Museum of African American History and Culture-Smithsonian in Washington, DC. For more information please visit: thecarterproject.miami and christophercarter.art

The Carter Project with slider – NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

COM Outlook Wins Two Excellence in Communications Awards

In April, NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s COM Outlook magazine received significant recognition in the Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) Excellence in Communications (EIC) Awards Program. The magazine earned the first-place prize in the best serial publication (best magazine) category, while the COVID-19 article “Big Apple Anguish” featured in the summer-fall 2020 issue earned third-place honors in the Best Feature Story category.

“Since the beginning of 2020, COM Outlook has received an amazing five regional and national awards for its sustained excellence,” said Scott Colton, B.A., APR, director of medical communications and special projects for NSU’s Office of Printing and Publications. “It takes a team effort to create each issue of COM Outlook, so it’s incredibly gratifying to see the magazine earn such significant industry recognition.”

AACOM’s EIC Awards Program is designed to recognize the important role communications plays in advancing osteopathic medical education and the profession. It also seeks to inspire higher levels of performance among its members.

PHOTO: Summer-Fall 2020 COM Outlook Cover

Nova International Relations Association (NIRA) Wins Distinguished Delegation Award at Southern Regional Model United Nations Conference

The weekend of March 26-28th the Nova International Relations Association (NIRA) competed in the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) Annual Conference. Led by NIRA president Genesis Alvarez (Legal Studies major) and vice president Janay Joseph (History major), the team continued its impressive streak of awards at this prestigious conference. The team, which also included Jackie Chavez, Luke Dombroski, and Angelica Lopez Uscamaita represented Colombia and was awarded a Distinguished Delegation Award for their hard work. This marks the fifth year in a row NIRA won a top award at SRMUN for NSU while competing against students from universities all over the southeast.

SRMUN

HCAS Professor is Elected to the Board of Directors of Stonewall National Museum and Archives

James Doan, Ph.D.

James Doan, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Humanities and Politics in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Stonewall National Museum and Archives, the largest museum of its kind in the world, dedicated to LGBTQ history and culture.

Doan indicated that he is thrilled to be a new member of the Stonewall National Museum and Archives Board of Directors. He further said, “this new position integrates with my teaching and work at NSU.”

Doan’s teaching and research interests include Irish literature and language, folklore and mythology, family history and genealogy, and English language and British literature. He is actively involved in the theatre community in South Florida, having written and directed plays for the Actors Community Theatre (ACT) in Davie. Doan also co-founded the South Florida Irish Theatre with a mission to develop Irish American Theatre in the region.

 

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