Author: Christie Williams

NSU Writing & Communication Center Faculty Coordinators Invited as Virginia Tech Spring Colloquium Speakers

Janine Morris, Ph.D., and Kelly Concannon, Ph.D., NSU Writing and Communication Center (WCC) Faculty Coordinators, were invited speakers at Virginia Tech’s virtual Composition Program Spring Colloquium on February 26, 2021. Morris and Concannon are both faculty members in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts (DCMA) in the Halmos College of Arts & Sciences (HCAS).

Morris and Concannon’s presentation, “Mindfulness, Self-care, & Fostering Well-Being in the Writing Center & Classroom,” focused on using reflective literacy activities, meditation, and yoga to cultivate emotional awareness, mindfulness, and self-care practices. According to Concannon, “The experience allowed us to assist in mobilizing conversations regarding mindfulness and meditation. To that end, we facilitated a workshop that brought together research in mindfulness, meditation, literacy, and yoga into an academic setting.”

Their presentation grew from a mindfulness study that was published in the January 2020 issue of WLN: A Journal of Writing Center Scholarship. “Cultivating Emotional Wellness and Self-Care through Mindful Mentorship in the Writing Center” was co-authored by Concannon, Morris, and DCMA MA in Composition, Rhetoric, and Digital Media alumna Nicole Chavannes and Veronica Diaz.

To learn more about the Writing and Communication Center, visit https://www.nova.edu/wcc/.

To view, “Cultivating Emotional Wellness and Self-Care through Mindful Mentorship in the Writing Center,” visit: https://wlnjournal.org/archives/v44/44.5-6.pdf.

NSU Volleyball, Rosen Strengthen 2021 Roster

 

After the postponement of the 2020 volleyball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSU volleyball team has its eyes set on a successful 2021 season, adding five newcomers to their roster. Joining the team for the upcoming season are Bruna Avila, Jovana Bulatovic, Jordan “JoJo” Chessar, Kate Mihacevich and Cambry Pope.

“Having our season cancelled this past year was hard, but also allowed us time in the gym to train and really figure out the needs of our team moving forward,” explained head coach Brian Rosen. “After one of the best seasons in program history in 2019 and ending the year on a six-game winning streak, we look ahead to the fall of 2021 with big goals in mind, and I could not be more excited about this incoming class that will be joining our Shark family in August. Each student athlete will not only add to our team’s ability to be successful in matches, but more importantly, add to the family culture that we have worked so hard to establish here at NSU both on and off the court. I think my favorite part about this year’s incoming class is the fact that each and every one of them wanted to be here so badly. Their passion for this university was clear from day one.”

Bruna Avila – University of South Carolina Upstate
Coming from Brazil to Daytona State College, Avila was named First Team All-Conference, AVCA All-Region, AVCA All-American, and the Roberta Stokes Award winner for the conference as the top student-athlete graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her success continued at NCAA DI member USC Upstate where she helped lead the Spartans to its second .500 or better season in program history. After sharing setting duties most of the season, she was moved into the full-time setting role with six matches to go, going on to win all six matches. As a Spartan, Avila averaged a Big South Conference-best 11.3 assists/set and had two double-doubles. She also finished third overall in the Big South in assists per set.

“Bruna may be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, but she is a fierce competitor on the court,” said Rosen. “Bruna will be able to come in and instantly improve our offensive efficiency. She brings a tremendous amount of experience to a young positional group. I also love her ability to play defense as a setter. Her nonstop effort will fit in perfectly with our gym culture. I cannot wait to see what she helps us accomplish during her two years as a Shark.”

Jovana Bulatovic – Eastern Kentucky
As a sophomore in 2019 at Eastern Kentucky, Jovana played in all 30 of the Colonels’ matches and finished third on the team with 181 kills (1.8 per set) and second on the team with 58 blocks. In a COVID-shortened 2021 spring season, she once again finished third on the team in kills with 137 (2.6 per set) and had the second-best hitting percentage of .211. With several team injuries, Bulatovic did it all for the Colonels, playing outside, right side, and defense. She also plays for the EKU beach volleyball team.

“Jovana has a cannon for an arm and can play all over the court,” remarked Rosen. “Her head coach at EKU could not stop raving about the kind of teammate and leader she is, and how much she will add to our culture. Jovana is a point scorer and will be a huge help to our offense, but I also like that she can block at a high level too. With two years of eligibility left, Jovana will be able to make a big impact on our program.”

Jordan “JoJo” Chessar – Padua Franciscan HS
Chessar plays high school for one of the best programs in the country, ranking as high as number one in the MaxPreps 2020 poll. Her team finished state runner-up in 2019 and 2020, and she has been a huge impact player for them in the middle and right side. As a six-rotation right side her senior year, Chessar finished the season with 167 kills, 122 digs, a team best 39 aces, and 37 blocks, earning her a spot on the All-District Second Team. She also plays club volleyball for Cleveland Volleyball Company, and her team just finished third in the country at USAV Junior Nationals.

“JoJo was our very first commit in this class, and we fell in love with her instantly at camp. She has an infectious, positive attitude and our team knew right away that she was exactly what we were looking for. On the court, JoJo can do it all. I’ve watched her play outside, middle, right side, and defensive specialist. She has a great arm and can attack in front and behind. She will simply do anything that she is asked to do, and I know she is going to add so much to our program on and off the court the next four years.”

Kate Mihacevich – Padua Franciscan HS
Mihacevich, a high school teammate of Chessar, also played for the back-to-back Ohio state runner-up and MaxPreps No. 1-nationally ranked, Padua Bears. Mihacevich played all the way around on the outside in her senior year and finished the 2020 season as a Second Team All-District member with 206 kills, 145 digs, 38 blocks and 37 aces. Along with Chessar, Mihacevich was named AVCA All-American Watch List. She also just finished her club volleyball career on one of the best teams in the country, qualifying and competing in the open division at USAV Junior Nationals.

“Kate has a fast arm, plays high, and can score from both pins,” described Rosen. “I love that she has been able to train at such a high level through high school and club. She has been playing with and against the best players in the country which will prepare her well for our conference. This past summer at our high school camp, she really impressed our coaching staff, and solidified our interest when, at match point in a tight championship match, she absolutely exploded a swing on the outside. She continues to improve her backrow skills and I think she has a very bright future in our program.”

Cambry Pope – Lake Nona HS
Pope played for the second-best high school team in the state of Florida, Lake Nona, who fell in the FHSAA 7A State Championship match in five sets. She finished with an incredible 22 kills and 26 digs for the match. On the season, Pope finished with 286 kills (3.5 per set), 199 digs, and 27 aces. Her club team, Oviedo Volleyball Academy, qualified for USAV nationals and finished 13th overall.
“The fact that we were able to pick up a player as good as Cambry this late in the recruiting process was remarkable,” admitted Rosen. “She has great size and length that will fit in so well in our conference. Cambry has a great arm and can use the entire court. From her visit, we could tell that this is where she was meant to be. She jumped right in to being a part of the team before we even offered by writing her goals on our whiteboard and instantly connecting with our team. She’s already a solid player, but I think Cambry has such a high ceiling. We look forward to watching her grow and make an impact the next four years.”

Summer Reading with the NSU Alvin Sherman Library

Reading Rewards!

June 1 – August 14, 2021
Pre-registration begins May 1

Theme: Tails and Tales​

Spend the summer winning prizes for reading, learning, and t​rying new things. Read and learn with us this summer!

How it works:

Create a Beanstack account.
Select NSU Alvin Sherman Library as your library.

Log the books you’ve read on Beanstack’s website or in the Beanstack Tracker app (Apple or Android)

Read, write reviews and complete activities anytime between June 1 and August 14 to earn chances to win prizes and earn free books!

 

Learn more at lib.nova.edu/summer

Doctoral Student Recognized by Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA)

Marvieann Garcia-Rodriguez, post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy student in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences was recently featured by Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA) as their Spring 2021 Spotlight Practitioner.

The FOTA Spotlight Practitioner is a recognition from occupational therapy peers who feel that the practitioner demonstrates two or more of the following qualities: creativity, genuine compassion, ability to work with others, positive attitude, ability to inspire others and leadership skills.

Marvieann is a passionate and dedicated occupational therapist who has worked in the NICU at Nicholas Children’s Hospital (formerly Miami Children’s Hospital) for over 30 years.   She was instrumental in implementing a comprehensive developmental program in the NICU and securing a role for occupational therapy in the care and treatment of premature infants and neonates.

In addition, she worked with a nurse practitioner to develop a comprehensive follow-up clinic that ran for over 16 years.   She has guest lectured at numerous South Florida OT schools on the role of occupational therapy in the NICU and mentored and trained many clinicians to work with this specialized population of patients.  Marvieann is certified in neonatal touch and massage for premature infants as well as a certified massage instructor for full term infants.

She is a Certified Neonatal Therapist and is an active member in the National Association of Neonatal Therapy.  She is NDT trained in pediatrics and has her baby specialty. She is certified in the General Movements Assessment for infants.

Currently, Marvieann is working on her post professional capstone project at Nova Southeastern University’s doctoral program and has developed “An Occupational Therapist’s Approach to the Implementation of Kangaroo Care in the NICU” education program for nursing and staff in the NICU.  Kangaroo care is considered best practice to enhance the developmental outcomes of premature infants and sick neonates and promote bonding between the parent and infant. Recognizing the critical role kangaroo care plays in facilitating the occupation of parenting- Marvieann created and implemented a comprehensive kangaroo care education program for nursing and staff.  The program is now standard practice in the unit.

 

 

 

HCAS History Student Wins First Place in Undergraduate Student Symposium Film Competition

Janay Joseph

Janay Joseph, a junior History major in the Department of Humanities and Politics here at NSU, recently took First Place in the Undergraduate Student Symposium’s Film Competition. Her film: “She Had a Dream: Eula Johnson’s Fight to Desegregate Broward County” was inspired by her internship with History Fort Lauderdale. “She Had a Dream” is a historical documentary about Eula Johnson, a Civil Rights Activist in South Florida, and her involvement in a series of protests called the “Wade-Ins” to protest segregated beaches in Fort Lauderdale. With the upcoming 60th Anniversary of the Wade-Ins, this short documentary follows Johnson’s planning and execution of the protests as well as the racial backlash she received due to her actions. The documentary is narrated by Johnson in her own words using archived audio from one of her talks to the community in 1988. This is paired with images from historical archives, and interviews from local historians.

NSU Writing and Communication Center Undergraduate Consultant Recognized at 2021 NSU Undergraduate Student Leader Recognition Ceremony

Evelyn Casas, NSU Writing and Communication Center (WCC) undergraduate writing consultant, was recognized at the Undergraduate Student Leader Recognition Ceremony on March 19th, 2021. Students were honored for their leadership, service, and dedication to the NSU community. Casas is a senior Biology major in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences (HCAS).

Casas began working at the WCC as an undergraduate writing consultant and Composition course-embedded consultant January 2021. She credits her work in the WCC as further developing her leadership skills, stating “I have been able to assist students in the writing process, and allow their potential to be unlocked, and feel confident in writing their assignments and putting their best foot forward!”

Outside of the WCC, Casas is a member of President’s 64, a scholar in the Razor’s Edge Shark Teach program, and the Recruitment Chair for the Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Epsilon Mu. Casas attributes her skills in networking, time management, and helping her peers through academic and social adversities to these positions.

After her May 2021 graduation, Casas will be attending the NSU College of Dental Medicine. Casas is thrilled by this opportunity, stating that it is “a dream come true, as I can now move forward to fulfill my dreams of becoming a healthcare provider at a place I call home.”

To learn more about President’s 64, visit https://www.nova.edu/president/the64/index.html

To learn more about the NSU Writing & Communication Center, visit https://www.nova.edu/wcc/

 

“Fun Food Fridays” Experiential Plant-Based Cooking

The Department of Nutrition in the KPCOM would like to share some highlights from a new elective undergraduate course offered for the first time in the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition program in the winter 2021. BSHN 3400 Plant-based Nutrition introduced the nutritional and health benefits of plant-based eating to human health. Through a hybrid, blend-flex model, students engaged with an innovative curriculum using a contemporary textbook, YouTube videos, debate, interviews, documentaries, and community events. After mid-terms, with sufficient background nutrition knowledge, the entire class agreed to turn one class meeting each week into “Fun Food Fridays.” Students opted into the live virtual cook-along or prepared a video of them giving a vegetarian cooking demonstration.

During the Friday class time, students would lead a cooking demonstration via Zoom and highlight beneficial nutrients and any substitutions that they had made to make it “plant-based.” They also gave suggestions for future changes that they might make.  Some of the items prepared were Chana Masala, Lentils with Quinoa and Tofu, Oatmeal Cookies made with a “flax egg,” Almond Butter Energy Bites, and Drunken Noodles. Of course, the best part was the taste testing. Below are two photos that I took of the recipes I made as the students taught the class.

Above is Chana Masala on the left and Lentils with Quinoa, and Tofu on the right.

Some students chose to make a TikTok video creating Chickpea Cookies, or a PowerPoint presentation presented by student Kendall Hutchinson detailing each step in creating Dark Chocolate Avocado Truffles. Here is her picture showing start to finish. Begin on the bottom left corner with the final product on the top right.

A quote from one student, Lia Leone:

“One of my most favorite courses taken in the nutrition program is the plant-based course. Being able to learn about nutritious foods, how to prepare them, and enjoy these delicious recipes with classmates was a treat! I left this course with a full list of nutrient dense recipes that I shared with my friends and family! This course encouraged me to try new things as well as enlighten others on the benefits of incorporating plants into the diet. I’ve learned you can definitely win someone over with a tasty treat!”

Certainly, the addition of food and the live cooking activity made learning memorable and fun. The end of the course concluded with topics such as animal welfare, farming, the environment, and sustainability. For more information about this course or the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, which also offers a minor, please contact Dr. Ioana Scripa at iscripa@nova.edu.

Osteopathic Duo Named Champions of Humanistic Care

Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S., M.S., M.S., M.S., dean of NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Sandi Scott-Holman, D.O., assistant professor of family medicine and director of NSU’s Student Medical Center, were recognized as Champions of Humanistic Care by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

More than 200 physicians, nurses, and health care team members were selected by their health care institutions to receive this recognition for exhibiting compassion and courage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Champions of Humanistic Care honorees will be recognized at the Gold Foundation’s virtual gala on June 10.

“Nurses, doctors, and care teams have shouldered an incredible burden for more than a year now, caring in uncertain and harrowing conditions, when their own safety was at times at risk, and when the normal support systems were dismantled,” said Richard I. Levin, M.D., president and CEO of the Gold Foundation. “They have stood in for family members who could not be in the room, they have adapted again and again, and through it all, they have brought their own humanity to bear in caring for patients. It is our honor to recognize their critical contribution of humanism in health care during this ongoing crisis.”

HCAS Communication Major and Faculty Member Present at Florida Scholastic Press Association Annual Conference

On Friday, April 23, Megan Fitzgerald, Ph.D., associate professor and program director for the B.A. in Communication program, and Flor Mireles, senior communication major and copy editor of NSU’s student-run newspaper, The Current, presented at the Florida Scholastic Press Association’s annual conference. 

The theme of this year’s virtual conference was “Outside the Box.” Their presentation, “Let’s Get Social: Building Your Newspaper’s Social Media Presence,” focused on the importance of building a social media presence for school newspapers. In an ever increasing digital world, even traditional print newspapers can benefit from social media when used effectively. Their presentation discussed best practices, including developing a brand, audience engagement and creating a style guide. Over 35 journalism students, educators and advisors attended the Zoom session.

For more information about the communication major and its journalism concentration, offered through the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, visit https://hcas.nova.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/communication.html

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Get the NSU Edge

As you continue your journey, we want to offer you the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree at Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Strengthen your résumé and broaden your opportunities by pursuing a degree that can open doors. The application process is easy. Complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

Not ready to apply? We admit three times a year in the fall, winter, and summer. Some of our programs can be completed in one year. All degrees complement the medical field while  also being stand-alone career paths.

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our Zoom Q&A sessions or visit our website(s).

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

osteopathic.nova.edu/ph

Be the leader your community needs for a healthier future. The program accommodates a diversity of backgrounds and individual career goals, with the options of on-site or on-line learning.

Thursdays

1:00–2:00 p.m.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL  INFORMATICS

osteopathic.nova.edu/msbi

Harness the power of health informatics. Learn how informatics can improve your practice.

Wednesdays

1:00–3:00 p.m.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DISASTER AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

osteopathic.nova.edu/msdem

Be prepared for both man made and natural disasters, emergencies, and pandemics. Protect yourself, your community, and your practice.

Tuesday

2:00 –3:00 p.m.

*MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

Enter the field of education- master the art of teaching adult learners.

Mondays

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

*MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION

osteopathic.nova.edu/ms-nutrition

How can nutrition promote health and healing? Further your medical knowledge by understanding one of the foundational principles of human health.

Friday

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY

Develop clinical excellence and prepare for careers as marriage and family therapists.

Mondays and Tuesday

2:00–4:00 p.m.

 

*Program can be completed in one year

 

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