Category: Academics

Alum Keeps Security Threats at Bay Working in the Caribbean

Leave a comment
Heriberto photo

Heriberto Acosta-Maestre is a proud Shark, graduating from NSU’s College of Computing and Engineering in 2021 with a doctorate in Information Systems Security. Since 2009, he has worked in a variety of high-end technical and managerial roles at the U.S. Army National Guard in Puerto Rico, currently as a program manager, overseeing multiple technical projects. In 2023, shortly after earning his Ph.D., he became a Cybersecurity Research Fellow at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies in Washington, D.C.

“I pursued my Ph.D. at the NSU Davie Campus while living and working full-time in Puerto Rico,” Acosta-Maestre said. As part of the program, he completed his studies online and traveled to campus once a semester for required weekend seminars. “One of the key reasons I chose NSU was the flexibility of its hybrid program that allowed me to continue my professional career while earning my doctorate. NSU’s format made it possible to balance both effectively.”

Although working full-time while earning a degree can be challenging, Acosta-Maestre’s strong time management and support from his supervisors made it possible. “They were incredibly understanding and instrumental in helping me complete my studies while maintaining my professional responsibilities,” he said.

According to Acosta-Maestre, earning his NSU Ph.D. immediately positioned him as a recognized expert in the field, giving his opinions greater credibility. His advanced education created opportunities for him to speak at conferences and, most importantly, led to his current role as a Cybersecurity Research Fellow.

“The Ph.D. taught me how to work independently, analyze complex problems, communicate effectively with both executives and technical experts, and present ideas in a clear and structured manner,” he said. “Without the Ph.D., I would not have been considered for this role.”

Through Acosta-Maestre’s doctoral dissertation, he gained an understanding of behavioral factors that influence threat avoidance and a unique perspective when developing strategies to mitigate cybersecurity risks. “At the Perry Center, I integrate this knowledge into discussions on cyber defense, helping inform policies and training programs that improve cybersecurity awareness and resilience among government agencies and international partners.”

Acosta-Maestre said he enjoys his work at the Perry Center and plans to contribute to its mission, collaborating with United States hemispheric allies and advancing cybersecurity research and education.

“Looking ahead, I hope to further explore leadership opportunities in cybersecurity policy and strategy while continuing to mentor and educate the next generation of professionals in the field.”

NSU Opens MBA Doors to Palm Beach Employees

Leave a comment
FPL MBA program

NSU knows a strong and talented workforce is critical to South Florida’s business community and is committed to fulfilling this need. So when it heard employees from NextEra/Florida Power & Light (FPL) were asking for a local Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, it sprang into action.

The NSU H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship began designing a program on NSU’s Palm Beach campus that would cater to employees at NextEra, as well as other organizations, while offering affordability, convenience, and flexibility. Students would be able to finance the program through their corporate reimbursement allowances.

Stewart

Tshoy Stewart

Tshoy Stewart, a senior GIS specialist/senior development technology specialist with NextEra Energy Resources, leaped at the Palm Beach MBA opportunity when it was brought to her attention by her employer. Stewart has previous bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University.

A St. Lucie County resident, Stewart has been employed by NextEra since 2020. She is one of the 60 students enrolled in the program, and one of the 52 students working for NextEra/FPL.

“So far, I have enjoyed the program, and it will help improve my managerial skills,” she said. “I’m no stranger to managing schoolwork and my career. This time, though, it feels more manageable than my prior experiences because of NSU’s accelerated semesters.”

With NSU’s program format, a typical four-month semester is broken into two-month semesters. Instead of taking the traditional route with three to four classes over four months, students take one to two classes for two months at a time. This makes the course load easier to manage, Stewart said.

Working with the faculty and advisers at NSU has also been a plus.

“I so greatly enjoy and appreciate the graduate advisers that have been working with me this school year,” Stewart said. The Palm Beach MBA program appeals to working adults who are looking to advance their careers. Current students come from diverse professional backgrounds, including fields such as engineering, finance, human resources, city government, law enforcement, and more. Based on the success of this initiative, a new cohort MBA program will be planned for the future.

“Programs like this are crucial because they enable us to collaborate with local organizations to develop future leaders and support their leadership succession planning,” said Millicent Kelly, the director of graduate admissions at NSU’s Palm Beach Regional Campus. “Additionally, the program is designed with the needs of working adults in mind, offering flexible course structures that accommodate their various roles and responsibilities.”

Stewart says she wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the MBA program to others.

“I think it is great that my company supports their employees to continue education to learn new skills and elevate themselves in that manner,” she said. “The graduate team at NSU are amazing and that has made this experience easy, educational, and fun.”

Students Unlock Secrets of the Brain Through Escape Room

Leave a comment

Often innovations in education involve thinking outside the box. Just ask Associate Professor and Researcher James Munoz with the NSU College of Psychology.

When he’s not conducting research, Munoz is teaching Neuroanatomy and Research Methods in Neuroscience on the NSU Davie Campus. During a recent “light bulb” moment, Munoz thought of a captivating way to ingrain neuroscience concepts in the brains of his students: creating an escape room.

“Developing the individual challenges was a labor of love and pain,” Munoz said. “I based each challenge on a learning objective. First, I thought about an objective. For instance, the action potential, cranial nerve innervation, control of eye movements, etc. Then the real challenge began with trying to think of ways to turn those concepts into physical puzzles. In some instances, it meant walking around looking at arts and crafts for hours until something clicked.”

Munoz says that once the first puzzle came together, the others started to fall into place more quickly.

“Developing an escape room changes how one thinks.”

Munoz made the escape room a supporting event outside of class time. The rules were simple:

  • There would 13 teams of four, picked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Students majoring in neuroscience, exercise science, biology, and psychology would be invited to participate.
  • There would be six challenges.
  • Each team would have 30 minutes to decipher the clues and escape.
  • Each member of the first-place team (escape artists with the best time) would receive a $100 gift card provided by the Office of Student Success.
  • Each member of the second-place team would receive $25 gift cards provided by the College of Psychology.
  • The College of Psychology also would provide gift bags and snacks for all participants, as well as purchase all the supplies.

“Registration filled up within 20 minutes,” Munoz said.

Each challenge was focused on a learning objective for the Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroanatomy courses. Each challenge that a team solved revealed a lock combination to one of several locks on a Plexiglas box with the mold of a brain inside. The objective: unlock the box, release the brain, and thus, escape.

Munoz staged the escape room in one of the conference rooms. The students met challenges with a combination of fun and frantic as they scurried about the room relying on teamwork to crack the winning codes.

“I’ve only participated in two escape rooms, but I enjoyed how we kept talking about it after and appreciated how it challenged us,” he said. “I thought if we could create a similar experience for our students, they might appreciate using their knowledge in a fun, challenging way – similar to how the best movies are the ones that make you think and prompt discussion.”

When the smoke cleared from the competition, one conclusion was evident: The students loved the escape room, and so did fellow faculty. It’s safe to say the experiment has opened new doors.

“I’m currently collaborating with two other faculty for our next escape room,” Munoz said.

Munoz, who has been at NSU for 14 years, has a Ph.D. in neuroscience with an emphasis in gene therapy. His research examines factors that regulate the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural stem cells. The transplantation of certain types of neural stem cells has the potential of curing several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and spinal cord injuries.

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.

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.

NSU’s Impact Receives Several National Accolades

WSJ Best Colleges

Whether it’s leadership in research, expertise in health care, support of Florida’s economy, or distinctive student experiences, NSU has grown to be a dominant force in higher education – and others have taken notice.

The Wall Street Journal recently named NSU to its list of America’s Best Colleges 2025. This is the first time the newspaper recognized NSU as one of the nation’s top universities. It also ranked NSU fifth in Florida in salary impact (third among privates) and second in Florida in diversity (No. 1 among privates).

Other points of Shark pride:

  • NSU is Florida’s largest, private research university and on the road to achieving preeminent credentials given to those at the forefront of research and innovation.
  • Forbes ranked NSU #23 in its list of top employers in Florida.
  • NSU is the only university in Florida with a College of Optometry.
  • U.S. News and World Report has ranked several NSU health care programs as tops in their specialty areas.
  • The Carnegie Foundation selected NSU as one of 59 universities nationwide recognized for both High Research Activity and Community Engagement.
  • The National Security Agency has included NSU among the few institutions in the country designated as both a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity Cyber Defense and Cyber Research
  • NSU is one of only four U.S. universities offering allopathic medicine and osteopathic medicine colleges.
  • U.S. Department of Education criteria position NSU as the largest, private, not-for-profit Hispanic-serving institution in the country.

College of Business and Entrepreneurship Honors New Hall of Famers

The H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship held its 35th annual Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame on Oct. 27 at the Rick Case Arena, celebrating the entrepreneurial prowess of three additional “movers and shakers” in the South Florida regional business community.

This year’s honorees reflect South Florida’s incredible business vitality, driven by wealth migration, a strong job market, profitable businesses, and promising startups. Through this event and numerous academic and research efforts, the Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship provides its students with meaningful exposure to business leaders, mentors, and alumni that can help them grow into effective leaders.

The Hall of Fame has historically celebrated the achievements and contributions of influential business leaders. Among its past recipients have been Rita Case, Guy Harvey, Terry Stiles, and H. Wayne Huizenga.

This year’s inductees:

Thomas M. McDonald moved from Ohio to Florida in 1979 and began his career at Craven Thompson & Associates, Inc. as its chief financial officer. In 1986, McDonald became president of the firm, which engages in a various land development projects including commercial, industrial, and residential projects, as well as public infrastructure projects. McDonald and his wife, Vickie, founded the McDonald Family Foundation, which supports charities associated with children’s issues and disadvantaged people in our community. The McDonalds established “The McDonald Family Endowed Scholarship Fund” in 2013 at NSU.

John E. Miller moved to South Florida from New York in 1973 and attended the University of Florida from 1980 to 1983, focusing on broadcast journalism, advertising, and business administration. In 2005, John founded Hutton Miller, LLC, a brand-building marketing firm that would achieve more than $4 billion in worldwide product sales, consistently awarded for its creativity, and hit campaigns for a diversity of clients. Miller supports charities such as the Boca West Foundation, Bound for College, Place of Hope, and the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Daniella Ortiz first came to the U.S. in 1999 from Argentina to pursue her MBA at NSU. She and her husband, Alfredo, started Daniella Ortiz, a high-end handbag and jewelry line, in 2005. Since opening their flagship boutique on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Daniella has partnered with more than 100 nonprofits around the country and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, American Cancer Association, JAFCO, several hospitals, and shelters for abused women and children.

President-Elect Inducted into Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Dr. Moon

Dr. Moon in Edinburgh, Scotland

For Dr. Harry K. Moon, being named Fellow ad hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSEd) was a capstone to a pre-eminent career of healing and helping people.

The Royal College, founded five centuries ago under a royal charter from King James IV, is the oldest surgical college in the world and now has more than 32,000 members in more than 140 countries. Dr. Moon was inducted into the college, an institution that includes the world’s most renowned surgeons, on Sept. 6.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Moon, Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) president-elect, executive vice president, and chief operating officer, called his induction “the honor of a lifetime.”

Dr. Moon, an internationally renowned reconstructive and plastic 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.

“For me, the greatest joy of medicine is taking care of the patient,” he said. “Second is the joy of expanding the perspective and horizons of young surgeons still forging their paths forward.”

Dr. Moon also addressed the graduates of the college in the ceremony’s closing speech.

“You are the future of surgery, of health care,” he said. “Outside of our care for the patient, our commitment to those who come next is and always has been critical to the progression and future of our profession.”

Royal College Fellows are expected to champion the highest standards of surgical and dental practice while also fostering the development and use of advanced technology such as virtual reality, robotics, and simulation. Certification as a Royal College of Surgeons Fellow is reserved exclusively for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Royal College of Surgeons of England, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Dr. Moon has led the integration of NSU’s clinical practices to create NSU Health, a university-affiliated health care network. He has been a clinical associate professor of surgery in NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2008 and is now also a professor of anatomy at NSU’s Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences.

Dr. Moon will begin his tenure as NSU’s seventh president in January 2025. View his full bio here.

Reflecting and Celebrating: NSU’s Season of Presidents

Dr. Moon and President Hanbury

Dr. Moon and President Hanbury

Over the next several months, we’re looking back, looking forward, and honoring the influence and leadership of NSU President and CEO George L. Hanbury and NSU President-Elect, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer Harry K. Moon. And we’re working with various friends in the community to help tell the story.

South Florida Business & Wealth Editor Kevin Gale recently sat down with President Hanbury to discuss his legacy as a top leader in South Florida (read the PDF Hanbury Business and Wealth).

And if you haven’t yet, please mark your calendars for these important dates:

  • 3:30-4:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, Miniaci Performing Arts Center, Fort Lauderdale, President Hanbury’s final university address
  • 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, Rick Case Arena, Taft University Center, Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Harry K. Moon’s Investiture Ceremony as NSU’s seventh president

More details and invitations requesting RSVPs to these two presidential events will be forthcoming. These events will be streamed to NSU’s regional campuses.

 

Exciting Times: NSU Welcomes Record Class of Undergraduates

Incoming students

You could feel the excitement in the air.

This year’s convocation provided more than a warm welcome to the class of 2028 – the largest incoming class of undergraduate students in NSU history. It marked more than the “passing of the baton” from President George L. Hanbury II, who will retire at the end of the year, to incoming president Harry K. Moon, M.D. It was an event that recognized and celebrated students with ambitions and goals to change the world.

“We look at you as our family, and we want you to succeed in everything you want to do,” said President Hanbury in his remarks to students.

Dr. Moon echoed those sentiments.

“You will be the first undergraduate class to graduate under my continuous watch, and I look forward to being with you right here in four years when you walk across this stage … and receive your NSU diploma,” he said. “We are here to challenge you, to guide you, and to join in the successful pursuit of your dreams. We are all in this together.”

Student graphic

This year, more than 2,000 new students from across the globe are bringing their diverse experiences and perspectives to the NSU community, preparing for professional careers in health care, education, business, marine biology, and many other fields. Our students have big plans.

President Hanbury reminded the students that NSU is here because of their future hopes and goals. “We want to nurture you and see that not only will you accomplish your academic goals and dreams, but by the time you leave NSU, you will be unleashing your potential to be a leader in any field you choose.”

This year, we also welcomed 18 new NSU faculty members representing the colleges of arts and sciences, dental medicine, health care sciences, law, nursing, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and psychology.

This year’s incoming undergraduate class marks another record high and continues the trend of bringing in increasing numbers of highly qualified and diverse students while many other public and private universities across the state and the nation struggle maintain enrollment or fight declines.

1 2 3 … 55