Faculty Member Awarded Hispanic Dental Association Award

Elías M. Morón, DDS, MPH, MHL, MHSM – a proud Shark who makes his mark in the community by breaking barriers, aiding minorities, and supporting families in need – was awarded the 2021 HDA/Colgate Faculty award during the Diverse Dental Society (DDS) Multicultural Oral Health Summit on June 17.

Elías M. Morón, DDS, MPH, MHL, MHSM

The event was planned and organized by National Dental Association (NDA), the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID). The summit was centered around stakeholders discussing oral health issues that have impacted diverse communities.

“Hispanics are among the largest and fastest growing population in the United States, and they are facing measurable disadvantages when it comes to oral health. Hispanics experience a high prevalence of oral diseases, barriers to access dental care, and less ability to afford dental care,” Morón said. “During my career, I have supported and worked in programs to improve the lives of the homeless, mentally ill, children in foster care, substance abusers, correctional population, children living in poverty, seniors, and pregnant and childbearing high school students. I have also contributed with research, community approaches, teaching, and promoting a better understanding of the social determinants of health in our communities.”

Morón graduated with his Master of Public Health in July 2016 and Master of Science Health Law (Magna Cum Laude) in April 2021. In addition to being a two-time alumnus, he is also a clinical assistant professor at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

With Morón’s background in health law, he has also been able to utilize his legal knowledge to help advance clinical and community initiatives.

“In my experience working in the healthcare, I feel that in addition to clinical knowledge, there is a huge legal component to practicing dentistry. Expanding my knowledge in health law is allowing me to support my students and colleagues in the complex legal concerns where law and health care intersect including privacy, risk management, patients’ rights and ethics, employment discrimination, copyright issues, health care administrative law, clinical research law, regulatory compliance, and patient issues,” he said.

Morón attributes his success to the university and emphasized NSU giving him an edge in his career.

“Some of the NSU core values are focused on diversity, integrity, research, community, and academic excellence,” he said. “In that way, the different programs reinforced these values. It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to apply the same values as a professor, in the same institution where I completed my health law degree.”

If you are interested in contributing to diverse communities as a healthcare professional or would like to discuss initiatives with Morón, you can contact him at em1293@nova.edu.

College of Law Alumna Tapped for Top Navy Position

Meredith Berger was sworn in as the assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations & Environment (EI&E) by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, during a ceremony at the Pentagon Aug. 5.

Meredith Berger/U.S. Army photo by William Pratt

Berger holds a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law, a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Spanish from Vanderbilt University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

She has served in various positions in state and federal government including the Florida Department of Financial Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Defense. Berger served as the deputy chief of staff to the Secretary of the Navy from 2014 to 2017. Most recently, she was a senior manager for Microsoft’s Defending Democracy Program.

Having grown up in Florida, Berger is proud to be the sponsor of the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28).

The assistant secretary of the Navy for EI&E serves the Department of the Navy and the nation by enhancing combat capabilities for the warfighter and greater energy security; enhancing climate change resiliency; acquiring and disposing of real property; construction and maintenance of installations; protecting the safety and occupational health of the military and civilian personnel; environmental protection, planning and restoration ashore and afloat; and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Halmos Faculty Provides Training on Verbal De-escalation

Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D.

Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., director of the doctoral program, and associate professor in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), provided training to therapeutic staff at the Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Miami. McKay was invited to provide virtual training in July on verbal de-escalation. She focused on skills, strategies, and responses, particularly when dealing with clients and others in high conflict and crisis.

McKay is the faculty adviser to the Social Justice Roundtable and works with students in the community through Community Resolution Services, a practicum and volunteer site for DCRS. Conflict resolution Studies hosts Story Café, We Love our Families series, The Women’s Roundtable, and is involved in offering workshops, training for the county’s Crisis Intervention Teams, and other events for community groups and organizations.

McKay’s scholarly interests include conflict coaching, strategic community planning, and prevention and intervention in family, neighborhood, and organizational conflict and violence.  For more information about Conflict Resolution Studies events and how we can partner with your group, free to contact McKay at mckayj@nova.edu.

 

Speech-Language Pathology Alumna Starts Publishing Firm

Flo Davis, SLP.D, CCC/SLP

Flo Davis, SLP.D, CCC/SLP, a 2015 graduate of the doctoral program in Speech- Language Pathology in the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, is excited about her venture and launch of a female-led, minority-owned indie publishing company.

She and business partner Shawanna Bowens have joined forces to create Aces Destiny publishing company, which is set to debut its first novel, Bloodstone’s Jinx, Book 1 in the Blacku Magic Series, this upcoming Fall of 2021. Davis is currently working on her first solo novel, which is an African American, Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Urban Fiction tale.

Talented Trio Receives Dean’s Awards of Excellence

On July 29, during her virtual dean’s address to the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s faculty and staff members, Elaine M. Wallace, D.O., M.S.s, presented her annual Dean’s Awards of Excellence to three colleagues who showcased exceptional qualities in the staff, director/manager, and faculty categories. The Faculty Member of the Year honor went to Farzanna Haffizulla, M.D., FACP, FAMWA, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine. The Director/Manager of the Year accolade went to Odessa Pemberton, M.B.A., employee services consultant II. The Staff Member of the Year honor went to Angela DiPalermo, B.S., instructional technology specialist I.

Criminal Justice Professor Invited to Brevard Sheriff’s Office

From left, Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Assistant Professor Grace Telesco, and alumni Joshua Enfinger and David Troxell.

Grace Telesco, Ph.D. and assistant professor at NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice and criminal justice alumni Joshua Enfinger and David Troxell participated in a special firearms and tactical training simulation at the invitation of Sheriff Wayne Ivey from Brevard County, Florida.

Additionally, they met with the Career Development Director at Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to promote college’s undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programming in criminal justice. As a result, the college is looking forward to a continued partnership with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as an educational affiliate and welcoming Sheriff Ivey to our upcoming Fall programming hosted by Dr. Telesco.

NSU Volunteers Dental Care Through Mission of Mercy Clinic

Dr. Mark Schweizer, Assistant Dean of Community Programs and Public Health. left, with other clinic volunteers.

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine is pleased to announce its participation in the Florida Dental Association Mission of Mercy on July 30-31. Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) is a large-scale, two-day, professional dental clinic that provides care to any patient at no cost to them, with the goal of serving the underserved and uninsured in Florida — those who would otherwise go without care.

Led by Dr. Mark Schweizer, assistant dean of Community Programs and Public Health, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine students, faculty, and alumni provided dental care at the community outreach clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. More than 1,000 patients were treated and more than a $1 million in donated dental services were provided.

Dr. Ana Maria Ospina, in front kneeling, takes a photo with student volunteers at the special clinic.

NSU Staffer/Student’s Cyber Piece Published in INFOSEC

Jerri L. Clairday

Jerri L. Clairday (LeAnn), administrative coordinator for the Department of Cardiopulmonary Sciences at the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences of the Health Professions Division here on the Palm Beach Campus, has published an article in INFOSEC, a well-respected authority in the cybersecurity education industry. The paper was part of her final project/independent study for her cybervulnerability class last term.

The article, “Predicting the October 2021 Surprise,” analyzed significant cyber events worldwide over the past five years. The article can be found at the following link: https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/topic/predicting-the-october-2021-surprise/

LeAnn currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Disaster & Emergency Management; both from NSU.

Alumna Publishes Article on Human Resources Development

Suzette Henry-Campbell

Suzette Henry-Campbell, Ph.D., doctoral graduate in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center was the co-author of an article published in the journal New Horizons in Adult Development and Human Resources Development. The article, titled “Expatriate Experiences and the Role HRD plays in Cultural Awareness in International Companies,” was co-authored with Selma A. Hadeen.

In addition to her doctoral degree, Henry-Campbell received an M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution and an M.S. in Human Resource Management from NSU. She earned her B.A. in English from the University of the West Indies and is an adjunct lecturer there. She has extensive experience in human resources.

NSU Alumna Honored for Service as Speech-Language Pathologist

Aimee Aranguren, M.S., CCC-SLP

Aimee Aranguren served patients and families for 12 years as a speech-language pathologist for Jefferson Health – Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.

In November of 2020, she was honored as a recipient of the Jefferson Health Humanitarian Hero Award­/2020-2021 Magee’s Healthcare Hero. Staff members were recognized with the Humanitarian Award for their professionalism, compassion and empathy for our patients and selfless contributions to the organization.

Now patient Room 405 is named in honor of the recipients of Jefferson Health Magee’s 2020- 2021 Humanitarian Award recipients, including Aranguren.

1 25 26 27 28 29 50