Category: SharkBytes

NSNA Jack & Jill Children’s Center Donation Drive

Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing’s National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) hosted a donation drive for the Jack & Jill Children’s Center. It is the oldest non-profit organization in Broward county that provides childhood education and family resources. In the past, they have partnered with NSU for community nursing clinical rotations and therefore we were motivated to help them collect supplies during such a troubling time. The nursing college collected food, diapers, gift cards, children’s clothing, cleaning supplies, and more necessary items for the organization. The donation drive surpassed expectations and had over 60 students plus administration and faculty from multiple NSU campuses donate to the organization. It is wonderful to be able to help such a wonderful organization that helps so many people in our community. Thank you so much to everyone that donated!

Pharmacy Students on the Front Lines

Pharmacists have always been one of the most accessible healthcare providers. That is evident now, more than ever, as they have become an integral part of the vaccination effort in the United States. Student pharmacists, who are trained and credentialed to provide immunizations, are also playing a vital role in administering these vaccines.

During the month of March, students from the Palm Beach Campus of the College of Pharmacy partnered with Sewall’s Point Pharmacy in Stuart, FL to assist with the implementation of their COVID Vaccine Clinic. Third year students, who were supervised by Cristal Totterman, PharmD, Pharmacist and Owner of Sewall’s Point Pharmacy, volunteered in pairs of two for each shift. One student would review the consent with the patient and prep the vaccine, while the other would administer the vaccine. The students then swapped roles at the half-way point to maximize their exposure to the entire process.

Third-year students Jennifer Lowe (’22) and Laura Gonzalez Santiago (’22) both remarked at what an amazing experience they had and what a great feeling it was to help the community. Cristal Totterman, PharmD, was thankful to have the support from the students during such a hectic time, “They jumped right in and gave great customer service!”

HCAS Faculty Co-authors Chapter on “Conflict and Natural Disasters”

Mary Hope Schwoebel, Ph.D.

Mary Hope Schwoebel, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS), co-authored a chapter entitled, “Conflict and Natural Disasters,” in The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Peace and Conflict Studies. The encyclopedia is co-edited by Oliver Richmond, Ph.D., and Gëzim Visoka, Ph.D. Schwoebel’s co-author is Erin McCandless, Ph.D. McCandless is faculty at the University of Witwatersrand, in South Africa.

Schwoebel’s teaching and research interests include peacebuilding and state building, peacebuilding and development, gender and conflict, culture and conflict, and facilitation.

For more information about The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Peace and Conflict Studies, please go to https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-3-030-11795-5

 

 

Vital Vaccinators

Alumni and students from NSU’s College of Pharmacy have played a pivotal role in the release of the COVID-19 vaccinations in South Florida. They are on the frontlines for receiving, storing, reconstituting, and administering the vaccine.

Dorinda Segovia, Pharm.D., M.B.A. (‘92), vice president of pharmacy services at Memorial Healthcare System (MHS,) was one of the first pharmacists to receive the vaccine in South Florida. Segovia also made national news as one of the pharmacists who discovered that each vial of Pfizer vaccine contains seven doses of the vaccine, instead of just five. The additional doses per vial will significantly increase the number of people who can receive the vaccine.

Segovia’s first dose of the vaccine was administered by alumna Jacqueline Di Piazza (’07), the first pharmacist to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in South Florida.

Madeline Camejo, M.S., Pharm.D. (’97) has been featured on the news several times in regards to the arrival and storage of the vaccine in South Florida. Most recently, Camejo, the vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Baptist Health South Florida, appeared on the Today Show and on NBC South Florida Channel 6 News for receiving shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. She invited College of Pharmacy faculty and administration to witness how the vaccine would be dispensed and distributed. Camejo also asked College of Pharmacy students to volunteer to assist with the immunization efforts in South Florida.

Yenia Silva, Pharm.D., M.B.A. (’10), director of operations at Memorial Specialty Pharmacy, was the first pharmacist in South Florida to receive the COVID-19 shipment from Pfizer. Silva, who works at Memorial Healthcare System (MHS) in Broward, assisted in orchestrating the storage of the vaccine and the logistics for massive vaccination efforts for MHS.

NSU College of Pharmacy alumni have also been recognized for their roles in preparing and distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to hospital employees and to nursing homes through Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Said one alumna, Stacey Maravent, Pharm.D. (’02), “Each time I hold the vaccine in my hand, I am so amazed that I can contribute to the immunization effort.“

To read more of College of Pharmacy alumni stories, click here.

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“Having these distinguished alumni gave us an inside view on the immunization process for COVID-19. We were able to visit their practice sites to see how they were handling the vaccination programs and learn about proper protocols,” said Michelle Clark, Ph.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy. “It also allowed us to see how our alumni are really shining.”

The alumni are not the only ones shining. One of the core structures of the NSU College of Pharmacy curriculum is that first-year students take a course to receive their immunization certification. They are then able to administer immunizations—like the COVID-19 vaccine—under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. On the first day the COVID-19 vaccine became available in South Florida, two third-year students, Ashley Dabalsa (’22) and Laura Perez-Gutierrez (’22), were involved in preparing the COVID-19 vaccine for administration.

“Today was one of the biggest days of my life,” said Dabalsa. “I was the first person to reconstitute the vial and draw up the first syringes of the COVID-19 vaccine in all of South Florida. Not only was I able to represent this amazing health care system that I work for, but I was able to represent the College of Pharmacy at Nova Southeastern University.”

Clark added, “Our students are invaluable right now.”

Students have been engaged as immunization interns at Walgreens, CVS, and hospitals around the area. Clark is quick to remind students not to spend all of their time working and ensure that they focus on their studies, but she is grateful that the college can provide students with the NSU Edge.

“Even before the pandemic, the field of pharmacy had become very competitive,” said Clark. We give our students the education to allow them to practice at the top of their profession. When our students graduate, we want them to be different from the pharmacists coming from other colleges of pharmacy in South Florida.”

Because there is such a great need for pharmacists to participate in the immunization drive, NSU’s College of Pharmacy has also begun to offer immunization certification for existing pharmacists. In addition, NSU stands ready to become a vaccination site. Clark worked with President Hanbury, Dr. Goar Alvarez (’94), assistant dean of pharmacy services, and university administration to ensure that NSU has the capability to assist in this aspect of fighting the pandemic.

“We really want to show that the College of Pharmacy and NSU is engaged in the community. One way we can help is to participate in the vaccination drive. When the vaccines are here, you are going to see NSU helping to get shots in arms. We have the staff; we have the faculty, and we have the students who are able to do that.”

Until the vaccine is available on campus, Clark is continuing to provide as many opportunities to students as possible. Scholarships are one way to do this, as the support allows students to work less and spend more time being a student, participating in student organizations, showcasing their leadership skills, and building a professional network.

“One of the first things I did when I became dean was to create my own Changing Lives Scholarship. It is named after the initials of my children, and it goes to a pharmacy student who serves the underserved and underrepresented. I believe in giving back to our students and letting them know we are there to support them.

“I want to make sure that when our students leave NSU they are happy alumni. Happy alumni always contribute to the profession and the university. I want NSU alumni to be professionally engaged and support our current students.”

That support will ensure graduates maintain an edge when they enter the workforce and stand on the front lines. Clark added, “Pharmacists are front-line health care workers. They are available to serve the public, and part of this service includes administering vaccines.”

For additional information, or ways to support please contact:

Michael S. Long at Mlong@nova.edu or 954.262.2168.

Virtuous Art Cycle

Vanessa Grout CEO, OKO Real Estate

Fellows Society member Vanessa Grout is a native Floridian, real estate CEO, ad art enthusiast and collector. Through a donation to NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, she is sharing her passion for art with the South Florida community.

Grout grew up in Miami and Palm Beach, graduated from the University of Miami, and earned her law degree. After a few years of practicing law, she transitioned into a career in real estate, an arena in which she has found tremendous success.

“I gravitated toward real estate because I enjoyed the creation aspect and urban redevelopment. A developer, in essence, is someone who puts the entire conversation together and assembles the entire picture. The developer is the conductor, the orchestrator of the project,” said Grout.

In June 2020, Grout was named CEO of OKO Real Estate, a new venture to expand the sales and marketing capability of the OKO Group. In this new role, she will oversee projects in South Florida, New York, and other major U.S. cities.

A few years ago, the OKO Group, led by chairman and CEO Vladislav Doronin, helped NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale introduce the Julian Schnabel collection to the community. Since then, Grout has become an avid supporter of the museum, and as an art collector herself, participated in what she described as a “virtuous cycle.” After donating pieces that they feel can be shared with a larger audience, art owners can then use the tax benefits to recycle back into the art community by purchasing new art—as she was able to do.

Grout donated a piece of art by Ana Mendieta, a Cuban-American performance artist, sculptor, painter, and video artist, who is best known for her “earth-body” artwork. The piece was featured in the 2019 exhibition, Remember to React II: Drawings and Prints from the NSU Art Museum Collection.

“I had owned the piece for quite a while and enjoyed it in my home for many years,” said Grout. “In coming to understand Bonnie’s [Clearwater, museum director and chief curator] appreciation for the artist—she wrote a book about Mendieta a while ago–and understanding this was a piece that would be well received, I thought it was better in the hands of NSU than hanging in my living room.

“It doesn’t feel like an act of generosity – it just feels like the right thing to do,” she added. “I hope that others can recognize the importance of giving up a part of their own collection for the public’s enjoyment.”

Grout credits Clearwater with not only helping to amass a diverse collection of art, but also working to educate the public on a variety of artists and movements.

“The wonderful thing about the collection is that you don’t just feel the need to go once; you can return multiple times,” said Grout. “Bonnie has definitely taught me, as a collector and appreciator of art, that if you don’t understand the history, you can’t understand the now.”

In the future, Vanessa hopes to become more involved with the museum. “For me and my personal growth and enjoyment, you have to love what you’re doing. NSU Art Museum is something that I’ve been focused on, and I feel that I can make even more of a contribution.”

Meaningful Gift for Shark Family

Scott Colton, B.A., APR Director of Medical Communications and Special Projects NSU Office of Printing and Publications

After more than 20 years as a proud Shark, Scott Colton says the students at NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine are part of his family. As a result, he has taken steps to ensure he can help future generations of students through a meaningful legacy gift commitment.

In 1999, Colton learned about an opportunity to create a new communications position in what was then called the NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. He applied for the job and received the call for an interview. From that very first meeting with then dean Anthony J. Silvagni, Colton knew that he had found his second home.

“The minute I started working here, I felt an instant connection,” he said. “It felt like a buzz of energy. There was just so much happening, and I wanted to portray it in the best way possible.

“I’ve always enjoyed that I get to tell stories of people who are doing incredibly exciting things,” Colton added. “The people here—the students, the administration, the faculty and staff members—are really amazing people. That’s what keeps me motivated, because I get to write about all the great things NSU does and the people who are doing the work.”

Colton said one of his favorite stories to write was about women physicians who were also mothers and the balance they had to strike between career and raising children. He interviewed four faculty members in an open and honest conversation that led to a highly successful article.

The articles Colton has written during his time at NSU have not only left an impact on him, they have made an impression on the communications field as well. His work has received numerous awards from the Public Relations Society of America Tampa Bay Chapter, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.

Articles and accolades aside, the main reason Colton established his legacy gift was because of the relationships he has built during his time at NSU and the support he has received since the very beginning of his career at the university.

“When I got here in 1999, my role was new. Working with the dean at the time and the leadership of the HPD (Health Professions Division) and the university, I was given the great responsibility and privilege to create the position,” Colton said. “I’d never really had that freedom before. To let my talent flow was really empowering, and it made me a better professional.”

Through these positive interactions at NSU, Colton built an extended family that includes current and former colleagues, as well as a large number of students. He stays in touch with many of them after they graduate, continuing to check in on them and share their stories as alumni. Some of them even call him their “NSU Dad,” a moniker he is proud to have.

When his parents passed away, and it was time to update his will, Colton knew he wanted to name his larger family at NSU as beneficiaries. He established a legacy gift that will fund student scholarships at NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“It’s really important, especially in today’s world, that we are able to provide scholarships and financial support to so many talented individuals.” he noted.

“For me, the students are the reason we’re all working at this great university. And we need to treat them with respect, because they’re the future,” said Colton. “They are the future of health care. They also are the future of legacy giving once they become alumni. I feel like I can leave a legacy to future generations because I’ve always considered so many of the students to be part of my family.”

Education Alumna Accepts Jobs with Opportunity Schools an Equity initiative through Chicago Public Schools

Chloe Behar

Chloe Behar, graduate of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice accepted a job via Opportunity Schools at Chicago Public Schools. The program, which began in 2016, targets early-career teachers for recruitment to work in high-needs schools, primarily on the west and south side of Chicago. Opportunity Schools will provide Chloe a mentor and instructional coach her first year teaching. She will begin her classroom experience with Chicago Public Schools in Fall 2021.

Chloe was born and raised in South Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from NSU in 2019 and will be graduating in May with her Master of Education in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University. She has been an academic tutor, piano instructor, and vocal coach for six years, and works as an editorial Assistant for the academic journal Urban Education.

To learn more about Opportunity Schools, please visit the Opportunity Schools website.

 

 

NSU College of Dental Medicine host Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness Week

Steven Kaltman, MD., dean of College of Dental Medicine, Hal Lippman, DDS., Executive Associate Dean of Operations and the Aryia Amini, DMD, Chair for Humanism and Diversity Community at College of Dental Medicine present the check to D3 Student, Krisha Amin for winning the Diversity Essay Competition

Last month, the NSU College of Dental Medicine’s Humanism and Diversity Committee honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and dedicated January 18-22, 2021 to “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awareness.” The goal of this week was to help emphasize the importance of maintaining and enhancing humanism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to provide educational information and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff members to get involved.

As part of this initiative, the Committee released its first eNewsletter and hung a “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” pledge banner at the entrance to the College of Dental Medicine. The banner was signed by students, faculty, and staff including Steven I. Kaltman, D.D.S., dean of the College of Dental Medicine. Signatures demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a humanistic environment.

The Committee also held a Diversity Essay Contest, to increase awareness, promote understanding, and engage students in a discussion about how to foster diversity and inclusion within the dental community. This year’s essay winner was Krisha Amin, a third-year dental student. She was presented with a $500 check from Dean Kaltman, Hal Lippman, D.D.S., executive associate dean of operations for the College of Dental Medicine, and Aryia Amini, D.M.D., chair for the Humanism and Diversity Committee at the college.

The College of Dental Medicine also sponsored three students to participate in the annual ADEA Virtual Student Diversity Leadership Program (ADEA SDLP): Soline Pierre-Gilles, a first-year student, Zan Chaudhary, a second-year student, and Farina Shariati, a third-year student. As stated on their website, the ADEA SDLP “assists participants in the development of leadership skills so that they can better serve as leaders of inclusive excellence within their dental schools and allied programs and engage fully in a culturally competent complex global society.”

 

 

 

 

 

HCAS Faculty Publishes Essay on Enhancing Mediator Effectiveness

Neil Katz, Ph.D.

Neil Katz, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS) wrote an essay, entitled, “Reaching Beyond the “Tools of the Trade”: Anchors and Signposts to Enhance Mediator Effectiveness,” published in the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Journal of Conflict Resolution. The essay may be found in Volume 22.1: Fall 2020. https://cardozojcr.com/volume-22-1-fall-2020/

Katz areas of teaching and research include negotiation theory and practice, group dynamics, and organizational conflict.

HCAS Alumna was Guest Presenter at the Social Justice Roundtable

Michelle Cromwell, Ph.D.

Michelle Cromwell, Ph.D., graduate of the master’s and doctoral programs in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (DCRS) in the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences and the Guy Harvey Oceanographic Research Center (HCAS) was the guest presenter at the Social Justice Roundtable held virtually on February 7, 2021. Cromwell addressed: “Hope and Unity: How do we Reflect and Respond to Racism and the Need for Social Justice and Equity?” The session was hosted by the Social Justice Roundtable and Community Resolution Services and was facilitated by student members.

Cromwell was named Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the State University of NY at Plattsburgh in July 2019..In this position, she works closely with other college vice presidents and academic deans, Human Resource Services, Affirmative Action, Title IX, Strategic Enrollment Management, the Faculty Senate, and the Center for Teaching Excellence. She co-chairs the Bias Response Team and serves as the President’s Cabinet liaison to the Social Justice Advisory Council.

Prior to her current position, Cromwell was the Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer at Regis College, in Weston, Massachusetts. She also served as the chief diversity officer at The School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. Before moving to Vermont, Cromwell was an associate professor of politics and social justice, as well as director of the Honors Program from 2010 to 2016 at Regis College.

Cromwell was the cofounding executive director at the Massachusetts Peacemaking and Talking Circle Initiative, a nonprofit organization designed to foster conversations about discrimination and racism in schools, nonprofits, and organizations and serves as an independent consultant. She was an NSU Distinguished Alumna (2018) and provided a workshop on Talking and Peace Circles.

For further information about the Social Justice Roundtable and Community Resolution Services, please contact Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., faculty in DCRS at mckayj@nova.edu

 

 

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