Category: SharkBytes

Halmos Graduate Student

In early November, Halmos College marine biology master’s student Jessica Schieber travelled participated in the 20th Anniversary Great White Shark Expedition in Guadalupe Island, Mexico. There the group used shark cages submersibles to view and take identification photos of the sharks. In the first day they saw 16 different white sharks, three of them that had never been photo-identified.

Ms. Schieber was one of two winners of the female student research opportunity funded by the host: Marine Conservation Science Institute (MarineCSI). Applicants for the trip needed to demonstrate understanding MarineCSI’s research techniques and how this trip would propel her career forward. MarineCSI offered this opportunity because “we feel women are under-represented in shark research. How many women in leading scientific roles have you seen on Shark Week or Shark Fest?”

Ms. Schieber is conducting her thesis research on the age and growth of yellow stingray with Halmos College faculty member David Kerstetter, Ph.D.

The Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded on the belief that focused research can make a difference in how we view and manage our marine resources.  MCSI is committed to promoting important issues in marine biology and fisheries and is currently involved in research projects around the globe dedicated to protecting and conserving marine resources.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Brian Creasman Named Kentucky’s Superintendent of the Year

Brian Creasman, Ed.D.

Brian Creasman, Ed.D., a two-time graduate of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, has been named Kentucky’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year.

 Creasman, who serves as the superintendent of Fleming County Schools in Kentucky, moves on to compete with other state winners to become a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award, given by the American Association of School Administrators in February 2020.

 After serving in multiple administrative roles, Creasman accepted the head position for the Fleming County Schools in 2014. As superintendent, he has made a point to work closely with members of the board of education, school and district administrators and staff, parents, and community members.

 Through these partnerships, Fleming County Schools has gone from a district that was state monitored due to financial instability, leadership capacity, and student achievement, to a high-performing district.

 Creasman earned his Doctor of Education in 2012 and an Education Specialist Degree in 2005, both from the FCE&SCJ.

Halmos College Hosts 2nd Professionalism Workshop

From Left to Right (Brian Davis, Masters in Biology Student, Kaylin Huitsing, Masters in Biology Student, Chelsea Holmes, Masters in Biology Student, Lexie Merchant, Masters in Biology Student, Dr. Mark Jaffe (Assistant Professor of Biology, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography); Cayla Rummens, Masters in Biology Student, Claramanoora Emile, Masters in Biology Student; Ashley Mathew, Masters in Biology Student, Arame Diouf, Masters in Biology Student; Renata Wilson, Masters in Biology Student; Daveyuanna Muhammad, Masters in Biology Student; Omara Pierre Masters in Biology Student; Nasir Siddique, M2 Dr. Kiren C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine; and Sabina Joseph, Masters in Biology Student.

On November 2, 2019 students representing several pre-professional student organizations on campus took part in 2nd-Health Professionalism Workshop. This event was a collaboration between faculty of the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography and the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine.

The students were welcomed by Halmos faculty member and event coordinator Mark Jaffe, DPM. Following Dr. Jaffe’s welcome, students broke into groups where they worked with practicing clinicians, graduate students, and career advisor.

This inter-professional event was sponsored by Halmos College with the NSU Offices of Academic Advising and Career Development. Students attending the event brought over $100 of non-perishable food stuff and health items that were donated to local charities.

CAHSS Doctoral Graduate Dilip Kulkarni Returned to NSU to address the Social Justice Roundtable

Dilip Kulkarni, Ph.D., Ed.D.

Dilip Kulkarni, Ph.D., Ed.D., graduate of the doctoral program in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), returned to NSU to be the featured speaker at the Social Justice Roundtable (SJR) during the Fall Residential Institute. Kulkarni shared his thoughts on the important topic of “Reflective Introspection about Social Justice.” Over twenty students, alumni, and faculty participated both in person and via Go to Training. The SJR provides a forum to examine and discuss topics related to human rights and social justice.

In addition to his degree from NSU, Kulkarni recently completed an Ed.D. at Northeastern University. His other degrees include his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Bombay, India, an M.S. in civil engineering from Clarkson College of Technology (now Clarkson University), and an M.S. in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania.

The Social Justice Roundtable is open to all NSU students. For more information, please contact Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies at mckayj@nova.edu

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Student Earns HHSC Scholarship

Hamzah Mughal

Hamzah Mughal, a class of 2023 NSU Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine student, was accepted into the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program. NHSC scholars receive three benefits in exchange for providing primary care service in one its designated Health Professional Shortage Areas—full coverage of the scholar’s tuition for as many years designated in his/her contract; a monthly stipend to aid with living expenses; and reimbursement of the student’s other reasonable costs, such as required materials, lab fees, etc. Student physicians who are awarded this scholarship must pursue a residency program in any of the primary care fields designated by the NHSC.

 

CAHSS Alumna Addresses 2019 Distinguished Alumni Breakfast during Homecoming

Michelle Cromwell, Ph.D., graduate of the master’s and doctoral programs in Conflict Analysis and Resolution in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), and a 2018 NSU Distinguished Alumna Award recipient was the alumni speaker at the Distinguished Alumni Breakfast on November 4 during Homecoming Week. Cromwell spoke about her experiences at NSU, mentorship and need for graduates to support the university. Cromwell is the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the State University of NY at Plattsburgh.

CAHSS Faculty Publishes article, “Vocal Traditions: Acting and Singing with Archetypes” in Voice and Speech Review

Bill J. Adams, D.M.A., associate professor in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), recently met on Cape Cod with Chris Morris, co-author, and Janet Rodgers, founder of the performance methodology Acting and Singing with Archetypes, to complete work on an article now published in the Voice and Speech Review. The online version of “Vocal Traditions: Acting and Singing with Archetypes” was published in October, with the printed version to be published in November 2020. Adams has also been accepted to present a workshop using the archetype training method in February at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Louisville, KY. A workshop proposal was submitted for the Voice and Speech Trainers Association conference next summer in Sydney, Australia. For more information, visit actingandsingingwitharchetypes.org, the website that Adams built to promote and support the pedagogy.

Alumni Spotlight: Education Alumna Named Colorado’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year

Pamela Swanson, Ed.D

Pamela Swanson, Ed.D., graduate of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, has been named Colorado’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year.

Dr. Swanson has been with Westminster Public Schools (WPS) since 1995 and served in several positions. She was named interim superintendent in 2011 and appointed superintendent in 2012.  WPS serves a diverse population, in which 80 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Under her leadership, WPS became the largest school district in the country to become entirely competency based. This personalized model is rooted in the belief that every child learns differently, and it shifts the system from traditional grades and grade levels to a system requiring students to show mastery of topics before moving to the next level.

Dr. Swanson and her team are recognized as nationwide leaders in competency based education and have become strong advocates for reforming how schools and districts are evaluated. She will represent Colorado in the 2020 American Association of School Administrators (AASA)’s National Superintendent of the Year Program.

She earned her Doctor of Education from the FCE&SCJ in 2004.

Alumni Spotlight: Candice Caesar

After crossing paths with some of life’s obstacles, veteran Candice L. Caesar has continued to have a positive outlook on life. Caesar’s persistent attitude and dedication, she has earned the title of a true female warrior. She recently won the Moody Endowment Award for Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year from Achilles International.

Although Caesar currently works as a speech language pathologist, her goals didn’t always include providing patients with the gift of communication. Caesar had originally intended to serve in the Army for 20 years. Her grandfather was a World War II veteran and her father was a Vietnam War veteran, so their perseverance had sparked the interest.

“Freedom isn’t free. Someone has to pay the price,” Candice Caesar said. “Someone has to sacrifice for your liberty, why not me?”

In spite of the fact that Caesar didn’t expect any surprises within the military, the bond shared between servicemen and women had amazed her, especially since, as an only child, she had never experienced a sibling relationship.

“I am an only child and I have never seen strangers bond like we do,” Caesar said. “It is great [to] know someone is watching my six. It is like joining an elite brotherhood.”

Unfortunately, due to a paralytic injury Caesar had to retire from the Army after serving for seven and a half years. Although Caesar was unable to serve for as long as she intended, her years of service are shown honor and appreciation through Veteran’s Day celebrations.

“However people wish to honor us is the best way,” Caesar said. “We appreciate that someone appreciates the sacrifices we made for our country.”

Despite her career goals taking an unexpected turn, Caesar decided to find light in the darkest of situations. Caesar was told she would never walk again due to a brain and spinal cord injury which left her paralyzed. After her surgery she worked with a speech language pathologist (SLP) on cognitive retraining, swallowing, and speech. Shortly after working with the SLP, Caesar grew inspired.

“I was so amazed with her and my progress that I decided I wanted to help others and become a speech language pathologist,” Caesar said. “Communication is very important. I remember what it was [like] to not be able to share my wants and needs with others. The gift of communication is the best gift anyone can receive.”

Caesar is a Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Master of Speech-Language Pathology alumna. After being medically retired from the Army, NSU’s online program was very accommodating and fit with Caesar’s schedule. She was able to work as a speech assistant during the day and attended necessary classes online at night.

“The faculty and staff were knowledgeable and personable,” Caesar said. “I could not have asked for a better fit.”

Whether it is overcoming a medical challenge or establishing a new goal, Caesar’s never-ending hunger to serve allows her to remain unstoppable. Even though she can no longer serve in the Army, Caesar continues to show her desire to serve as a speech language pathologist.

“Pray and do what God wants you to do. You will know which path to take,” Caesar said. “Sometimes there are struggles. Sometimes it seems as though you cannot make it. You can, because you are stronger than you think.”

We are so proud of you Candice! Today we honor you and all veterans. Go NSU Sharks!

CAHSS Faculty and Students Present at International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences in Mexico City

Elena Bastidas, Ph.D. (center) with April Coan and Jennifer Lawer Mexico City 2019

Elena Bastidas, Ph.D., faculty in the Depart of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), presented at the International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, held at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico in Mexico City. Her co-presenters were April Coan and Jennifer Lawer, doctoral candidates in DCRS.

The title of their presentation was Improving Curriculum Development in Conflict Resolution Programs to Foster International Scholarship of Engagement (ISOE). The presentation included an evaluation of an ISOE model developed by Bastidas in 2012. Colleagues from the U.S., Philippines, Australia, Qatar, among other countries, found the presentation interesting and highlighted the potential of the model to foster Internalizations initiatives in higher education.

Bastidas’ research and teaching interests include quantitative methodology, conflict and international development, environmental conflict, and gender analysis in international development. She is also the director of the M.S. and Graduate Certificates in DCRS.

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