Category: SharkBytes

Halmos Faculty and New Alumna Article Featured in CSA News

During May, Halmos faculty member J. Matthew Hoch, Ph.D. and new NSU alumna Megan Bruce’18 (B.S. Marine Biology) had their paper entitled, “Metal Contamination Hotspots at Unregulated Firearm Target Shooting Sites in the Everglades” published in the Journal of Environmental Quality. This journal is a joint publication of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America.

The Crop Science Society chose to highlight this article in their monthly news magazine, CSA News. Congratulations to both Dr. Hoch and Megan!

The complete article can be found with this citation:

Hoch, J. Matthew, and Megan Bruce. “Metal Contamination Hotspots at Unregulated Firearm Target Shooting Sites in the Everglades.” Journal of Environmental Quality (Vol. 48 No. 3, p. 755-761, 2019).

For more information: https://dl.sciencesocieties.org/publications/csa/articles/64/5/8

Halmos Faculty Publishes Deep Sea Computer Algorithm

During May, members of the DEEPEND Consortium published the article, “An empirically validated method for characterizing pelagic habitats in the Gulf of Mexico using ocean model data” in the journal Limnology and Oceanography: Methods.

Halmos faculty members from both the Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences contributed to this paper. Matthew Johnston, Ph.D. is the lead author with Rosanna Milligan, Ph.D. and Tracey Sutton, Ph.D. as two of the co-authors.

In this study, the researchers make an important contribution to better understand the dynamics of the deep ocean in the Gulf of Mexico. They developed a computer algorithm to classify the deep off-shore waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) into three distinct habitat types. The algorithm uses HYCOM ocean model data (sea surface height and water temperature at depth) and was validated by satellite chlorophyll measurements, water temperature, and microbial field samples collected by the DEEPEND Consortium. The study delivers one of the first methods to categorize the open-ocean environment of the GOM using only computer model data, without the need for field sampling. Going forward, the method will be an important tool for biological oceanographers operating in the GOM to help understand how deep sea animals use their environment.

For more information: http://deependconsortium.org/

Halmos College Fish Specimen Makes Cover of Science

NSU is among the world leaders in the exploration of the world’s least-known ecosystem, the deep sea. Recent expeditions led by faculty in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences (DoMES) have produced a wealth of new information, new species discoveries, and collections of rare specimens that change our view of how animals adapt to Earth’s harshest conditions. For example, a fish specimen collected by Halmos faculty member Tracey Sutton, Ph.D. was featured on the cover of Science, the leading journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This fish, photographed by Dr. Danté Fenolio (Department of Conservation and Research, San Antonio Zoo), was featured in an article that showed that deep-sea fishes, though living in darkness, actually see in color. This finding proves that our traditional views of vertebrate vision have been very limited.

For more information: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6440

Halmos Graduate and Undergraduate Students Primary Authors in Prestigious Journal Article

During May, Halmos graduate student Michael D. Dressler and Undergraduate student Josue Conde co-authored the research article entitled, “Timing between successive introduction events determines establishment success in bacteria with an Allee effect” in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences with their Halmos Faculty Advisors Robert Smith, Ph.D. and Omar Eldakar, Ph.D.

The research team investigated the important general question of how a new species becomes established. Using cooperating bacteria as a model, they found that if the time between the arrivals of two populations of bacteria is sufficiently short, the bacteria become established. Otherwise, if the time between arrivals is too long, establishment fails. Establishment hinges on the ability of the first population of bacteria to modify the environment enough to allow the second population to grow. These results can help stop the spread of invasive species and infectious diseases, but can also help species reintroduction programs.

For more Information: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2019.0598#d74193e1

NSU Endodontics Receives Diplomate and Research Awards

From left: Kenneth M. Hargreaves, D.D.S., Ph.D., editor of the Journal of Endodontics presenting the award for Basic Research: Biology to Taner C. Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair and associate professor at the NSU Department of Endodontics

The 2019 American Association of Endodontics (AAE) was one to remember as the Department of Endodontics at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine received awards for their new endodontic diplomates and biology research paper.

Montreal served as the hosts for the annual meeting where professionals in the field took part in four days of networking, seminars and interactive workshops showcasing the best in the field.

From left: Jason Foreman, D.D.S., Taner Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair and associate professor at the NSU Department of Endodontics, Mary E. Sorrentino D.M.D., and Geoffrey Sas, D.D.S.

As part of many events, one of the annual highlights included the pinning of the new diplomates. To receive diplomate status participants must complete written, case history and an oral examination.  This year marked a new record as 150 diplomates were inducted in the largest class size to date. NSU Endo is proud to have four members represented: Jason Foreman,D.D.S., Geoffrey Sas,D.D.S, Mary Sorrentino, D.M.D., and Department Chair Taner Sayin, D.D.S., at the Louis I. Grossman Ceremony.

The success carried over as the department achieved another win at the AAE with a Journal of Endodontics Award. The monthly publication aims to show the latest changes in the field with new practice methods, technology and case studies being a part of its monthly content. NSU Endo collaborated with peers, and current faculty including endo Post-Grad Director Michael Flax, D.D.S., M.S. and Endo Department Chair Taner Cem Sayin, D.D.S., Ph.D.

The department earned the award for their research biology paper in “Culture-Independent Characterization of the Microbiome of Healthy Pulp.” The research aims to test if healthy pulp lacks bacteria in which 10 patients took part in the study. DNA and RNA samples were taken from the pulp of each tooth resulting in evidence that bacteria DNA can still be detected in healthy teeth.

The NSU Endo Department continues to make great strides in the field from hosting its annual alumni congress in the spring, performing dental work abroad in Barcelona, Spain and launching its upcoming global project aiming to bring in several continuing education courses during the year to NSU.

Photos from left to right show steps taken to retrieve pulp sample. For step-by-step description see page three of the research report.

CAHSS Alumna is Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life at Lynn University

Hannah Link, M.S.

Hannah Link, M.S., graduate of the College Student Affairs master’s program in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), is the Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life at Lynn University. Link began her career as an Area Coordinator at Lynn University and her dedication led to her position as the Associate Director.

Link recalls her days at NSU with fondness. She attributes the staff, students, and fellow graduate assistants, as why she wanted to attend and work at work at NSU.  She especially recalls Dr. Gay Holliday and her enduring words “trust the process.”

CAHSS Faculty Presents Workshops on De-escalation and Having Difficult Conversations for Religious Education Directors and Teachers at the ADOM

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

Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies (DCRS) in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), presented two workshops for Directors of Religious Education and Religion Teachers for the Archdiocese of Miami. McKay was one of two invited presenters at a Professional Development Day for over 100 attendees. At the request of the participants, she focused on “De-escalation Strategies and Techniques,” and “Having Difficult Conversations.”

McKay’s research and teaching interests include crisis intervention, family violence, public policy, conflict coaching, transformational narrative, conflict resolution applied processes, strategic community planning, and organizational conflict. She regularly trains law enforcement officers for Crisis Intervention Teams. She works with practicum students and student volunteers in Community Resolution Services (CRS), in the local communities. For more information, please contact McKay at mckayj@nova.edu.

Huizenga Professor Promotes Locally-Sourced Produce

When Albert Williams, Ph.D., looks out the windows of his South Florida home, he sees more than just coconut trees – he sees money. And in the June 2019 issue of Fort Lauderdale Magazine, he’s sharing his perspective on Florida agriculture and supporting local farmers in a feature titled, “Farm Fresh Florida”.

“Agriculture in Florida is big business, over $160billion per year and second only to the tourism industry,” says Williams, who serves as associate professor and acting chair of the Finance and Economics Department at the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The professor received an education in agricultural and applied economics at the University of Georgia. Prior to joining Nova Southeastern University, he held the position of CEO at an agricultural marketing firm in Belize and worked as a commodity analyst at Restaurant Services Incorporated (the purchasing arm of the Burger King Corporation).

“Can people in Florida eat foods directly from the farm, implying little or no processing?” he asks. “The answer is yes.” Williams also believes that the option to eat more organically grown products is becoming more common, as the number of South Florida farms becoming “certified organic” continues to grow.

Additionally, Williams offers tips to South Florida residents looking to purchase farm-fresh produce. “Go to the farmer’s markets! Even though there are many middle men and women, many are selling produce that are from local farms. Purchasing local produce supports the farmers of South Florida, and Florida, in general.” Plus, Florida farmers have a lot to offer in terms of produce variety, including tropical favorites like mangoes, mamey sapote, bitter melons, and callaloo.

For an agricultural scenic drive, Williams suggests taking US-27 from South Florida to Tampa. The route offers miles and miles of sugar cane and citrus orchards, and helps put into perspective the billions of agricultural dollars at play. “We need to educate people about the importance of South Florida’s agriculture and we need young entrepreneurs to consider getting into the business.”

NSU Student Academy of Audiology Travels to Capitol Hill

From left, front row, Doctor of Audiology students, Jessica Rubin, Mary Buckman and Erin Kelly. From left, middle row, audiology students, Ali Silverman, Samantha Englaish, Briana Stanikmas, and Tasha Takeshita. From left, top back row, faculty members, Patricia Gaffney and Alyssa Needleman.

On Friday, May 10, 2019, seven Nova Southeastern University Au.D. students and two faculty members, Patricia Gaffney, Au.D., associate professor, and Alyssa Needleman, Ph.D., clinic director and associate professor, traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for the field of audiology.

This is the fifth consecutive year that NSU’s Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) has sent a group of students to Washington, D.C., to advocate for their future profession. As NSU’s SAA chapter strongly encourages members to be active participants in their future profession, this trip provides students with an unforgettable opportunity to raise awareness of the current legislation affecting the field of audiology on Capitol Hill. The success of previous trips enabled the chapter to continue this opportunity.

This year’s advocacy trip featured a group of NSU Au.D. students who come from all over the United States. The six second year Au.D. students and one first year Au.D. student collectively represented Florida, Tennessee, Hawaii, New York, and Massachusetts. All but one of the students, this was their first time advocating on Capitol Hill. Ali Silverman, NSU’s SAA Government Relations chair, attended last year’s advocacy trip and was passionate about sharing the experience with other SAA members by planning this years’ trip. Working with Susan Pilch, J.D., senior director of Government Relations, and Kathryn Werner, M.P.A., vice president of Public Affairs at American Academy of Audiology, it was possible for meetings with various congressional offices from the NSU students’ home-states to be arranged. Additional support was offered by Jodi Baxter, Au.D., assistant professor at Ohio State University, who was also on hand to assist the students with their meetings.

The day began with breakfast and a briefing of the legislation that would be discussed throughout the day. Students then attended meetings with the representatives of their home states. The home-state representatives were from the offices of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL), Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Representative Ed Case (D-HI), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Representative Peter King (R-NY), Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Representative Francis Rooney (R-FL), and Representative Timothy Burchett (R-TN). The NSU student advocates were all able to attend meetings in small groups ensuring each participant had the opportunity to take the lead and share their personal stories.

The Medicare Telehealth Parity Act of 2017 and the Access to Frontline Care Act of 2017 were previously introduced during the 115th Congress. Students were eager to continue to advocate for the passage of these bills. Additionally, students were granted a unique look at the development of a bill that will hopefully be introduced to Congress this year. The Hear Act will be a bill jointly proposed by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and Academy of Audiology to amend Medicare to recognize audiologists as practitioners, allowing direct access and coverage for both diagnostic and treatment services.

This trip is an opportunity for students to get involved in a different aspect of their future profession. Collectively, all of the NSU student advocates felt that the trip provided insight into the positive and negative impacts that current legislation can have on the field of audiology. The students and faculty would like to thank everyone involved in the planning of this trip and those who contributed to its success!

 

Education Alumna Pens Novel

Sylvia Mader, Ed.D., a 1979 graduate of NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice,  has announced the publication of her novel,  AWater Lily Blooms. The title of the book refers to a water lily pond on Martha’s Vineyard, where the novel is partially set. The main character, Andie, goes to college off-island with the stated desire to be a physician. Andie’s college years turn out to be very challenging. Will the release of her pent-up sexuality, the lure of New York high society, the possibility of a stage career, and severe tragedy prevent her from achieving her goal?

Mader is a former Biology professor and textbook author. Her first textbook called Inquiry into Life, now in its 16th edition, has a human emphasis while Biology in its 13th ed is more traditional.  Human Biology and Essentials of Biology are suitable for one-semester courses.

She currently resides in Florida with her husband. She also has a close relationship with her three children and eight grandchildren. Her granddaughter, Sylvia Kansfield, is a professional artist who designed the cover for A Water Lily Blooms.

To learn more about A Water Lily Blooms, please visit:  https://www.amazon.com/Water-Lily-Blooms-Sylvia-Mader/dp/1949756262#customerReviews

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