Category: SharkBytes

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

College of Psychology Professor Awarded for his Help to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD)

Scott Poland, Ed.D., a professor in Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) College of Psychology and the co-director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention has been extensively involved in the aftermath of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) in Parkland. His involvement included providing  consultation on site immediately after the school shooting to the top administration for Broward County Public Schools, and he helped organized teams of NSU staff and students who responded immediately to assist the school and the Parkland community. Poland also worked closely with MSD Alumni Association.

In addition, he provided four major parenting presentations for the Parkland community, which focused on the importance of parents being there to listen and to provide support for their children as well as parents modeling optimism and hope for the future. Poland believes that children who live in a stable home who are shown unconditional love can overcome almost anything. Poland has also provided crisis intervention training in recent years to school counselors, school psychologists and social workers for Broward Schools. He has promoted in all interactions with the Broward County Public Schools and the Parkland community that NSU is ready and willing to help the community and school district in any way possible.

FCE&SCJ Professor Attends The United States Distance Learning Association National Conference

Hui Fang “Angie: Su, Ed.D., Professor, at NSU’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice attended The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 2019 National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Su represented Florida, as the President of Florida Distance Learning Association (FDLA). She shared the state chapter’s best practices, including the association’s journal and publication. The FDLA journal is an opened source publication which has a world-wide readership. In addition, Su also shared member resources and collaboration opportunities.

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 2019 National Conference is the premier event for professionals in the distance learning industry. The 2019 event was held Monday May 20, 2019 – Thursday May 23, 2019 and delivered an action-packed agenda that brought together distance learning practitioners from across the country.

Department of Family Therapy Faculty Publishes book chapter, “Embodied Conversations: Partnering with Horses in Clinical Supervision” in book co-edited by CAHSS Alumna

Shelley Green, Ph.D.

Shelley Green, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Family Therapy in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), has authored a chapter in the book, Family Therapy Supervision in Extraordinary Settings: Illustrations of Systemic Approaches in Everyday Clinical Work, edited by Laurie L Charlés, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., and Thorana S. Nelson, Ph.D., and published by Routledge. Charlés is an alumna of the doctoral program in Family Therapy in CAHSS. Green authored the chapter entitled, “Embodied Conversations: Partnering with Horses in Clinical Supervision.”

Green received the 2016-17 President’s Distinguished Professor Award of Excellence. Several years ago, she initiated a course, Equine Assisted Family Therapy, which was the first of its kind to be housed in a nationally accredited family therapy program. Subsequently she initiated a second equine assisted therapy course. Green has presented at national and international conferences on equine assisted therapy as well as other family therapy topics.

 

 

Department of Conflict Resolution Studies Faculty Presents on African Art and Peacebuilding, Meaning and Representation at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

Ismael Muvingi, Ph.D., faculty in the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies in NSU’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), gave a guest presentation at the NSU Art Museum Ft Lauderdale on Saturday, May 11, 2019. Muvingi’ s topic: African Art and Peacebuilding, Meaning and Representation the event was well attended.

Muvingi presented an overview of the place of art in the African universe. Several of the themes he explored included, the vastness of Africa and diversity of its art forms which range from realist depiction to pure abstract, the integration of the aesthetic and the functional in the art forms, and the range of representations African art serves to portray. Muvingi explained that African art forms often mediate between the present world and the spiritual world, fostering communication and harmony between the two universes. The art also serves as a medium for telling stories, for expressing trauma too deep to articulate in words, and for facilitating reconciliation following the agony and destruction of violence. For many in the audience, this was a first encounter with African art forms. Attendees learned about the size and diversity of the African continent, the transportation of African art forms to other continents influencing such art icons as Picasso, and the complexity of African art. Muvingi brought his own artifact to pass around to attendees. The presentation was part of the NSU Art Museum lecture series.

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